by Anna Edwards
“You good?”
“Yeah.” He buckled his seatbelt. “Think I pinched a nerve somewhere. It’ll work itself out.”
Nate started the truck and put it into gear. “Probably from all the shit we’ve put our bodies through lately.”
They’d been hired on as part of R.I.S.C.’s new Bravo Team. Though each member of Bravo was highly trained and more than qualified, their boss wanted to make sure they meshed well as a team before sending them out on their own op.
Hence the strenuous as fuck training exercises they’d been put through the past few weeks. He was only twenty-six, but their boss had worked them hard. Not that he was complaining. Kole loved every single minute of it. He was more than ready.
As a former Air Force pararescueman—or PJ, as most called them—Kole was not only an expert marksman, he was also a highly trained field medic. However, those weren’t the only qualities that made him perfect for R.I.S.C.
After years as a member of the Air Force special ops unit, he had first-hand knowledge of the evils existing in the world today. He’d seen everything from tortured soldiers caught behind enemy lines to villages that had been annihilated by the enemy.
Kole and his former team also played an intricate part in rescuing countless women and children from the clutches of sadistic sex slaves. It was the best feeling in the world to know he’d helped make such a difference in the lives of so many.
Of course, he hadn’t been able to save everyone, but his wins far outweighed his losses. Which was why when McQueen first approached him about leaving the Air Force to join Bravo Team, Kole had given the well-respected man a quick ‘thanks, but no thanks’ answer in return.
R.I.S.C.—Rescue, Intel, Security, and Capture—was a private security company owned by Jake McQueen. A legend in his own right, McQueen was a former Delta Force operator and R.I.S.C.’s Alpha Team leader. The guy was a legend among military spec ops groups, not to mention a total badass.
Kole began to wonder what it would be like to work in the private sector. More money and less bullshit. Which was why, after learning more about what R.I.S.C. had accomplished during its relatively short existence, Kole began to reconsider McQueen’s offer.
A week following their initial conversation, he contacted the man, praying the position was still open. Thankfully, it was. In fact, Jake wasn’t surprised at all by Kole’s call. It was almost as if he’d been expecting it.
He’d promptly invited Kole to come to Dallas for a sit-down with him and the other members of R.I.S.C.’s Alpha Team. Within the first ten minutes of that meeting, he’d made his decision.
Two hours later, Kole had accepted the position as Bravo Team’s medic. As he was leaving, he stepped off the building’s elevator and literally bumped into the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Sarah Davis, a first-year lawyer, worked for a law firm located on the first floor of the same building. Engulfed in whatever file she was reading at the time, she hadn’t even noticed he was there, and the two had collided.
After mutual apologies, Kole was helping Sarah gather the papers she’d dropped when their fingers met. He felt a sudden pull, a feeling unlike anything he’d ever experienced. And he knew better than to ignore it.
Listening to his gut had saved his life on numerous occasions. Though it wasn’t exactly a life-or-death situation, Kole listened to it then, too.
He’d asked her out for coffee and thank God, she accepted. Three months later, they were engaged and living together. He’d never believed in love at first sight, so it was quite a shock when it happened to him.
Within the first five minutes of their coffee date, Kole had known she was it for him. It made zero sense and he couldn’t explain it, but it was real. He was just grateful as hell Sarah felt the same way.
Sure, they moved fast, but after everything he’d seen and done, Kole knew better than most how unpredictable life could be. Why waste time neither of them were guaranteed?
Kole smiled, knowing she’d be just as excited as he was about the shot he’d made. Unlike the other girls he’d dated in the past, Sarah was always supportive. Even better, she genuinely shared his excitement for the job.
“Hello…Earth to Kole.”
Shit. Nate must have been saying something.
“Sorry, what?”
The other man shook his head. “There you go again, thinking of that beautiful fiancée of yours.”
A smile spread across Kole’s face. Some guys shied away from showing their feelings toward their significant others. Not Kole. He knew he was a lucky bastard and didn’t give a fuck if everyone else knew, too.
