by Renee Hewett
Again, a sad moment. Andrés cleared his throat. “Were you able to raise Kailee around more shifters, compared to your youth?”
“I tried,” Dedra explained. “But it’s not like there’s a secret handshake or something. I’m actually excited for her to be around the FUC people. It might help her find her place in the world.” She pulled out her phone and started typing on it. Andrés figured all the talk about Kailee had prompted Dedra to send her a text.
They’d finally driven far enough in where they could see the main building. It was huge, but it had even more space underground. “Tell Kailee that there’s a saltwater pool. Two, actually. One warm, one cold. They’re enormous; she’ll love it.”
Dedra looked at him, her head cocked to the side, a small smile on her face. “Yeah, that does sound like something she’d like.”
His one small comment about Kailee liking the swimming pools warmed Dedra’s heart. She loved her daughter and wanted the best for her, and it was a special feeling to think that someone else was looking out for Kailee too.
Andrés let her know that the main building was the Working and Administration Networking Core—she could tell he was doing his best to not call it “WANC”—and he guided her to the front desk where they verified her ID and TURD form and gave her keys to a room in return.
“We’ll have a cadet take your bags up for you, ma’am,” the desk agent told her. “Right now, they’d like you both to head to the meeting.”
Dedra didn’t bother asking “what meeting.” She automatically assumed it would be a meeting pertaining to her case. Why else would they want her there?
As Kailee had just texted that they were only now boarding the plane to BC from Japan, Dedra knew she wouldn’t be there, but she was elated to see her brother, Grayson, and nephew, Maddox, when she walked into the room.
They both met her with a big group hug. “You guys! It’s so good to see you!” It really was. She hadn’t realized how much she needed them to be there. She’d been trying to be so relaxed and nonchalant about the danger, but now that she saw them in the flesh, she had to admit that she’d been worried.
“Where’s Kailee?” Grayson asked, looking behind her.
“Oh, you know my little chickie. She’s taking her sweet time, enjoying the trip from Japan back over here. I’m sure giving her agent a run for his money. I’ve been texting her, though, and she should be in tomorrow.” More nonchalance, because she was determined to stay strong. She would worry until her baby—it didn’t matter if she was twenty, she’d always be her baby—was in her arms, but she was going to keep the Goosby stiff upper lip until then.
Andrés introduced her to the other agents around the table, which included Viktor and Renee Smith, Mason Brownsmith, and Jessie Cygnclair—or at least, Dedra had known Jessie, the Canadian swan princess, as Cygnclair. She wasn’t sure if she’d taken Mason’s last name or not.
As soon as Dedra finished meeting everyone, Alyce Cooper, the FUCN’A director, entered the room. “Welcome to the academy, Dedra, Grayson, and Maddox. I’m sorry we’re not meeting under better circumstances, but I’m happy to extend some hospitality and offer my academy as a safe house and local base of operations for our agents.”
Dedra appreciated the stern, serious look on Alyce’s face. She looked like she meant business. Dedra also thought that she looked like the kind of woman who might be fun to hang out with, when she wasn’t hyper-focused on a task at hand.
“Thank you all,” Dedra said, “for taking this on, for helping our family.”
“It’s only because of MUFF’s involvement,” the ornery croc, Viktor, explained. “We keep trying to stomp them out, but they keep popping up all over the place.”
Renee draped her arm around Viktor’s shoulder. Dedra couldn’t help but notice her beautiful long red hair. “What my husband meant to say is we’re happy to be of service.”
“What I don’t understand is why they would come against us now. Our family has been in the goose-down business for generations, and just this past year, we stopped using animal feathers and switched to synthetic down. It’s been in all our marketing. It was a major thing.”
Mason chimed in. “Looks like someone from your factory contacted them, and they sprang at the chance to create chaos.”
