Her Devil's Kiss

by Linzi Basset

  “Then their wrath will have no boundaries and no one in your families will be safe,” Michael said softly. “You know as well as I do that Zee, Powell, and Gun are operating under assumed identities. For all we know, they’re wearing prosthetic masks like Brad Flint did when he posed as Paul Burgess, their Bossam before William Seely. They could even be business associates or clients of yours and you wouldn’t know. Until we know who they are for real, our hands are tied. Don’t lose sight of the end goal, guys. We need to close the Syndicate down for good, and to do that, we need all the intel we can get.”

  Michael was annoyed that he’d not known about the third leader. Now, more than ever, it was imperative to uncover the truth on all of them. It was the only way to end their reign of terror for once and for all. He frowned as he recalled what Alex had said. With Pamela’s safety at stake, he’d have to interfere as far as the Select Liquor sale was concerned. He needed to give them something to fluster them and keep them occupied while he conjured up a plan to get the sale crushed.

  “I have a request.” He looked at Rhone.

  “Shoot.”

  “Let me continue to work this. I’ve managed to get under their skin. Most of the mistakes they’re making now is because of the intel I’ve managed to uncover or the direction I steer them in. I’m close. I know it.”

  Rhone contemplated his request. He knew the risks of being undercover and alone. Hell, all of them had done it at one time or another.

  “Fine, but only if you keep us updated daily.”

  “Agreed. Oh, there’s one more thing.” His lips turned grim. “I need you to put a leash on Jordan Clark.”

  “Jordan? She’s not in a state to cause problems,” Bruce said with a frown.

  Michael chuckled. “She’s more feisty and resilient than you give her credit for. Not to mention adamant. She’s been to my office, demanding to be of assistance. She’s determined to find Jack on her own. I did my best to put her off, but I have a feeling her silence since then is only a brief respite.”

  “Damnit, we should’ve known. Searching for missing persons is what she does for a living,” Ethan said.

  Keon turned to Lance. “How is she acting at home?”

  “She’s generally quiet and keeps to herself, but she’s been asking a lot of questions about our findings and she started pushing Lexi for information on the John Doe cases.” Lance frowned. “Shit, she must’ve started digging already. I didn’t even find it strange that she showed interest. I just thought she needed to be distracted.”

  “Hmm,” Bruce frowned, brooding it over. He looked at Rhone. “She needs to be put to work, Rhone. I know we all were against it when she made the suggestion the day we went to see her, but if we give her something to do here, she’ll always be under our protection. That way, we can keep an eye on her and keep her in tow.”

  “I agree. Lance, talk to her tonight. If she’s still willing to work with us, she can start in the morning. Max, Richard, the two of you find something substantial for her to work on.” He turned to Michael. “Don’t take unnecessary chances, Michael. We all have the same goal and we have many resources we can put to work.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Michael slunk low under the moonless sky, thankful for the charcoal cloud that brought a more complete blackness to aid his disguise as he skimmed the high wall of Dexter Powell’s house. He knew both he and Zee were in residence. Since he’d discovered their true identities, he had one of his MI6 buddies hack into all the surrounding airports to upload an encrypted program that would flag their names. He knew the moment one of them booked a flight into Washington DC or close by. He’d also learned that they wore their disguises the entire time they were in residence. From CCTV footage he’d watched of the airport, they morphed into the syndicate personas in the men’s room at the different airports they used every time.

  It was child’s play to gain entrance into the monstrosity of a house, pretentious in size and decor, he scoffed as he quickly did a search of the premises. He was alone. He’d waited thirty minutes after Powell and Zee had left with their muscle, Dan, at the steering wheel. They were rather predictable, which surprised him. One would think they would’ve learned never to settle into routine, and yet they left every night for dinner at the same time and returned two hours later.

  After pouring himself a drink, he settled into one of the comfortable leather chairs in the study. He took out the remote that had been synchronized with the alarm system and rearmed it.

  “Now we wait.”

  He glanced at his watch. His search had been thorough and took up quite some time. They were due to arrive in ten minutes.

  Michael was used to putting himself in a lethal environment. There had been a time that he’d questioned his own sanity, but when he started taking reckless chances that had dire consequences, he’d stepped back from doing covert ops. This was the last time he gave in to the allure and thrill of the chase. There were more important things waiting for him. It was time to stop living from day to day, trying to survive in a world where there was always a target on his back.

  He took a sip of the single malt whiskey and sighed pleasantly. He’d chosen the study because there were no security beams that reached inside the room. At least the wait offered some enjoyment.

  As predicted, just ten minutes later, the beep of the alarm being deactivated warned him of their arrival. He didn’t move but his body tensed in preparation. The hard ridge of the pistol at the back of his pants set his mind at ease. If the shit hit the fan, he was going down fighting.

  “How the fuck did Blade Runner manage to get shot?” Dexter’s voice floated toward him as they approached the study. He flicked on the light switch and the room turned into a soft glow from the lamps placed all over on strategically placed small tables.

  “What I want to know is why our fucking informant didn’t warn us about it,” Zee growled as they walked into the room, only to shock to a halt at the sight of the man sitting with insolent grace in one of the chairs.

