by Peyton Banks
I sat beside her. “Come here.”
Her legs hugged my waist. I pulled her into my arms. “You can sleep as much as you want until it’s time to move. We made love four times last night then in the shower this morning.”
She chuckled and nuzzled my cheek. “All great times. I am exhausted. But I can stay awake and help.”
I pulled her face back and marveled her beautiful dark eyes. “No. you rest. When you wake from your nap, I’ll run a bath for you. I bet your pussy’s a little tender.”
She moaned. “Yes.”
I grabbed her leg. “Baby, stop rubbing my dick with your calf.”
“I want to feel you inside me again.” She glanced at my hard cock straining against my camouflage pants. “Looks like your dick does too.”
“Shit, as much as I want to fill that tight pussy, I need to secure the traps around the cabin. Before sunset, we will complete one more training drill.”
She swallowed hard.
“Remember the guy barking orders through the phone in the surveillance video?”
“Yeah.”
“He’s a Navy Lt. Commander. Valen and I have crossed paths with him. We don’t see eye to eye. He’s probably working private security for who ever sent him and his team looking for you.”
Her eyes widened.
“Don’t worry. My brother and our friend Sebastian will be here at 0800 hours. We’re bringing the enemy to our door step. Do you trust me?”
She gripped my neck. “One hundred percent.”
My hungry lips took hers. “Good answer, sweetheart. Big reward coming later.”
She licked her lips. “I can’t wait.”
12
Aiden
I walked to the end of the front porch. “Well, aren’t you two a sight for sore eyes?”
“Don’t fucking distract us, Aiden. We need to watch out for your leg hold traps you have buried on the side of the cabin,” Valen huffed.
“Shit, this is nothing for you guys.”
“Aren’t you the shit talker, Aiden,” Sebastian chuckled unloading his gear from the back of the truck.
Sebastian was a friend of me and Valens. He worked for the CIA as a hacker. We’ve worked together a couple of times in Yemen. He preferred to be called by his middle name Caden on missions.
He pulled his dark baseball cap low over his dark hair.
“Thanks for coming, Sebastian. How’s your family?”
“We’re having a few setbacks. Nothing my wife Sydney and I can’t make it through. I didn’t tell her I was going on a kill mission. She’d love to shoot to kill right about now.”
“Is she any good?”
Sebastian’s face lit up. “The fucking best! She’s a trained assassin.”
My eyebrows rose. “Shit, you married a total bad ass.”
He stuck out his chest. “I sure did.” Sebastian climbed the stairs carrying his gear dressed in camouflage pants and a black T-shirt. Valen was on his heels.
“Where can I set up?”
“At the kitchen counter.”
Valen pulled me into a hug. “Good to see you brother.”
I patted his back. “Good to see you too.”
Stepping back, I opened the door. “I’d like to introduce you both to my neighbor.”
Nadia smiled and walked toward us hand stretched.
“Hello, my name is Nadia Kerns.”
“Sebastian Johansen, it’s nice to meet you,” he smiled, shaking her hand.
“Nadia, I am Aiden’s brother Valen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” They shook hands. “You’re in good hands. We will do everything we can to help you get your life back.”
She exhaled. “Thank you.” Nadia pointed behind her. “I just made a fresh pot of coffee. Would you guys like a cup?”
“Yes, please,” the guys stated respectively.
Sebastian placed his two laptops on the kitchen counter.
“Ms. Kerns-,”
She waved her hands. “Nadia, please.”
“Ok, feel free to call us by our first names. Whenever I am asked on trip or mission, it is for my computer expertise.”
I walked over to Nadia, gripped her shoulder and kissed her temple. “He is the best hacker in the world.”
Sebastian and Valen’s eyes widened.
“It’s good to know I have the best in my corner.” She smiled.
“Nadia, bring us up to speed,” Sebastian stated, tapping away on his computer keys.
