by Debbie Behan
‘You should have seen him without you. He was miserable. I liked it at first. I thought he was a creep for what he did to you, but then I got to know him.’
‘He surprised me tonight. It’s obvious he’s been in this situation before. It makes me wonder if he is he like me, if that is the link that bonds us.’
‘That’s why you were so sad those nights we spoke, you couldn’t get over him either?’
She shook her head. ‘I tried, but he had me hooked. Tell me, Jay, you know him. Did he confide in you about anything?’
‘When he comes and gets us, you two will have to thrash it out alone. I know he truly loves you Alina. That’s all I will say.’
Ali frowned. ‘He’s been gone a long time. What if something’s gone wrong and he can’t get back?’
‘He will make it back here somehow, you’ll see.’
‘In the meantime, and until I speak to him, I will just have to believe you regarding his loyalty.’
He smiled and licked his dry lips. ‘And I’m so thirsty.’ Jay untangled himself from her to get up and check the supplies. ‘You know you’re a bad girlfriend getting me into this–whatever this is.’ He opened the drawers and cupboards looking for snacks and drinks. He touched a sensor pad, and a procession of drawers opened at staggered levels.
‘Far out! The weaponry stored in here is enough to hold off a goddamned army. Ali, come check it out!’
She pattered across the cold floor in her bare feet, her eyes wide with surprise. ‘He’s either a secret agent or a gangster.’ She ran her hand carefully over the weapons.
‘He’s not a gangster.’
‘Ah, so he is as I thought, a secret agent, working with that detective and the mongrel has us trapped.’
‘Ali stop! I’m not telling but it’s not that.’
‘Traitor.’
‘Young old lady.’
‘Young secretive boy.’
‘Man.’
‘Whatever.’ She waved her hand and fobbed him off. ‘Who calls me old?’
‘What was that?’ Jay whispered.
They both froze and Jay protectively wrapped an arm around Ali as they waited.
There were two knocks followed by a vicious rap on the wall. ‘You can’t hide, witch.’ It was Detective Berry. ‘You were picked up by heat sensors. I know you’re in there. Come out or I’ll blow the entire building. I am so over chasing you girlie. It’s time to wipe you from existence. I’ll tell the government their test subject didn’t make it. Oops, sorry…Did I say that out loud?’
He stomped off, growling orders at whoever he had with him, to get everyone out. ‘I’ve had it up to my neck. If that witch isn’t out in two minutes we’re turning this building into rubble.’
‘Can you use a gun?’ Jay asked.
Alina shook her head. ‘They will shoot you too if I walk out armed.’
‘Then we have to trust Ricco.’ Jay took her hands in his. ‘He said it’s safe in here. I would sooner die with you than let them use you as a guinea pig.’
‘Jay, don’t be a hero. Go! I’ll lock myself in, it’s me they want. Don’t be foolish.’ Tears welled in her eyes.
Jay shook his head. ‘No Ali, we’ll ride the blast out together.’ He clenched his jaw tight with frustration. Instinct to survive had his mind alert as he scanned the room, his focus on the set of cupboards he had yet to search. ‘There has to be something in these,’ he said as he swung open both doors and there in big letters, he read, ‘bomb kit.’
‘I swear Jay, this dude is freaky. Why would he have this?’
Jay watched her expression as he dragged the bag out and read the instructions. Ali was starting to get Ricco’s secret. She had finally wised up, and he figured she knew.
‘Okay! I have it worked out. Here, put these on.’ He handed Alina ear plugs and ear muffs to block out the sound.
‘Geez Jay, are you sure you want to go through with this?’
‘Ali, please. We haven’t got time to argue.’ He tossed her special graded covers for her feet and hands. Once they had them on, they helped each other into what they assumed were fireproof suits. As Jay placed the cover over her face and hair and then pulled up the hood, Alina protested and sobbed, not wanting him to get hurt.
‘Shh.’ Jay wasn’t sure where his bravery came from. He had been considered a wimp, but not today. He was going to save his girl no matter what.
He buckled Alina in tight against the wall. ‘I trust the prince and you must too.’
