by Anna Hackett
Sloan set her shoulders back. Whatever happened, she’d fight. And she’d do it with Diego by her side. She wasn’t alone.
Bam.
The thug jerked, a spray of blood misting into the air. He tipped over, into the water.
Sloan froze. What the hell?
She looked up and saw Declan Ward hanging out the side of the chopper with a rifle in his hand.
Dec looked down his scope and kept firing. Two figures leaped out of the helicopter, lowering down on ropes. In the chopper’s lights, she could see a tall, dark-haired woman and a big man with shaggy hair firing as they rappelled down.
Diego elbowed her and Sloan turned. Together, they lifted their weapons, firing at the boat closest to them. Soon, there was no one left standing in the boat.
The other boat turned, trying to escape. It zoomed away, but a small object dropped from the chopper and splashed into the water.
A second later, the grenade exploded right beside the Silk Road boat. The giant spray of water lifted the inflatable into the air and flipped it over.
Dec saluted Sloan and Diego, as the helicopter flew over them to circle around. She saw Cal Ward at the controls, and Darcy waving madly from the co-pilot seat.
Diego wrapped an arm around Sloan and she leaned into him and laughed. “I still owe you some sexual favors, Torres.”
He squeezed her. “Yes, you do, Agent McBride. I won’t forget.”
Then he kissed her. It was a kiss brimming with emotion, excitement, adrenaline, and the thrill of surviving. But Sloan felt other things churning inside her. Things she was afraid to name.
Then she saw the blood on his arm and covered her eyes. “Maybe we should stop that bleeding first.” The adrenaline of the chase was waning and all she could see now was his bright-red blood.
“My poor, squeamish, Sloan.” His lips touched her temple. “Your secret is safe with me, chiquita, as long as you promise to nurse me back to health.”
She snorted. “It only winged you, Torres.”
Chapter Eight
Sloan stood by the railing of the Storm Nymph as Diego pulled it smoothly into its berth in the marina. The sun had just risen, and the cool, morning breeze ruffled her hair.
She saw the flashing red-and-blue lights waiting on the docks. A crowd had gathered down on the floating walkway.
“There’s the cavalry.”
Darcy’s words held a sarcastic edge. Sloan’s friend stood there, looking as chic as ever in her tight, dark jeans, and a dark-blue shirt. Her dark hair was in a tidy, sleek bob around her face.
After they’d taken out the Silk Road inflatables, they’d retaken the Storm Nymph. Sloan had made a mental note to never piss off the THS team. Declan’s team were badasses, especially his female security specialist, Morgan. Sloan was pretty sure she had a girl crush on the woman.
The helicopter was now parked on the landing pad at the front of the Nymph, and down on the main deck, a dozen Silk Road people were kneeling, hands and feet zip-tied, under the guard of a cranky-looking Logan O’Connor.
Sloan glanced up at the bridge and could see Diego through the window. He stood at the helm, a white bandage on his arm. The THS guys were all decent medics, and the handsome Hale Carter had patched him up.
Diego spotted her looking and his lips quirked. He shot her a quick wink.
“Oh, jeez, not you, too,” Darcy muttered.
“What?” Sloan said.
Darcy rolled her blue-gray eyes. “You’re falling in love.”
Was she? Sloan’s heart knocked against her ribs. Oh God, she was.
Darcy smiled. “I can’t fault your taste, though. Diego is a good man, and sooo easy on the eyes.”
Sloan frowned. “Hey, find your own man to ogle.”
A flash of something crossed Darcy’s face, and then she waved an airy hand in front of her. “The good ones are all taken.”
Panic locked Sloan’s chest. “What if it doesn’t work out?” She swallowed. “Darce, everyone I love leaves me.”
“Hey.” Darcy wrapped an arm around her. “Losing your family and your grandfather being sick has nothing to do with you, that’s just shitty luck, Sloan. I’ve never met a more courageous, determined woman. You deserve happiness and you sure as hell deserve a good man who loves you. And never forget that I love you.”
