Ice (Elite Forces #1)(54)
“You like her,” Pierce says more out of curiosity than a question.
“Of course I do. She’s a damn good soldier.” He smirks at my answer.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it, Maverick. You like this woman. She means something to you. I can see it all over your damn face. There’s no denying it. Shit, man. I hope to god you know what the f*ck you're doing.” I stand there for the longest damn time, my gaze darting back and forth between my two best friends. My brothers.
“Listen. I’m not going into details with the two of you about what’s happening between Jade and I, but come the f*ck on. Do you really think I would jeopardize anyone’s life? This woman knows what the hell she’s doing, and for the two of you to say otherwise is nothing but pure bullshit.” I sink my ass down in the chair and let them think about their reaction to what they are actually saying. It’s wrong.
“We know you wouldn’t put anyone’s life on the line. That’s not what the problem is here. The problem is you. I’m concerned for you. Can you handle being out there with her? Watching her back while still leading this team?” Kase asks. Then he slugs down the rest of his beer.
“I get it. And I’m damn happy for you, man. I truly am. I hope she’s the one; hell, I would gladly welcome her into our family if she is. We just need to know that your head is clear and that you shoved aside the fact you care about her. If you can look at us and tell us you can, then great. This conversation is over. Done. But if you lie to us like you did when you said you weren’t f*cking her, then man, we have a serious f*cking problem here. These orders come from The President. You need to keep your shit under control. Let her do her job and get all of us the hell out of there.” Kase rubs his hand across his forehead in complete testiness.
“I can handle it. She was with me once before, remember? That’s where it all started. I completed my mission, successfully I might add. Trust me, I know what I’m doing. The choice is yours to believe me or not. And I get where you're coming from. Who knows, if the tables were turned, I might feel the same way. I’m asking you this though. And listen to me, okay? She doesn’t want you two to know. In fact, I gave her my word I wouldn’t tell you.” Kase’s lips twitch. Pierce doesn’t hesitate to lean his head back and f*cking laugh. The bastard. This shit means something to her and he’s laughing.
“What the f*ck, *?” I lean forward and punch him in the gut. This is serious shit.
“You, man. Your head’s tripping over this chick. I f*cking love it. Now I really can’t wait to meet her. Hell, I’m counting the days down now.” And f*ck me. Just like that, the three of us sit around, finish up our business, and call it a night. The last thing I say as I walk out the door is, “Keep your eyes off of her. If you even look at her ass, I swear to f*cking god I will shove a stick of dynamite up yours and light that bitch.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JADE
Kaleb reached out to both Harris and I, saying he needs us to fly to the compound. He's sending a private plane, and we’re supposed to be there tonight to meet the entire team and organize the Intel they've received on our guy. My nerves are a little shot about this mission, but I'm sure it's just that I'm going in with only Harris and Maverick at my back as of right now. I'm hoping I'll feel better once I meet them all.
My emotions are mixed with the nerves of the mission and with meeting Kaleb’s two best friends.
“I wish you weren't leaving. Can you please promise you'll call me as soon as you can? I can tell you guys are all up to something big, and I'll respect you enough to not ask any questions.” Mallory throws her arms around my shoulders before she pulls me in tight for a nice hug.
“I'll call when I can.” I hold her just as tight.
“I know you will eventually, but shit, I'm worried, so please make it soon.” I need to go. My head needs to be in the game, so I pull away from her. I can’t be touched right now, not even in a caring way. It’s time to get my head on straight for this mission.
“Be ready for that pamper day you keep asking me about. I'm due for one soon, and it would be a great thing to look forward to when I get back,” I say truthfully.
“For sure. Now please be careful, and if you get a chance to talk good about me to Beau, I'd really appreciate it.”
“You know I will, but you have to tell me how it all went at the ranch.” My phone begins to vibrate mid-sentence. It's Harris. Shit, that was fast.
“Elliott, I'm pulling onto your street now, we have to leave, so meet me outside.” He seems stressed and bossy as hell, but I begin to grab my single bag of belongings, knowing I won't have much room for anything on this mission.
“Mal, I have to go now. I love you, girl, and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.”
“Love you too. Be safe.” I turn and walk out the door as I let the rush of the situation wash over me. I didn't dare tell her how dangerous this mission is. I could never deal with the look on her face if she realized the severity of this. My mom and dad kept telling me to be safe too when I called them to cancel. Of course I'll be safe. There's no other option.
“You ready to do this?” Harris is walking up the driveway when I step outside.