Tragic Desires

by A. M. Hargrove

  “When can we go?”

  “I think we need to wait a few more days.”

  “No! We need that information.”

  “Come here.” I walk her into the living area and sit. “Austin is filled with people we need to avoid. I want to throw them off. If we run back there, they’re going to know that we know something. That’s the last thing we want.”

  “But everything we need is there.”

  “Not true. I still want you to focus on things your mom did, things she said. Anything you can think of. It can be the tiniest thing. I also want you to start the meds Brady prescribed. I want to kick those migraines in the ass.”

  “But I haven’t had one all day.”

  “And that’s great. But Gemini, let’s do this my way. And before you say anything else, all I want to do is help you. Got that? I have no ulterior motives.” She rubs her hands together and I know something’s not sitting well with her. “Talk to me, babe.”

  “It’s just that I want this to be over. I’m afraid you’re going to get hurt. Or someone else will.”

  “That makes us even then, ’cuz it scares the hell out of me that you’re going to get hurt … that you won’t listen to me and you’ll do something impulsive, like maybe go to Austin on your own.” When her eyes widen, I know I’ve hit on something. “And if that were to happen, that would be the worst thing ever. Do you wanna know why?”

  She looks at me, those wide black orbs, and nods.

  I take her hands in mine. “You won’t like what you hear, but I’ve been trained to kill, Gemini. To take out the enemy. I’m the expert here, not you. I was trained by the best. I’m not your everyday, run-of-the-mill agent or street cop. I’m specialized in mixed martial arts. I’m a trained sniper. I can tell by the dilation of someone’s pupils if they’re lying. I know how to read people, interrogate them. You should’ve figured that out when I had you handcuffed to the bed back in Austin. My expertise is well beyond yours, so don’t even think of doing this on your own. You have to put your faith and trust in me.

  “Let me tell you a story. It’s about a former client of mine. His girlfriend was abducted by her ex and he was a crazy fucker. Used to beat the shit out of her. We didn’t know where he took her because he left no clues. We didn’t even know the asswipe’s name. My guys tracked him down and Shan, my client and I went in after Riviera. We got to her in time. But it was because we used the proper methods. Shan wanted to drop and go, but I wouldn’t let him. I forced him to follow my rules. Put your trust in me, Gemini, and my team will get this solved.”

  She launches herself at me and says against my neck, “Okay. I will. But I’m still scared for you, for me, and for everyone else involved. Because these guys are bad. And if they’re like the terrorists I’ve read about, they don’t use guns. They use bombs, Drex. Suicide bombs, even. And then no one will be safe around them.”

  My arms wind around her and I hold her tight, but I don’t dare confirm her fears. The truth is, she’s hit closer to home than I want to let on. What she doesn’t know is that I’m already monitoring this place and the office for that kind of activity. I don’t take anything for granted.

  I kiss her head. “Do you want to try on your new clothes? I thought we were going to lunch? And I know you haven’t had a headache, but don’t forget to keep up with your Lortabs.”

  “Yeah, sorry. I got sidetracked. And I did take a pill already.”

  She rummages through the bag and pulls out the clothes. “Damn, you really know how to pick things out!”

  I laugh at her. “I didn’t do it. Heather, the personal shopper, did. If it doesn’t work, her card is in the bag. You can take it all back and she’ll help you.”

  “Hey, what’s the dress for?”

  “Our dinner date.”

  “When’s that?” She smiles.

  “This weekend.”

  The look of pure joy on her face almost brings me to my knees. If she asked me there and then to give her the world, I’d find a way to do it. No questions asked.

  “You’re a sneak,” she says. But she’s happy with my plans because her grin isn’t going anywhere.

  She holds up the dress, a deep blue that looks stunning next to her dark hair. God, can she be any more gorgeous? “We also need to get you to a salon to have your hair evened out.”

  “Oh, I forgot.” She bunches her hair and twists it into a bun.

  “Okay, start trying on.”

  She pulls out the jeans first and they fit just right.

