Capturing Sosimo

by Sara Blackard

  “Sos, you’re taking point on this.” Zeke’s quick command had Sosimo flexing his fingers, his lungs expanding to their fullest.

  Relief tingled his hands. This job seemed to be an easy one. He wasn’t ready for something more dangerous. A mission where his decisions could leave someone injured or dead. He peeked over at Jake before nodding and turning his attention back to Zeke.

  “This should be a fun weekend for you all.” Zeke smirked.

  “You’re not coming?” Jake rubbed a hand over his scarred cheek, and Sosimo’s gut clenched.

  “I don’t want to leave Sam and Eva here alone just yet.” He rubbed his hand over his short dark hair. “Not with the Paynes still causing problems.”

  They all nodded their agreement. That family definitely lived up to their name. Sosimo focused as Zeke laid out the weekend. He had to get this right, had to recognize every possible point of weakness. He darted his eyes again at Jake, his gaze swinging to the leg that now sported a prosthetic. Sosimo’s chest tightened. He couldn’t afford any lack of attention, never again.

  Two

  A knock sounded on the suite door, pulling June’s attention from her assistant on the phone. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation of what she hoped proved to be a greasy cheeseburger and hot fries.

  She had a problem. She knew.

  She should have ordered a healthy salad, maybe a fruit tray. The stress of this event proved to affect her the same as when she focused on an invention—forgetting to eat until her stomach rioted with nausea and loud groans of wanting. When she got to that point, all hopes of healthy choices went out the window. She needed meat, lots of it, and fried carbs. She swallowed the drool that pooled in her mouth and hustled to the door, promising her protesting stomach that relief was just a few seconds away.

  “Mandy, I’m gonna have to call you back.” She opened the door. “I have to shove this burger in my face before I …”

  Her words trailed off as the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid eyes on stood in front of her, his eyebrow cocking. She’d grown up on Army bases around the world. She knew good-looking when she saw it, and this Latin specimen was spontaneous-combustion hot. Her mouth went dry, and her face heated into what she knew would be a splendid blush to match her red hair.

  “I’ll call you back.” She dropped the phone in her sweater pocket. “Can I help you?”

  “You shouldn’t answer the door without checking who it is, especially when you’re concerned for your safety.” The man’s dark brown eyebrows furrowed over his equally dark brown, almost black eyes, and his words hitched her heart into her throat. “You’re fortunate I’m from Stryker Security and not someone wanting to hurt you.”

  June barely refrained from rolling her eyes. She’d been doing that too much lately, though in her defense, it normally was a direct consequence of an obnoxious man. She already regretted buckling to her father’s demands, handsome security guard or not.

  “It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m Reagan MacArthur, by the way.”

  The elevator dinged, and she glanced down the hall. Her hamburger needed to get here stat. Hangry June itched under the surface, and a cocky, overbearing bodyguard might be the addition to the equation that equaled a full-blown meltdown. She mentally slumped when more Joes got off the elevator, toting duffles and gear like they were preparing to storm Area 51. Thankfully, the loft suite only shared the hall with a few other rooms. She could keep her private secret service … well, a secret.

  She stepped back and motioned for the men to enter. “Please, come in. Make yourselves comfortable. There’s a loft up the stairs with two queen beds. You’ll have to bunk up or something. One of you can grab the couch.”

  Tall, dark, and cranky stepped past and stopped next to her, a spicy scent wafting with him and making her stomach growl again. Great. Incredibly handsome and smelled good enough to take a bite out of. He glanced at her stomach, his eyebrow raising as he lifted his gaze to meet hers.

  “I have food coming,” she mumbled as she covered her stomach with her hand.

  “I know.” His words and slight smirk reminded her of her earlier comment, making her neck and face heat again. “I’m Sosimo Rivas. I’m in charge of your security detail for this weekend.”