“Jealous?”
“Hell, yeah, I’m jealous.”
Kole was surprised to hear his friend actually admit it. “Well, maybe if you tried meeting a woman someplace other than a bar, you’d find a good one like I did.”
Nate’s head spun around so fast, Kole was surprised the damn thing didn’t fly off the man’s shoulders. Looking like he thought Kole was crazy, the guy snorted and said, “I’m not jealous of the relationship, dumb ass. I’m envious of the fact that you can get some any damn time you want. I haven’t been laid in over a month. Pretty sure my dick’s starting to forget what a woman’s body feels like.”
Kole chuckled. “Bet it would be quick to recognize your own hand, though.”
Without missing a beat, Nate spouted back with, “Hell, yeah.” He took his right hand off the steering wheel and wiggled his fingers. “This puppy right here’s the only thing keeping it from shriveling up and falling off.”
Kole barked out a laugh, and Nate joined in as he parked the truck in Jake McQueen’s driveway. They were still laughing when they made their way to Jake’s front porch.
“Looking pretty smug there, Jameson,” Coop said with an attitude. As one of Alpha Team’s two snipers, he didn’t look too happy that Kole had made the shot.
Kole looked down at the bright red proof still there, on the man’s chest. “That’s not smugness, Coop.” He glanced back up. “I always smile like this when I win a bet. Don’t worry…I’m sure you’ll get the chance to know what it feels like. Someday.”
Coop narrowed his eyes. “Next time, I’ll be sure to shoot your cocky ass first.”
“Not cockiness if it’s true.” Kole lifted his chin toward the other man’s chest. “You’d better get that in the wash before it stains.”
For second time that day, Coop flipped him off, then chuckled and slapped him on the shoulder. “That was a hell of a shot, man. Nice job.”
“Thanks,” Kole smiled back. He’d known the other man was just giving him shit. They’d actually become pretty good friends over the past couple months.
“Speaking of jobs,” McQueen’s deep voice rumbled. “Come inside. There’s something I’d like to discuss with the two of you.”
“Both of us?” Nate asked, surprised.
Jake smiled. “Yes, Carter. Both of you.”
“Well, hot damn.”
McQueen smiled as the four men made their way into the ranch-style log home. They’d all been there before. The first time was just after all the members of Bravo Team had been officially selected. Jake and his wife, Olivia, had hosted a party to celebrate.
Since then, they’d been using McQueen’s outdoor shooting range, obstacle course, and expansive, hundred-twenty acre property to train. Apparently, Jake had made the additions so all members of R.I.S.C. could have a private, safe place to train and keep up on their skills while between jobs.
“Have a seat.” Jake motioned to the living room area. “Anyone want a beer?”
Two minutes later, the four men were sitting comfortably with their drinks in hand.
“I’m sure you’re both aware that Alpha Team has a job coming up,” Jake began. “It’s a fairly simple tag and grab for Homeland. Nothing too complicated, which is why Trevor and I both thought it would be a good place to start for a couple of you.”
Trevor Matthews was Jake’s SIC—seco
nd in command—and was currently leading the rest of Alpha Team in a security systems check at one of the fortune five-hundred companies located downtown.
“And by couple, you mean…” Nate purposely let his voice trail off.
Smirking and shaking his head, their boss said, “Yes, Nate. You’re in, too.”
“Sweet!” He raised his hand to give Kole a high-five. When he just sat there, looking at Nate like he was a total idiot, Nate lowered his hand and said, “Oh, come on, man. You know you’re just as stoked to get back out there as I am.”
With a slight chuckle, McQueen said, “You both should be happy. And proud. You’ve done an excellent job, so far. The two of you work very well together.”
“Not as good as Mac and I, but close,” Coop goaded, referring to McKenna “Mac” Kelley, Alpha Team’s other sniper.
Kole couldn’t argue with the man. He’d seen those two work their sniping magic on more than one occasion. They were an amazing duo.