  “Too tight?” she asks.

  “They were made for you.” I swallow and lick my suddenly dry lips. The next pair fits perfectly too.

  “Are you sure these aren’t too tight?”

  “No, they fit you like they should.” Her ass couldn’t possibly look any better. It’s all I can do not to grab her and strip them off and fuck the hell out of her.

  She flashes another huge smile. “Okay, I’m ready, then.”

  GEMINI IS IN my office, working on a laptop, trying to tie Panama City and Austin together. I’ve had a chat with Jill and dismissed her. She was none too pleased and we had quite the verbal battle. It got ugly by the time I had her escorted out of the building. Human resources is now searching for a Gertrude or an Ethel as a replacement. In the meantime, Ellie has the position. She’s efficient and knows the company fairly well. I’m hoping she can handle the workload because I can’t afford to train someone right now.

  “I’m sending Huff and Blake to Austin.”

  Gemini looks up from the computer and doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t have to. Her scowl speaks loudly enough.

  “You’re not going, so don’t even think about it. Too risky.”

  “But what if they don’t find what they’re looking for?”

  “Then they’ll come back here and we start over,” I say.

  She looks at the documents spread out on the coffee table. She’s been trying to dissect each one, the same way I did at Jeff’s. We’re interrupted by a knock on the door.

  “It’s open.”

  Ellie sticks her head in and whispers, “Ms. Sheridan, there’s a delivery out here for you. From the pharmacy.” Then she looks at me. “And Mr. Wolfe, Dr. Davis is here.”

  “Thank you,” Gemini says as she gets up.

  “Send Dr. Davis in,” I tell Ellie. Gemini shoots me a questioning look “Wait.” I intercept her before she can get to the door. “Don’t forget, you’re Mindy Simmons. And I’ll explain about Dr. Davis in a minute.”

  “Got it.”

  She signs for the delivery and immediately opens up the new medications. “Wow, that seems like a lot of pills.”

  “As long as you’re headache-free, it’s worth it.”

  “Right. It’s so nice not waking up with the axe man in the morning.”

  “Who?”

  “The axe man. You know, the head-splitter.”

  I hate to be reminded of Gemini’s medical ordeal. If I hadn’t witnessed her suffering, I doubt I would’ve ever believed that headaches could be so severe.

  Ellie ushers Dr. Davis in and I know I have a battle ahead.

  “Gemini, this is Dr. Davis. He’s here to implant a microchip in you.”

  “A what?” She looks like she wants to punch me. “Were we going to discuss this?”

  “The idea didn’t occur to me until this morning. But listen to me.”

  Dr. Davis interrupts. “Do you need some privacy?”

  Our conflicting shouts piggyback one another.

  “Yes!”

  “No!” I groan and my hand flies to the back of my neck. I should’ve anticipated her reaction. “Dr. Davis, stay put. Gemini, listen to me.” I’m using my authoritative voice, and I know she won’t be pleased, but I don’t give a damn. She needs to understand the importance of this. “If something happens, if they find you, take you, this tiny microchip will lead us to you. I don’t really care what you think about this—it’s for your safety. I have one. Huff has one. B
lake has one. All of my field agents have one. And you’ll have one too, even if I have to tie you down while Davis puts it in you. Are we clear?”

  She’s about as pissed off as a human being can be. “And where do you want this invasive thing to go?”

  She exasperates the hell out of me. “Do you not get this? This is for your own goddamn safety.”

  “Yes, Drex, I get it. But a discussion would’ve been nice. Now, Dr. Davis, where is this thing going to be placed in my body?”

  Dr. Davis looks at me and I nod. “They usually are placed under the arm, in the triceps area.”

  “That won’t do,” I say. “They’d find it. It needs to go somewhere else.”

  “Where else did you have in mind?” she sneers.

  Two can play this game. “I would normally recommend placement in an area on the body where there is hair, but since you have a full Brazilian without so much as a landing strip, I’m at a loss.”

  Her quick intake of breath tells me I’ve hit my mark. Instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction, I feel quite the opposite, like the biggest ass in the world.