“If you’re thinking this isn’t adding up yet, then let me fill in the blanks.” Jessie looked at Dedra with a level gaze that said she wasn’t going to hide anything from her. “MUFF only takes action in situations where shifters are involved.”
Dedra’s heart stilled. “They can’t know I’m a shifter.”
Jessie nodded her head then pointed a remote at the projection screen. Images of emails popped up. “One of your employees got ahold of a video of you shifting and sent it to MUFF. I was able to track the communication, but I haven’t yet been able to find the video or figure out who sent the email. Only that the IP address is from the factory.”
Andrés squeezed Dedra’s shoulder. “It’s going to be okay.”
“How?” She looked at him helplessly. “The Goosbys managed to keep the family secret for generations, and I’m in charge for one year and the goose is out!”
“It’s not your fault,” Alyce said, her voice stern. “We’re all facing more challenges. Now that people have cell phones, videos pop up all over the place. Most of the time we can corrupt the files and erase the evidence—”
“Already done that!” Jessie chimed in. “MUFF might know you’re a shifter, but they won’t be able to tell anyone else.”
“You’re leaving out the fact that they may have made backups,” Dedra said miserably.
“I have a script running to search for anything that might pop up with the same footprint as this video,” Jessie said. When Dedra gave her a confused look, she added, “Think of it as a little internet buddy whose whole job is to hang out online and watch for this video. As soon as it sees any piece of the video, it will rip it to shreds.”
Dedra managed a smile at the image. “I don’t really know how all that works, but I’ll trust you.”
Dedra looked back to Alyce. “What do we do now?”
“Relax,” Alyce said. “Go take a swim or enjoy the shooting range. We’ve got this handled. You can see we have some of our best agents here—”
“You mean now we do!” a loud, bouncing female voice called out from the doorway. “That’s right, people. I’m here!”
6
“Oh my God, you’re Miranda!” Dedra gushed, a sound Andrés hadn’t expected could come out of her.
Miranda preened, cocking her head to the side and letting everyone take a moment to admire her buxom blond-bombshell physique. “The one and only! You didn’t think I was going to miss out on the fun, did you?”
Andrés was glad to see Miranda. Not only was she the best-of-the-best when it came to FUC agents, but she was also the only person he knew who could cheer up anyone, no matter the situation. And Dedra needed that right now. Miranda’s cheerfulness was infectious, and she was also the kind of kick-ass lady who would make sure no one lay around and moped.
While Dedra and Miranda talked, Andrés took a moment to speak to Alyce. “I’d like to stay on the case,” he said, looking at the team of agents as he said it.
“Your part of the mission is complete. Job well done,” Alyce said. “We’ve had quite a few students asking when you’d return. Apparently, they’re not impressed with your temporary replacement.”
Damn, he hoped it would be easier than this. “I just mean I’ve had some time to get to know Dedra, learn about her family, and I think it would be good if I could stick around, in case she needs anything.”
“Oh.” Renee let out a little gasp. “You like her.”
He turned to argue with her but then decided there was no point. “Who can blame me?” he said finally. “Honestly, I’m not going to be much good to the students if my head is on this case instead of in the classroom with them.”
“Sure, your head’s on th
e case… not in the gutter,” Mason commented, earning him an elbow from Jessie. “Ow! Okay, look, bro, it happens. I know from experience.” He cocked a thumb over to his wife.
Alyce’s eyes hadn’t moved from Andrés’ face, and though the squint was almost imperceptible, Andrés knew she was analyzing him. While he was jokingly referred to as a ladies’ man around campus, he never actually acted on anything like that. He was a flirt, but in the time he’d been there, he’d never actually been involved with anyone.
“Okay,” Alyce said finally. She held up a hand before Andrés could thank her. “Thing is, I can’t put you on the mission, because of this interest of yours. I’m authorizing you taking some leave so you can stick around, but in an unofficial capacity.”
Score. It was better than being on the case because that meant he was free and clear to pursue Dedra.