  “How the fuck did you get inside?” Dexter exploded. “Dan! Get your ass in here and remove this bastard from my house.”

  “Now, now, no need to be such a sour host, my dear man,” Michael taunted in a colloquial tone.

  “You have the gall to come here,” Zee sneered, “after what you have done?”

  Michael watched dispassionately as the cold malevolent eyes bore into his. He realized that Zee had an extraordinary capacity for explosive anger. His vigilance sharpened as he returned the stare unblinking. A trait like that made him unpredictable and extra caution was required. He kept heed of their movements and firmly anchored himself in the chair when Dan rushed into the room.

  He took a leisurely sip from the drink in his hand, watching them over the rim of the glass.

  “You should be more alert and always be prepared for the unexpected. I would’ve thought in your business you'd have learned that lesson long ago.”

  Zee’s anger was visibly hanging onto a thread. “Do you have any idea in the precarious position your negligence with that fucking property has placed us?”

  “My negligence?” Michael glanced between the two men. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. I supplied all the information you stipulated in the information I received.”

  “Except you didn’t file the change of Director documentation,” Dexter snapped.

  “My apologies, but perhaps you need to revisit your instructions. That wasn’t one of the tasks stipulated.” Michael crossed his legs and returned his glare. It was evident Dexter was rattled.

  “I didn’t need to, you moron! It’s part and parcel of the finalization of the sale.”

  “I’m afraid I disagree. You know very well I’m new to money laundering. How was I to know it was part of my responsibility? I had no insight into that kind of information. Next time, be sure to—”

  “There won’t be a next time.” Zee walked around the desk and sat down. He was visibly strug
gling to calm down. “You owe us money, Flores. You took an additional two million out of the deal apart from not strong-arming the Browns to accept the amount you had as full and final payment.”

  “There was no way they would’ve accepted a third of market value for the property, Zee, and you know it.”

  “You don’t have what it takes to work with us, Flores. I want that money and then our association is over.”

  “I’m afraid it’s not your decision, Zee. See, I have information about you that you won’t want anyone to know about. Ah, no, Dan, my man,” he barked as the burly black man took a threatening step closer. Michael looked at Dexter. “I suggest you put a leash on your beast.” He smirked. “Do you honestly think I’d come here and not have my ass covered?”

  “What the fuck do you want?” Zee bit out.

  “You’re excused, Danny boy.” Michael found much pleasure in taunting the hulk of a man, especially when he growled low in his throat. Dexter waved him away and he stomped off.

  “Now, we’re getting somewhere.” Michael turned a glacial look on them. “I will not be cut out. I told you I want in on the Russian deal and I’m not backing off.” He held up his hand. “I suggest you listen and do it well. I have many connections in the world of crime. You are but a pea in the pot of many. The Cosa Nostra would only be too happy to find out who the syndicate is that’s in cahoots with the Bratva.” He laughed at the look on their faces. “Yes, they know about the MOKV, but so far they don’t know who stole it or the reason why the Russian mob was approached and not them. Believe me when I tell you, you don’t want them to know it’s you.”

  He tipped back his head and finished the drink in one gulp.

  “Set up that meeting with the Russians or I arrange one with the Dons of the big five mobsters.” He smirked. “Don’t look so surprised, dear fellows. I have them all on speed dial.”

  “You’re a fool if you think we believe you.” Zee’s stare shot daggers at him.

  “Tell me, Zee, how is the search going for William Seely? Found him yet? How about Hank Shutto?” Michael got up and stretched lazily. “Yep, I didn’t think so. You might find Shutto, but I’ll make sure he’s dead before you get to him. Seely … well, good luck with that. He’s been singing like a canary.”

  “You’ve got him! You motherfucker,” Dexter shouted and stormed closer only to encounter the threatening gun in Michael’s hand.

  “Not sure what gave you that idea but suffice it to say, that I know who does.” His gaze turned cold. “I suggest you get yourself under control and listen very carefully. Better get Gun up to speed because your attitude just made me decide that I want more than a share of the Russian deal.” He stepped around Dexter and grinned broadly, basking in their shocked expressions when he mentioned Gun.

  “What the fuck are you on about now?” Zee spat in disgust. He hated that their hands were tied but for as long as they didn’t know who Flores worked with, they couldn’t take the chance to get rid of him.

  Michael flattened his lips, pushed out his jaw, and looked at them in a regal manner down the bridge of your nose.

  “I’m your fourth partner, boys.” He laughed at their expressions.

  “Hell will freeze over first,” Zee sneered through thin lips.

  “I happen to disagree.” Michael looked at his watch. “Especially as you’ve just lost two more of your drug labs and your stash houses across Los Angeles and Chicago are being swept as we speak.” He smiled as both turned pale. “You’re down millions of dollars and need a big cash influx to keep your soldiers and associates happy.” He stabbed his thumb against his chest and grinned. “And I’m your man. You’ve got a week to make me an offer.” He turned toward the door, ignoring the cock of the gun behind him.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll show myself out.” He pressed the blue button on the remote in his hand. Everything was encased in darkness in the blink of an eye. The gunshot that Dexter aimed at the spot where Michael had stood, echoed with a deafening blast in the sudden silence.

