“You are right, but can we just enjoy each other right now.” He nods with a smile and pulls me tight. I look up at Alexis and see that she is ready. She gives me a thumbs up sign. Her camera is ready. I look back up in Max’s eyes.
“Max.” He looks down at me in adoration. “Will you kiss me?” I ask and I see his eyes widen. He leans down towards me and his lips meet mine. I pull him close and he deepens the kiss. I make sure it is as passionate as I can make it. From the corner of my eye, I see Alexis take the picture. I smile to myself. Perfect. Jackson is behind her and I close my eyes to his face. I kiss Max for a few more minutes. I push him away gently and look him straight in the eyes.
“I’m sorry Max.” He looks at me questioningly. I continue, “You betrayed me and your loyalty to our team. I could never love you. I’m sorry for what is about to happen to you. But my parents didn’t deserve to die. I think you will get exactly what you deserve.” I walk away and make my way back up the stairs. He tries to grab at me, but I elude him getting the crowd between us. I hurry up the stairs and meet Jackson’s eyes. I see that he knows my plan.
“Oh my god, that was hot!” Alexis says coming over to me. She shows me the picture. I give her the order.
“Hey, Alexis will you share that to me.” She nods and complies. With a click of a button, the whole world or anyone on my social network will see Max kissing me. My uncle will see it. Jackson shakes his head at me, but I coolly ignore him. Max returns upstairs and is in a deep discussion with Jackson. I ignore them. That part of the plan is over. I sit there for about twenty minutes, taking shots and gossiping and then I say the code word for Charlie to report to the others.
“Holy Crap, Alexis, is that Julia?” I say, acting shocked. Alexis and Julia know each other because of me. They partied together but were never close friends. There always seemed to be a catty jealousy from Alexis when it came to Julia.
“OMG!” She says jumping up and looking at the bar downstairs. There is my best friend shaking her butt on the bar. I see Logan right in front of her, looking up with a lusty look.
“That should be you up there. You are the birthday girl. She is my friend and everything, but I can’t believe she is taking the attention away from you.” I see Alexis’s face darken.
“And look at that hot guy. He totally wants her.” I push. Alexis grabs my hand.
“Come on guys.” She yells to the others and we head down to the bar with Jackson, Max, and Boots following. Julia spots us coming and starts getting into it. At this view, I can only see Julia, but from the catcalls from the other guys, I would say Logan is trying his best to keep his temper under control. It serves him right. Julia waves at me and beckons for me to join her, but Alexis pushes me out of the way and with the help of some friends, is on the bar. I watch as there is a Who can be the bigger slut dance off and I want to laugh. Julia is clearly winning, but now it is up to Logan. Alexis sees Logan watching Julia. I watch as Alexis focuses in on him. She pushes Julia slightly so that she is in front of Logan. She starts dancing for him. Good. Julia acts pissed, which probably isn’t hard at that point and jumps off the bar. Alexis smiles in victory. Logan gestures to Alexis and then helps her off the stage. Their heads are close together and Logan is whispering to her. She sees me and beckons me over.
“Hey, distract my bodyguards. We are going somewhere more private.” She says with a saucy wink. I give her an enthusiastic nod and wink back. I give Logan a look and he gives me a slight nod. Here we go! I watch as they cuddle closer and I hear Alexis giggle. I turn to find Jackson right behind me.
“What are you doing?” He says in my ear. His voice sends shivers down my spine.
“If you are with us, act like you are trying to stop me.” I don’t have time for his response because I see Boots start toward Logan and Alexis. I intercept Boots and kick him in the
knee and watch as he falls to the ground in surprise. Then I rush towards Max, planting a smasher to his face. Jackson comes in for the grab and I elude him by ducking under his arm. I’m positive he let me. We have grabbed the attention of the crowd. Many people have confused expressions, but I just keep going in the opposite direction of Logan and Alexis. I hear Jackson yell for Max and Boots to follow me. I start pushing through people. I don’t get to far from them; I don’t want them to lose me yet. Max is coming fast, and Boots is tailing him. I can tell that Boots really isn’t trying to catch me. He is moving to slow for an agent. It’s nice to know I have another ally.