He heard Viktor chuckle. “Good luck, my man.”
Andrés saw Viktor look over at Renee and saw the man’s face soften. Andrés had the distinct feeling that while Viktor may have sounded like he was joking, he might have really meant it. Viktor had a reputation for being a hard-ass, but the way he was with Renee showed that even the most obstinate of them could melt with the right person.
Could Andrés have that with Dedra? There was only one way to find out.
Walking back over to Dedra and Miranda, he heard the bouncing bunny trying to ruin his plans for the night. “Let’s go do something fun! Chase is on daddy duty, and I’m free as a bird!”
Andrés cleared his throat. “Um, aren’t we supposed to keep the Goosby family in the facility?”
“Who said we were going to leave? I can make a party anywhere! Just give me some carrot cake and make her some martinis, and we’ll be set! Hey, Alyce, you in?”
“I thought you were here to lead the team?” Mason shouted over to his sister-in-law. “Get over here and stop cockblocking.”
Miranda gasped and spun to look at Andrés with wide eyes and then turned back to Dedra. “Girl! You did not tell me it was like that! I’ll take a rain check. You go get yours!” She flew across the room to grab Andrés’ hand and then shoved both of them out of the room.
The door slammed shut behind them.
Dedra was full of all sorts of different emotions.
She was relieved and happy to see her brother and nephew. She was anxious to see Kailee soon. She was annoyed with the factory workers and MUFF and nervous about the fact that her shifter secret had gotten out somehow. And she was thrilled to meet a legendary FUC agent, Miranda.
But none of that mattered. Grayson and Maddox had gone up to bed, saying they were tired from their trip. Kailee was on a plane and out of communication.
And now she was alone with Andrés.
He escorted her up to her room, which she’d figured would be some lousy dorm setup, but she was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a fully furnished VIP suite with all the amenities she could ask for at a five-star hotel.
“We have to be able to accommodate all sorts of people,” Andrés explained as they walked inside.
“I get that, but I didn’t know I ranked as an important person to FUC.”
“You’re important to me.” He spoke in a low purr, leaning against a wall and waggling his eyebrows at her.
“That’s cheesy as fuck,” she told him, giving his shoulder a little shove. “You can do better.”
“You’ll have to forgive me. My best lines are buried underneath all of the thoughts of your naked body that have been floating around in my head for two days.” He reached out to touch her neck and stroked down her collarbone, making her skin tingle.
“You could have told a girl, you know?” Dedra said, placing her hand on his chest and letting herself get lost in his eyes. “We didn’t have to act, but not telling me how you felt was a bit unfair.”
“When you walked out in that little lace top and tight leather pants, I almost lost it right there.” He leaned down and spoke into her ear, again igniting sparks that flowed from top to bottom inside her. “It was all I could do not to have you in the room last night, or touch you at all in the plane. Talking about it wasn’t going to do me any favors. I had to keep my mind on anything else.”
“You don’t anymore.” Dedra’s voice was breathy. It was hard to speak with her stomach tied up in such excited knots. This time, when she tilted her chin up, she was rewarded with Andrés’ kiss.
Soft but firm, his lips met hers, and she felt herself melt into him. Their tongues met, embracing in a moment she’d been waiting for. A moment she worried might not stand up to her hopes, but right then proved that she had nothing to worry about.
Andrés was a great kisser.
But before they could go any further, Andrés pulled back. “We need food. If I don’t go get it now, we’ll starve tonight.”
“No room service at the compound?” she asked, refusing to let him out of her embrace just yet.
“Nope.” Andrés leaned forward and kissed her again, shorter this time but just as passionate. “But that’s what I’m here for.”
She couldn’t deny that she was hungry, and it would be good to have plenty of strength if they wanted to have lots of fun that night. “Hurry back,” she told him, holding on to his hand as he walked away, only letting go of his fingers at the last second.
It wasn’t fair. Such a tease!
