Sinister Kisses (The SKALS Series)

by Noir, Adriana

  “Dressed like that?” Her hand unfurled from under the covers and she traced her fingers along the worn fabric of his hoodie. Peeling back the folds, she explored the soft cotton button up beneath.

  Sebastian shrugged. “He may know what to look for, and our uniforms would stick out like sore thumbs in a storage yard. The more we downplay things, the better.”

  “But it’s so early. You hardly got any sleep,” she argued with a worried pout.

  “I love you, sweetheart. Don’t worry about me. Everything’s going to be fine. You can do the resting for both of us.”

  He kissed her softly and stood. His fingers wrapped around hers and gave a gentle squeeze. Tugging away, Sebastian reluctantly headed for the door. Her voice stopped him before he could leave.

  “I love you, too. Be careful, please.”

  His grip on the doorknob tightened. He didn’t know if he could bear to look at her again and still leave. Regret carved his face as he glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

  Lowering his head, he stepped into the hall and pulled the door shut behind him. Three o’clock wake up calls were a bitch.

  Josh gripped the steering wheel with a growl, pushing his body against the back of the seat. The leather creaked behind him, and his shoulders stiffened. Sebastian watched from the corner of his eye as his partner scraped a hand over his haggard features. Darkness enveloped them and cast the warehouse in sinister shadows. The yellow hue of streetlights and city still shimmered in the distance. Thick tendrils of factory pollution and smog wafted through the night sky.

  “It’s too damn early for this shit,” Josh grumbled.

  Sebastian stared at him. “Drink your coffee and shut up.”

  “Seriously, I don’t want to be doing this crap right now.”

  “I don’t care to listen to you bitch about it either. Yet here we are. Shut your mouth and drink your coffee before I drown you with it.”

  “I can’t drink it if my mouth is shut, asshole.”

  Sebastian twisted in the passenger seat. He could see his lethal stare reflected in Josh’s pupils. His partner threw his hands up and shrank away, pulling his Pic-N-Run cup with him. Taking a sip of his own coffee, he returned his gaze to the dilapidated spread of the warehouse. Only a handful of dingy windows remained. A dim light radiated from the interior. Though abandoned, the building was far from vacant. At least for the moment. His attention shifted to the rusted railroad cars and battered truck trailers dotting the overgrown yard. Several plastic barrels sat in a row outside them, the blue coating offering the only splash of color in an otherwise dismal spread of corroded reds and browns. He glanced down as his phone quivered with a subtle vibration.

  “The visual feed is almost up,” he said, returning his cup to the holder. “What do you think they are stocking in those barrels?”

  Josh shrugged. “Hard to say with these clowns. It sure as hell ain’t Play-Doh though, I’ll tell you that much.”

  Sebastian sighed and grabbed the door handle. “You ready?”

  “Let’s roll.”

  Staying deep with the folds of his hood, Sebastian clung to the shadows nightfall offered. They had to move fast. Morning would be breaking soon, and with it, their cover. That also meant Laychee and his crew would be on the move. Criminals seldom liked to do their dirty work during the day. The smart ones did, but even they eventually slipped up somewhere. Josh stayed close behind.

  “There’s an exit around back. The door’s unlocked. Take the rear stairwell and climb to the upper deck. There’s too much activity below. We have a virtual beehive down there, boys.”

  Vince’s smooth voice echoed through his earpiece. A quick glance over his shoulder garnered a nod from Josh, assuring his partner had heard.

  “Sector two is on the roof.”

  He smiled. Dominic and Wes had made quick work. That’s what he liked to hear. Pushing the heavy metal doors as close to the hinges as he could, he slowly pried the barrier open. The pressure helped minimize the rusty squeak. Holding his breath, Sebastian realized he needn’t have worried. Vince’s assessment was right. A cacophony of deep voices rose from the belly of the warehouse. His gaze darted to the right and immediately settled on the metal stairs. He scaled them quickly, moving on the balls of his feet. The thin railing split at the top, circling the entire rim of the second floor. He chose a door near the center and motioned Josh to circle to the other side of the building. They would cover both angles.