Sloan hugged her back. “Love you too, babe.”
“There are no guarantees in relationships, but I grew up with my totally-in-love parents and watched both my brothers take the fall, not to mention lots of our friends.” Darcy’s voice softened. “From what I can tell, it’s totally worth the risk.”
Sloan’s gaze drifted up to Diego again. He was in profile and just looking at him made her smile. Yeah, so worth the risk.
Darcy waggled her fingers. “Now, let me see the emerald.”
Fishing it out, Sloan held it up. The early morning sunlight hit it, reflecting green fire.
“Gorgeous,” Darcy breathed.
“I can’t wait to show granddad.”
Darcy squeezed Sloan’s arm. “I’m here for you, Sloan, whatever you need.” Then Darcy glanced up at Diego. “And I think you’ve got someone else looking out for you now, too.”
Sloan wasn’t sure what Diego wanted. He’d been hiding from his family and deeper connections for two years now. Was he ready for more? Did he want her to stick around? Did he feel the same shiny mass of emotions inside him that she did?
The Nymph’s engines cut off, and a second later, FBI agents swarmed onto the deck.
A dark-haired man strode in the lead. Dark suit, dark shades, and a serious face.
Now, Sloan worked with men in suits and holsters every day, but even she had to admit this man was sexy as hell. He fell well out of the neat-and-handsome category, and right into rugged-and-don’t-mess-with-me. This was a man who knew how to handle himself.
Darcy groaned.
Sloan raised a brow, noting that the FBI agent was clearly focused on Darcy. He stopped when he reached them.
“Agent McBride, I’m Special Agent Alastair Burke, with the FBI’s Art Crime Team.”
This was the agent Darcy was working with? “A pleasure.” She watched about ten different emotions slide across Darcy’s face. Very interesting.
“You’ve had a busy few days,” Burke said.
Sloan smiled. “Oh, a few bullets, a boat chase, attempted murder, and a million-dollar Incan emerald. Not that busy. The day’s still young.”
There was the faintest flicker of a smile on Burke’s face before his gaze settled back on Darcy. “I need you back in DC.”
Darcy tapped her boot on the deck. “Ask, Burke. Nicely. Real people use their manners.”
“I have a plane waiting at Miami International.”
“Burke—”
“I’ll give you a ride.” He swiveled and strode off, issuing orders at the agents processing the Silk Road people.
Darcy let out a half growl, half scream. “That man.”
“Speaking of easy on the eyes…”
Darcy held up a hand. “No. He’s so damn arrogant.”
Sloan shook her head. “Just sleep with him already, and get it over with.”
“What?” Darcy’s eyes bugged out of her head.
“The sexual tension between the two of you is scorching. I feel like I need a cigarette, or to drag Diego down to his cabin again.”
Darcy groaned. “Do not rub your orgasms in my face.” She skewered Agent Burke’s back with a dark look. “And there is no sexual tension. It’s just regular, I-hate-his-guts tension.”
As though he felt her gaze, Burke turned and looked back. Even with his glasses on, Sloan felt scorched.
She crossed her arms. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” Darcy threw her arms around Sloan and hugged her. “I have to go.”
“You’re avoiding the subject.”
“You bet. Take care of yourself, and your emerald.” Darcy winked. “And your hunky ex-SEAL.”
/> Sloan hugged her back. “Thanks, Darce. For everything.”
Darcy sat back in the plush leather seat of the private jet and focused on reading the file in her hand. The steady drone of the plane engines should have soothed her, but she was still feeling edgy.
One, from rescuing Sloan and Diego from Silk Road, and two, from bantering with Agent Arrogant and Annoying all the way to the airport. The man was so highhanded and bossy.
She dragged in a breath. She was so glad that Sloan and Diego were okay. It had been so damn close. Even now, she remembered sitting in the chopper, watching those speeding boats and gunfire.
Her hands clenched on the file. It was time for Silk Road to pay for all the lives they’d harmed and all the artifacts they’d stolen.