I climb the stairs to the upper level. Max is breathing hard behind me. The upstairs is relatively clear, so I make my stand. I wait for Max to reach me. I see Boots conveniently take off in another direction. It looks like he is coming around to surround me, but he must go through the crowd and up the other side. I face off with Max, letting the anger build.
“Carter, come on. Stop this game!” He pleads.
“Never. I will have my revenge.” I say and I attack. I punch through his defenses and we are full out fighting. This isn’t practice, this is real. Only one will come out of this. The stranglers have left the scene when I attacked. I’m punching, ducking, kicking, trying to get him in a choke hold. He pushes me away and I slip down to my knives. He sees my hand right before I release. He barely dodges my knife. His eyes widen as he realizes I’m for real. His eyes narrow into slits and I finally see the fighter come out. He attacks and I move out of the way, tripping him. He straightens himself up before I can follow through. He charges again, taking me down. He punches me and I taste the blood running down from my nose. He is trying to pin me, but I head butt him and he releases enough for me to get my feet on his chest. I push with my leg strength and send him off me. I flip up from my back and kick him in the face and I watch as he is knocked down. I keep attacking him with punches. His face is a bloody mess. I’m taking all my aggression out on this guy. Suddenly, I feel arms pull me off. I turn to face my next opponent and find myself looking at Jackson. Max is groaning on the ground.
“Stop. You don’t want to do that.” Jackson says quietly. I stop struggling and take a breath. I see that Boots is leaning against the stairway, nonchalantly picking at his finger nails. Max starts to sit up and Jackson looks at me.
“Go!” He commands and I rush past Boots, who waves me by like a subject bowing to their queen. I hear Max yell behind me.
“What are doing? Don’t let her get away.” Max bellows. Oh, crap! He saw Jackson let me go. I will trust Jackson to get him and Boots out of that. I run out of the back of the club. Logan and Julia should have finished their part by now.
“I’m around the corner by the coffee shop.” I take off running towards the coffee shop. I see the flash of headlights. I run to the SUV and jump in the front seat.
“Hey, how’d it go?” Charlie asks. He sees my face and grimaces. He pulls out into traffic.
“Here.” He reaches behind the seat and gives me a container of baby wipes. I pull the mirror down and start dabbing the blood.
“I think the bastard broke my nose. Did Logan and Julia get Alexis?”
“Yep. They are on their way to the spa now. Those two, though, I swear.” He says shaking his head.
“What happened?”
“Well, unfortunately, I could hear the whole thing. Apparently, since Julia made such a grand production on the bar, Logan decided to get a little enthusiastic in his kissing. Julia comes charging in and plunges the needle into Alexis and calls her a ‘bitch’.” I laugh at that. “Then Julia slaps Logan across the face calling him a ‘man-whore.’ They finally stop yelling at each other when I tell them to get their asses moving. But they got her in the car and are on their way.” I can’t help laughing at his dry account. Those two need to seriously hash out the jealousy issue.
“You know that Max will be eliminated.” He says with no judgment.
“I know.”
“You do realize he will tell Kilson that Jackson let you go.”
“Yeah, that wasn’t in the plan.”
&nb
sp; “Jackson will be in some hot water.” I squash down the panic.
“He can take care of himself.” I say with false confidence.
“I’m hoping that by incriminating Max, I took care of the mole issue and I hope that Jackson can discredit him.” Charlie gives me a doubtful look.
“What? We can hope."
Chapter Twenty-Eight
We arrive back at the safe house and I collapse on the couch. Charlie limps over to me and settles beside me. He grabs my feet and unties my boots. He tosses the boots on the ground and starts massaging my feet.
“God, that feels good.” I moan out. He chuckles.
