Moth(68)

“I’m going. End of discussion.” She’s so determined the veins are showing on her forehead. She’s won’t budge.

We’re going to agree to disagree and it’s killing me inside. I manage to get out of bed and go onto the balcony before I’m able to say things I know I’ll regret. I’m infuriated over her inability to see how much I care for her safety, how much I care about her as a person.

It’s a long time before I hear the slider door coming open and the sound of her feet approaching. I don’t turn around. If she’s emotional I’ll feel bad and give in, and I know that will solve nothing. I have to remain stern and in control.

Her hands touch my arms as I feel her lean her head against my back. I take my own and capture hers in order to bring them around the front of me. “I don’t want to fight about this. My decision is made, Moth. I’m going with you.”

I close my eyes as I listen to her admission. It’s painful and a punch to my ego. I’m hurting in a way I’ve never ached before. I’m forced to turn around and look into those brown eyes when I reply. It’s time to play a card I never thought I’d have in my hand. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. We might still be strangers in a lot of ways, but you’ve found your way into my heart. I’ve never let another woman inside, and now you’re about to risk your life for the most unselfish reason, which makes my feelings for you stronger. You’re brave, relentless, persistent, and the most beautiful thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. I’m not asking for any kind of commitment. I know our lives won’t allow it. Just promise me you’ll be careful. Promise me I won’t be carrying you off that beach in a body bag.”

We stare at each other for a few minutes. I’m overwhelmed and unable to deal with my emotions. She’s gotten to me and nothing will ever be the same. Other woman are incomparable. She’ll always be that one person I knew I could have everything with yet could never keep. It’s bittersweet and depressing as shit.

Our hands lace together as we stand there. “I promise I’ll walk away on my own. You have my word.”

We kiss to seal the agreement. I’m still not reassured, but at least she knows where I stand. Together we walk back inside of the bedroom. We make love as the night breeze blows in from the open slider. I make her mine over and over again until we’re sweaty and exhausted, and then I fall asleep inside of her, silently praying this won’t be the last.





Chapter 22


A knock at the door wakes me. It’s still dark outside, and I’m inclined to assume I know who could be banging this early. I get up and crack it open to see Renner and House standing on the other side. Malone is behind them, followed by Cowboy and three other guys I recognize from another team. At the same time they all give me a once over. I smirk and shake my head. “You could have warned me you brought company.”

They follow me inside. It’s still pretty dark in the room but I can see that Nina is sitting up in bed with a sheet covering her. “We knew we’d need help. We only told the people we brought with us. We picked them up one at a time and made sure they left any devices at home. We’re under the radar, boss. Just tell us what to do next.” When Renner says it I feel better.

“Did you check in like you’re dressed?” I’m worried these idiots wore their gear into the lobby of the hotel.

“Hell no,” Renner responds. “We all checked into rooms at different times. House and I are bunking up. We’re gay and proud.”

“Sounds like a personal choice to me. Keep your dick slapping to yourselves.”

He’s laughing. Not that I would care if they hooked up. To each their own. For a second I think about Jamie. I wonder how hard it was to live with knowing he was different. My mind goes back to our mission, and how I’m determined to seek retribution from everything Alizar has taken from me.

For the next hour, after Nina and I dress, we go over the plan. We only have until noon when the meeting is supposed to take place. It’s up to us to boat over and spread out so we can infiltrate the property.

We pack up our weapons in beach bags and go over the plan one more time. It’s weird seeing Nina dressed like she’s one of us. She’s a badass and I’d like to f*ck her later, but I know this has to happen first. I still have that feeling in my gut, yet I know I’m nervous regardless of her involvement. We’ve been this close before and it hasn’t panned out.

Since we’re staying at a resort there is always heavy traffic on the water during the day. People kayak and snorkel as well as swim and fish. We break into groups and each find our own way to arrive at the location. Then we sit and wait.

Nina and I are positioned close to the property. I have eyes on the target, while she searches the vicinity for a way to make it inside the shack they’re keeping her brother. We communicate using hand signals to remain undetected. The sound of a boat motor catches our attention. I shield her and duck us both behind a large tropical plant. The watercraft is small. It’s a center console with a driver and two occupants. As they get closer I can make out only one and it’s my target. He’s probably two hundred yards away so I can’t take a clear shot with the waves and wind. There’s no telling what would happen if I missed and gave up our location. I turn and look at Nina. She’s ready to pounce. Her eyes are hungry for vengeance, which only puts more worry on my shoulders.