by Jade Dean
Trusting that Abby’s training would keep her alive, Ryan took a few running steps and leapt through the window.
Abby wished she could follow Ryan, but she had her hands full at the moment. The crazy blonde Russian was more skilled with a knife than she’d expected. Abby had shot the lone male bandito after kicking open the door then had narrowly avoided a knife thrown by Tatiana.
“Come on, bitch!” the blonde had taunted. “Let’s see what you can do!” He low cut leather vest was too tight to contain her fake breasts and her nipples peeked out over the top. Her pants were so tight that they had to be restricting her movements. Abby had no such problems with her clothing and could move freely and easily.
Accepting the challenge, she’d shrugged her bag to the ground and had drawn her favorite knife from the sheath on her left wrist. That had been a couple of minutes ago and the pair had been locked in battle ever since.
Tatiana had received a knife wound from the American agent a few weeks ago and was still embarrassed and furious about being wounded long after the cut had healed. She’d been itching to go one on one with the shorter woman and now she had her chance. Unfortunately, she’d underestimated Abigail’s skill and she was starting to doubt that she’d win this contest.
Worry for Ryan intruded on Abby’s concentration and she skipped back a step as the blonde’s blade came very close to putting out one of her eyes. God only knew how many more contingency plans Montoya had set up around the city. She couldn’t let Ryan go after the drug lord alone.
Tatiana faltered when the female agent seemed to draw her focus back in. Staring into her stormy eyes, she knew she was about to die and bitterness welled.
Reading the hopelessness in the weird yellow-green eyes of her foe, Abby knew the battle was over even before she deflected the next lunge and her blade sliced through Tatiana’s throat. The blonde fell to her knees as blood sheeted down her chest. She toppled onto her face as Abby turned to find Holt and Doran standing in the doorway.
“Ryan went after Montoya into the building next door,” she said. “I’m going after him. You two take the stairs and guard the exits.”
She didn’t wait for them to acknowledge her order and scooped up her bag. Sprinting into the room across the hall, she leaped through the window and landed in the living room in the building next door. The occupants were hiding in a bedroom and shrieked in alarm when they heard yet another person invading their home.
Rapid footsteps on the stairs drew her out into the hall and she leaned over the railing to see Ryan almost at the ground floor. Montoya was nowhere in sight.
“The target is fleeing through the back door,” Ryan barked. He glanced up to see Abby leaning over the railing. She didn’t appear to be harmed, so he put his head down and barreled down the stairs.
Up on the roof, Jackson leaned his sniper rifle on the ledge and waited for the target to appear. A few seconds later, a male burst out through the door and sprinted towards an alley across the street. Dale had a very short window of opportunity and he didn’t waste it. Peering through the scope, he aimed and fired.
Pain burst through Diego’s left calf a moment before he heard a loud crack split the air. A car was waiting for him just half a block away and he hobbled towards it, using the wall for balance and throwing frantic glances back over his shoulder.
Ryan heard the subsonic sound of sniper fire as he exited from the building. His disappointment at not being able to take the kill shot evaporated and elation replaced it when he saw the limping form of his adversary in the alley across the street.
“I winged him for you, boss,” Dale said. “But you’d better hurry, the cops are on their way.”
The faint wail of sirens filtered to Ryan as he jogged into the alley. Terror flowed across Montoya’s face as he glanced back to see him closing in.
Panting for air and balancing on one leg, Diego leaned against the wall and held his hands up in surrender. “You win, Agent Sheldon. I surrender.” His usual elegance was gone, buried beneath fear. “I suppose you will arrest me and take me to the US for a trial?” he asked almost hopefully.
Abby reached the alley in time to hear Montoya’s question. She knew what Ryan’s answer would be even as he drew his gun.
“Wrong,” Ryan said and pulled the trigger. He’d never been one for making long speeches.