  Dr. Davis saves the day. “Why don’t we put it next to her hipbone? The bone will help camouflage it.”

  “Great idea.”

  “Ms. Sheridan, I’ll need you to slip your jeans down your hips a bit.”

  She looks at me and isn’t at all happy, but she does what the good doctor requests.

  It only takes a few moments for him to complete the procedure. The flat microchip slips right beneath the skin, so it’s undetectable. Then he glues her together and applies a small bandage.

  “Keep it dry for the rest of the day, but you can get it wet tomorrow. The incision is so tiny that you won’t even notice it. In a few days, the glue will disappear and you’ll be fine,” Dr. Davis says.

  “That’s it?”

  “That’s it.”

  He packs up his kit and I thank him as he leaves.

  “Thank you for being so forthcoming,” she says, voice dripping with sarcasm.

  “Gemini, I’m sorry.” And I am. “But the idea hit me and I knew it needed to be done ASAP. Before anything happened to you. I didn’t have the opportunity to discuss it. I would have if the time had presented itself. I told Huff to get Davis here when I spoke to him this morning, on my way to pick up your clothes. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

  She nods. I give her a hug. “Thank you. And I’m sorry for being an ass, but I’m not sorry for getting this chip into you. Your safety is that important to me.”

  “You didn’t have to be such a crass-hole in front of the doctor.” She punches me in the arm. “That bit you said about my … my … was that really necessary?”

  “No. You’re right. I am a crass-hole. And I apologize. But if I have to be a crass-hole again to keep you safe, you can bet I will.”

  “DREX, TAKE A look at this.”

  It’s Friday, late afternoon, and we’re in my office. Gemini has spent the last few days working on Panama City. She’s relentless, as good as anyone I have here in the company. I need her to come to work for me.

  She’s sitting on the couch, her feet curled under her, working on the laptop. I take a seat next to her.

  “A hospital—address is 615. And another storage facility on Sixth Street. A bank with an address of 615. All within a mile radius of each other. And there are all sorts of military bases around the Panama City area. Coincidence? Or part of the answer?”

  “Damn, you’re good.”

  “I think that whatever is in Austin is only the beginning.”

  “Or do you think Austin is just a decoy?”

  “Why’d you have to say that? Now I’m confused again.” She wrinkles her brow.

  “You have to look at every angle. You mom was smart. Like a fox. But Gemini, I don’t think her death was an accident.”

  “What?” Her head whips toward me.

  “I know. Listen, for all the precautions your mom took, I can’t think she would’ve gotten into a car accident. I had Huff pull her accident report and I’ve gone over the details. It doesn’t add up. The report says there were more than three sets of tire tracks, but only one witness who claims she lost control of the car. I think someone forced her off the road. Maybe more than one other car. Forced her into that embankment. She was too aware of everything to take her focus off the road like that. So I’m saying that you shouldn’t look for the obvious—she wants us to think Austin, but there’s way more to it than that. And I agree with your Panama City theory. In fact, I’m wondering if this key opens something there, and that Austin is the decoy. Or maybe Panama City will lead us back to Austin. We have to keep our minds open to everything.”

  She’s silent for a few minutes. “So now what?”

  I smile. “We take a team to Panama City. But we don’t fly directly there. We fly somewhere else and then split up into three to throw them off.”

  Now she’s smiling. “When?”

  “Next week. I want everything to be arranged down to the last letter.”

  We are all disappointed in Huff and Blake’s trip to Austin when they return with nothing. The storage unit had no rental in the name of Michelle Sheridan, Rachel Miller or Gemini. We go back to the drawing board on that one. Simply put, there has to be a connection between Panama City and Austin.

  SATURDAY MORNING I wake and reach out for Gemini, but she’s not in bed. She’s been working like a demon is chasing her, so I assume she’s back on the computer, but I hear a faint sound coming from the opposite side of the bed. I find her on the floor, curled in a ball, her arms hugging her head.

