by Laura Acton
“Wheels up in two hours or less. They will be there soon my friend. We will bring your daughters back safe and sound,” William said with conviction.
“Merci, mon ami.” Dom hung up the phone. He had a lot of work to do to prepare for their arrival. He could only hope Dan Broderick was more chameleon than his father. The success of this and the lives of his daughters depended on Dan’s ability to impersonate Maksim Gennadiyevich Ivanov.
William considered a cover story for this covert Guardian operation. “The best way to conceal this mission is for Jasper to keep Daniel on the inactive list. Notify Lieutenant Blain his unit is on leave for two weeks and order them to report to the tarmac as soon as possible. They are taking a vacation.”
Tom understood. “A little well-deserved R and R at a beach in Makhachkala. I’ll contact Blain after I start Bransworth working on their cover identities and arrange for the female operative.”
General Broderick turned to Mike. “We need a private jet. Can you locate one you are qualified to pilot?”
Mike pulled out his phone. “Yes. One will be here and ready shortly.”
William stood. “I’ll deal with arranging the necessary gear and paperwork. Tom, inform Blain he will receive his briefing inflight.”
“Yes, sir.” Sutton rose and the three men set to work on mission Rescue Innocence.
International Forces Bar – 2215 Hours
“Understood, sir.” Blaze plugged his ear with a finger to hear the colonel over the noise in the bar. “No, sir. Three beers at most. My guys are aware they will be active tomorrow.” He listened again. “I need to round up most of them. We’ll be there on time.” Blaze ended the call and focused on Brody who was the only one of his men still here. He interrupted the conversation between his sister and Brody. “I need you to locate Ripsaw, Patch, and Mason. I’ll retrieve Winds and Blondie. Meet us on the tarmac as soon as possible.”
Wow, upped for a mission before officially notified Dan’s back on active duty. The general never gives Danny a break. Brody set down his beer. “I’ll collect Danny, too.” If things went the way they all hoped, Dan wouldn’t be too pleased having Blaze knocking on Julie’s door.
“Blondie and Winds are off in the same direction. Faster if I gather them.”
“Gear?”
“No. Instructions are to come as is.” Blaze stood, wrapped his arms around Daphy, and hugged her tightly. “Behave yourself and stay safe.”
Daphy couldn’t resist sticking her tongue out at her older brother. “Alright, Dad.” When Blaze scowled at her, she chuckled and whispered conspiratorially to Brody. “Me thinks Papa Bear is acting a tad overprotective lately.”
Brody agreed. It seemed as if Blaze hung around acting as a chaperon after Daphy kissed him. Blaze blew off the few ladies who came over seeking his company, much to Brody’s displeasure. He would’ve liked to spend the evening with Daphy without his CO around. “I’ll catch ya later, Daphy.” Brody stood and left with Blaze, wishing he could’ve kissed her goodbye. He and Blaze went opposite directions after exiting.
Elise’s Quarters – 2225 Hours
The mission must be critical, or else Blaze wouldn’t pull the guys from their undercover ops. Brody chuckled at his play on words as he approached Elise Smith’s quarters. Patch liked the cute medical assistant who was so kind to Danny in the hospital. When she showed up at the bar, the two hooked up.
He rapped and waited. Hearing the muffled sounds of pleasure, Brody smirked. Patch will be unhappy with this interruption. Realizing the couple was too busy to hear his first knock he waited five minutes allowing them to finish before knocking forcefully. A few moments later, the door cracked open. A tousled and bedsheet clad Elise peered out. “What do you want?”
“Patch.”
Elise hid behind her door, opening it wider. “Patch, your buddy is here.”
Brody caught sight of a shirtless Patch as the medic shimmied into his jeans. “Sorry, Blaze sent me to roust you.”
Patch beamed as he tugged on his socks and shoved his feet into his cross trainers, happy they finished before Brody arrived. Standing, he pulled on his gray shirt, buttoning it as he strode for the door. Halting at the threshold, he leaned over and kissed Elise. “Wish I could stay. I’ll look you up when I can.”
Elise brushed wayward locks from her face. “Enjoyed our time.” She smiled and sighed as Patch exited. She had a fun time tonight and hoped to play doctor with Patch again … soon.
