Lost and Found (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten Book 2)

by Lexi Blake

  Her hands came up and he could see the vulnerability stamped on her face. “Tell me this is real, Owen. I would rather we took a step back and worked through all of this if there’s the slightest chance that you’re going to wake up and realize that you don’t love me.”

  He put his forehead on hers, rubbing against her and feeling better than he had in days. “Never. You’re my everything, Rebecca. I’ll go to any therapy you want to go to, but you should know it won’t change how much I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” Her face lifted to his. “I love you so much. It’s killed me to be away from you, but I had to get everything ready. I had to be sure.”

  He kissed away whatever she was going to say next. He kissed her and felt as though the world opened up again.

  This was what he’d been waiting for all his life. He didn’t need his memories to know that.

  His mum would have loved Becca. He simply knew that, too. His mum would be thrilled he’d found the love of his life.

  “Will you come back to Scotland with me?” He whispered the question.

  She nodded. “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

  It wouldn’t be that way, but he appreciated the words. She was the brilliant one. He would follow her. He would be the man who protected her so she could work. He would be the man who reminded her that she was loved for more than her brain. He would watch over her and give her everything she needed. It was his job in life.

  And she would lift him up. She would make him whole.

  “I want to go back with you. I think I might find something of them there if you’re by my side. I might feel some connection.”

  Her whole face lit with an empathy that seemed to come so easily to her. “I want to try a couple of things with you. You’re having flashes. I think we might be able to get some of your memory back. I want to try. I want to give them back to you.”

  She’d given him so much already. “All I need is you.”

  The sound of the phone ringing jarred him from his intent.

  Becca’s smile rocked his whole world. “You should probably answer that.”

  He didn’t want to. He wanted to shove her right back against that wall and have his way with her.

  The ringing continued. With a curse, he picked it up. “What?”

  “Eh, someone’s telling me the elevator’s stopped again.” Colin was back on the job. “Sorry, I’ll get right on that. I mean not right on it because I’m walking my dog at the moment, but I’m sure he’ll be done soon. Then I’ll be right there.”

  He hung up the phone without saying another word. He turned back to his lady, lowered his head, and got back to business.

  * * * *

  Forty-eight hours later Robert McClellan sat in the conference room at The Garden and stared down at the report he’d been handed. It hadn’t taken Jax long to break the encryption they’d found on the thumb drive Owen had taken from Carter Adams. Though it would take them a while to get through all the files and completely understand it. What they did know was that McDonald had sent Becca a large amount of data, and most importantly in Robert’s mind, she’d sent their personal records. Though those were proving difficult.

  “There’s nothing about history in these records?” Damon glanced up from his seat at the head of the table. “And she doesn’t actually name the subject? Is this some kind of code?”

  Damon’s wife, Penny, sat next to Ariel and set down her tea mug before addressing the crowded conference room where the whole team was gathered. “I’ve looked through it and there’s no real code. I think this was her cheeky way of recording her experiments. She used Latin to name the project and Latin to describe each subject. We’ve figured out a few of them based on timing and medical records. We believe Theo Taggart’s file is the one named Interim Militem.”

  “It’s Latin for the perfect soldier,” Becca explained. Her hair was up in a high ponytail and despite what he knew were long nights and little sleep, she looked bright and shiny in the way only a well-loved woman could look. “I’m fairly certain Robert’s file is the one marked Ex Novo. That means built from nothing. I’m not sure why she named your file that, but you have a rare blood type and this file is the only one that matches.”

  “You can match us by blood type?” Dante asked, leaning in.

  “Not always,” she replied. “There are over seventy files in here. It’s going to take some time to match them up. I’m afraid I think most of these test subjects are no longer with us.”

  Because they were dead. McDonald had been a monster and they had a lot of cleanup to do.

  Starting with a new mission.

  But first he was going to get through this very thorough debrief, and then he was finally going to do what he’d wanted to do since the moment he’d set foot in this place. He was going to take Ariel Adisa out on a date. Sure he would have to do it in a foreign city because they were hopping on another plane in a few hours, but that would make it all the more special.

  Becca went on about the files, but Robert had more pleasant things to think of.

  Ari. Gorgeous, smart, surprisingly mean Ari. He would never forget how she’d fought to get him the help he’d needed after that massive ass had shot him. Ari hadn’t faltered. Not once. He’d pulled away from her initially because she’d been worried about their patient-therapist relationship. But he knew what he wanted, and he’d never wanted anything more than Ariel. Not even his freedom.

  He’d separated himself from her professionally. Ari served as the therapist for the rest of the group, but Robert was seeing Kai Ferguson. He did it via phone calls and over the Internet, but it worked and it meant he was free to pursue the woman of his dreams.

  Her eyes caught on his and they warmed, her sensual lips curling up. God, he loved it when she wore white. It made a stark contrast against her gorgeous skin. Her dark eyes practically ate him up.