As the door shut behind him, she pulled herself together.
She was a grown-ass woman who’d waited two days already. She could get through dinner without jumping him!
She sighed and turned to survey the room. It was full of amenities to keep even the fussiest guests feeling pampered. She was especially pleased to see the large soaking tub, complete with some bottles of bubble bath along the edge. With nothing else to do, she decided to indulge herself.
By the time Andrés returned with a chilled bottle of champagne and a few takeout containers, Dedra was well into her soak. She’d pinned most of her hair back but for the few strands that refused to stay put.
She heard him groan—a sexy sound—when he approached her. “How am I supposed to eat a hamburger when something like this is waiting for me?”
She made a face. “Burgers, really?” It wasn’t the sexiest food. She couldn’t help but visualize a hunk of ground meat falling into the tub as she ate.
“Then how will sushi do?” he asked, revealing a container full of it. “I promise it’s good. We have so many pescatarians here that our cafeteria has to get it right.”
Dedra smiled as he located a tray that fit perfectly across the bathtub and then placed the container with a pair of chopsticks on it. Sushi was much sexier to eat and had the added bonus of not making her feel bloated afterward!
“I got some exotic fruits for dessert.” He showed her another container.
“How about you pop that in the mini fridge. I have a feeling we’ll be ravenous later.” She accepted the glass of champagne from him and clinked his glass when he offered it.
“To a successful mission.”
“To our new friendship,” she added.
They both took a sip, and then he raised an eyebrow. “Just friendship?”
When their food was eaten and Andrés had cleared the containers away, she turned on the hot water, not that she thought they’d need help warming it up.
Then she cocked a finger. She didn’t have to do any more.
They kissed. Her body was warm, pink from the water, yet it was his kiss that made her feel flushed. “Am I getting out, or are you coming in?”
“I think I’d be missing out if I didn’t get to swim with the goose.”
“Then gently peel your designer garments off that modelesque physique and let me properly admire those tanned, taut abs again.”
He did as she instructed, and she took a slow sip of her champagne while looking at him from head to tip.
Stopping at the tip. Licking her lips.
He sauntered closer, and closer, until his cock, standing
at attention, was right at level with her face.
She reached for him, running a finger along his shaft, moving her eyes between the magnificent cock and his eyes full of lust. She coaxed him forward until she could lean enough to lick the tip. He pushed closer, letting her lips close around him, and groaned when the champagne bubbles surprised him.
She continued, swallowing the champagne and starting to really use her tongue. She loved having a man like this, having the power to bring him so much pleasure. Especially with a cock like Andrés’—long, thick, hard, and smooth. She’d perfected this technique long ago and knew she could get the result she wanted.
But he wasn’t going to let her. He pulled back and removed the bathtub tray. She pulled the drain plug, letting some of the water out before he got in and overflowed it.
Then he was in the tub with her, coming in behind her so her back was leaned against him. God help her if it wasn’t the sexiest, most comfortable feeling she’d had in some time. She rested against his chest, feeling his shaft pressed longways up her back while his hands roamed her body, caressing her breasts before moving lower. He teased her to start, running his hands along her inner thighs before finally exploring the jackpot.
He kissed her neck while fingers on one hand worked her clit like a master and the other hand cupped her breast. Dedra couldn’t remember the last time she’d been played like a fine instrument, but to her delight, Andrés was quickly working her to a crescendo.
“You should stop if you don’t want me to come,” she whispered in his ear.
“Why wouldn’t I want you to have multiple orgasms tonight, my sexy Dedra?” His voice was nearly a sexy growl and all she needed to push her over the edge.
Dedra let herself get caught up in it, let the pleasure explode from her body, all while Andrés’ strong arms held her tight and his fingers gently slowed.
They were silent and still for a moment. With her eyes closed, Dedra enjoyed Andrés’ embrace, took in his sexy masculine smell, and let him press his lips to her temple.