She filled four mugs with coffee. I strolled over to Valen, placing a mug in his hand. Valen winked. “I need to talk to you outside in a moment.”
I nodded.
Valen was probably curious about Nadia and I.
“Nadia, I need the flash drive. I’ll hack into your company’s database. Let’s see if your boss knew what was happening under his nose. I need your coworkers full name.”
“Claudia Vanquez.”
“Let’s see if she ever returned to work.”
Nadia sprinted into the bedroom, then returned placing the flash drive on the counter.
Sebastian pecked away. He chuckled. “Their firewall is decent but no match for me. I’m in.”
Nadia hovered over Sebastian’s shoulder. She gasped and her hand flew over her mouth. “That’s my boss Ted Grenache.”
Valen and I huddled around the counter staring at the laptop screen.
Sebastian snickered. “Yup, I hacked his webcam.”
Her boss reclined in his black leather chair talking to someone in his office.
Ms. Kern’s is running late for work. He glanced at his watch.
She’s never been late to work, Mr. Grenache stated.
The other person in the room hadn’t said a word.
You said she hadn’t returned home all weekend. Did you check her parents’ home?
Nadia’s worried eyes landed on mine then back on the screen.
There wasn’t any movement at her parents.
“Thank god they are on vacation. I hate they went to their home looking for me.”
I pulled her into my arms. “Valen, that’s Thompson.
I know that piece of shits voice when I hear it.”
Nadia glanced between us, then back at the screen.
“Valen, grab a burner out of my duffel bag,” Sebastian said.
“Nadia, call into your office. Let your supervisor know you won’t be in today.”
Valen placed the phone in Nadia’s hand. She called her office.
Hello, Donna, it’s Nadia. Oh. I’m a little under the weather. I won’t be in today. Ok. Thank you. Goodbye.
She disconnected the call.
“Good.” Sebastian glared at the screen. “Let’s see what Mr. Grenache does now.”
His phone rang. He answered. Yes. Thank you, Donna. He hung up the phone.
Well, Ms. Kern called in sick. But we know she’s not at home.
We know she didn’t have a boyfriend. But someone killed one of my men and knocked out the other. Ms. Kerns is probably lying low with that person who helped her escape. She knows what’s on that flash drive. Find her and kill her.
Nadia fell back against my chest covering her mouth.
Yes, sir. Consider it done.
“Got you both!” Sebastian exclaimed.
He turned to us. “I recorded the order to kill. Give me thirty minutes I’ll skim the flash drive. Nadia, you’ll call your office again. Tell your boss you have something for him, but you will only give it to him if he meets you. Which he won’t do. He’ll send his hit man. Not to worry, we’ll be waiting to kill them all.” His sinister eyes glanced over us.
Nadia exhaled and nodded.
“Sit on the sofa and relax while Sebastian works. I’ll grab a fresh cup of coffee for you.” I guided her steps toward the sofa. She pulled her legs underneath her as she sat. I scurried over with the piping hot mug, placing it on the wooden coffee table. Kneeling before her, I stared into her big beautiful eyes. “Will you be ok while I step outside an
d talk to my brother?”
She caressed my face. “Yes.”
I leaned in and took her lips. “Right back.”
Valen and I walked onto the porch.
His big arms crossed his broad chest. “Well if it isn’t Mr. I’ll never fall in love. What happened brother?”
His brown eyes met mine. “I got to hear this. You said you’d die alone. You said after the way Charlene claimed to love me then asked for a divorce, you said you never wanted that same fate.”
“I’m aware of what I said, Valen. My PTSD hit me hard the other night. She was so brave. Nadia followed me into the dark woods and tamed this beast of a man with her soft voice and words of kindness. We’ve been neighbors for a couple of years. I always wanted her but was too afraid to take a chance. But being here with her made me see life differently. I will risk a broken heart for a chance at love. Nadia understands the next time I’m on active duty, I might not come back. She wants to create a forever for us in our own way. Living every day as it’s our last.”