She tried to smile. ‘I trust you.’
‘You’re so going to live so I can see you naked one more time.’
Alina sniffled. ‘You’re on, boy, but if I have to be naked you do too.’
‘Deal!’ he said, strapping himself in. ‘Ricco will love this; teach him for leaving us here alone to get blown up.’
‘Last chance before I turn you into toast!’ they heard the loudmouth detective yell at them.
‘I’ve waited a long time Chadalina. This is the end if you don’t open this damned door.’ Silence for a minute. ‘Time’s up you horrid good-for-nothing, spawn of Satan.’
‘Geez Ali, he’s psychopathic.’
‘I’m sorry Jay, I wish there was a way to ease this for you.’ She let out a sob. ‘I can’t believe I got you mixed up in this.’ Tears filled her eyes again.
‘Ali it’s cool, but promise me something.’
‘What?’ She sniffed.
‘Make it a week. If we get through this I want you naked for a week.’
Her eyes widened. ‘You’re too naughty Jay. You can be such a boy.’
‘Well.’ He raised an eyebrow, daring her. ‘One week.’
‘Manipulator.’
‘Chicken.’
‘Okay, deal.’ She chuckled through fearful gulps of air.
‘I love it when you sound happy.’ He was chuffed she smiled, even if only for a minute.
‘I love you for doing this for me Jay and I’m so glad you stayed.’
Her eyes were so pretty when she looked at him as she was now and he prayed it was not the last time he’d see them. He reached over and with his gloved hand held hers. ‘We’re going to get through this and when we do; we can laugh and poke fun at each other while running around naked for a week. I promise to make it fun, okay. Just two girlfriends getting it off and that bully of a boyfriend had better not spoil my fun or else.
He could tell she smiled as her eyes lit up. ‘Jay, he’s going to be so ticked off.’
‘You promised girlfriend. You naked, mm…’ He chuckled. ‘You got one fine body girl and I can’t wait.’
Alina chuckled too. ‘I’ll give you one hour and I can see you going Yuk, where’s Kev and sanity.
‘Don’t bet on it.’ He adored her and his playful manner was making her happy. That in turn cheered him up, that even in the face of death they found humour. You better not be bullshitting me Ricco, he silently prayed. This vault had better save us or I’ll come back and haunt your arse.
Even though they had gloves on, Jay kept a hold of her hand.
‘Close your eyes, Sleeping Beauty and think of only nice things and when you wake up it will be your prince that holds you.’
Squeezing her hand with tender care he watched as her petrified eyes closed and she did as he asked. Her face started to relax as her thoughts went to another time. Jay too closed his eyes but his thoughts were of her romping naked through his house and them having the best fun ever. Of course Ricco and Kev were there too. They both needed more than just a laugh with each other. Jay grinned as the images swept him away, those sweet dreamy moments mixed with a blast that blew him harder than he expected…
* * * *
Ricco was beside himself not being able to get back to Alina and Jay before the building crumbled. The blast was so strong it blew out car windows along the street and set off many alarms. He searched the sky, knowing help was on the way.
Nash! Where the hell are you? He was impatient to get to Alina a
nd Jay.
He checked his watch. The alarm must have activated the minute the vault was entered. What’s keeping my team? Ricco’s mind ran wild with different scenarios. What if they didn’t survive? That made him sick. He knew the explosion had been exceptionally strong and chances of survival slim if they hadn’t geared up for it. Jay a smart boy; surely he found the equipment needed to get them through the blast. To wait was driving him crazy. Let them be all right.
It was only moments later that Ricco’s evacuation team arrived in the helicopters to pick up the blast shelter. He couldn’t tell if it were still intact until he got in the air. He clicked on his earpiece to communicate with them. ‘Where the hell have you lot been?’ The chopper landed and he got on board. Immediately he ordered the pilot to get back in the air. As he did he grabbed one of the automatic weapons, getting ready to cover the team that would extract the vault.
A sound grabbed their attention. ‘The police helicopters have arrived.’ Ricco pointed towards the three choppers that entered their airspace. ‘I want them gone.’