She felt Burke staring at her, his gaze like a laser beam. She lowered the file. “What?”
Green eyes cut into her. “Nothing.”
He’d taken off his jacket when they’d boarded. He wore a crisp white shirt with his holster. No wrinkles for Agent Alastair Burke. His handgun was snug under his arm.
Darcy cleared her throat. “So, we still have some work to finish on the exhibit.”
He nodded. “We’ll get it done before it opens.”
“You think the plan will work?”
“Yes.”
So certain and sure. She’d never seen Burke flustered or undecided. She hated to admit it, but she admired his confidence. Except when it crossed over into arrogance, which was a lot. Not for the first time, she wondered what drove Burke, what fueled his dedication to his job.
“You really think the Collector will come to DC?” she continued. “You really think we can end Silk Road once and for all?” She wanted it more than anything. The group had attacked her brothers and friends more times than she could count.
Burke leaned forward, his legs brushing hers. She caught a whiff of his yummy cologne—citrus and spice.
“I do. The Collector will come because you and I are baiting the perfect trap for him. And we’ll take him and his ring of thieves down because I always get my man.” Burke’s gaze slid over her face. “Or woman.”
Heat ignited in Darcy’s belly. Spending so much time with Burke was making it really, really hard for her to live in Darcy Deluded World, where she could deny just how attracted she was to him.
This man confused her. He challenged her, annoyed her, and made her feel alive and out of control. It scared the bejesus out of her.
He rose and Darcy quickly pushed to her feet. Her heart was beating hard and fast. “Burke—”
Suddenly, there was a muffled thump and the plane lurched, starting a hard descent.
Darcy was thrown off balance and slammed into Burke’s hard chest. One strong arm wrapped around her. He dropped into a seat, holding her tight.
“Anderson,” Burke barked.
“Sorry, sir,” the pilot called back, voice strained.
The plane engines whined, and Darcy looked out the window and gasped. She could see smoke. She gripped onto Burke’s shirt.
“Looks like sabotage,” Anderson yelled back. “There was some kind of explosion in the engine.”
Oh, God. Oh, God. Darcy’s heart was thumping so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. This was Silk Road. It had to be.
Burke thrust her into the seat beside his and did her belt up.
“Alastair—”
His head whipped up and he cupped her cheek. “Not going to let anything happen to you, Darcy.”
She stared into his green eyes, absorbing his strength and certainty, and prayed that was true.
“Thanks, Dec.”
Declan Ward smiled and shook Diego’s hand. “Anytime. You know that.”
Diego nodded. “If you hadn’t arrived when you did…”
“Hey, it all worked out. At THS we specialize at arriving in the nick of time.”
Diego’s gaze moved to where Sloan was laughing with Morgan, Logan, and Hale. She was alive and the sound of her laughter worked through him.
“You’re fine.” Dec clapped a hand on Diego’s shoulder. “And the oh-so-sexy and take-charge Sloan is fine as well.”
Turning his head, Diego scowled at his friend. “No need for you to notice she’s sexy.”
Dec barked out a laugh. “I have twenty-twenty vision, buddy. But don’t get your cutoffs in a twist, I’m a happily married man, remember? She’s gorgeous, smart, and from the looks of things, totally into you. You’re a lucky bastard.”
Diego saw Sloan was looking his way, a smile on her lips. “She’s…” He couldn’t put everything he was feeling into words.
In the middle of this dangerous treasure hunt, they hadn’t had a chance to talk about what had happened between them. Or what the future might hold.
He got a hard slap on the back from Dec. “I know exactly how you feel, Diego. Feel it every time I look at Layne. Speaking of which, I’m going to take my team and head for our jet. I’m feeling very eager to see my wife.”
“You aren’t going back to DC?”
“Darcy has it under control. I’ll be back when the exhibition opens.”
“You really think you can catch the Collector and bring down Silk Road.”
Dec’s eyes hardened. “Hell, yeah. Gonna take his ass down.” Dec clasped Diego’s hand and they shook. “See you soon.”