Diego froze in surprise as a hole appeared in his forehead. He fell to the ground in a boneless heap at Ryan’s feet. The agent stared down at the corpse expressionlessly. It had taken over two years to exact his revenge and now that it was over, he felt a profound sense of relief. He’d avenged Miranda and he could now put his old life behind him and move on. Abby slipped her hand into his and his gladness swelled. He wouldn’t be spending his life alone as he’d expected. He now had someone to love again and he was lucky enough that she loved him in return.
Turning to face Abby, he frowned at the fear in her eyes. “What’s wrong?” The police would turn up in a few minutes, but they’d have more than enough time to get away.
Taking her laptop out of her bag, she dropped it to the ground and fired several bullets into it. Now no innocent civilians would be able to use it and accidentally become involved in her problem. She had other laptops back in Washington DC that carried the same programs. “We have to get out of Rio,” Abby said as calmly as she could.
Jackson, Holt and Doran arrived in time to hear her concern. “What’s the rush?” Dale asked as Abby broke into a jog, heading further down the alley.
“My boss will know by now that I hacked into the restricted program and used it to track Montoya,” she said without slowing down. “That means he knows exactly where we are and people will be on their way to…collect us.”
Ryan didn’t like her hesitation and suspected she’d meant something very different. Logan Matthews had tried to have Abby killed once, and had used her own team to do it. He’d be even more rabid about ending her life now that she’d used his own illegal technology for her own personal use. She hadn’t told him much about her old boss, but he knew enough to know that Matthews was a bad guy. If he caught up to them, none of their team would survive.
₪₪₪
Chapter Twelve
Jogging away from the building where they’d massacred over two dozen men and one woman, Ryan took the lead. He found what had probably been Montoya’s getaway car. It was a small red sedan that wasn’t quite as rusty and rundown as the previous one that Diego had fled from the compound in.
The three SOB agents would have trouble fitting in the back, so Abby motioned for Jackson to take the front seat. Doran was clutching his left arm and blood dripped from between his fingers when she slid in beside him. Matt climbed in last and fished around inside his bag. He handed a first aid kit to Abby as the car took off.
Bright red and blue lights lit up the streets behind them as Ryan negotiated his way out of Rio. Trevor had arranged for their pilot to land on an airfield several hours away after dropping them in the ocean. Glancing into the rearview mirror, he saw Abby placing a dressing on Josh’s wound. The big agent nodded his thanks, showing no sign that he was in pain.
Wiping her hands clean on a spare shirt she’d stashed in her bag, Abby couldn’t help but look out through the back window every few seconds. She’d taken a terrible risk by hacking into the program and she could practically feel Logan breathing down her neck. She expected big black government cars to surround them at any moment, but they left the city behind without being pursued.
Ryan only began to relax when Abby finally stopped watching for a tail. He was still feeling a mixture of relief and disbelief that his mission was finally over. They’d survived against the odds that had been stacked against them with only one injury. Josh was slumped against the door with his head resting on the window. Despite his wound, he was already fast asleep.
Driving until dawn light touched the sky, Ryan stopped a mile or so away from the airfield. It was in a remote location that would be per
fect for an ambush. The airfield was yet another old favorite of drug runners that wasn’t currently in use. They tended to shift their operations frequently to avoid the notice of the authorities.
He drove the car off the road into the jungle, hiding it from sight just in case anyone happened along. “Dale and I will reconnoiter the airfield and make sure it’s safe,” Ryan said to the three agents in the back.
Abby wasn’t happy about being left behind, but she could see the wisdom of staying hidden. She nodded in agreement, as did Holt and Doran.
Ryan and Jackson jogged down the road closer to the airfield, constantly checking for cars in both directions. They went low to the ground when a fence came into view. They saw the cargo plane sitting at the end of the runway. The clunky old airplane looked almost small with distance.
Dale looked through the scope of his sniper rifle while Ryan surveyed the area with his binoculars. Jackson focused on the plant and saw the pilot sitting in the cockpit. From the way his head was nodding to a rhythm, he was listening to music. He saw no signs of concern on the man’s face.