His shooters were marksmen and nodded as he continued roaring orders. Captain Nash was in the helicopter beside him and put thumbs up as he relayed Ricco’s command.
The snipers shot the fuel tank of the closest helicopter. Within seconds the fuel ignited and the chopper blew up. The ball of flames dropped to the ground. Listening on the radio, they heard the squad leader order the other two helicopters to pull back.
‘We’re outmanned and outgunned; who the hell are these people?’ Ricco heard Detective Berry’s voice blasting through the speakers.
Ricco could see the squad leader now having an argument with Detective Berry. It was obvious how furious Berry was at the change of events. He watched as Berry pushed the squad leader aside and ordered the ground team to fire at Ricco’s men. It was too late; Ricco’s recovery team had already scooted to the ground on jump-ropes and hooked up the vault to the third chopper. Once Ricco got the okay, he ordered the men to fire back at the police to keep them busy while team three pulled the vault to safety. The police were showered below with so much ammo that they ducked for cover, unable to return fire. Ricco and his team kept up the heavy assault until they were at a safe distance. Ricco had no intentions of killing them, but had to keep them at bay. He made an exception of a certain detective. Berry he would take great pleasure in strangling with his bare hands. Still ringing in his ears was the detective’s order to kill his Alina. Maybe he succeeded… His stomach twisted and his heart ached with the fleeting thought.
‘We’re clear.’ His men let out a cheer of excitement and knuckle punched each other.
‘Good. We’re out of here.’ Ricco communicated to Nash. ‘It’s over, friend, call up our cover.’
Ricco leaned back in the seat, putting his head against the wall. He felt exhausted and his mind was heavy with worry as the entire squad disappeared into a cloud of mist. The cover not only jammed radar and satellite tracking but left a blank sky; they were invisible.
Fools! the prince contemplated, who do they think they’re dealing with here?
Ricco was proud of what he had built up over the centuries. They headed for his home base that was totally secure and hidden well underground. He had the best of the best working for him and he paid well for their dedicated and loyal service. His rules were simple; break them and you’re history. He had no patience for disloyalty.
* * * *
Ricco scratched his chin. The irritation of this slow retrieval annoyed him. He had the most updated security system and tracking devices that were tapped into worldwide satellites. It had failed twice now. The first time was when Alina evaded him. But she was an expert at hiding and it showed. He smiled, thinking how clever his woman had been.
~ Chapter Eight ~
Headquarters
On the flight to ICOR, the prince’s headquarters, Ricco’s mind wandered to Jay, unable to work out how the lad that had grown on him so fast. Only after he ran a security check did Ricco find out his parents were two of his most trusted associates. They never spoke of their son, obviously preferring to keep their personal details private. Now, after meeting him, he realised that young Jay was a chip off the old block.
The helicopter eased the vault to the landing pad that set off the alarm to the underground fortress. It rang out with a deafening squeal. Medical teams stood ready to revive and give attention to who were in the stronghold. They figured it to be someone important for Ricco to be in that mood. He hadn’t eased up yelling at everyone and his fear for the trapped bordered on hysteria.
‘Get the door open! What’s wrong?’ he bellowed.
‘Just a bit buckled from the bomb Your Highness; we’re cutting through the latch now.’
He paced, stood, watched and paced again.
‘Guys, they may well be dying! Crack the damn thing open! Now!’
All of a sudden the door flew open and inside two bodies lay entwined, trapped beneath a heavy locker. At first glance Ricco was unsure if they were unconscious or, dare he think it–dead.
Squeezed in between the mass of bodies working to free them, he undid the straps with one movement and snatched Alina up into his arms.
‘Prince, please, we haven’t checked her yet. You could cause her damage.’
Ricco found it difficult to breathe as his nerves so raw, but he didn’t care; he wanted to hear her heartbeat and until then, they would have to wait.
Her skin was pale and cold, but the real issue was she had not drawn a breath.
‘Blanket!’ he yelled at the medic and snapped his fingers irritably.