Shutting the door, she sauntered to her bed and plopped down. Her eyes glimpsed a piece of cloth and picked it up. She clutched his t-shirt. Now I have a real reason to contact him. Elise grinned as her mind wandered back to the steamy and erotic time they shared. Dr. Patch can examine me anytime!
Outside Medical Staff Quarters – 2230 Hours
While Patch finished tucking in his shirt, he asked, “What’s up?”
“No idea, but we need to go sidetrack Ripsaw’s and Mason’s plans and meet Blaze at the airfield on the double.”
“Must be activated. Blondie included?”
“Yeah, Blaze is getting him and Winds.”
“Hope he got lucky.”
Brody chuckled. “Well, he’s had more time to take action than you.”
“Didn’t need much time.” Patch bragged, but when Brody burst out laughing, he realized how that sounded. “Damn, not what I meant.”
Smirking, Brody said, “Uh huh. Can’t wait to tell the others Patch is fast in the sack.”
“You say one damned word, and I’ll kick your ass.”
“You can try.” Brody laughed, dodged out of Patch’s reach, and sprinted towards the room Mason would be in. The redhead appeared to be very interested in him.
Patch raced after Brody, wishing he had not given him fuel for razzing him. He put his foot in his mouth … make that both feet. Damn!
Brody skidded to a stop as he rounded a corner, almost running into Ripsaw. Patch was not as lucky, and when he turned the corner, he slammed into the back of Brody.
Ripsaw chuckled as Patch almost knocked Brody on his ass. “What the hell are you two doing? Patch, weren’t you with Elise?”
“He was, but he’s fast.”
Patch slugged Brody in the arm. “Shut it. You know what I meant.”
Raising his brows, Ripsaw eyed both.
Rubbing his arm, Brody said, “Blaze sent me to find you. Gotta round up Mason and move our assess to the tarmac.”
Becoming serious, Patch said, “I need to grab my medical pack.”
“Blaze said to come as we are. No gear,” Brody responded.
“I’m not going anywhere with Blondie without my med pack. You two find Mason. I’ll meet you guys there.” Patch took off at a sprint for their barracks.
Angelique’s Quarters – 2230 Hours
Angelique Bourgeois purred as her hips rose. Wanting more as Winds’ mouth deliciously spoke to her. He possessed the gift of gab and conversed in French as fluently as a native, but his tongue had a better use than talking. She bucked as her body pulsed.
Winds felt Angelique shudder as she peaked. He enjoyed giving women pleasure. Trailing hot, wet kisses up her abdomen to her perfect sized melons, he feasted on them again, nipping and suckling as Angelique hummed. His breath caught as her hand wrapped around his length and began to stroke vigorously. Tonight, he wanted to savor their time, take things easy. He covered her hand and slowed her down. “Facile, lent, nous avons toute la nuit.”
Angelique opened her eyes and gazed into the amber eyes of her lion. “Oui, mon beau lion.”
Handsome lion? Well, that is a new one. Winds grinned as he shifted upwards so he could savor the French beauty’s mouth. The international bar afforded him the ability to sample women from many countries, but he found the ladies from France most alluring.
His plans for tonight died instantly as Blaze’s voice boomed outside the room, “Winds, time to go.”
“Le devoir est l’âme intérieure.” Winds rose from
the bed. “Be right there.”
Angelique eyed Winds with a pout on her face. Duty is the inner soul. She never had any man speak so philosophically to her. “Pourquoi?”
Why? Hiking up his jeans, Winds turned to view the gorgeous woman. He leaned down and kissed her once more. “C’est la vie.” Picking up his socks, boots, and shirt he headed for the door. Blaze would never come calling if it was unimportant. Speed necessary, he didn’t bother to glance back.
Sherry’s Quarters – 2240 Hours
Languid after a first round of satisfying sex, Sherry Flynn delicately traced Mason’s facial scar with her fingertips. “This makes you fearsome and adds to your aura. Without it, you would just be another handsome face. How did you get this scar?”
Not wanting to discuss the details, Mason said, “IED.”
Sherry’s fingers moved to his chest and trailed softly across the long scar. “And this one?”
