Tactical Error [Black Ops Brotherhood 4] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Bella Juarez

  “What tipped you off, Einstein? Was it the big red tag around the handle telling you I’m carrying a federally permitted weapon?” JJ asked crossly.

  “Carrying a weapon on board a domestic flight is illegal. Now, grandpa, we can do this the hard way if you like and I’ll arrest you. Put the bag on the table and step away,” the agent ordered.

  One of the security guards left the room. The other took a defensive stance as JJ set his bag on the floor instead of the table. Now he was really pissed. His body unconsciously went into combat mode. He started to bristle and could feel his muscles tense. Because this was an automatic reaction to a threat, his training kicked in. He had to slow his heartbeat and clear his mind, focusing on the current danger.

  “Grandpa?” JJ asked as he narrowed his eyes. “Get a fucking warrant, Skippy! You ain’t searching shit!”

  “Look, old man, I know you’re probably one of those old crows who thinks there’s a terrorist around every corner, but carrying a weapon on a flight is illegal! I’m confiscating it so you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else,” the agent said, taking a step toward him.

  This little bastard wouldn’t know a terrorist if he saw one. JJ was getting thoroughly irritated now. Focus…

  “I have a federal permit to carry that weapon, and I am not showing you a damn thing until I see your identification and your boss. Don’t fuck with me,” JJ warned as the agent stepped closer.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, grandpa,” the agent said.

  “Boy, you call me grandpa one more time and I’ll hurt you,” JJ warned.

  The agent held up his hands and reached into his jacket as he stepped closer to JJ. He knew from experience this was about to become one huge clusterfuck. The agent drew his gun and aimed it at him. It took a split second for JJ to see the gun’s safety was still on and the agent was very inexperienced. Swiftly, JJ disarmed the agent and pointed the weapon at him. He clicked the safety off and backed up so that he could see both men in the room.

  “If you pick up a weapon, you’d better be prepared to kill someone, Skippy,” JJ said in a deadly calm voice. Fear flashed on the agent’s face. JJ knew how to convey his message without saying a word. The agent knew he was a dead man if he moved any closer. JJ had to defuse a really tense situation so he pointed the gun at the man standing at the door. “Go get your boss,” he ordered.

  The scared security guard fled from the room, leaving the door open. JJ moved away from the open door. It was a gamble that airport security was not as highly trained as he was. He looked at the federal agent. He unloaded the gun and held on to the magazine that carried the bullets. He tossed the empty gun back at the agent. The man was red and shaking with rage.

  “Motherfucking old geezer!” the agent screamed at him.

  “Boy, don’t do it. Don’t touch me. I’ll fuck you up,” JJ warned.

  The man roared as he charged toward JJ and tried to tackle him. He stepped aside and proceeded to whip the agent’s ass. It ended with JJ picking the man up and tossing him into the hallway. An older man in a suit stepped aside as the agent hit the floor outside the room.

  “Get him away from me,” JJ said calmly.

  It took the better part of an hour to convince the St. Thomas Police and the Federal Air Marshal’s chief supervisor in St. Thomas that JJ had all the proper credentials to carry a weapon and that the agent had been overzealous in his approach. Luckily, Rock, Gavin, and Mac pleaded his case. He assured the more reasonable man that he had no intention of harming the agent. He promised that he wouldn’t cause any further trouble and just wanted to have a quiet vacation. He was released into Rock’s custody.

  When they arrived at the villa, JJ felt aches in his shoulders and legs from the tension of this afternoon. He was exhausted from his travels and all the turmoil he had endured today. He didn’t want to go downstairs and socialize. He wanted to relax and go numb for a little while. He reached for the remote lying on the bed and switched on the TV. He took a deep breath and shook his head. He closed his eyes and could smell sweet jasmine. Irene was close.

  JJ opened his eyes and started to watch a segment of Fox News. He wasn’t interested in the conversation so he channel surfed for a moment. A door open to his room making him frown. Now what! He looked toward it and saw Irene in nothing but a towel. She was walking out of the bathroom and apparently had just finished a shower. They stared at each other, stunned.

