Breaking Hearts (Delta Force Strong Book 5)

by Elle James

  When Blade emerged from the bathroom, Sophia had dressed in a pretty, sunshine-yellow sundress and flat sandals. Curls were springing up all around her face, and she looked so bright and refreshing. Kissable. He found himself wanting to pull her into his arms.

  And her smile lit up the place. Holy hell. She was just a friend, he repeated to himself.

  Hell, he was in trouble.

  Chapter 4

  “Give me a few minutes to do my face and I’ll be ready.” Sophia slipped past Blade and into the bathroom.

  “You don’t have to go all out for me,” he called out. “You already look great.”

  “You’re so nice.” Sophia gave him a patronizing smile. “But I’m not doing it for you.”

  Blade frowned. “You plan on flirting with someone else?”

  She shrugged. “Maybe.” She closed the door and went to work with her makeup.

  A few minutes later, Sophia checked her reflection in the mirror one last time before stepping out of the bathroom. The soft yellow dress emphasized the green in her eyes. After several attempts with the straightener, she’d given up trying to control her riotous curls and fit a rhinestone encrusted comb in one side of her hair.

  She’d added a little light makeup, including mascara, eyeliner and a soft coral-colored lipstick. She’d swapped the flat sandals for high heeled strappy sandals, wondering if she was making a mistake to wear them in a crowded celebration. However, the shoes looked so good, she hated not to wear them. For someone who wore jeans and T-shirts every day of the week, she actually felt beautiful in this, and she wondered what kind of reaction she’d get out of Blade.

  She might not be beautiful, but she looked cute in the dress and cute might not be enough to grab Blade’s attention, but she might grab Andrés Calderón’s. One way or another she was going to have a good time that night. She’d prefer to dance with Blade, but if he wasn’t asking, she’d definitely be dancing with Andrés. Tonight, she planned to dance.

  When she stepped out of the bathroom, her breath caught in her throat. She stared across the room at Blade standing with his back to her, looking out the window at the ocean. He wore dark slacks and a white button-down shirt that contrasted beautifully with his black hair. As he turned toward her, his blue gaze captured hers.

  His eyes widened. “Wow.”

  She smiled, her chest warming. “Wow, yourself.”

  “You look amazing.”

  Her cheeks heating, Sophia dipped her head. “Thank you. I guess we clean up pretty well for a couple from the Salty Dog Saloon.”

  “You’d look good no matter what you wore,” he said. “But that dress is perfect on you.”

  Not used to compliments, Sophia’s cheeks warmed. She imagined she was turning a bright red, and that was not an attractive color on her pale skin. “Are you ready?”

  He nodded, his eyes narrowing. “Are you sure you want to go tonight? I’m still not convinced it’s safe.”

  “Don’t be such a worrywart,” she said. “We’re just going to go in town and enjoy a celebration, along with thousands of our closest friends.” She grinned. “You don’t have to go, you know.”

  “The hell I don’t.” His gaze raked her from top to bottom. “Especially when you’re wearing that dress.”

  “I’m sure there will be much prettier girls, and no one will give me a second look.”

  “Sweetheart, that’s where you’re wrong. You’re a novelty here in Mexico with that red hair and pale skin. You’ll definitely stand out in the crowd.” His brow lowered. “That’s what’s got me worried.”

  “I’ll do my best to be careful,” she said. “And I won’t stray out of your sight.”

  “Damn right, you won’t.” He held out his elbow. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded. “Let’s go. I want to celebrate.”

  “You could do that here at the resort. I understand that one of the clubs has good music and a program to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.”

  She nodded. “And we will enjoy the clubs in the resort another night. But tonight, we’re going to join the locals in their celebration.”

  “Guess I’ll have to find me a big stick to ward off all the horny bastards.” He patted his chest. “I wish I had my gun.”

  “We’ll be fine. And you’ll be too busy fending off all of the women desperate to get to you. You won’t even notice me.”

  He shook his head. “I’m on duty tonight. You’re my top priority.”

