To My Readers
This book is a work of fiction. It does not exist in the real world and should not be construed as reality. As in most romantic fiction, I’ve taken liberties I’ve compressed the romance into a sliver of time I’ve allowed these characters to develop strong bonds of trust over a matter of days
This does not happen in real life where you, my amazing readers, live. Take more time in your romance and learn who you ’ re giving a piece of your heart to I urge you to move with caution Always protect yourself
WHEN I WAS A KID, I HAD A LOT OF DREAMS. BEING AT THE TOP OF THE FBI’S MOST WANTED LIST FOR CYBERCRIMES AND terrorismwasneveroneofthem Butisn’tthathowlifeworks?
Igotcocky,andthatmademesloppy Now,I’mdoingthetime TwentytolifeiswhatIexpecttogetslappedwithatmy sentencinglatertoday.Wonderwherethey’llsendme?
The harsh rap of knuckles on metal jars me rudely from my restless dozing I jolt upright, blinking against the bright fluorescentlightsburningmyretinas.
Whattimeisit?
“Riseandshine,princess You’vegotavisitor”Theguard’sgravellyvoicegratesthroughthebars Iunfoldmyselffromthecrampedcot,joints cracking,runahandthroughmytangledblackhair,andtugmyfancyorange jumperintosomekindoforder thestenchofstalesweatandBO clingstome I’dkillforashowerrightaboutnow Avisitor?
“Whoisit?”Myvoicecomesoutroughandunused Raspy Actually,it’skindofsexyinasultrykindofway Betitwould drivetheboyscrazy.ToobadI’llneverfindout,rottingawayinthishellhole.
“You’llseesoonenough.”Theguardcuffsmywrists,lettingthemetalbitemybonyskin.
Happyjoy-joy Heloveshisjobwaytoomuch Like,I’mgoingtogetthejumponhim Asshole.
Heshacklesmyankles,too,chainsclanking Standardtransportprotocol,evenforascrawnytwenty-one-year-oldaccused ofcybercrimesagainstthegoodoleU.S.ofA.JusthiswayofconstantlyremindingmethatI’mnothingbutanumbertohim. Ananimalinacage.
Myfuturegone.
Iwanttospitinhissmugface,butthatwouldearnmenothingbutabackhandorworse.SoIkeepmyheaddown,biding mytime, as he leads me througha maze offeatureless concrete halls The debilitatingstenchofindustrial cleaner burns my nose,barelymaskingtheunderlyingfunkofunwashedbodiespackedtooclosetogether.
Wereachthevisitationroom,emptysaveforacoldmetal tableandtwochairs Theguardsshovemedownroughlyonto one and retreat outside. I sit motionless, steelingmyself for hours of mind-numbingboredom. It’s not like I have anyother pressingengagementstogetto,butIhatewhenotherpeoplewastemine.
Aminutelater,inwalksawomanwithspikyrainbowhair,anassaultofglitterypsychedelicsthatmakesmyeyesacheafter days ofgray.Shewears casual attire jeans andaloose-fittingshirt,withchunkycombatboots: weirdcomboandastrange choiceforsomeonevisitingaprison
Speakingof,she’sanunlikelyvisitor for adelinquentlikeme.InstantsuspicioncoilsinmygutasIsizeher up,tryingto figureoutherangle Thewomansmilesbrightly,stoppingjustinsidethedoorway “I’mMitzy.Beenlookingforwardtomeetingyou.” Her voice rings withsincerity,butIdon’ttrustthatfor a second.No one’shappytovisitthishellholeoutofthegoodnessoftheirheart.
“Yeah?Whothehellareyou?”Iscowlandslumplowerinmyuncomfortablechair
“Direct,Ilikethat.Getsridofallthenonsensicalfluff.”Hersmiledoesn’tfalterundermybelligerenttone.Ifanything,it widens Guessshelikesachallenge “I’mwithanorganizationthatrequiresyourparticularskills”
“Thanks,buthardpass.KindafuckedsixwaystoSundayhereifyoudidn’tnotice.”Irattlemycuffspointedlyandsnortin derision
“Ididnotice,andlikeIsaid,I’mwithanorganizationthatrequiresyourparticularskills.”
“Ohyeah?Andwhatskillsarethose?Cardcounting?Gamblingfraud?Or maybeyouneedacomputer
yourex’sFacebook?”Itickthecrimesoffonmyfingersmockingly “Nooffense,butyou’vegotthewronggirl I’mjustapetty thieftryingtosurviveonthestreets.”
It’s a blatantlie,andwe bothknow it Nostreetthiefcouldcrackhigh-level governmentservers withoutleavinga trace likeIdid.ButnowayamIsellingmyselfoutbeforeIknowwhatthischick’sendgameis.