  “What the hell are you doing? How dare you!” Irene demanded.

  JJ jumped off the bed. “I was watching TV,” he stammered.

  “Gavin!” Irene started screaming.

  JJ backed away into the hallway in stunned surprise. He could hear hurried footsteps race up the stairs. Fuck!

  I can’t believe my fucking day actually got worse! JJ left the villa and charged down the street. He stopped when he saw a rundown bar at the end of the road. He went inside and decided to drink himself into a coma. He sat down and ordered an entire bottle of scotch. This is going to be a long week.

  * * * *

  Irene angrily brushed her hair as she stared in the mirror. The damn nerve! James always assumed she would jump into bed with him. What the hell was he thinking? Gavin still knew nothing of their short romance and James had just waltzed in like he owned the place! She had to get a grip on her rage before dinner. There was so much to do and she didn’t have the time or the energy to deal with James and his damn ego right now. She walked into her bedroom and saw he’d left his bag sitting next to her bed.

  Irene picked up his bag and marched across the hall to his room and dumped it on his bed. She returned to her room and finished dressing for the evening. She desperately hoped wherever he’d gone he would decide to stay there the rest of the evening. Irene walked down the stairs and to the kitchen where Anna, Rock’s wife, was preparing the evening’s meal with a fellow chef. Anna gave Irene some place-setting and table arrangements to take care of.

  Later that evening the full wedding party got together for dinner at the villa. Everyone was having a great time getting acquainted with one another. It seemed to be such a relaxing evening. Irene sat and talked with Anna and Liz, Chief McGuire’s wife. Both women were pleasant and down-to-earth. Irene had really been drawn to Anna. She was such an intelligent and strong woman. She belonged with a man like Captain O’Malley.

  It seemed as if each of the couples at the dinner were well matched. Rock and Anna were leaders. Mac and Liz were easy going and the comic relief at times. Gavin was a knight and Amy was his princess. Amy’s friends, Cheryl and Lynn, were also there with their husbands. Some of the unattached men were also easy to be around. She watched Alex Richards, who she found out was a combat medic. Alex was different. He was nice and easy going, but she could tell there was something very deep about this man that he kept hidden.

  The men Gavin served with in the military were a close-knit group, and it was obvious they had a genuine brotherly bond. They were so accepting, even when one of their own wasn’t like the rest of them. Shaq was clearly in a relationship with the chef Anna worked with. Justin and Shaq were not overt in their affections, but she could tell they were in love with each other. For all the testosterone these men exuded they accepted Shaq for who he was without question. Irene’s respect for these men grew as she got to know them.

  Irene scanned the people in the party area several times to see if James had decided to come back from wherever he had gone. He hadn’t come to dinner. She briefly wondered if he was in his room. She decided to take a walk out on the beach. Maybe he was sitting alone. This afternoon had been humiliating for him and she felt she may have overreacted. She walked up and down the beach enjoying some time alone. She, however, didn’t find him. No doubt he found someone else to snuggle with. She kicked herself for worrying about him.

  Irene returned and noticed the party had dwindled. The women staying at the villa started to pick up and clean. It was late, and they all had a busy day tomorrow. The last of the wedding arrangement
s had to be checked and finalized. She finished the last of the dishes and decided to turn in.

  Irene was tired and took something to help her sleep. Her encounter with James and not finding him this evening bothered her. She had overreacted today, and she felt guilty about humiliating him the way she had. She changed for bed and took her medication. She snuggled into bed and was sleeping quickly.

  * * * *

  It was quiet and well after two in the morning when JJ returned to the villa. He was humming “Why Don’t We Get Drunk and Screw?” by Jimmy Buffet when he slipped the key inside the lock. He turned the key and the lock wouldn’t budge.

  Fuck! The cherry top of a fucked-up day! First the shitty flight, then Irene, and now this!

