Slade (The Protectors #6)(59)

Jill watched the emotions cross Slade’s face. “It’s just a job, Slade. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.”

He rubbed his hand across his eyes, a deep scowl tightening his lips. “I seriously don’t think I can let you go in there.”

Instead of getting mad, Jill walked up to him. “I know this isn’t easy for you, Slade, but I have to do this and you have to let me. I’m going to be a Warrior. I want to be a Warrior and I want you to support me as a Warrior.”

Slade looked her over again, anger blazing in his eyes. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he set her back a few steps, turned and punched the wall, not once but twice. Rolling his shoulders, cracking his neck back and forth, he finally turned around.

Looking at the two holes in Jared’s wall, Jill frowned. “You feel better?”

“No.” His eyes roamed her body again. “Jesus, you’re beautiful. Though the wig can go.”

Jill blushed and actually felt beautiful. “Please support me in this, Slade.”

He nodded without saying a word, but cupped her face in his hands.

“I’m really nervous.” Jill’s eyes searched his. “I don’t want to let you down, the guys down.”

Something flashed in his eyes, but was gone. “You won’t.”

Suddenly, the door burst open and in walked Tessa, Nicole and Pam. “You know what, Warrior.” Nicole pointed her finger into his chest with each word. “You’re not the only one a little upset about this mission. Our guys are going into a strip club with beautiful women. Do you think we’re happy about that?”

“No, we are not,” Tessa added, then glanced at her wall. “What in the hell did you do to my wall?”

“You guys−” Jill tried to break in, but they weren’t having it.

“She is going to do this because it’s her job, just like it’s my man’s job to walk into a room full of beautiful women, who I know will be all over him.” Pam frowned, looking upset. “So you just need to get over it.”

Slade frowned at the women before looking back at Jill. Taking the studded choker from Tessa, he turned Jill around and placed it around her neck. Turning her back to face him, he took her into his arms and kissed her hard. “Stay safe and know I’ll be with you.” He tapped the choker and turned, just as Jared looked through the open door.

“You ready?” Jared looked at Slade. “We have to get moving.”

Slade didn’t say anything as he left the room, but Jared spotted his wall.

“What the hell did you do to my wall?” The men’s voices faded as they got further away from the room. “You will fix that, f*cker.”

Jill stared at the empty doorway, the reality of what she was about to do hitting her like a sledgehammer to the stomach. “I think I’m going to be sick.” She ran to the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

“Ah, crap.” Nicole headed after Jill. “Get the makeup out for touch-up.

“Get the tape, too.” Jill shouted from the bathroom. “My boob keeps falling out.”

They laughed until they heard the retching from the bathroom, then they groaned.

*******

Everyone was in place, except for Jill who wasn’t due for another half an hour. Slade felt trapped in the surveillance van, but Sloan had been right. He couldn’t be trusted to be inside where he could reach out and beat the f*ck out of anyone who even dared touch Jill.

“She’s going to be fine, man.” Jax was watching him. “She’s smart and thinks things through.”

“If I didn’t think she could pull this off, I wouldn’t have asked her in the first place,” Sloan added.

“And don’t think about how hot she looked,” Sid said through their earpieces. “She’s not really a stripper.”

“Sid,” Sloan said as he checked the monitors.

“Yeah, boss,” Sid’s voice crackled.

“Shut the f*ck up and pay attention to what the hell you’re supposed to be doing.” Sloan’s voice deepened with meaning.

The airway went silent until Sid’s voice broke in again. “What the hell crawled up his ass now?”

“I can still f*cking hear you,” Sloan growled.

“Dammit, I hate these f*cking things. I never know when the f*ck they’re on or off,” Sid grumbled.

Even as anxious and on edge as he was, Slade grinned when Jared laughed through their earpiece.

“Fuck you, Jared,” Sid hissed. Once again, the airway went quiet.

Silence continued as they waited. It was part of their job, patience for what was to come.

“Hey, guys?” Jill’s voice filled the van, but it was distorted.

“Is something wrong with her mic?” Slade leaned closer trying to hear.

“I think she’s still too far.” Sloan turned some knobs. “Jill, can you hear me?”

“Yes.” Her voice was clearer. “I’m getting ready to turn in. Who am I supposed to ask for? I’m sorry. I forgot.”

Sloan and Jax shared a look. “It’s all right, Jill,” Sloan reassured her. “Hailey Ayres. She is expecting you. And Jill…”

“Yes.” Jill’s voice was crystal clear, indicating she was close.