Ryan searched the small field with its single runway carefully. He saw no vehicles or people anywhere. Jungle surrounded the property and any number of people could be hiding in it. He checked the fence and it was intact all the way around. No one was lying in wait, so he contacted the others. “It’s clear. Meet us at the plane.”
“We’re on our way, boss,” Matt said and slid over into the driver’s seat.
Ryan and Jackson beat the stolen car to the cargo plane, but only just. Holt playfully gunned the engine, pretending to swerve towards them before parking beside the runway. Abby gave the agent an exasperated shake of her head at his antics.
“There’s no hope for him,” Josh said to her as he opened the door. He’d grown used to Matt’s quirky personality years ago. “He’ll never grow up.”
Their pilot had begun preparations to take off as soon as he’d spied Ryan and Jackson running through the gates. He was just as keen to get back home as the rest of them.
Josh’s arm was sore, but he didn’t need any help climbing on board. The pilot opened the cargo doors for them, so they simply had to walk up the ramp and into the hold. By the time they’d stashed their gear beneath the nets that would keep them from tumbling around and potentially injuring someone, the engines were running.
Strapping herself into the same seat she’d used last time, Abby took Ryan’s hand when he sat beside her. Both were weary from a night of action, but they could rest properly once they were home safe on US soil.
The ten hour flight was tedious and tension mounted the closer they drew to home. Abby pictured the plane being surrounded once they touched down and coasted to a stop. Her premonition of doom was again unjustified when the cargo door opened and a lone black SUV waited for them.
Ryan asked their driver to pull over when they were in the middle of Washington. “Tell Trevor I’ll be in to see him tomorrow,” he told the agents. “It was good to work with you again. You did well and I owe you all one.”
“If you ever need my help, just ask,” Abby said as she climbed out behind Ryan.
“We might take you up on that,” Holt said and winked.
Waiting for the vehicle to drive away, Abby turned to Ryan. “You don’t want me to go with you when you meet Trevor.” It was a statement, not a question.
Taking her hand, he walked towards the nearby entrance to the subway. “That phone call he received just as we were leaving for Rio worries me.” He remembered the look of concern on Trevor’s face and had a feeling it had something to do with him. “I’d feel better if you stayed home.”
Abby was reluctant to be parted from him even for a short time, but she could see he was determined to keep her away from the Special Ops Branch. She didn’t particularly want to step foot inside his old headquarters again, so she nodded in agreement.
Years of training and caution had them splitting up when they boarded the train. Abby couldn’t shake the feeling that Logan was aware of her illicit activity and that he would now be actively hunting for her.
She reached her apartment first and watched it carefully before entering. No one was watching the building and her apartment door was securely locked when she checked it. Movement behind her made her whirl around. She’d drawn her gun as soon as she’d entered the building and dropped it when she saw Ryan approaching.
He also had a gun in his hand and watched the hallway as she unlocked and opened her door. After a quick search, they determined that her apartment was empty. Abby sat down and checked her computer. It verified that no one had attempted to enter her home while they’d been gone.
“We’re home and we’re safe,” Ryan said softly and folded her into his arms. “It’s over.”
Abby gave him a smile that felt weak. She had a feeling that their troubles weren’t done yet.
₪₪₪
Chapter Thirteen
After their long, tense mission and long hours of travel, all Abby wanted was to take a shower and fall into bed. She did, and slept deeply and without dreams for a change. She woke to the sensation of lips on her neck a hand on her breast.
Ryan felt it the instant Abby woke. She stretched, pressing her breast into his palm and made a sound of enjoyment as he kissed his way downwards. He circled her nipple with his tongue, but didn’t linger for long. He worked his way down her body and pushed her legs apart.
It was barely past dawn and just enough light filtered into the room for Abby to watch as Ryan’s tongue flicked out to taste her. He took his time to build her into a state of writhing need. Delving into her folds, he suddenly flicked her clit rapidly, which always brought her to the edge within moments.