“Look at us. We are a sad sight.” I say indicating my face and his injuries.
“It’s worth it, to see the reaction on your uncle’s face.”
“I just pray that Jackson and Boots don’t get into trouble for it.” It is the one thing I have been unsure of. If they are smart, they will blame Max for losing the girl and me.
“Any updates on Alexis?” I ask, biting back more moans. I don’t want him to get the wrong idea, but this is heaven. Who doesn’t want a hot guy massaging their feet? I’m just missing a margarita.
“Well, they are on their way back now. They should be here in about ten minutes.”
“Awesome.” I sigh. “It definitely could have gone better.”
“Yep, but we accomplished the goal. Let’s wait and see Kilson’s next move. I don’t know how you will feel about this, but I think we should lay low for a little bit.” He says, letting my feet go.
“I actually agree with you. You are under suspicion and I think I’ve done enough damage for now. Besides, I’m exhausted. We need to regroup.”
“Did you know that Boots was on your side?” He asks, leaning his head back on the couch and closing his eyes.
“He helped me at the apartment, and I know he is Jackson’s best friend. But I also thought that Mustang was too. I can safely assume after tonight that Boots is on our side.” I am happy about that. I like Boots.
“Our numbers are growing.” Charlie says softly. I realize he is right. From the beginning, it was just me. Now, I have five more people that are with me. It also means that I am responsible for what happens to these five people. We relax on the couch in silence. I notice Charlie has started snoring softly. Poor guy. It’s been a rough day. I get up and head for the kitchen.
I’m making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich when the door bangs open. I immediately pull out my gun. Then I hear the yelling.
“You started this by shaking your ass in front of everyone!”
“Yeah, but I didn’t stick my tongue down any of their throats!”
I put my gun away and continue making my sandwich. Charlie is awake and looking my way. We both roll our eyes and then smile at each other. God, he is so adorable. What the hell am I thinking? Julia and Logan interrupt my thoughts as they stomp into the kitchen.
Logan throws the keys onto the counter and Julia opens the refrigerator. She grabs a bottle of water and then slams the door.
“It’s done. We can probably call the cops now.” Logan says, still huffy.
“The pampered princess is ready to be rescued.” Julia says snidely. I’m done with this.
“Enough, both of you, stop it.” They look at me in surprise. Charlie lays back down, chuckling. Thanks for the support, buddy.
“First off, you are both agents of the United States government. When you signed on, we all knew that there were going to be missions where we will do certain things that we don’t want to do. For example, my first mission I was hung from a ceiling with handcuffs and almost raped. Did I sign on for that? Technically, yes. Did I want to be there? Hell, no. Did Julia want to dance on a bar in front of all those people? Probably not, but she did it for a reason. Logan, did you make out with Alexis because you like her or want to be with her. No, you did it to distract her from Julia who you do love, want to make out with, and make little Logan babies with. You guys did your jobs tonight. If you can’t keep your emotions in check then you shouldn’t be in this line of work. Frankly, you guys are acting like little bitches. It’s obvious to everyone that you are totally in love with each other so stop with the dramatics and be confident in your love. If we were not rogues at this moment and my father was still alive, Logan, you would be sending your team, including Julia on missions just like the one we went on tonight. It is well known that female agents
are used more for distractions than anything. So, step up and be the leader I know you are and act professional. Julia, I love you, but quit acting like a baby. The dude totally digs you.”
When I finally take a breath, I’m met with silence until I hear soft chuckling from the couch. I look up from my sandwich and I see Logan and Julia staring at each other.
Logan pulls Julia into his arms. “She’s right, I’m so sorry. I need to trust you. I just hated seeing the guys looking at you. I know you are mine, but I want everyone to know your mine.”
Julia pulls back to look him in the eyes, “I’m sorry too. I thought you were enjoying it too much and it hurt me.”
