Jack of Hart- Wild Card

by Violeta Bagia

Illarion was quiet and still on the far end of the table, he was shut off from me and in this state, I couldn’t have pushed through even if I wanted to, it was too risky.

  Aurel however, was an open book. His eyes were glued to the erratically pulsing aura surrounding Peyton, she was on the verge of losing her shit and she didn’t trust any of us, even if she had the hots for Illarion.

  Belfort continued filling them in while my mind refused to stay in this room. All I could think about was the strange gas they’d drugged me with, the Legion the Bond villain guy was talking about how I’d nearly lost Illarion. None of this sat well with me. None of this made any sense and especially not now. Why after so long?

  Dalca never mentioned anything to me about anything called Legion who were supposedly the be all and end all, the guys who were waiting for me when my fate aligned—whatever that meant.

  And the unnerving feeling that he wasn’t full of shit, didn’t elude me either.

  ‘It’s good to see you’re all safe.’ Belfort said, concluding the official part of the meeting. My eyes snapped back up to him. Shit, I’d missed everything he said. ‘Get a good rest this weekend, you’re all off, I want you refreshed and on the ball on Monday.’ He added.

  ‘What’s happening on Monday?’ Matt directed his question at Belfort, but his eyes were on me.

  ‘The information Ace was able to transmit before you were attacked, has been useful. It’s the closest we’ve ever been to cracking what these people are looking for.’ Belfort said.

  Riley nodded to the screen up front. ‘We have word that the dealers responsible for building the safe are landing in DC on Sunday night and then heading out to Paris for a meeting with some clients—we’ve set up a meeting for two interested clients to meet with them.’ Riley added.

  ‘In France?’ I asked.

  ‘Yes, you and Matt will meet with them at the Ritz Paris.’ Belfort handed us each a file. ‘If we’ve got anything to go on, it’s that note we recovered and Reicher’s ramblings about the Legion. We need to know who they are and what they want and how this all plays into the weapon.’

  Peyton’s eyes shot to me, but I was so over her bitchiness. I kept my eyes ahead and nodded when Belfort addressed me.

  ‘Study your covers, learn what you’re looking for.’ He explained. ‘You and Matt will be the eyes and ears on the ground, you two will be our main point of contact.’

  ‘Back up?’ Matt asked studying the files.

  ‘Agent Arcos will head over with you. Director Lazarev, Peyton, Riley and I will coordinate from here.’ Belfort explained.

  ‘Copy that, Sir.’ Matt nodded.

  ‘Now, as much as Agent Lazarev’s capture was regretful, we did learn a lot from the experience.’ Belfort added.

  Illarion’s eyes found mine, for the first time since the meeting started, something, I couldn’t tell what, flickered through them, and then it was gone. Was he worried that I’d be traveling to Europe without him? No. I shut that thought down, why the hell would he care where I went? I turned my attention back to Belfort.

  ‘Matt and Ace, your flights leave at four am on Sunday, everyone else will meet back here. Thank you for coming in, see you on Monday.’

  As soon as the meeting was concluded, Peyton slipped out, without a word. She usually hung back, trying to tack on to Matt, and now, Illarion, but there was no sign of her usual annoyingness. Instead, I felt a kind of sudden curiosity coated in panic. Maybe she found something, maybe she hit the payload or maybe I was being a paranoid freak.

  Settling the nerves inside me, I followed Matt out and swept the surrounding area, Illarion and Aurel were gone and a pang of hurt shot through me which in turn made me backtrack. What was wrong with me? I couldn’t douse him in ice and then expect him to still be warm toward me.

  ‘Want to grab coffee? I’m not functioning properly yet.’

  ‘Yeah, neither am I.’ I sighed. ‘Dahlias?’

  ‘Yeah.’ He agreed, and we made our way downstairs to the regular coffee place teaming with the FBI.

  ‘We should start running through the covers.’ He added.

  ‘Sounds good to me.’

  God, I was glad I had another mission to occupy my mind with.

  ‘So, Paris huh?’

  ‘Avec amour.’ I winked.

  Chapter Six

  Ace

  My celebration for a quiet weekend preparing the covers was cut short when Matt and I were leaving Dahlias.