  “Sector One Alpha in place,” he affirmed in a whisper.

  “Waiting on Bravo. Jesus, this place is huge.”

  Sebastian’s jaw tightened. He didn’t like small talk on recon. It was distracting and unnecessary. His fists balled and released in a bid to ease the tension creeping up his arms to spread across his shoulders. Long seconds ticked by as he waited for Josh.

  “Bravo, ready to go.”

  “Have at it boys.”

  Cracking his door open, he peered across the way and winked at his partner as he appeared through a slit on the opposite side. He kept the door propped against his shoulder, using it as a shield as he scanned the activity below. A quick headcount numbered seven different men. They swarmed across the concrete floor moving boxes and crates. Some of the boxes were stacked five deep, reaching close to ten feet high.

  “What the fuck?” Josh whispered.

  “Hold still, Bravo, using your feed to zero in.” Vince paused for a moment. “Huh. The boxes are stamped Spunkmeyer. Something tells me these boys aren’t setting up shop in the middle of the night to ship frozen snicker doodles.”

  “That’s a damn shame. I’m getting hungry.”

  “Both of you shut up,” Sebastian snarled beneath his breath.

  Blessed radio silence followed. His gaze tracked the men as they moved from one end of the warehouse to another. Tension battered his system, and his jaw ached as he squashed a yawn. Blinking against the watery swell in his eyes, he glanced across the way at Josh. His partner was a mirror echo of himself, clad in black street clothes and a loose, flowing hood that helped shade his features. He edged back as a shout sounded below.

  “The truck is rolling in. Get these loaded onto the forklifts!”

  Craning his neck, he strained to get a visual on their proclaimed foreman. Dark hair and a narrow face stamped into his memory, as did the long and beakish nose. Whoever it was, it wasn’t Laychee. His brow furrowed. A rending sound tore his attention to the right and he watched as a stocky blond tore open one of the boxes. Bingo. There was their boy. Styrofoam peanuts spilled onto the floor as he rummaged through the contents. Intermittent flashes of black appeared through the sea of white packaging. He licked his lips in anticipation as Laychee lifted a gleaming assault rifle from the box. Then he froze.

  Most, if not all, that he could see were military issue, falling under the Special Forces divisions. There were SCARS that put out over six hundred rounds a minute. Nestled among the stash were guns with bullets capable of piercing bulletproof glass, armor, and concrete at distances of a thousand yards or more. Smoke grenades…flash grenades. Either these boys were making a killing shipping their stash or someone was gearing up for war. Quite possibly both, considering the loving way Laychee stroked his weapon. Sebastian’s blood ran cold and a prickle of unease danced across his nape.

  His head snapped up as Vince’s voice echoed in his ear, and a simultaneous creak sounded across the tier.

  “All sectors call in. There’s movement on the tier. Repeat, confirm locations sectors.”

  One split second was all it took. He found himself trapped in both man and camera’s sights. He knew the minute the shutter snapped shut, capturing his face. He could feel it.

  “Mother fucker,” he growled. Whirling, he let the door fall shut behind him as he darted down the railing after the cameraman.

  “Son-of-a-bitch!” Josh hissed. “He got us. Let’s get his ass and get out!”

  His partner’s rapid footfalls thunde
red on the other side as they both gave chase. Sebastian watched as the third hooded figure swung out over the stair rail and jumped the steps. Despite the man’s bulk, he moved with startling ease and speed. Too much so. He was also far too quick and light on his feet for his comfort. Catapulting his weight over the railing, he cleared over half the steps before landing. Josh landed with a grunt directly behind him. His mind whirled as his body took over and acted on instinct. So far, no one else seemed to notice their presence. Opening fire would not only compromise the rest of their team, but the entire operation. Reaching behind him, he pulled his knife from its sheath and launched it into the air after the man.

  It sailed past and lodged into the wall as he turned. Sebastian cursed beneath his breath, yanking his weapon from the wall on the way past. Vince’s voice was a flurry of activity in his ear. The technical guru served as his voice, since neither him nor Josh could call out their locations or request back up. His heart hammered. The roaring pulse of his own blood became all he could hear. He caught the door on its backswing and burst into the yard. His gaze darted over the abandoned trailers and rusted cargo trains, searching for any sign of movement. Josh panted quietly beside him. Several silenced pings bounced off metal, steering them in the right direction.