  Wonderful. He had the sexy accent to go with the package. Why couldn’t her head of security be some retired colonel with shaggy gray eyebrows and overgrown nose hairs? Being a self-conscious nerd growing up with an overbearing father hadn’t afforded a ton of opportunities to practice taming her propensity for blushing around guys. Since she spent most of her adult life in her lab, she hadn’t really improved her high school dilemma much. Her geeky, introvert-self dreaded what was sure to be a weekend filled with mortifying moments.

  As one good-looking guy after another walked into her suite, she wondered if it was too late to take her chances with whoever had sent those emails. Mr. Rivas introduced his team by throwing names at her faster than her food-deprived brain could grab them. The elevator dinged, and she leaned out in hopes her food had arrived. Mr. Rivas’s shoulders, covered by a coat that molded perfectly to his frame, invaded her vision as he stepped in front of her. With a huff, she let the door go and walked into the suite. The sound of the door thumping against Mr. Serious’s back was oddly satisfying.

  One guy with auburn hair and a thick, trimmed beard whistled long and low. “Nice digs you got here.”

  “Yeah, since I planned on being here a few weeks, I wanted to have a larger space to spread out in.” June crossed her arms, the excess of the room making her feel self-conscious. Even though she had sold her first invention for several billion dollars five years ago, the lavish lifestyle didn’t settle right on her.

  “I’m Reagan.” She held out her hand.

  The man gave her an enormous smile as he wrapped his large hand around hers and pumped it. “Rafe. Nice to meet you, Reagan.”

  She smiled and hoped she looked at ease as the others reintroduced themselves. The door pushed open, and the room service cart rattled into the room. The poor delivery man looked like he’d been water boarded. His eyes were wide and sweat beaded across his forehead.

  She rushed over and smiled at him. “Thank you so much.”

  He nodded and his lips trembled up in more of a grimace than anything else. “You’re welcome. My pleasure, ma’am.”

  June followed him to the door, grabbing her purse on the entry table, and giving him a large tip. Sosimo stood guarding the door, his arms crossed over his massive chest. The hotel worker ducked his head and rushed out the door and down the hall like his life depended on it.

  She crossed her arms and glared at Sosimo. “Was that necessary? You just scared ten years off that dear man’s life.”

  “You never know who might pose as a worker just to get to you. Rafe. Leave it.” Sosimo’s harsh order caused her to jump and turn around.

  Rafe peeked under the cover on the tray. He slammed it shut with a chagrined look and a shrug. “It smells good.”

  These were the guys Dad insisted were the best? “Go ahead, Rafe. I can order something else.” June waved toward the tray, her stomach protesting the thought of waiting longer.

  “No, you can eat that. Your stomach is making more noise than a Ford power steering pump low on fluid. We’ll order more food.” Sosimo grabbed her elbow and pulled her toward the dining room table. “Why don’t you sit and eat while you tell us what the plan is for this weekend?”

  Sosimo pulled the chair out for her and pushed it in as she sat down, dragging the tray close. She would have protested, but the smell from the plate as the lid lifted had her stomach roaring.

  “You hiding a tiger somewhere in your shirt?” Rafe’s eyes grew wide as he peeked under the table.

  June laughed as her face heated. “No, no tiger. I just got so busy I forgot to eat.”

  “You do that often?” Sosimo’s eyebrows scrunched low over his eyes, and she felt as if he criticized her.

  She shrugged. “T
he dilemma of a busy mind, I guess. Order whatever you want. They have great food here.”

  June lifted her hamburger, the juices dripping out of the burger onto her plate. She couldn’t eat this without making a mess, but at this point, she couldn’t care less. She didn’t want to impress any of these guys anyway, good-looking or not. She took a bite and groaned as the rich flavor hit her tongue. She’d have to remember to eat more often. She closed her eyes and savored the bite. When she opened them, all the men stared at her. She put the hamburger down on the plate and dabbed her mouth with her napkin as she tried to regain any dignity she may have left.

  “I think I’ll order one of those.” Derrick’s deep voice rumbled into the quiet room.

  Rafe jumped up and rushed to the phone. “I’ll call it in.”