  He slipped away from me, suspiciously quickly and then winked when Illarion approached.

  Son of a bitch.

  It took a lot of self-control and some level of maturity not to yell at him for leaving me, he anticipated that, and gave me a thumbs-up with a smirk.

  Great.

  Illarion walked up to me, oblivious to the exchange, and if he wasn’t, he was doing a good job hiding it.

  ‘Need help preparing for Monday?’ He asked falling into step with me.

  ‘No, it’s fine.’ I said with a smile. ‘Matt’s pretty good at improvising.’

  ‘Read his file, he’s pretty good.’

  I looked at him sideways.

  ‘Yeah, he’s thorough.’

  ‘You spend a lot of time together.’

  It wasn’t a question, nor was it laced with anything other than curiosity. Was that better than if he was jealous? Did he not care that I was possibly sleeping with someone else?

  No. Ace. Stop being a child.

  ‘We do, it’s easier being able to talk about the job with someone who’s got clearance.’

  ‘Makes sense.’

  God this was killing me. ‘So, any tips on Paris?’

  We’d always spoken about seeing the world together, one of the places on our wish list was France, my heart ached knowing I’d be going there without him.

  ‘Stay out of the back streets at night and enjoy the coffee.’

  ‘Is that sarcasm?’

  He chuckled lightly, ‘Maybe, I didn’t like the coffee there.’

  ‘Thank God you warned me.’

  ‘But take caution at night, some of the areas where you’ll have to do recon aren’t the safest.’

  ‘Okay, got it.’

  ‘As for the hotel you’re checking into, I’ve made some arrangements with a contact, you’re going to have cover from the room down to the lobby.’

  ‘I take it you’re not letting the director in on this one?’

  ‘No, this is between us.’

  ‘Thanks for that.’

  It made me feel a lot better knowing we had some of our people there too. Though, curiosity got the better of me. ‘Was it Belfort’s idea to send Aurel?’

  ‘Yes.’ Illarion said keeping his eyes ahead. ‘I suggested that I go, but he decided to send Aurel instead.’

  My stupid heart kicked up again reading into something that probably meant nothing. Tactically it made sense that he’d recommend himself, we’d worked together for years, I’d technically never worked with Aurel.

  Together, we walked out into the street, stopping at the fountain, dozens of people were out enjoying the sun, trying to cram in lunch and meetings and God knew what else. What I wouldn’t give to just blend into the crowd.

  His eyes swept the horizon, taking in the very calm, DC street before his gaze landed on me. He was standing a mere foot away with his hands casually tucked into his dark jeans and his hair smoothed into a neat, low bun—when did he become so casual?

  ‘Have dinner with me before you leave.’

  ‘I can’t.’ I said, quickly.

  ‘Why?’ His eyes conveyed far more than he was allowing me to feel through his heart, if I dug deeper, I’m sure I could break through his barrier, but that wasn’t my place. Not anymore.

  ‘I have to prepare for Monday.’

  ‘You said you were ready; you’ve got Matt helping with the covers.’

  Right. I did have Matt helping and I was ready, and I was also out of excuses.

  ‘You’ve been w
orking a lot, you need to take a break, eat, I know I’m hungry.’ He chuckled and the same hearty sound that always warmed my heart, filled the empty void inside me.

  A heavy breath settled in my lungs and I was about to protest when he produced one of those warm, wide smiles that always undid whatever resolve I thought I had.

  ‘It’s just dinner, Ace. Just two old friends.’

  Yeah. Two old friends who used to get wild in the bedroom and fry circuitry, two old friends who were about to walk down the aisle...

  ‘I just want to talk, with you. I miss talking with you.’ He pressed his hand over his heart, the sincerity ripping me in two. ‘I miss hearing about your day and the jobs you’ve been on, I miss hearing you laugh.’

  Every word was like a blade cutting me in two. The bittersweet release of pain lasted only a second while the burn seemed to go on forever.

  He was being nostalgic, I guess taking a hit that took you to the precipice of death’s door, did that to you.

  Trying to force as much logic through my head as I could, I ignored my wildly beating heart. He didn’t back down and the smile didn’t falter and that made it even harder.