  They dashed across the yard in a full-blown sprint. Sebastian’s heart sank as he spotted their target leaping into a vehicle parked outside the fence lining the perimeter. Someone had been waiting for him. The nondescript Toyota gave a shrill bark of its tires and lurched down the street. Shoulders and chest heaving, he stared after the disappearing glow of taillights.

  “Get a fucking chopper on that car, now!” he snarled.

  Whirling, he slammed his fist into the side of a J&L Rails car. The pain nearly doubled him over. Groaning, he clutched his battered fist. Josh’s hand fell across his back. For a brief second, he fought to draw comfort from the heat and reassurance.

  “It’s gonna be alright. We’ll find him, Baas. Right now, we got to get out of here.”

  He nodded. Besides praying, it was all he could do.

  Taylor nibbled her bottom lip and tried to keep her focus trained on making a pot of coffee. It was hard when her attention kept drifting to Sebastian and the huge bear of a man parked in a chair in their great room. Her lover’s shoulders were slumped. Much like the night before, the sight of him so dejected broke her heart. He kept his elbows braced on his knees, but his hands scrubbed a constant path over his face or through the wild curls on his head. His hair stood on end, and whenever his eyes met hers, they were fearful and troubled. It was something she understood all too well.

  Their houseguest was beyond intimidating. His glittering ebony stare missed nothing. Huge muscles strained against the front of his open dress shirt and pushed against the sleeves. Even his forearms were thick and corded. The only hint of softness he bore was the warm, glowing chocolate of his skin.

  “You’ve always had a lovely home, Sebastian.”

  Her head swiveled around at the deep boom of his director’s voice. She gripped the counter to still a fearful tremble. Part of her wished to God that they’d never had that talk last night. It would have been so much easier to believe this man was his boss and a guest in their home. Instead, her mind clung to thoughts of torture and death. Ignorance really was bliss.

  “Thank you.” Sebastian’s voice was quiet, subdued.

  “I’ve always enjoyed my time here.” Marx leaned against the back of the chair, making the polished leather crackle. His massive fingers tented beneath his chin, as if he were deep in thought. “But as lavish as your surroundings are, I’m sure they are infinitely more enjoyable when shared with such a beautiful woman.”

  Sebastian’s head snapped up. Taylor’s breath caught at the fierce look suddenly creeping into his eyes. The muscles in his jaw locked and bulged in rigid fury as he leaned forward.

  “Leave her out of this,” he warned, his voice coming in a low growl.

  The director merely regarded him with a cold smile.

  “Relax,” he said with a rumbling chuckle. “That wasn’t the point I was trying to make…at least not yet.”

  “Not ever,” Sebastian countered, his eyes still full of venom. “Don’t forget, you are the one who trained me. I know all your tricks, and I assure you I’ve learned quite a few of my own.”

  Marx hitched a thick eyebrow. His generous mouth quirked at the corners, making his close-cropped moustache twitch. “I’ve always admired that about you, Baas. You have a tremendous amount of fight and ambition. There’s an unshakable bloodlust and violence in you that never truly dies. The best you can do is try to put it to rest for a while and hope it sleeps.”

  “Think what you want.”

  The large man shook with quiet laughter. “Oh I don’t have to think. I know. It wouldn’t surprise me if you and I ended up on opposite sides of a loaded gun one day. In fact, I count on it. But, today is not that day.”

  The plates rattled in her hands as she attempted to carry the coffee in from the kitchen. A brief spark of empathy flashed in Sebastian’s eyes as he took the plate and mug from her. It vanished beneath something savage and cold.

  “Thank you, Miss McAvay,” Marx stated. He stood and approached. Taking the other saucer from her hands, he indicated to the couch. “Please, have a seat.”

  Her gaze darted uncertainly to Sebastian. All he offered was a curt nod. Taylor dropped onto the cushion beside him with a strained swallow. She was really starting to hate this room and the memories it harbored.