They threw one over her and he wrapped her up and held her against his warm body. One of his immortal powers was heat and right now, she needed all the warmth he generated to help her heal. He hadn’t prayed in years, but prayed now, as he trembled in fear of losing her. Alina’s frozen features terrified him.
‘Alina sweetheart, please live.’ He warmed her face and lips with his.
She’s immortal, he kept reassuring himself. She’ll beat this. Yet he questioned how fragile her frame felt. His frantic thoughts stuck on how opposite they were. He was muscle, strength and cunning, she had everything else.
The heat worked and life floated back into her body. A deep shaken intake of air had him call out, ‘She’s breathing! They’re shallow and slow but she’s alive.’
‘Stay with us my sweet Alina,’ Ricco whispered in her ear.
He could hear a rhythmic heartbeat. ‘Ah, you like me too my Alina. Wake now to ease my fear. I promise I have you safe.’ His mouth moved to hers as he touched lips he missed. ‘I love you mon chéri and I know you love me too.’ He persisted with the kisses that she responded to and melted when she kissed him back. Ricco’s mind exploded under the onslaught of power she shot through him. A pleasurable rumbling sounded came from him as she returned the affection with equal passion. His determined soul had found his destined mate. Mine. His mind whirled in delight.
This time when he pulled from her mouth her eyes fluttered and opened. ‘You have much power over me sweet Alina.’
‘Jay!’
‘He is alive.’ Ricco consoled her. He could see Jay move as they unstrapped him.
‘In the arms of my prince… Jay didn’t lie to me.’
She closed her eyes again and slipped back into unconsciousness.
‘Sleep now, my Alina. ’
Pleased with his ability to save her, Ricco stood with Alina and laid her on the gurney the doctor had next to him. He reacted calmly to the stuffy huff. His immortal gifts were stronger magic and knew it was just what his immortal love needed to help her on the road to recovery. They didn’t know everything, so he ignored the disapproving stare. ‘Take care of her. She is to be my wife.’
Ricco glanced around, not seeing Jay anywhere. He was jealous of Jay’s attachment to Alina and yet for saving her, he was forever in his debt.
‘Jay! Is he all right?’ he asked Captain Nash.
‘As Alina did, he came around for a few seconds but slipped back into unconsciousness. His parents are with him.’
Captain Nash had been Ricco’s right hand man for many years and watched him go on many gung-ho missions, but with this he was not impressed. ‘What the hell were you thinking, Ricco? The destroying of that helicopter could have been avoided. You’re just lucky the pilot bailed and is all right. A murder charge is what we don’t need. It would have started another cat and mouse chase across the globe again.’
‘They’re okay! Everyone’s okay!’
‘For goodness sake!’ Nash snapped at Ricco who half listened as he watched the medical team take Alina away. ‘I get you’re in love with her, but you just about got yourself killed. Couldn’t you have come up with a plan that included us?’
‘I went to the kid for help. He saw something in me and we connected. He trusted me and I feared a call might make him jumpy.’
‘Damn the kid! This was foolish.’
Ricco shrugged. ‘I had to find her. I swear if I uncover who tipped them off...’
‘Maybe they tapped the kid’s phone.’
Ricco wondered if he himself hadn’t carried the bug on his person. He’d talked to the detective. Maybe Berry had planted one in a pocket. ‘Scan the three of us. It could be me.’
‘Unlikely.’
‘Just quit ear bashing me and get it organised. I’m not in the mood for a lecture. This was the only way to find her and no amount of arguing will change what has happened. We made it, end of story.’ Ricco gave him a grin. ‘She’s home Nash, I can’t believe it. I found her.’
Nash patted his back. ‘Okay you lovesick fool. Go sit with your girl while I try and clean up this mess. The outside world will need a story. I have to get to work.’
That’s why I pay you. Not to bust my chops.’ Ricco gave him a teasing glance as he headed off to the recovery room.
* * * *
Jay was still having tests but his x-ray showed cracked ribs, bruising and severe whiplash. Alina’s skin was black and blue and her broken arm had to be set straightaway as she had begun to heal. This astounded Ricco. He could heal too but this was fast, extraordinarily fast. Did she have specific healing powers?