  “Order me one too,” Jake called from where he was setting up gear.

  “Sos, you want something?” Rafe asked with the phone to his ear.

  Sosimo shook his head, still staring at June.

  “Your loss, man.” Rafe turned his attention to the person on the other end of the phone.

  June picked up her burger and attempted to take smaller bites. Eating under Sosimo’s scrutiny unnerved her and ruined her enjoyment of the meal. She took two more bites and ate a couple fries before she set it down and wiped her fingers on the napkin.

  She cleared her throat. “I’m not sure how much you know about what’s going on this weekend, but I have put together a poker tournament to raise money for the A Hero’s Tomorrow Foundation. Do you know of that foundation?”

  Sosimo’s eyebrows rose, and he cast a quick look toward Jake. “We’ve heard of it.”

  “I’ve set the weekend up like the poker tournament in Maverick. The winner will split the pot with the foundation. In fact, the movie inspired me.”

  “Maverick? That’s cool.” Rafe sat down across from her at the table.

  She smiled back. “So the tournament will start tonight after dinner ends, and it’ll go until the last person wins, which should be sometime tomorrow, at the latest Sunday.”

  “You should get people coming in just to watch.” Derrick placed some gear in front of Rafe.

  “I hope so. I’ve already raised twenty-five million dollars, and that was just in the registration for the poker players. I’m hoping to raise more over the weekend with bystanders and the different silent auctions and whatnot I have set up around the room.”

  “Well, hopefully your event doesn’t end like the one in the movie did … with theft. Gambling doesn’t attract the best of characters.” Sosimo crossed his arms where he leaned against the back of the couch.

  June grabbed up her hamburger and tore another bite off, imagining it was Sosimo’s condescending attitude. She should’ve known that her dad would have her hire someone just like him. Sosimo better not ruin this weekend for her or she’d be more than hangry—she’d go supernova on the Latin heartthrob.

  Sosimo tugged on the sleeve of his tux again as they meandered through the crowd. Reagan had been explicit about wanting the four of them to blend in as much as possible. She’d also only allowed one of them to stay close to her. Sosimo hadn’t liked the idea, but she had been firm on that decision. So he stuck to her side and smiled at people as participants and spectators filed into the hotel ballroom.

  “Is everything going okay, Mandy?” Reagan asked the brown-haired young woman who approached with a clipboard.

  Mandy nodded, tapping her pen on the paper. “We only have a few participants who haven’t arrived yet, but they’ve already told us they wouldn’t be here until after dinner.”

  “Good. In a couple minutes, I’ll do the opening welcome and have everyone get seated for dinner.” Reagan touched the necklace around her neck. “I also need you to double che—”

  “Reagan, darling, how wonderful to see you.” An older woman dressed in a sparkling evening gown and more jewelry than she needed came up and air-kissed Reagan’s cheeks.

  Sosimo hid a smirk as Reagan’s body stiffened, and Mandy’s eyes rolled. Who was this woman that would cause such a reaction? She may be influential, but he found her rude, interrupting like she had.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Fitzgerald. My, what a lovely dress you have on tonight.” Reagan stepped back and admired the woman’s outfit that appeared far fancier than what anyone else wore.

  Mrs. Fitzgerald placed her hand on her collarbone. “This old thing? Oscar made this for me for a gala last year, but I knew it would be perfect for your little event.” She turned her sights to Sosimo, and his throat tightened. “And who is this fine young gentleman?”

  “Well … He’s … He’s …” Reagan stammered.

  They had planned to tell anyone who asked that he was a childhood friend. Sosimo wondered how long she’d stutter before she remembered the story she had insisted on. Guess she wasn’t as on top of things as she made out.

  Mandy’s eyes went wide before her mouth opened and words rushed out. “This is Reagan’s date. Her boyfriend.” Mandy turned a horrified expression to Reagan and mouthed, “I’m sorry,” before rushing back to man the door.

  “Hoo, hoo. Look’s like Sos got the lucky draw of the weekend.” Rafe’s jest came over the earpiece. “How come I never get stuck with the hot women?”