  ‘My hotel has one of those brochures that tell you where to go, what to do…’ He trailed off. ‘I saw a nice place, it sounds good.’

  ‘Okay.’ I said quickly.

  ‘Okay.’ He let out relieved breath and smiled. ‘I’ll pick you up at eight?’

  ‘That sounds great.’

  What was I doing? This was a bad idea. Annoyance shot through me and just as soon as it did, I shot it back down. How did he always manage to unravel me like that?

  ‘You’re in the Lexington, right?’

  Smiling, I nodded, folding my arms across my chest. I’d forgotten that Illarion could be extremely resourceful when he wanted to be. He could find anyone, anywhere…but he never came to see me...

  You ignored his calls, for months. You don’t get to be shitty now. I snapped myself out of it and cleared my throat.

  ‘Yeah, apartment six-hundred.’

  ‘I’ll see you at eight.’

  ‘Yep. Eight.’

  He gave me a quick smile and excused himself, leaving me alone with my erratic thoughts and equally erratic heart. What did I just agree to?

  ***

  My reflection stared back at me. I must have gone back and forth to the mirror at least a dozen times. Each time I did, I picked at something new I didn’t like. This time, the red dress I chose was far too short for the heels I’d picked. I let out a frustrated groan and kicked them off. Shit. It was already quarter to eight and the dress was hideous. I pulled it off, tossing it over the bed and quickly ducked into the wardrobe and pulled out a black one.

  The second I did that, panic raced through me, oh God, the apartment was a mess, what if he came inside? What if he wanted to come in for coffee…No. No one is coming inside, especially not for coffee.

  Forcing my brain to stop spazzing out, I zipped the dress up, slipped my feet back into the same heels and stepped in front of the mirror again. No. It was all wrong. Everything was off, none of these dresses were right.

  Before I could change my mind again, the buzzer to my apartment sounded and my heart leapt into my throat. I gave myself one last look, checking over my tousled bob and smoky eye I’d opted for and decided that it would have to do.

  Taking a quick moment, I shoved the dresses back into the wardrobe, just in case, and slammed the doors shut. I stopped and looked over the apartment again. It would have to do.

  Pressing the button, I unlocked the door letting Illarion up, while I collected my purse, quickly applied a coat of soft pink lipstick and smoothed my dress down.

  The same feeling I’d memorized long ago, which somehow never left me, started in the depths of my heart and spread through my body—it was terrifying and comforting all at once.

  Like clockwork, it alerted me the moment Illarion was near. I sucked in a sharp breath and opened the door before he knocked. His smile winded me.

  For a moment neither of us spoke. Neither could say what was really rushing through the small space between us.

  His tall, broad body was adorned in a rich navy three-piece suit, the exceptionally tailored fabric hugged his figure in all the right places and the color brought out his striking eyes.

  ‘You look beautiful, Ace.’ He said thickly.

  ‘Thank you.’ I blushed. ‘You look pretty good yourself.’

  His eyes found mine again and for a moment neither of us moved or made a sound and then his eyes swept over me and behind me, taking in the apartment, I didn’t miss the look of concern that briefly lit his eyes when I remembered all the pill bottles on the coffee table. Shit. I should have put them away.

  ‘We should go.’ I said, gently easing him away from the door.

  He agreed, but that look didn’t leave his eyes.

  ‘I made the reservation for eight thirty, it’s not far from here.’

  ‘Should I get an Uber?’

  ‘I drove.’ He said gently, giving me a half smile, which didn’t really reach his eyes.

  ‘You drove to DC?’

  He nodded.

  ‘Aurel flew up. Didn’t know if I’d be needing a car, seemed easier than renting one…’

  ‘Oh.’

  For a moment we stood, silently, awkwardly. When he moved toward me, I jerked back.

  ‘We should take the stairs.’ I offered. ‘The lifts kind of get slow around this time.’

  ‘Okay.’ He turned, leading us down the corridor toward the stairwell. It was quick but I didn’t miss the flash of disappointment in his eyes.

  Glad now that I’d chosen these heels, I settled in for the long hike down the six floors. When we finally reached the lobby, Illarion led us through the guest parking lot where the concierge brought around his car.