  “What?” Sophia cocked an eyebrow. “You’re not going to flirt with every skirt out there?”

  Blade winked. “Not when the prettiest girl could be in danger.”

  They walked along the path to the hotel and entered through the back. They passed through to the front lobby and out to the driveway where a cab waited to take them into town.

  Sophia had seriously debated staying at the resort and going to one of the night clubs there, but the entire idea was to make Blade jealous. Andrés’s invitation gave Sophia the perfect opportunity for that. Besides, she also wanted the full experience of a true Mexican Cinco De Mayo.

  Blade pulled his phone from his front pocket and checked the screen.

  “Expecting a call?” Sophia asked.

  “I was kind of hoping to hear from Mac,” he said. “He was supposed to give me a call back.”

  Sophia’s brow dipped. “Everything okay back home?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I had a question for him. I had hoped he could answer before we left this evening.”

  “And what question was that?” she asked.

  “Just a conversation I had with him earlier.” He smiled. “Did I tell you that you smell good?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You’re changing the subject.”

  He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. But you do smell good.”

  She shook her head with a slight smile.

  “What kind of perfume are you wearing?” he persisted.

  She snorted. “Just my bodywash.”

  “Well, it’s nice.”

  The taxi driver got them as close as he could to the area where the celebration would take place. Already, there were so many people in the streets they couldn’t drive any closer.

  Blade paid the driver and helped Sophia out of the vehicle. Blade spoke Spanish to the driver and listened as the driver responded.

  Once the cab left, Sophia looked up at Blade. “What did you say?”

  He grinned. “I asked him where the cathedral was, and he pointed out that it was a couple of blocks ahead on the left. We just need to stay on this street. He also said that in front of the cathedral was where all of the action would be with the food vendors, dancers and musicians.”

  Sophia’s lips twisted. “I didn’t know you could speak Spanish.”

  Blade puffed out his chest. “There’s lots you don’t know about me. I wouldn’t say I speak fluent Spanish. I do know enough to get by. Things like how to order food and beer, and where’s the bathroom.”

  Sophia chuckled. “The important things when visiting to Mexico.”

  “Exactly.”

  She hoped to get to know a lot more about him during the week they’d be together. In the meantime, she had a date with a handsome Mexican, with whom she hoped to make Blade jealous.

  They hadn’t even stepped out of the car when they could hear the music. And the closer they got to the city’s center, the louder it grew. The locals wore colorful traditional costumes. Dancers in flowing, ruffled dresses swirled to the beat of the mariachi bands. Everybody was smiling and laughing.

  An older gentleman with graying hair stepped in front of Sophia and held out his arms for her to dance. Sophia laughed and looked up at Blade.

  Blade shrugged.

  Sophia smiled at the older man and nodded.

  With surprising agility, the man took her in his arms and spun her around and then showed her how to salsa dance.

  When the song ended, she laughed and thanked the man. “Gracias.” When she returned to where Blade stood
patiently waiting, Sophia was breathless but excited, her cheeks flushed with the heat. “That was fun.” She looked up at Blade. “I don’t suppose you know how to salsa, do you?”

  His lips twisted. “Another thing you don’t know about me.”

  She tilted her head to the side. “Well, do you?”

  Another song started up. He took her hand in his and rested his other hand on her waist.

  Since she’d had a lesson from the older gentleman, Sophia knew what to expect and moved in rhythm with Blade, her hips rocking, her feet keeping up with the music. The hand on her waist was warm. The music was hot. Before long, Sophia was hotter.

  Blade twirled her away from him, and then back into his arms where she was crushed against his chest, their bodies moving together.

  The song ended and another one followed immediately, this one slow and sexy. Blade held her close against him, resting his cheek against the side of her hair.

  Sophia’s hand rested on his heart. She could feel the beat thumping inside his chest.

  When the song ended, they remained in each other’s embrace. When a lively tune struck up, Sophia tilted her head back and stared up into Blade’s blue eyes. “Where did you learn to dance like that?”