Turning his attention to McQueen, Kole asked, “When do we leave?”
“Three days. Trevor and I are working to get everything arranged with Homeland. We’ll get a flight secured for us. When we meet tomorrow, you’ll get all the necessary intel. We’ll spend the next two days going over the logistics to make sure everyone’s on the same page and comfortable with their roles going in.” Jake glanced down at his watch and mumbled a curse. “It’s later than I thought. Olivia will be getting home from the hospital soon, and Matthews and the others are still working that security gig.” The man thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I’ll have Ryker email me what we need. I can print everything off here and take it with me to the office for our meeting in the morning.”
“You know, boss,” Nate spoke up. “I don’t mean to overstep my bounds here, but you should really think about getting an office manager. You know, someone you can trust to answer the phones, make appointments and copies, and all that shit for you.”
Coop chuckled under his breath and Jake sighed loudly. “You sound just like my wife…and Trevor. They’ve both been on my ass to hire someone to run the office. I know they’re right. I just don’t have a lot of time to sit in on a bunch of interviews. Plus, given the shit we deal with, Derek would have to run expansive background checks to ascertain their clearance from Homeland. I’m thinking most people who’d qualify for that level of clearance aren’t going to want to take what would amount to a glorified PR-slash-secretary position.”
A name popped into Kole’s head. “I may know someone who’d be interested.” Everyone looked at him. “Sarah’s half-sister, Grace McDaniel. She’s a customer outreach advocate for the NSA. She has a degree in public relations and would be great with the clients. Plus, I can’t imagine Ryker not granting her the required clearance, given who she works for. Hell, she may already have it.”
Jake thought for a moment. “She sounds perfect, but why would Grace leave the NSA to come work for R.I.S.C.?”
Kole shrugged. “Sarah said Grace has mentioned several times, lately, that she needs a change. She lives in Maryland now, but would like to move closer so she and Sarah could see each other more.”
Nodding, Jake said, “Have Sarah talk to her. If she’s serious about moving out here and is interested in the position, tell her to give me a call.”
“Yes, sir.” All four men stood, and Kole offered his boss his hand. “Thanks for the opportunity to serve beside you and Alpha Team, Jake.” He looked to Nate then back again. “We won’t let you down.”
Shaking Kole’s hand, Jake said, “You don’t have to thank me. You earned this.” He pulled his hand from Kole’s and offered it to Nate. “You both have.”
Their boss continued talking as he walked them to the door. “Be at the office by zero seven hundred tomorrow. I want to get an early start and make sure we have enough time to go over everything. And come hungry…Lexi’s bringing breakfast for everyone.”
All four men smiled at that. Lexi Matthews, Trevor’s wife, owned one of the hottest restaurants in Dallas. She was one hell of a cook and had provided a few meals for the teams during their more grueling training sessions. The woman was seriously talented when it came to food.
Nate slapped Kole’s back. “This day couldn’t get any better.”
Kole glanced at his watch and smiled. Sarah would be home by the time he got there. Oh, yeah. This day was about to get a hell of a lot better.
Chapter Two
Sarah locked her office door and rushed to the firm’s entrance at the end of the hall. A last-minute phone call from a potential client left her running twenty minutes behind schedule.
As she passed by one of the conference rooms, she saw Cameron—a paralegal and one of her best friends—sitting at the long table sorting through a stack of law books.
“Don’t stay too late, Cam.”
He looked up at her with an exaggerated expression. In his adorably flamboyant tone, he said, “From your lips to God’s ears, honey.”
Sarah smiled sympathetically. “He being an overbearing ass again?” she asked in a hushed voice. The he she was referring to was Ian Prescott, the firm’s new lawyer who Cam had been assigned to.
Cam pursed his lips. “Isn’t he always?”
Sarah shrugged, not ready to mention the uneasy feeling she’d been having about the man. “He’s always been nice to me, I guess.”