“Ah, huh? When did this revelation hit before or after she ran into trouble?”
I ran my fingers over my gruff face. “After I rescued her from two men trying to kill her.”
He threw his head back in laughter. “Of course, she feels that way. Big bad Commander Wilder rescued her. How can I ever repay you?” he mocked.
I grabbed Valen by the front of his T-shirt glowering him. “I said I am willing to try. Something I wasn’t willing to do until I saw her. I’ve fought my feelings for her all this time. And she’s had a crush on me before I saved her, smart ass.”
“Ok. If you say so.”
I released his shirt. Gripping my hair, I fell against the cabin. “Now, I’m worried about leaving her behind. She begged me not to leave her. I didn’t want my heart broken nor did I want to turn a woman into a widow.”
His heavy hand landed on my shoulder. “I hope it works out for you. It sounds like she really cares.”
I glanced at him. “Thanks, Valen. If I can find happiness so can you.”
Valen and I peered at the screen door as it swung open. “It’s all about finding the right woman who’s willing to listen and be understanding.” Nadia smiled falling into my huge arms.
“Maybe I should create an extreme love military website to help others find happiness in whatever capacity that may be.”
“Guys, come in here,” Sebastian yelled out.
We ran inside and huddled around Sebastian.
“Nadia, time to make the call.” Sebastian pushed his baseball cap up resting on his moussed black hair. His green eyes stared into hers. “Once you have your boss on the phone, tell him to meet you at this address.” He pointed to the computer screen.
She nodded, swallowed hard, and gripped the burner phone to her ear.
Hello, Donna. This is Nadia again. May I speak to Mr. Grenache? Thank you. She rubbed her brow and placed the phone on speaker.
Hello, Mr. Grenache speaking.
Good morning, Mr. Grenache.
Ms. Kerns, how are you feeling?
I am fine. I believe I have something you want.
He paused. Oh, What’s that?
You know what it is. I know everything. If you don’t show up to this address personally to meet me then I’ll turn the flash drive over to the police.
You listen here. You had no right sticking your nose where it didn’t belong. I did your father a favor hiring you. Ex-drug addict, my ass. Are you black mailing me so you can run off and buy drugs?
She clenched her eyes and balled her fist at her side.
Am I right, Ms. Kerns? Yup, I think I’m right.
I grabbed Nadia’s hand, she peered up at me through the tears.
“Wrap it up,” I mouthed.
You either meet me here at noon or I drive to the nearest police station and expose you for the crook you are. You’ll sit in prison for years for money laundering.
You fucking bitch! He roared.
She recited the address and disconnected the call.
Nadia tossed the cell on the counter and ran into the bedroom.
I stalked after her. She sat on the floor in the corner clutching her legs. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“Hey, hey, don’t be.” I sat on the floor across from her and pulled her into my lap.
“Your brother and friend must think I’m trash.”
“I don’t care what they think.” I massaged her wet face. “I know you left that life behind you. There’s no way you would have made it for days without drugs out here in the middle of nowhere.”
She sniffled. “True.”
“I’ll clean you up then we’ll get ready for the fight that is coming our way. There’s no way he’ll show his face. He’s sending Thompson a trained killer. But he won’t be expecting your back up.”
She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I’m ready for war.”
“Good, now let’s get you cleaned up.”
“Ok.”
13
Aiden
We gathered in the living room.
“Nadia, I’d like to put your mind at ease,” Sebastian stated.
“Ok?”
“I pulled your financial records for the past five years. There’s absolutely no way you’re hooked on drugs. You rarely withdraw cash so unless you are paying for drugs using a debit card, we know your clean. Assholes will use your weakness against you every time.”
She peeked at each of us. “Thank you.”
“I think you should meet my wife, her cousin and their friends. When things aren’t chaotic in our world, they get together and talk trash over food and wine.”
Her eyes brightened. “Sounds like fun.”