  He was going to get his hands on her tonight.

  This was the right time. This was their time.

  “Robert, are we boring you?” Damon’s icy tone cut through his inner thoughts.

  Ari grinned his way as though she’d known exactly what he was thinking. “He asked a question three times.”

  Yep, he was in trouble. “Sorry, boss. My mind was elsewhere.”

  Damon sighed. “Yes, that seems to be a problem these days. I asked if everything was set for the flight this afternoon?”

  Everything was good to go including reservations at a very nice restaurant that Damon didn’t need to know about. “The jet is ready. Tucker’s finishing up his prep, which is why he isn’t here. Everyone’s got new passports and we’ve got the go from the McKay-Taggart team. They say Green is in DC and he seems to be hunkering down after the defeat we handed him.”

  “Or he’s found someone new to work on this cure he claims to have,” Owen said.

  “Do we believe him?” Ariel sat back. “He’s been known to lie.”

  “I’m looking through the material we found,” Becca replied. “But there’s a lot of it. Walter, Steph, and I are going through it down in the lab. Faith Smith is coming in next week and she’s going to help us. So far I’ve seen nothing that makes me think she’d worked on a cure, but I’ve still got hundreds of files to go through.”

  Walt, Becca, and Brody’s wife, Stephanie, had taken over the lab. It was now filled with white boards and computer equipment, and apparently they were getting some high-tech medical stuff that the docs would be playing with.

  All so they could potentially get their memories back.

  He wasn’t sure he wanted to know, but he intended to cooperate. After all, he meant to help his brothers.

  Except one of his brothers was a traitor.

  “All right then.” Damon nodded his way. “Let’s break and we’ll meet tomorrow morning for a regular weekly. Robert, could you stay behind? Ariel, we might need you.”

  Ariel’s eyes flared briefly, and he knew she was surprised. But he wasn’t. Tucker’s mission to
explore some of his past was one they’d all argued over. Going back to Kronberg was dangerous, but Tucker was insistent. He needed to know. Robert was likely going to have to advocate for his brother again.

  “Get ready, Rob,” Owen said, his hand tangled in Becca’s as they moved to the door. “I promise I won’t crash the plane. I can’t promise I won’t lose Tucker. You’ll need to keep eyes on him. The boy needs a leash. He follows every shiny object he sees, and by object, I mean women.”

  Becca laughed and shook her head as she followed her boyfriend out of the conference room.

  Boyfriend? Not for long. Owen was already talking about rings. He would be attending another wedding soon.

  And then maybe he could start thinking about his own because Ari was the one. The only one for him. And he’d known Ari far longer than Owen had known Becca. Sure, they’d had their ups and downs, but starting tonight, they were going to be a couple, and it would be smooth sailing from here on out.

  The conference room emptied and he was left with Damon, Penny, and Ari.

  “Tucker is going to be fine. We won’t let him do anything crazy.” Another thought hit him. “You can’t possibly be worried about Owen. Or is it Tucker you’re worried about?”

  They had a mole. No one was talking about it, but Robert was sure Damon was working with the Dallas team to figure it out. He hated the thought that one of them wasn’t what he seemed.

  Or maybe there was another explanation. As Ari had pointed out, Levi Green lied. A lot.

  “I’m not worried about Owen. Of all of you, Owen is the one I’m certain didn’t have ties to Green or McDonald beforehand,” Damon replied, his expression grim. “I’ve known Owen for years. Despite what happened with his mum and sister, I trust him implicitly. It’s why he’s still on my team. Big Tag and I are going to work with Ezra to try to figure out what’s going on, but I’m worried about Tucker for different reasons.”

  Ari moved to his side. “I’ve given you my assessment, Damon.”

  Penny shook her head, blonde curls shaking. “No, it’s not about who betrayed the team. We’re worried Tucker could be volatile when it comes to his past.”

  Damon put a hand on his wife’s shoulder. “He’s not rational about this. He needs someone who can take charge in the field and make the call to pull him out if needs be.”

  That was what this was about? “Of course. I’ll handle it all. You don’t have to worry.”

  Damon frowned and sighed as though he didn’t like what he was about to say. “Ariel, you’re in charge of this operation. Do you understand me? Robert can have the final say when it comes to logistics, but on whether or not the op continues or gets shut down, that stops with you.”

  Embarrassment flashed though his system, but he tamped it down. Damon was worried about Tucker’s state of mind. Ari was the shrink. Of course she should make the call in case Tucker was in mental trouble.

  Not that it would ever come to that.

  “Yes, sir,” Ari said, but her eyes had trailed Robert’s way.

  He gave her a reassuring grin. “You’re the boss.”

  And he firmly planned on getting it on with his boss.

  “Excellent,” Damon said. “Carry on then. Let me know when you land.”