  My eyes widened, though I didn’t know why I was surprised. Illarion always enjoyed the finer things in life, his cars were never an exception. The brand-new Maserati SUV hummed beautifully as the driver parked it and accepted his tip.

  Illarion pulled my door open before I could make a move for it, throwing me a quick smile as he closed it.

  ‘Are you staying at the Hilton the entire time?’ I asked a few minutes into the drive.

  ‘Most likely.’

  ‘Guess the Director has to travel in style?’ I teased.

  Illarion shielded his smile by turning from me for a moment. ‘It was Aurel’s idea, believe me, I don’t care much for the Hilton.’

  ‘It doesn’t hurt though, having nice digs when you’re on assignment. It’s better than some of the holes we’ve had to stay in.’

  A quick rush of emotion flashed between us and then it was gone.

  ‘Yeah. We’ve stayed at some unpleasant motels.’ He kept his eyes ahead.

  As soon as I said it, I wanted to slap myself.

  ‘Heard that Anna’s staying home full time now.’

  ‘She is.’ Illarion pulled into another side street and drove toward a beautifully lit art deco building, it was adorned with twenties décor and signage, complete with a red carpet, sectioned off with thick gold ropes and security.

  ‘She’s enjoying spending time with Lucy, and it gives her time to work on the training material for the new recruits.’

  ‘How’s that going?’

  ‘Good. She knows her stuff.’

  ‘I’m glad.’

  The valet walked up to us as soon as Illarion stopped the car. He opened my door, letting me out first before meeting Illarion at his side.

  ‘This is amazing.’ I said quietly, when he joined me on the sidewalk.

  Dozens of patrons were waiting on the plush carpet but Illarion seemed to know the owners here too, because as soon as we walked up, the maître d’ welcomed us with open arms and led us inside, past the waiting crowd.

  ‘I’ve got your table ready just outside, Mr. Lazarev. I trust that will be suitable?’

  Illarion looked to me, and
I nodded with a smile. The weather was perfect tonight, for a change. Sitting outside would be nice. Plus, I’d brought my shawl so that if I did happen to freeze my butt off, at least I’d look stylish doing it.

  ‘That’s great, thank you.’ He said politely, letting the maître d' lead us outside.

  ‘I’ll have Lillianna taking care of you this evening.’

  ‘Thank you.’ I smiled.

  When we were alone, I looked across at Illarion, his eyes were completely focused on me and suddenly I felt so open.

  ‘Do you know the maître d' of every high-end restaurant?’

  He chuckled, ‘I know a few of them.’

  Trying my best to keep the conversation light, I failed to notice how tightly I was clutching my purse in my lap and only when I heard the familiar grinding of leather, did I stop. Illarion gave me a look which I quickly ignored.

  ‘Mr. Lazarev?’

  A female voice drew my attention, the waitress, whom I assumed to be Lillianna, smiled widely at me and then Illarion. She was a younger girl, maybe in her early twenties, really pretty with black hair pinned back in a neat, twenties chignon.

  ‘Lilly.’ Illarion smiled, gently shaking her hand. ‘I didn’t know you were transferring here.’

  ‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘I wasn’t planning to, but I got into Georgetown and this worked out perfectly.’

  ‘That’s incredible, I’m so happy for you. How’s your dad?’

  Her eyes lit up even more and the smile widened.

  ‘He’s in remission now, eighteen months.’

  Illarion squeezed her hand again. ‘That’s excellent news.’

  She chuckled softly, keeping as professional as possible and Illarion turned his attention to me, smiling again.

  ‘Lilly, this is Ace.’

  ‘Oh.’ She gave me a warm smile, shooting out her hand to meet mine. ‘It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.’

  My eyes flicked to Illarion, but he was looking down at his plate, somehow, he seemed to find the sparkly, white china extremely interesting.

  ‘It’s nice to meet you too, Lilly.’ I smiled, shaking her hand. ‘And none of it’s true.’

  She chuckled again and Illarion’s nerves seemed to have eased up a bit too. Letting out a quiet breath, I took the menu she handed me and accepted the glass of water she poured. After a few more exchanges about Lilly’s father, she left us to look over the menu.