“Same IED.” Mason rolled over and began kissing Sherry to stop the conversation. His scars didn’t bother him anymore, but the circumstances around them still caused him much torment. I damn near killed the kid … would have if I had not lost consciousness in the nick of time. Mason shuddered at the thought.
Sherry pulled back, compassion evident in her eyes and tone. “I’m sorry for asking. It must’ve been horrible.”
“In the past,” Mason replied. “You, however, are in the present and what a gift you are.” His hands stroked her gently, preparing her for round two as he hardened. He dipped his head and captured one breast lavishing attention on her nipple making her moan in pleasure.
Her voice sensual, Sherry’s fists gripped the sheets as she opened herself and begged, “Ravish me with your broadsword, my highland warrior.”
Mason shifted, more than ready to comply. “Whatever my lass desires.” Poised to enter, Mason groaned as loud banging on the door interrupted his conquest. He gazed at Sherry. “You expecting someone?”
“No, but I’m always on-call for the ops center. Normally, they contact me via the phone, but when it’s urgent they send someone to my door.”
Mason rolled to his side releasing his lovely redheaded lass.
Sighing, Sherry padded over to her door. She spoke loudly, “Who’s there?”
“Master Corporal Hunter. Is Mason still here?” Brody shouted through the closed door.
Swinging his feet off the bed, Mason quickly pulled on his briefs as he shouted, “Give me a moment.” As he zipped his pants, he smiled. “Sorry lass, duty calls.”
Covering up in her robe, Sherry sauntered over to her warrior. “Come visit me when you return. We can pick up where we left off.”
After tying his laces and tugging on his shirt, Mason stopped and pulled her to him. He kissed her ardently. “I’ll be back.”
Sherry giggled. “You sound like the terminator.”
Mason chuckled on his way to the door. He opened it to find Brody and Ripsaw standing there with stupid grins on their faces.
“Don’t forget your broadsword.” Ripsaw teased.
Brody burst out laughing as Mason shoved Ripsaw causing him to sprawl on the ground.
Mason shut the door behind him. Damn the walls are thin. The guys are going to harass me about this forever. “Why are you here?”
Ripsaw picked himself up, still chuckling as Brody said, “We’ll find out soon enough.” Bowing, he snickered, “Let’s go, my Laird.” Brody moved fast avoiding Mason’s massive hand and Ripsaw’s fate.
Insecurities Validated
8
May 26
Julie’s Quarters – 2240 Hours
Conversation on the walk to Julie’s room had been intermittent. Feeling awkward and out of practice, Dan’s insecurities interrupted his usual smooth exchange with women. As he attempted to shove his anxieties and lack of confidence back into his lockbox, he reminded himself all he needed to do is talk. A small step like Brody said. He didn’t need to rush things.
As they entered her cramped quarters, Julie motioned to the two-cushion couch. “Have a seat, Dan. You want a cold one?”
“Sure.” Dan scanned the room. Similar to the quarters Brody and he shared at SFATB Yukon except, in addition to the two desks, two beds, and two lockers, it had a couch. He noted another difference. A mini fridge tucked between the bunks from which Julie retrieved two beers.
Lowering himself on the couch, Dan waited. He had been in this building once before on September twenty-third with beautiful, raven-haired Martha O’Kelly. While still on medical leave after the plane crash, he and Martha spent one lust-filled night pleasuring each other. His mathematically gifted mind calculated it had been eight months since he slept with a woman.
Driven by his low self-esteem, a wholly depressing thought crept into his mind. With the way fate screws with me, I’ll never enjoy sex again. No woman will want damaged goods. His hand lightly rubbed his scars as anxiety increased.
Pushing away the bittersweet memory, Dan refocused on his surroundings. His gaze landed on the bathroom door. Aware it was shared by adjoining quarters, he pondered how four women shared a tiny bathroom. In high school, when he studied at Charlie’s house, she and her younger sister bickered about sharing theirs. Dan figured like men, female soldiers learned to be efficient and didn’t require much time to prepare.
The recollection of Charlie Noble settled him somewhat. She was his first girlfriend and his only non-sexual, long-term relationship. Actually, she was his very first friend period. Conversing with her was comfortable, and they became best friends. He cared about her so much he bowed out and stepped aside when it became apparent Jett Peltier was her true love. I talked to Charlie all the time. I can shoot the breeze with Julie.