Throbbing deep inside, Abby moaned when Ryan flipped her over onto her stomach. He spread her arms apart and reached into the top drawer of the bedside table. Withdrawing two pairs of handcuffs, he secured her to the bedhead. Now she was trapped and he could do whatever he wanted to her.
Running his hands down her smooth back, they came to a stop on her ass. He nudged her legs further apart with a knee and slid a finger deep inside her. She was already slick with desire as he worked his finger in and out of her. Adding a second digit, he increased his speed.
Abby was going to fly over the edge if Ryan kept this up. She was breathing in sharp pants and fire licked her insides. Her whole body tensed as she felt the first stirrings of an orgasm.
Ryan gave a low laugh when Abby cursed in frustration when he pulled his fingers out of her. She turned her head and narrowed her eyes at him, but she was helplessly tied down, which turned them both on.
Waiting for her breathing to grow more normal, he drew her up to her knees, but put his hand on her back to keep her cheek resting against the mattress. Before she could brace herself, he speared himself deep inside her. Placing both hands on her hips, he thrust into her hard and fast.
Abby responded as she always did and was helpless to fight against the pleasure she felt at being dominated by the man she loved. His cock slid in and out of her rapidly, but not quite hard enough to cause her pain. Her body went into motion as she neared the edge again, rocking back to meet his thrusts. Moans of intense pleasure escaped her as her orgasm swelled up and swallowed her whole.
Ryan lost what little control he had left when Abby let out a near sob of ecstasy. He pumped himself into her willing body and her smoky gray eyes watched him with desire as she turned to look over her shoulder again.
Abby loved to watch Ryan’s face as he came. He wore a look of intense concentration, which changed to bliss when he finally allowed himself to ejaculate. He stiffened, thrust into her a final time and slumped slightly as he climaxed.
Although he wanted to stay in bed with Abby and pleasure her again, Ryan had unfinished business with his former boss. Trevor Watts had loaned him some of his old team members to take down Montoya and the least he could do was thank the man in person. He was still worried about the call that Watt
s had taken, and he’d take precautions just in case his fears turned out to be valid.
Un-cuffing his girlfriend, he rolled her over onto her back then planted a kiss beside the lioness pendant that lay between her breasts. “It’s good to be home,” he said with a grin.
“Speaking of which, we should find somewhere new to stay soon,” Abby replied. She no longer felt safe living in Washington with Matthews still searching for her. She hoped Ryan wasn’t adverse to the idea of moving to another state.
“We’ll pick a new location as soon as I return from my visit with Trevor,” he promised and leaned over to kiss her.
Before the kiss could escalate into far more, he rolled off the bed and headed to the shower. He agreed with Abby’s wish to move. They were far too close to both of their former workplaces and she was still in danger from her old boss. The sooner they moved, the safer she’d be.
He dressed casually in khaki trousers, a white T-shirt and a light tan jacket. His Special Forces boots didn’t exactly go with the outfit, but they enabled him to hide a knife and a sheath into his right boot. He slipped on a holster before donning his jacket then slipped an extra handgun into the waistband of his pants in the small of his back.
Abby had showered as well and she was a pleasant distraction as he armed himself. Dressed in only a towel, she offered to make him breakfast, but he refused. “I want to get this over with and Trevor is always in early.” He pulled her in close and gave her a thorough kiss before releasing her. “I’ll be back soon,” he said with a wink then left.
Locking the door behind Ryan, Abby felt tension begin to creep in. Checking the fridge, she realized they were out of milk, amongst other things. She felt like an omelet, but she didn’t have the ingredients to make one.
Dressing in tight jeans, a red blouse and a black leather jacket, Abby shouldered her purse and headed for the door. Like Ryan, she didn’t go anywhere unarmed. She had a knife strapped to each wrist as well as to her left calf. Her jacket was long enough to cover the gun in the small of her back. It wasn’t particularly comfortable having a weapon digging into her flesh, but it was quicker to access than the gun in her purse.