“I admit I was trying to get a rise out of you. I was jealous so I thought I should make you jealous. It was stupid and childish. I can’t stand that blonde bimbo; she drives me crazy. I just want to be with you. I love you, want to kiss only you, and someday make Logan babies with you.” He says with a smile and I laugh with tears in my eyes at witnessing such a sweet moment. Julia laughs and she kisses him softly.
“Back at you, except I want Julia babies too.” They are so wrapped into each other that I don’t want to interrupt, but I have stuff I need to know.
“So, now that we are all good, mind telling me what happened at the spa?”
“Well, she woke up on a massage table a little shocked and disoriented. I explained that this was part of her birthday surprise, but the spoiled brat yelled at me to take her back to the bar.” Logan explained, “so I hit her with another sedative.”
“Seriously!”
“Well, what was I supposed to do? I grabbed Julia and we came home. Sooo, it would probably be good if we call the police now. You know before she wakes up.” He says looking sheepish.
I grab one of the throwaway cell phones we use and dialed 911.
“911, what’s your emergency?” The operator answers.
“Someone told me that Alexis Johnson is missing. I just saw her at the Sky Spa. She looked kind of out of it like she was drugged or something. Your welcome.” I hung up
before she could ask any questions. Charlie had installed blocking devices so that our cellphones can’t be traced, but I still smashed the phone to pieces.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Charlie says dryly.
“I know, just felt like it.”
“So how did it go on your end? Your nose is kind of puffy.” Julia says.
“Just peachy.” I say and then update them on my night.
“So, Boots is with us now?” Logan asks.
“Seems so. He just let me pass by him tonight. I’m worried about both of them. I hope Max keeps his mouth shut, but I doubt it. The picture will have him throwing accusations left and right to save his own ass.”
“I can honestly say that I’m not happy you did that, but I understand why you did. I just hope you can live with it.” Logan says. I hear sadness in his voice. It’s hard, Max was our friend and teammate.
“I know you don’t approve of it. He is your friend, but he killed my parents. I can’t let it go. I don’t think I could live with myself for letting him get away with it.” Logan starts to say something, but I stop him with a hand, “I know my uncle is the one responsible. Max was just the weapon he used, but Max was supposed to be someone I trusted. He should have told me or at least considered the matter before pulling the trigger. He just did what my uncle told, no questions asked.”
“I am totally on your side, babe, but in our line of work, we are given orders and we obey them. I’m not justifying his actions
, but you should see it from the idiot’s point of view. Kilson is second in charge, he made the order, Max did the deed.” Julia states.
I can’t help but see her point and my feeling of guilt just expanded. What have I done? Who have I become? My friends must have seen the conflicting emotions on my face. There is an awkward silence waiting for me to say something, but I just can’t. I don’t know what to say.
Charlie gets up from the couch and hobbles over to me. He pats me on the back.
“Don’t stress. What is done is done. Let it go.” He passes by me.
“Night all, I’m done for tonight.” He says, disappearing down the hall.
“Yeah, I’m exhausted.” Julia says with a yawn.
“Thanks, guys. I appreciate everything you guys did tonight. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Julia gives me a hug and steps back to let Logan hug me as well.
“Goodnight, Sparks. Get some sleep. I have a feeling things are just heating up.” Logan says, as he steers Julia out of the kitchen.
I clean up my mess and make sure the place is locked up tight. I finally fall asleep to disturbing nightmares of Max being killed in the place of my parents.
I wake up the next morning to birds chirping outside of my window and the sun shining. I pull on some workout clothes and head to the back yard. I go through the motions of my workout and then I work on my weaponry. I noticed last night I was a little winded from my fight with Max. I never used to have that problem. I went from training four hours a day in a professional training facility to one hour a day in a backyard with makeshift targets. There is definitely a difference.
“Hey.” Charlie says watching me from the door frame with a cup of coffee in hand.
“That for me?” I ask, joining him on the back porch. He hands me the cup. I take a sip. Just how I like it, cream and lots of sugar.
No Regrets Page 21