  How the hell was JJ getting inside? He looked around and tried to figure out if he could sleep on the porch if he had to. He shrugged. It’s doable. He tried the key once more, and this time the door opened. He stumbled inside, tripping over the rug. He was drunk, very drunk. He steadied himself before attempting the stairs.

  JJ staggered into his room and didn’t bother with the lights. He was exhausted from the trip, the stress, and now he was drunk. He took a deep breath. Damn her! JJ shook his head as the scent of sweet jasmine filled the room. He stripped and threw back the covers. His senses were hazy, and he just wanted his fatigued mind go numb. He crawled into bed and closed his eyes. It feels good to lie down and get some sleep. He relaxed and grimaced at an ache in his shoulder from an old injury. He shifted and rolled over to his other side. He swung his arm around and felt something. And realized someone was in bed with him.

  Sugar? Did you forgive me? JJ’s inebriated mind wondered. Who else would be here with him?

  Part of JJ’s senses warned him to be worried. Instead JJ smiled and went with it. Aw, sugar, I missed you! He encircled the body that clearly belonged to a woman and snuggled up behind her. He ran his hand up and down her body. She had a firm ass. It was Irene. He reached down and stroked her thighs. Nice. Irene’s muscular legs were heavenly. She started wiggling her fine ass over his cock like only Irene could. He relaxed and let the blood drain into his dick. This would be a really good night cap! He slid his hands to her breasts. His mouth started to water at the thought of those full tits stuffed in his mouth again. The sensual moan that escaped Irene went straight to his cock, making him smile. That’s it, sugar. Let me take care of you. He reached down and started massaging her ass and got the response he was looking for. She turned to face him. In the dark, he started a slow, sexy kiss while he massaged her butt and legs. He continued caressing her as her hands ran up and down his back. Irene. Only she touches me like that. She tugged at him and he moved closer. She broke away and he found her throat. She smelled so good and tasted even better than he remembered. He was working his way down to those nice twin peaks.

  “Mmmm…” she moaned.

  JJ closed his eyes and went back to work. He was getting more turned-on than he had been in a long time. Irene had a way of arousing him to the point of insanity. This fuck would be one hell of a ride. He remembered how passionate she was and how she seemed to draw everything he had out of him. This felt like a dream.

  “Sugar, I missed you,” JJ whispered against her skin.

  Suddenly, Irene tore herself away from JJ. What the hell is wrong? They seemed to be really getting into it. Now what?

  “You!” Irene snarled angrily.

  The lights came on, and JJ squinted against the sudden brightness. Irene was pissed off, again. Oh God, don’t start screaming.

  “Oh shit!” JJ cursed.

  “What are you doing?” Irene demanded as she scrambled away from JJ.

  “I was trying to sleep in my bed!” JJ snapped.

  “You idiot! How many times do people have to tell you, you’re across the hall!” Irene barked.

  “No, I’m drunk. I’m not an idiot. I’m drunk,” JJ said, getting out of bed.

  “Put your clothes on!” Irene demanded as she turned away.

  “What the hell? You’ve seen me naked before, and it sure as hell didn’t bother you when you did,” JJ grumbled as he got dressed and walked toward the door.

  “Borracho cochino!” Irene spat.

  “No, sugar, I’m not normally a dirty drunk, but I can see I’ll have to be drunk to deal with you and this wedding!” JJ snapped as he walked out the door.

  * * * *

  Irene sat at the table sipping her coffee and making a list of all the little details she had to finalize today. Anna had thankfully taken care of a big problem with the caterer and the florist yesterday. Now there were just little details that needed to be handled. Everyone had already left with their assignments. Irene straggled behind because she couldn’t get up this morning. James waking her up in the middle of the night had screwed up her sleep pattern. It seemed as if it took forever for her to finally settle down and sleep again.

  She heard heavy footsteps and knew it was James coming into the kitchen area. Irene didn’t look up as he passed. Something was different. He didn’t say anything to her. Usually he would at least greet her. He went to the kitchen and found the cups, got his coffee, and took a seat at the far end of the table. She glanced at him. He was staring at her and he was very angry.