“Thanks again, Dec.”
Diego saw that Sloan was now on her phone and headed for the bridge. Finally, his ship was empty of people.
He tapped on the console. There were no bad guys and no FBI agents. Sloan appeared, her arms wrapped around her middle.
“You spoke with your grandfather,” he said.
She nodded. “He’s so excited about the emerald.” Her smile slipped. “He sounded tired though. I need to book a flight to Denver to see him and show him the Butterfly.”
Every muscle in Diego’s body locked tight. The thought of her leaving him…
Sloan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, watching him. “You can get back to your vacation, now.”
Diego stalked toward her.
She didn’t move but licked her lips. “I guess I’ll head back to my job, soon, too.”
He grabbed her. “You are not leaving.”
She raised a brow. “I’m not?”
“You owe me sexual favors.”
“Is that all you want from me?”
“No.” He kissed her, hard, like he could communicate everything he was feeling through that kiss. He pulled back, both of them panting. “I want everything, Sloan. I want to see your clothes in my cabin and mine at your place. I want to watch my mama fuss over feeding you. I want to come to Denver with you and meet your grandfather.”
Her face softened. “Really?”
“Really. I want your body and—” he took a deep breath “—I’m pretty sure I want your heart, as well.”
“Diego.” She went up on her toes, resting her forehead against his. “I want that, too.”
He lowered his voice. “I’d really like you to bring your handcuffs home sometimes, too.”
She flashed him a smile. “What would your mother say?”
“I’m not planning to let her know, but as long as you make me happy, and there’s the possibility you might give her grandbabies one day, she won’t care.” Sloan’s laughter warmed his chest. “I want to be your family, chiquita, and I’d like to share mine with you. I haven’t been treating them very well, so I’ve got a lot to make up for.”
There was a gleam in her eyes. “I think I can help you with that. Now, stop talking and kiss me, Torres.”
He yanked her closer. “It’ll be my pleasure, Agent McBride. Now, about those sexual favors…”
I hope you enjoyed Oliver and Persephone’s story and seeing how the Wards first met, and Diego and Sloan’s story too!
Treasure Hunter Security concludes with UNDETECTED, starring Darcy Ward and Agent Arrogant and Annoying, Alastair Burke. You won’t want to miss out on their ac
tion-packed story, so preorder Undetected now.
And stay tuned for more action-packed adventures with the launch of my brand new series, TEAM 52. This features the mysterious team in black the Treasure Hunter Security gang has encountered on their expeditions. Coming in August 2018.
For more action romance, read on for a preview of the first chapter of Among Galactic Ruins, the first book in my award-winning Phoenix Adventures series. This is action, adventure, romance, and treasure hunting in space!
Don’t miss out! For updates about new releases, action romance info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.
Visit here to get started: www.annahackettbooks.com
Preview: Among Galactic Ruins
When astro-archeologist and museum curator Dr. Lexa Carter discovers a secret map to a lost old Earth treasure—a priceless Fabergé egg—she’s excited at the prospect of a treasure hunt to the dangerous desert planet of Zerzura. What she’s not so happy about is being saddled with a bodyguard—the museum’s mysterious new head of security, Damon Malik.
After many dangerous years as a galactic spy, Damon Malik just wanted a quiet job where no one tried to kill him. Instead of easy work in a museum full of artifacts, he finds himself on a backwater planet babysitting the most infuriating woman he’s ever met.
She thinks he’s arrogant. He thinks she’s a trouble-magnet. But among the desert sands and ruins, adventure led by a young, brash treasure hunter named Dathan Phoenix, takes a deadly turn. As it becomes clear that someone doesn’t want them to find the treasure, Lexa and Damon will have to trust each other just to survive.
As the descending starship hit turbulence, Dr. Alexa Carter gasped, her stomach jumping.
But she didn’t feel sick, she felt exhilarated.
She stared out the window at the sand dunes of the planet below. Zerzura. The legendary planet packed with danger, mystery and history.