  He smiled. “Women love a man who can dance. I learned salsa from a pretty little señorita on a weekend trip to San Antonio.”

  His comment brought Sophia back to earth with a thud. She stepped out of his arms. “Well, she did good. I’m sure your next dance partner will enjoy your expertise. Right now, I need to make my way to the cathedral. It’s almost eight o’clock.”

  “You’re in luck,” he said. “It’s behind you.”

  Sophia spun to find a massive cathedral right behind her. She’d been so busy enjoying the music and dancing she hadn’t noticed that they’d made it all the way to the cathedral. She was to meet Andrés Calderón. She wasn’t that excited about meeting Calderón, but after Blade’s comment about the pretty señorita who’d taught him to salsa, Sophia was ready to put her plan in place and attempt to make him jealous. She hoped her plan worked quickly, because her feet were starting to hurt. She was regretting the shoes she’d chosen.

  “Ah, Señorita Sophia. Buenas noches,” a voice said from behind her.

  She turned to find Andrés Calderón approaching her from the middle of the crowd. At first, she thought he was with a couple other men. They faded back amongst the revelers. “Señor Calderón.” She dipped her head with a smile. “I’m glad you made it.”

  He held his arms wide. “I wouldn’t have missed it. I’ve looked forward to seeing the beautiful woman I met on the airplane again.” Calderón nodded toward Blade. “Thank you for bringing her. I will take good care of her.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Blade said. His gaze turned toward Sophia. “Are you going to be all right?”

  She nodded.

  “Then I’ll be around,” he said. And he faded into the crowd.

  Was he really going to leave her alone with Andrés? At that moment, she felt very alone in a crowd full of people. She spotted Blade standing to the side, leaning against a statue, his gaze fixed on her. He wasn’t even flirting with a woman at that point. Then a woman walked up to him, smiled, batted her lashes and flicked her skirt. He turned his attention and smiled down at the woman.

  Heat built in Sophia’s cheeks. Well, two could play that game. She turned her smile up to Calderón. “I don’t suppose you can salsa?”

  “Si, señorita.” Andrés swept her into his arms, moving her away from Blade and into the crowd of people dancing to the music.

  He was good and had the natural grace of someone who’d been born to salsa. But it wasn’t the same as dancing with Blade. Still, she had fun. All the while they danced, she kept an eye on Blade as he stood talking with the pretty Mexican woman.

  The more Sophia danced with her partner, the closer Calderón pulled her to him, his hand at the small of her back creeping downward toward her buttocks. A little alarmed, Sophia purposely moved his hand back up. Not taking the hint, his hands slipped down low again and cupped her buttocks.

  “No, Andrés,” she said firmly. “I don’t like that.”

  He clutched her closer, holding her flush against his body. “It’s okay. It’s just a dance.”

  She shook her head. “That’s not dancing. I don’t like it. So, please stop.”

  He spun her away from him and back into his arms. His hands slipped down to her buttocks.

  This time Sophia came to a complete stop. “I’m done dancing.”

  His brow furrowed. “You are done when I say you are done.” He pulled her back into his arms.

  She braced her hands on his chest and pushed, trying to get away from him.

  Calderón held tight.

  “Andrés, let go of me!” She struggled to break free of his grip.

  Two men eased up beside them, moving closer than the crowd around them.

  Sophia became aware of the danger too late.

  Andrés attempted to picked her up.

  Sophia kicked and fought, and nobody seemed to care. One of the men grabbed her feet, and she kicked him in the face. He swore and grabbed one leg while the other man grabbed the other. The music played on. Nobody stopped to stare or intervene.

  Sophia was carried toward an alley. “Help!” she cried. As they entered the alley, Sophia screamed and fought, more desperate than before.

  Then the men holding her loosened their grips, and she fell to the ground. She heard a hard crack.

  Calderón spun away from her and fell to the ground. The men who had been holding her feet had let go and advanced on the man who’d attacked Calderón.