  The two men cursed at the mocking laughter floating toward them from the hallway.

  Michael left the house as quietly as he’d entered … unaware of the pair of eyes watching as he got into the slick white sports car two blocks ahead, and drove away.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Alex sat with his elbows on the desk as he read the document in front of him. His brow creased as he frowned in concentration, completely unaware of her silent approach.

  Pamela was glad. It offered her the opportunity to study him. His hair had grown into the short army cropped style he used to favor when he was younger. It gave him that bad-boy look that had all the subs doe-eyed over him at the club. He looked like a Greek god with his white shirt hanging open to reveal his gorgeous muscled physique. A tingle of heat sparked to life low in her abdomen. The white surgical patch-type dressing covering the left side of his face hijacked her gaze that trailed with longing over his face.

  She felt sadness engulf her. Since her return from the hospital, he and his mother had doted on her, and even though both women had moved to rooms upstairs, he doggedly kept his distance from her. He made a point of never being seen without the patch-type dressing, something that stabbed painfully through her heart that he didn’t trust her reaction to see the scar. She had thought there was hope after the way he had treated her in the hospital. Since then … she wasn’t so sure anymore.

  A tender smile curved her lips upward as he mumbled irritably and made notes on the document with a heavy slash of the pen in his hand. She folded her arms and leaned against the doorway.

  Alex caught the movement as she crossed her legs, slight as it was, from his peripheral vision. His gaze started there. He’d always loved her dainty feet with her toenails painted with a bright pink lacquer. Her legs had perfect muscle definition that gave them a toned, smooth look. He followed the lean lines until they disappeared under the loose buttoned up cotton shirt she wore. Another thing he liked about her. She loved to entice with kink wear at the club, but at home, she preferred to be comfortable. Her folded arms pushed her full breasts upward, halfway exposed by the cleavage of the open shirt. Strands of molten gold cascaded over her shoulders to trail down her back like a waterfall. She licked her full pouty lips and his mind swirled into a sensual state of intoxication.

  Their eyes locked. Hers glimmered over the short space between them, pools of iridescent blue, sculpted upon her creamy face like dazzling jewels. She looked ethereal, like some angel fallen from the celestial heavens.

  “How long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough to know that you’re tired and irritated.”

  A smile ghosted over his face. “You know me too well.” Alex threw down the pen. “Where’s my mom?”

  “Upstairs, asleep.”

  “As you should be.”

  “I’m not an invalid, Alex, and I’ve slept so much over the past three days. I feel like I’m on a comatose drip all the time. I need to walk around to regain my strength.”

  “As long as you don’t overdo it. I don’t want you to have a relapse.”

  “I’m not, but I have to get back to work. I have cases to attend to. I can’t—”

  “No. You’re not ready to return to work. You have competent staff who can handle it while you recuperate.”

  “Be reasonable, Alex. I can’t expect someone else to take over a case midway. It takes time to become familiar with it and to build a relationship with the clients.”

  “Drop it, Pamela. I know the drill. You always have a couple of interns working with you who can easily bring another attorney up to speed in no time. Nate said you must take it easy for at least two weeks.”

  “Very well,” she capitulated with a drawn-out sigh. She knew better than to argue with him. She pushed away from the doorframe. “I was going to make me some tea. Want some?”

  “Later. For now, we need to talk.” His expression turned serious. “Come here.”

 
She didn’t hesitate and padded closer silently. He surprised her when he drew her onto his lap and rearranged her legs sideways. His hand came to rest on her thigh, stroking the soft skin with slow, mesmerizing circles, awakening shards of heat to sear from where they connected to settle in her already aroused core.

  “Why did you come to see me that day at the hospital?”

  Pamela tangled her fingers together. She carefully mulled over her response.

  “I can’t express the feelings that I experienced when I watched you collapse on the ground, bloodied and burned. It felt as if my entire life flashed in front of my eyes, like to me, it was the end of time.” She gazed at him earnestly. “I have never been so scared in all my life, Alex. The thought of you dying … I couldn’t …” She swallowed hard as a knot in her throat choked up her words.

  “Then why didn’t you come to visit me earlier?” The soothing circling caress continued.

  “I was scared and confused. For so many years it had been easy to blame myself for Kieran’s death and—”

  “Pamela, it was all in your mind. No one but you associated our relationship as the reason he committed suicide.”

  “No, Alex, you’re wrong. Everyone stared at me with accusing eyes at the funeral. No one even talked to me.”

  “Because people don’t know how to express their sympathy in a situation like that, baby. I asked around. Everyone had the deepest of sympathy for you, even Kieran’s parents. They knew he was emotionally unstable. Neither one of us are to blame, Pamela. It was his own cowardice to acknowledge his own failures in life.”

  “I … never … I always thought …” She exhaled slowly. “But I know that now and that’s why I didn’t come to see you. I needed the time to find perspective to absolve myself of the guilt. I realized I couldn’t live without you in my life and the only way was to let go of guilt and regrets.”