  “Good morning, Irene,” James said. He seemed to growl the words and his hard blue eyes reflected the steely edge of his voice.

  “Good morning, James,” Irene returned stiffly.

  Irene went back to her list and started writing. James’s hard stare and the angry tension that radiated from him were unnerving. He sat staring at her, saying nothing. It was so unlike him. She finished her list and glanced nervously at him again as she stood. He watched her and she knew a confrontation would be unavoidable if she didn’t leave.

  “Excuse me,” Irene nervously said as she made her exit.

  Irene went to her room and refreshed herself before gathering her bag and her list. She opened the door and James was at the entrance waiting. He backed her into the room with nothing but his angry expression and slammed the door shut behind him. She waited, saying nothing and got even more nervous about his unknown intentions.

  “James, for the sake of Amy and Gavin, please let’s try to be civil with each other,” Irene finally said.

  “I’m sorry? Have I been uncivil with you, Irene? Ever?” James demanded.

  Irene said nothing. Of course he hadn’t been uncivil, ever. Irene, who prided herself on her manners, had been downright rude with him on more than one occasion.

  “Answer me,” James demanded in a snarl.

  “No. You haven’t been,” Irene said, looking away.

  “What the hell is your problem?”

  “James, it’s complicated, and you won’t listen to me.”

  “I’m listening.”

  Irene took a deep breath. James was usually so affectionate and happy to see her. He wasn’t happy, and there was no affection in his expression or his voice right now.

  “Irene,” James said shortly.

  It was a command. James was waiting to hear her explanation.

  “I have a lot to do, James. We can talk after the wedding is over,” Irene said.

  “What the hell is your problem?” James repeated in a snarl. “Right now, Irene. We’re getting this straight right fucking now!”

  “I hate secrets! You and your damn job are one big secret! I am not living my life again lonely because you have a bunch of secrets eating away at you! You want me to trust you without question, but you won’t trust me. What kind of relationship is that?” Irene exploded.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” James asked, confused.

  “The woman in Coronado, it involved your job, didn’t it?” Irene demanded.

  “Yes.”

  “See! You can’t tell me what happened because you have to keep it a secret, right? You don’t trust me!”

  James held up his hands, indicating for her to stop. “You want to know what happened? You want me to trust
you? I’ll tell you, but you’ll find it very difficult to understand and believe. Will you trust me that I’m telling you the truth, no matter what you hear?” Irene turned away from him. “Irene, I’m giving you what you want. I’m trusting you with this. Are you going to trust that I’m telling you the truth?” James asked again.

  Irene turned and glared at James. This was so unexpected of him, and this didn’t fit quite so neatly in the package she had crafted with Dr. Adams. She hadn’t expected him to be so willing to open up to her. He’d realized how important this was to her and he was willing to meet her halfway. David had shut her down every time she tried to talk to him. She realized she wanted to make James and his secrets David and his secrets, giving her the excuse she needed to walk away and hide. But James wasn’t about to let her cast him into the same mold as David. He grabbed her arms and sat her down on the bed.

  “Can I trust you?” James asked.

  “I’m listening,” Irene said quietly.

  “Can I trust you?” James asked again.

  “Yes.”

  “I found out something that would’ve taken down some very important people. We should’ve stayed at my condo in Coronado instead of the hotel. It was a mistake. The woman you saw me with was a setup. She’d followed us around all day looking for a pattern, or a weak moment. She was sent to kill me, Irene. What you didn’t see was what I found in her room and the military police that showed up who turned her over to the CIA,” James said. Irene looked away in disbelief. He stepped back, exhaled, and shook his head in frustration, as he walked to the window. “I can tell you don’t believe me. I can’t trust you, Irene,” he said quietly.

  “James, she didn’t look like she was trying to kill you.”

  “I told you it would be hard to believe. You wanted my trust, and I gave it to you,” James said. He turned and faced her. Irene felt her heart sink slightly at the hurt written all over him. “I don’t think you really know what you want,” he said as he walked out.