Julie sat and held out the beer noting Dan seemed to be a million miles away. She put her bottle on the floor and opened his. “Earth to Dan.” She wagged the bottle in front of him.
Embarrassed for being lost in thought, Dan reached for the offered beverage. “Sorry.” He took a long swig.
Julie observed the pink tinge flushing his cheeks. How endearing. She opened her beer, and they sat quietly drinking for several minutes. When the silence became too much for Julie, she asked, “So, you’re a Special Forces sniper. Do you like what you do?”
Dan contemplated for a moment. “I think I make a difference.”
“Yeah, that is how I feel about being an MP. Someone needs to maintain order. Besides, my job lets me carry a gun. I’m not into the whole damsel in distress thing. I go after what I want.”
Interesting. A woman who is not a shrinking violet. Searching for a safe topic, nothing personal, he asked, “What’s your favorite weapon?”
Over the next hour, they discussed the finer points of many types of guns and ammo. Dan began to relax a little. Talking, at least about an impersonal subject, eliminated the pressure.
Julie stood and took his empty bottle, dumping both bottles in the trash. Frustrated he failed to make a move on her, she decided she must take things into her own hands. “I won’t be but a minute. Grab another cold one if you want.” She headed for the restroom.
Dan reached his limit tonight. He had not consumed any alcohol for so long it was best to stop at three, so he remained on the couch.
A few minutes later, Julie exited the bathroom, and Dan tensed up. Holy crap! Gone were the fatigues, she now wore only a skimpy, white camisole and bikini underwear. He noted Julie locked the door preventing others from entering from the adjoining quarters.
“I got comfortable. I hope you don’t mind.” Julie seductively swayed over to Dan, sitting closer than previously.
Talk. I’m only here to talk. Shit! What do I do? He was ready for a small step not a friggin’ leap off the cliff.
Dan rose and went to the fridge. Another cold one sounded like just the thing now—limit be damned. He grabbed two. Turning to face her, Dan managed to tell the truth with deflection. “Fine with me.” He was FINE.
He returned and sat as he handed one b
ottler to her. Opening his, he took a long draw as he grappled for something to say. Inanely he asked, “So, Julie, what do you like to do in your off time?”
She set the unopened bottle down and leaned into him. Getting close to his face, she purred, “I’m done talking.” She kissed him, molding her lithe body to his as she wrapped her arms around his neck and applied pressure to the back of his head bringing him closer to her.
His entire body tensed as Julie moved to straddle his lap. As her lips continued their assault and her tongue sought entrance to his mouth, Dan concluded he could handle kissing. Another tiny step. She doesn’t have to see my scars to kiss. He parted his lips allowing her access and actively participated. His hands started of their own accord to roam over her body. When hers began to rub his back through his lightweight shirt, his anxiety reared up, and he pushed her back, noting her lust filled gaze. Oh shit! She wants sex.
Going on the offensive, Julie reached down, and after yanking his shirttail out of his pants, she slid her hands under and on his sides at his waist as she crushed her lips to Dan’s. She needed to touch his skin and discover what lay beneath, to rove over his rock-hard abs and chest.
Surprised by her aggressive advance, Dan’s breathing became labored, not from kissing but from insecurity, wondering what her response would be to his scars. He started to pull away more forcefully.
Julie loved sexy, attractive men with muscular pecs and six-pack abs. Those body parts turned her on most and desired to behold his. Unable to wait longer, in her aroused state she grasped the front of his form-fitting shirt with both hands as he jerked back. A tearing sound rent the air as the thin fabric of Dan’s favorite old shirt ripped from collar to hem revealing his torso.
“Oh my, God! What the hell?!” Julie blurted as her nose crinkled, brows pulled together, eyes narrowed to a squint, and her upper lip curled with disgust. She backed away revolted by the view. The fair-skin of an otherwise perfect chest spoiled by a myriad of unsightly crisscrossing pinkish lines. Julie rubbed her palms on the seat cushions as if she touched a leper and made her distaste known. “Gross. Your chest is fugly.”