  Sophia picked herself up off the ground and turned to find Blade standing in front of the two men moving toward him. Calderón staggered to his feet and headed toward Blade’s backside. With his attention on the two men in front of him, Blade didn’t see the man coming at him from behind.

  Sophia searched the immediate area for a weapon and found a slat from a pallet, grabbed it and rolled to her feet. She went after Calderón, hitting him in the back of the head as he lunged toward Blade.

  Blade was busy fending off the two big guys who had followed Calderón through the market square. He threw a sidekick into one guy’s belly and punched the other one in the jaw, sending him flying backward. The two men came at him again and, like a whirlwind, he went after them, kicking and swinging, until both men crumpled to the ground, groaning.

  Calderón rolled over onto his back, grabbed the board from Sophia’s hands, and pushed her back with it. She fell on her backside and scrambled backward, trying to get to her feet.

  “Leave her alone.” Blade grabbed Calderón by the back of his shirt and swung him around.

  “You shouldn’t have interfered.” Calderón lunged at Blade.

  Blade was ready. He swung his fist, hitting Calderón in the nose. Blood flew everywhere. The man’s eyes watered. He fell to his knees, clutching his face.

  “Stay away from her,” Blade glared at Calderón as he grabbed Sophia’s hand and helped her to her feet. “You ready to go?”

  She nodded and hurried away with Blade.

  They stepped back into the crowd and mixed in with the others, working their way to the other side where the taxi had dropped them off. Once they were out of the thickness of the crowd, they looked around for a taxi, waved one down, climbed in and hurried back to the resort.

  They didn’t speak until they got back to the bungalow. Before they could discuss what had happened, Blade’s cellphone rang. He answered it with, “Blade here.”

  Sophia watched as Blade’s eyes narrowed.

  “The cartel leader?” he said, his gaze going to Sophia.

  Sophia’s heart skipped several beats.

  “That Calderón?” Blade pinched the bridge of his nose. “Great. All we needed was to have the entire drug cartel down on us.”

  Sophia sank to the sofa and waited for Blade to complete his call.


  “We’ll keep our eyes open, and we’ll stick with the resort.” When he ended the call, he stared across the room at Sophia, and her heart sank to her knees. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?”

  “Is there any good news?” she asked.

  “Umm, I’m afraid not. Your date tonight, the one whose nose I broke, happens to be the son of the local drug cartel’s leader.”

  “I take it that’s a bad thing. Nothing like being on the wrong side of a drug cartel. Should we pack up and leave now?” Sophia pushed to her feet. “I can be packed in just a few minutes.”

  Blade shook his head. “No. We’ll wait and see. Hopefully, we just embarrassed him, and the dad won’t take any actions against us. What’s scary is that I suspect they were trying to kidnap you to sell in some human trafficking scheme.”

  Sophia nodded and shivered. “Otherwise, why would they have carried me off?”

  “Exactly.”

  Sophia looked around the bungalow. “So, what do we do now?”

  “Hunker down, and wait and see,” he said. “We should be all right here at the resort. They have sufficient security.”

  “What about our excursions that we’d planned? It seems a shame to be in Cancún and not see anything.”

  “The catamaran trip might be okay, as long as we do it last minute. Maybe, if we don’t plan too far ahead, we can get out and about.”

  She sighed. “Every time we leave the resort, we put ourselves at risk.”

  “I’m not completely convinced that we’re safe here at the resort. Especially out here in this bungalow. We might have been safer in the hotel tower.” Blade patted his chest and side as if searching for something. “I wish I had a gun.”

  Sophia wrapped her arms around herself. “Is it that bad?”

  “It could be. We’ll just have to play it by ear,” he said. “If it gets too bad, we’ll leave.”

  Sophia nodded. “I guess that means we won’t be taking a midnight stroll on the beach then.” She gave him a trembling smile.

  Blade shook his head. “Sorry. That puts you out in the open in the dark. We can’t risk that.”