  “Shit.” I hit the bathroom in search of medicine and water, and hurry back to her. “Here. I have you.” Taking one of her hands, I give her a Maxalt and a Lortab. I hold the water so she can drink. The blinds aren’t completely closed, so I hit the button and the room darkens. Then I run to the freezer to make her an ice bag. My first inclination is to move her back into bed, but I know any motion sends waves of pain and nausea rolling through her.

  What the hell brought this on? She started on Brady’s prescribed regimen. And then it hits me. She was on the computer all day yesterday and when we got home last night, she went back to work. We were both so tired, we ended up crashing. It was the first time since … well, since then that we didn’t have sex. Does this really mean that a day without sex for her turns into one of those fucking migraines?

  She’s still on the floor, so I curl behind her and pull her against me. Then I kiss her neck and tell her what I’ve just discovered. Her hand squeezes mine, letting me knows she hears me. Then she moves my hand between her legs, giving me my answer. She wants me to make love to her, even though I question if she can get into it. My hesitation tells her my concerns.

  She turns in my arms and says, “Drex, you have to help me.” Her face is wet. Her eyes beg me to help her. She hurts so much, I know I can’t resist.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Make it go away. Now. I know you can.” Her words are ragged whispers, but they resonate in my head. It’s easy to remove her scant clothing. An orgasm is what she needs most, so that’s what she’ll get. There won’t be any teasing or taunting this time. I go straight to her sex with my mouth. My tongue is on her clit and I know exactly what she likes, so that’s what I do. Her fingers wrap in my hair and pull me closer while my tongue brings her to that place she so desperately seeks. As soon as she finishes, she pulls me to her mouth and greedily kisses me.

  Kissing her is pure pleasure, but I need to know how she feels. “Tell me, Gemini. Better?”

  “Yeah. But I need you, Drex. I need more. Now. Inside me.”

  She pulls my boxers off and reaches for me.

  “Wait, babe. I need to get a condom.” I find what I need, put the damn thing on, and haul her ass into the bed. I’m all for a good lay, but not on the floor. When she’s spread out on the bed, I lean back on my knees and look at her for a minute.

  “What a lovely sight yo
u are.”

  “You just gonna stare at me, or are you gonna please your girlfriend?”

  “Put your legs on my shoulders.”

  She does and I thrust into her. “This good for you?”

  “Ah, yeah.” She moans and so do I. We go at it like we’ve never had sex before. I brush my thumbs across her hardened nipples and she demands I fuck her harder. It’s all I can do not to lose it when she tells me how much she loves the way my cock makes her feel. My hands move over every part of her that I can touch. Every time we’re together, I walk away with a stronger need to be with her. My fingers burn with the memory of her skin.

  “Like this?” I ask.

  “Yes!” she says as her fingers sink into the muscles of my hips.

  We’re a pair, I think, as I watch her. She likes it hard and fast. Rough and gritty, just like I do. Not always, but she’ll tell me when she wants it that way.

  “Damn, you’re so tight on me.” I lift one of her legs and put it on my other shoulder, so both of her legs are together. Then I roll her slightly on her side and continue to slide in. “Do you like this?”

  “Ah … ah … yeah.”

  “Babe, I love to hear you when I slide in and out of you. Your voice turns me on even more.”

  “This is so good, Drex.”

  “Do you want me to make you come again?”

  “Yes.”

  “Tell me or I’ll stop.”

  “No.”

  “No what?” I stop for a second and she grabs me.

  “Please.”

  “Please what?”

  “Make me come, Drex.”

  “That’s what I’m going to do.” Her body is so beautiful as she moves with my rhythm and I bring my hand to her clit because I want to set her off. Her back arches as the muscles on her inner thighs tighten and contract, indicating she’s so close.

  “Look at me so I can watch as your body works my dick. Then I want you to watch me come.” I can tell she’s right there. She gives off signals. The way her fingers grasp me, the sound of her voice, the clenching of all her muscles. And then there it is. When she calls out my name, I know I can let loose.