  “As I was saying, I appreciate that hunger and drive. It’s what’s gotten you so far. But right now, you need to retrain that energy and focus it where it needs to be. This morning, your identity was compromised. I won’t get into my annoyance. I’m sure you are equally displeased. We’ve since run the plates on the car. It’s registered to an old high school friend of our target.”

  “Which one?”

  Marx smirked. “The one you decided to carve up like a festive jack-o-lantern…all over an indiscretion with this lovely woman here, if I’m not mistaken.”

  Taylor paled as he motioned in her direction. She found herself subconsciously pressing into Sebastian’s shoulder in a bid for protection as the director set his coffee on the wooden table and stepped closer. Her eyes drifted shut as a familiar, reassuring hand settled against the small of her back. He was there. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. She clung to that hope, repeating it like some sort of sacred mantra in her head. Despite it all, a shiver of fear threatened. She slit her eyes open and jumped, flinching back, when Marx reached out to brush her cheek. Her stomach clenched into violent knots. Shuddering, she all but crawled behind Sebastian in her efforts to get away. Not only did she not want the hulking beast touching her, but she didn’t want to deal with the potential rage that contact might trigger. The man beside her was already unbearably tense and coiled with rage.

  Lifting his arm, Sebastian shoved her to the other end of the couch as he sprung to his feet. Taylor huddled against the arm, watching as he planted his body between her and his director. Marx shook his head with a soft chuckle.

  “She’s a skittish little colt, isn’t she?”

  “Taylor knows my views as well as you do. Unfortunately only one of you seems to abide by my wishes.”

  Marx’s skin took on a renewed glow as he threw his head back with a loud bark of laughter. “Ah yes, your views. Those are what got us into this predicament in the first place.”

  “Don’t keep pushing me,” Sebastian warned. He leaned back, jerking his head to the side as the other man reached out to ruffle his hair. Eyes narrowed into furious slits, he prowled in a slow circle.

  “That’s the rabid pit bull I like to see. Hold onto that anger. Keep your priorities straight and channel that rage where it belongs so you can focus on what needs done.”

  “You’re the distraction,” Sebastian growled. “The only thing I’m thinking about is right now is how much I want to kill you.
Get out of my house and let me get some sleep so I can do my fucking job.”

  Marx’s eyebrows shot up and a genuine smile broke across his face. He nodded at his protégée as a proud parent would when acknowledging their child. Taylor stiffened as his dark stare pivoted her way. Swallowing, she lifted her chin. He smirked.

  “See to it that you remain loyal to this man and his career, Miss McAvay. It would be a shame to see such fierce passion put to waste.”

  Staring at the plush carpet, she nodded. Taylor sucked in a breath of relief as Marx left the room. It took her a moment to regain her senses, but she stood and trailed after Sebastian as he escorted the man into the foyer. Their house shook, echoing with a thunderous peal when he slammed the front doors on the director’s heels. He wasted no time punching in the security code. His gaze remained trained on the decorative glass panels flanking the doors until the gates swung shut behind Marx’s Jaguar and his vehicle had cleared the street. Fury still radiated from him as Sebastian snarled beneath his breath and turned to face her.

  Taylor winced and took an uncertain step back.

  “Come here,” he ordered, pointing to the spot in front of him.

  Her face knitted with worry, but she pressed closer. Gratitude washed through her as he opened his arms and drew her into a warm embrace. His lips settled against the top of her head. She could feel him breathing deep, pulling her scent into his lungs. Closing her eyes, she relished the feel of his body as Sebastian swayed in place, hugging her against him until his tension ebbed. His hands threaded through her hair when he stilled, and he gently tugged her face back.

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that, baby. He insisted on meeting you.” His fingers trailed over her jaw in a reverent caress. Holding her stare, he winked. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “I didn’t do anything,” she insisted.

  “Yes you did. You came to me. You trusted me to protect you.” He presented her with a beautiful smile that highlighted the chasms in his cheeks despite his exhaustion. “A lot of grown men find Marx intimidating. I could tell you were scared, but you didn’t back down and let him touch what isn’t his. You remembered that you are mine.”