  He took Ari’s hand, not bothering to hide it from the Knights. Everything was going to be okay.

  In a few hours they would be in Munich and his life would truly begin.

  * * * *

  Robert, Ariel, and the whole McKay-Taggart team will return in Lost in You, coming August 6, 2019. Click here to pre-order.

  Author’s Note

  I’m often asked by generous readers how they can help get the word out about a book they enjoyed. There are so many ways to help an author you like. Leave a review. If your e-reader allows you to lend a book to a friend, please share it. Go to Goodreads and connect with others. Recommend the books you love because stories are meant to be shared. Thank you so much for reading this book and for supporting all the authors you love!

  Lost in You

  Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten, Book 3

  By Lexi Blake

  Coming August 6, 2019

  Click here to purchase

  Robert McClellan was forced to serve as a soldier in a war he didn’t understand. Liberated by McKay-Taggart, he struggles every day to reclaim the life he lost and do right by the men he calls his brothers, The Lost Boys. Only one thing is more important – Ariel Adisa. The gorgeous psychologist has plagued his dreams since the day they met. Even as their mission pushes him to his limits, he can’t stop thinking about taking his shot at finding a life beyond all this with her.

  Ariel Adisa is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance in Toronto proved she’s more than just a brilliant mind, but Robert still acts as if she is a wilting flower who needs his protection. Joining him on the mission to Munich should be the perfect opportunity to test their skills and cement their relationship. She and Robert are an excellent match. But when a stunning secret from Robert’s past is revealed, their world is turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again.

  While they chase dark secrets across Europe, Robert and Ariel realize that the only thing worse than not knowing who you are could be discovering who you used to be...

  Enchanted

  A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

  By Lexi Blake

  Coming June 18, 2019

  Click here to purchase.

  A snarky submissive princess

  Sarah Steven’s life is pretty sweet. By day, she’s a dedicated trauma nurse and by night, a fun-loving club sub. She adores her job, has a group of friends who have her back, and is a member of the hottest club in Dallas. So why does it all feel hollow? Could it be because she fell for her dream man and can’t forgive him for walking away from her? Nope. She’s not going there again. No matter how much she wants to.

  A prince of the silver screen

  Jared Johns might be one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, but he lost more than a fan when he walked away from Sarah. He lost the only woman he’s ever loved. He’s been trying to get her back, but she won’t return his calls. A trip to Dallas to visit his brother might be exactly what he needs to jump-start his quest to claim the woman who holds his heart.

  A masquerade to remember

  For Charlotte Taggart’s birthday, Sanctum becomes a fantasyland of kinky fun and games. Every unattached sub gets a new Dom for the festivities. The twist? The Doms must conceal their identities until the stroke of midnight at the end of the party. It’s exactly what Sarah needs to forget the fact that Jared is pursuing her. She can’t give in to him, and the mysterious Master D is making her rethink her position when it comes to signing a contract. Jared knows he was born to play this role, dashing suitor by day and dirty Dom at night.

  When the masks come off, will she be able to forgive the man who loves her, or will she leave him forever?

  Discover Lexi Blake writing as Sophie Oak

  Texas Sirens

  Every girl dreams of her alpha cowboy, the one who sweeps her off her feet. In Texas Sirens, every girl gets two.

  Set in both small Texas towns and cosmopolitan cities, Texas Sirens features beautifully broken heroes and heroines who discover that unconventional love is their best chance at happily ever after.

  Small Town Siren

  Siren in the City

  Siren Enslaved

  Siren Beloved

  Siren in Waiting

  Siren in Bloom

  More coming in 2019!

  * * * *

  Nights in Bliss

  Bliss, Colorado, is home to nudists, squatchers, alien hunters, a bunch of ex-military men, and a surprising number of women on the run. Bliss is a place where cowboys hang out with vegan protestors, quirky is normal, and love is perfectly unconventional. So grab a chair and settle in. If you can forgive the oddly high per capita murder rate—and the occasional alien sighting—you’ll find that life is better
in Bliss.

  Each Bliss story is a standalone, though found family is important so expect the characters to stick around, playing a part in each novel.

  Three to Ride

  Two to Love

  One to Keep

  Lost in Bliss

  Found in Bliss

  Pure Bliss, Coming March 5, 2019

  More coming in 2019!

  About Lexi Blake

  Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem. She also writes contemporary Western ménage as Sophie Oak.

  Connect with Lexi online:

  Facebook: Lexi Blake

  Twitter: authorlexiblake

  Website: www.LexiBlake.net

  Sign up for Lexi's free newsletter here.

  Other Books By Lexi Blake

  Click to purchase

  ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

  Masters and Mercenaries

  The Dom Who Loved Me

  The Men With The Golden Cuffs

  A Dom is Forever

  On Her Master’s Secret Service

  Sanctum: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

  Love and Let Die

  Unconditional: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

  Dungeon Royale