“Um…hello…that’s because he wants to get into your pants.” Her friend eyed her legs up and down. “Not that I can blame him. They’re fabulous pants.”
Sarah felt her eyes widen, and she quickly glanced down the hall in both directions. “Shh,” she whispered, laughing softly. “Someone will hear you.”
“Are you kidding? You and I are the only ones crazy enough to stay late on a Friday night.”
She glanced down at her watch. “Speaking of which, I really do need to go.” She gave him a little wave. “Have a great weekend, Cam.”
“You, too, honey. Tell that handsome man of yours I said hi.”
“I will.”
Sarah continued down the hall, smiling when she glanced down at her left hand. The simple, solitaire diamond Kole had given her was perfect. Just like him.
Checking her watch again, Sarah mentally ran through the list of things she had to do. Kole would be home in about an hour, which didn’t leave her much time to pick up his favorite dinner, shower, and get ready. It was doable. She’d just have to hurry.
Deciding to multi-task, Sarah was scrolling through her emails as she walked when she slammed into a man’s broad chest.
Her phone fell and papers he’d been holding scattered across the floor at her feet. Losing her balance, Sarah would have gone down with them if not for the two, strong hands holding her shoulders steady.
She started to smile, thinking about how similar it was to the way she and Kole had met. Her smile faded when she heard the man’s voice.
“Whoa. Easy there. Where’s the fire?”
Shit. Of course, she’d run into him. Seemed to be the theme, lately.
“Ian,” she nervously breathed out his name. “S-sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“Clearly.” She smiled, his voice laced with pretentious humor.
A little shorter than Kole, Ian probably stood about six-one. He was naturally tan, with blond, wavy hair, and his grey eyes were very pretty. His features were perfectly symmetrical and chiseled. He reminded her of a Greek God.
At first, Sarah had thought Ian was charming. She’d even thought briefly about trying to play matchmaker with him and her sister.
Sarah had originally thought setting Grace up with Ian would help solidify Grace’s decision to move to Dallas. Now, Sarah was glad she hadn’t mentioned him
Three weeks ago, they’d ended up in the coffee shop across the street from their building after work. He asked her out, even though she was certain he knew about Kole. Everyone in the office did.
Sarah had politely declined and told him she was engaged, just so there’
d be no doubt. He seemed to take it all in stride, wishing her a good night and leaving. No big deal…or so she’d thought.
Two days later, he’d been in their firm’s main lobby when Sarah was leaving work. She couldn’t prove it, but something about his demeanor that day had her wondering if he was waiting specifically for her.
When he saw her, he’d immediately walked over and offered to walk her to her car. Sarah had thanked him for the kind gesture, but explained she’d ridden to work with Kole that day, and he was picking her up out front.
When she did, she could’ve sworn a sliver of anger had flashed behind his eyes, but it was gone too quickly for her to be sure.
Suddenly, it was like he was everywhere she was. The coffee shop. The grocery store. Her gym.
Once, Sarah even thought she might have seen him standing on the sidewalk across from their apartment building. Then a city bus drove by, and he was gone.
Or maybe, he was never there to begin with. Maybe she was just making too much of it all. Except her gut told her there was something more to the straight-laced, well-to-do Ian Prescott.
She almost mentioned her concerns to Kole after Ian “coincidentally” ran into her at the bank yesterday but stopped herself.
Kole had been working so hard lately, and he was focused on proving himself to his boss and everyone at R.I.S.C. Sarah didn’t want to cause him any distractions.
Talking to Nate, his best friend and teammate, was one possible avenue. The guy was super-smart and could probably find out everything there was to know about Ian Prescott with just a few clicks of his keyboard.
However, because he was Kole’s best friend, the guy would probably rat her out the first chance he got. So, she’d decided to keep her thoughts to herself, for now. Besides, Ian hadn’t actually done anything, other than give her the creeps.
“Here. I think that’s all of it.”
Sarah handed the hastily compiled stack of papers back to Ian.