  Reagan’s panicked eyes pleaded over Mrs. Fitzgerald’s shoulder. She put her hands under her chin and mouthed, “Please.”

  Sosimo inwardly growled but put on a charming smile as he grabbed Mrs. Fitzgerald’s hand. “Sosimo Rivas. Nice to meet you, Señora Fitzgerald.”

  He thickened his accent as he placed a kiss on her wrinkly hand. He stepped over to Reagan, sliding his arm around her small waist. She stiffened beneath his touch. He swallowed the lump that suddenly formed in his throat.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well.” Mrs. Fitzgerald fanned herself as she looked toward Reagan. “Splendid job, darling. I wholeheartedly approve.”

  Sosimo glanced down at Reagan to see how she would respond. She just smiled and nodded at the woman. He flexed his fingers on her waist, the soft fabric snagging on his rough fingers. She peeked up into his face, her dark green eyes questioning him.

  Mrs. Fitzgerald chuckled. “Well, I best leave you two lovebirds alone. I have to go find Hubert.”

  Reagan blushed and cleared her throat, looking back at Mrs. Fitzgerald. “Enjoy your weekend.”

  “Not as much as you will, I'm sure, darling,” Mrs. Fitzgerald said loudly over her shoulder as she walked past, causing several others to look their way.

  Sosimo cracked a smile at the old woman’s antics and turned to Reagan. He almost burst out laughing at the bright red flush that covered from her neck all the way up her forehead. Her embarrassment at the woman’s comment couldn’t be passed up. She closed her eyes and rubbed her head before peeking up at him. He cocked his eyebrow.

  She groaned and leaned toward him. “I am so, so sorry. I have no clue what Mandy was thinking saying that. She will get a firm talking to when all this is over.”

  He shrugged and laced his fingers through hers, ignoring the tingle that shot up his arm. “It’s all right. It gives me the perfect excuse to stick close to you.” Sosimo winked at her, and she swallowed.

  “Okay. I’m glad you’re not upset.” She squeezed his hand, and his heart picked up its beat.

  “All part of the day’s work.” He pointed his chin toward the stage. “Aren’t you supposed to be making an announcement or something?”

  She startled, pulling him through the crowd toward the stage. Her manner was firmly back to its efficient loftiness.

  Sosimo berated himself as he scanned the crowd. He needed to remember to not let her pretty face and big doe eyes distract him. This might be a walk-in-the-park event, but one slip-up could cause disaster.

  Plus, something about Reagan sat wrong with him. Up in the room, she had been nothing like he imagined someone worth billions to be like. She seemed down-to-earth, laughing at Rafe’s idiotic jokes. She had
given them details of the weekend in quick, efficient stats, almost militaristic in the way she took them through the events of the weekend and the participants that had signed up so far.

  But the minute she’d walked out of her bedroom with her emerald dress clinging to all the right curves and making his heart pound like a jackhammer, she’d transformed into a billion-dollar woman, complete with the attitude to go with her new persona. The dichotomy unnerved him. He didn’t like variables in a mission, and Reagan MacArthur proved a sparkling variable.

  She threaded her hand through his elbow. As they walked toward the stage, she happily greeted American royalty and several celebrities like they were old school friends, though her hand slightly trembled on his arm. When they got close to the stage, she leaned in, her flowery scent pushing out all the other smells in the room.

  “I’ve reserved this table right up front for us. Why don’t you have a seat while I make my announcement?” Reagan formed it as a question, but her tone made it more like a general’s command. He didn’t think they taught that in inventor’s school.

  He surveyed the area and shook his head. “I don’t like it. You’ll be too exposed.”

  “Mr. Rivas, you don’t have to like it. That’s what’s going to happen. I can’t have you up on the stage with me, even if you are supposed to be my enamored boyfriend. There’s no reason for you to get all huffy. The table is close enough should you need to fly to my rescue.” With that pronouncement, she took her hand from his elbow and marched up to the stage.