“If the big guy is on active duty and you want to hang out call me. I’ll send my private jet to fly you to Cali. Warning their idea of fun sometimes involves shooting weapons at a private gun range.”
“That’s perfect. Aiden taught me how to shoot this weekend. I’d like to keep my new skill sharpened.”
Valen shook his head and laughed. “Aiden, please tell me you weren’t out here turning her into a warrior.”
“Brother, you know our missions are mainly clean, but in the event, they aren’t Nadia needs to know how to defend herself.”
“Smart thinking Aiden.” Valen smiled.
Valen laid on the roof AR fifteen at his side peering through binoculars over the trees.
We had plenty of fire power stored in the second bedroom closet. After selecting our weapons, I placed a fully loaded Ak forty-seven in Nadia’s hands. She planted her bottom on the floor. “Nadia if the door opens shoot to kill. What does that mean?”
“Head shots,” she stated.
“Good. If the three of us don’t come back once the shooting stops wait ten minutes. Jump out the window then blow the house with the grenades in the basket across from you. Swim across the lake to the neighbor’s cabin. Understand?”
“Yes.”
I leaned over and pecked her lips. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I will die before I let one man lay a hand on you.”
A tear slid down her cheek and she shook her head. I closed the door and stalked out of the bedroom.
I nodded to Sebastian, sitting on the floor posted beside the living room window as I strolled out the door. Lying in the dirt on the side of the cabin, I scanned the grounds through my AR fifteen rifle scope. Sweat dripped down my brow under my black baseball cap. The sun beat against my back. Bullet-proof vests were great protection, but I felt like a baked fish. Nothing was hotter than the weather in Yemen. I’ll take this Idaho heat any day.
After scanning the woods, I glanced at my watch.
I tapped my earbud. “How are we looking up there, Valen?”
“There’s an SUV three miles out heading this way.”
Good thing my cabin stood alone on this side of the lake. Didn’t want any civilian casualties.
“Roger that.”
Valen was hois
ted up and harnessed on the roof. He had the ability to slide on the lower slant as the vehicles approached.
The SUV’s crawled to a halt. Two men hopped out the first vehicle. Hands on holsters they assessed the grounds, walking toward the cabin.
Only my truck sat in the driveway. Valen pulled his behind the cabin.
One of the two men knocked on the door. “Ms. Kerns, are you here?”
“Stop right there,” Sebastian ordered. We heard the conversation over our walkies.
“Tell your other men to step out of the second vehicle or I’ll light it up.”
“Give us what we came for and we’ll be on our way.”
“No, you won’t. You want Ms. Kerns. Tell your men to step out or I’ll blow your knee cap off.”
“Shit, all right. Peterson and Pickens step out of the vehicle.”
“Zip tie yourselves. Then we’ll call your boss. Let him know you need back up. Tell him Commander Aiden Wilder request his presence,” Sebastian stated.
The front passenger doors opened. Two tall men pointing their rifles toward the cabin exited the truck.
Staring through my scope, I pulled the trigger.
Pip, pip.
The bullets released through the muzzle slamming into their heads.
“Caden, how are we doing with that call?” I asked.
“Making the call now.”
“Good. Valen, cover me.”
Inching forward rifle extended, I scoured the SUV’s.
“Clear,” I stated over the walkie.
A phone ringing sounded over the walkies.
Yes, Jenkins.
LT. Commander Thompson, we’ve arrived at Kerns location. We weren’t able to retrieve the package.
And why is that?
Commander Wilder, is requesting your presence.
He chuckled. I should have smelled Wilder’s stench all over this derailed mission. I know your listening, Wilder. Had to stick your nose where it didn’t belong.
When you run around attempting to kill innocent people who caught your hand in the cookie jar than yes, I do. Enough talking. Bring your ass.
Finally, ready to die and at my hand no less. I’m going to love killing you Wilder. His laugh was sneaky and evil. He disconnected.