The woman’s eyes gleamwithamusement, almost as if she enjoys our verbal sparring “I thinkwe bothknow hacking governmentintelligencesystemstakescertainexpertise.You’renostreetthief.”
Istarebackstonily Clearly,sheknowsmoreaboutmethansheshould,buttwocanplaythisgame
Mitzyleansforward.“I’mheretoofferyouawayoutofthismess.”Sheslidesaslimfolderacrossthetable.“Acontract foryoutoworkwithmyteam,effectiveimmediatelyifyousign.Howdoesfreedomsound?”
Ieyethedocuments withsuspicionandalittlemoreinterestthanI’mwillingtoadmit,butImakenomovetotakethem Everythinginsidemescreamsthisisatrap.
Toogoodtobetrue
Thegovernmentdoesn’tletcomputercriminalswalkfreeoutofthegoodnessoftheirhearts.
“Andwhyexactlywouldyouhelpme?”Ichallenge
“Idon’tneedareasontohelpyou.”Mitzyleansbackcasually.“Thequestionis,doyouwanttoavoidprisonornot?From whatIhear,you’relookingattwentytolife.Sucksforakid.”
Welldamn
Wasn’texpectingsuchblunthonesty.Thischickdoesn’tplayaround.Istudyhermoreclosely,curiosityunwillinglypiqued. “Ain’tnokid,”Ifireback,defensiveandscaredatmyprospectsforadullfuture
“Definitelywon’tbeafterrottinginacellfordecades.”Shepushesthefoldercloser.“Comeon,couldithurttolook?” “What’stheoffer?”
“Iadmiretalent.Whatyoudid,hackingintoNSAserversimpressedme.”Mitzy’seyesgleam.“Howwouldyoulikeajob puttingthoseskillstouse?”
“What’sthecatch?”Ipressher “Somehow,Idoubtyouworkfortheforgivenessandredemptiondepartment”
Shelaughssharply.“Smartgirl.Let’ssayIhaveconnections,peoplewhoareinterestedinutilizingyourskillsformore productive ventures” Leaningbackcasually, she delivers the final blow “Look, it’s simple Either youworkfor me onmy termsorenjoyaverylongprisonsentence.Ineedtoknowifyouhavetheskillsorarenothingbutaone-hitwonder.”
Thechallengesparksmypride.Whoisshetoquestionmyabilities?Butthoughitgratestoadmitit,she’sbackedmeintoa cornerhere.
“What?Bywork,youmeanyoubecomemywarden?”
“Consideritakindofparole Youplaybymyrulesbutgettowalkfreeinsteadofenjoyingprisonlife Youfuckup,run,or disappear,thenyou’rerightbackherewithanadditionaltenyearsaddedtoyoursentence.”
“Soundslikeprisonwrappedupinafancybow”
“Probablyright,butitisareallyfancybow.”
“Agildedcageisstillacage.”
“Comparedtowhereyou’regoing,I’dsayit’sano-brainer”
She’sright.ComparedtothesqualidhellholeI’mheadedto,it’shardlyachoice.
“Fine Ifyoucangetmeoutofthisdump,”Ishrugwithfeignedindifference,“I’llsignyourcontractorwhatever”
“Excellent.”Mitzysmileslikeacatwithajuicycanary.“Ithinkthiswillbethestartofaveryproductivepartnership.”She holdsoutaneleganthandformetoshake,butIstareatitstonilyuntilshelowersitwithaquirkofhereyebrow Wheelsare alreadyturninginmymind,lookingforanangletogainleverageinthisarrangementshe’sforcedonme.
Thisladydoesn’tknowityet,butnooneownsmyloyalty.I’masurvivoraboveallelse.I’llplayhergame fornow but onceIgetthelayoftheland,allbetsareoff
I’llbedamnedifIletmyselfbecomesomeweaponforthemtoaimwheretheywant.ThisMitzychickwithherpsychedelic hairandfizzypersonalitydoesn’tneedtoknowthatyet Letherbelieveshehasmeunderherthumb
Insteadofreturningtomytinycellofmiserywithitsricketycot,theguardtakesmetoprisonerout-processing.Thebarest hintofasmiletugs atmymouth Imightactuallybegettingoutofhere As far as Mitzygoes,I’ll bidemytimeandplaythe demureprotégé,butsoonenough,I’llbeflyingfree.
Nooneownsme.
Andthisrainbow-hairedchickisabouttofindthatoutthehardway
After I’mprocessed out of jail or prison there’s some distinctionthere I squint against the harshsunlight as I’mled outsidefor thefirsttimeinweeks After beingprocessedout,thecuffs andshackles arefinallyremoved I’mfreetogo as longasIreporttomynew“employer”immediately.
That’snothardtodo,consideringMitzywaitsbyasleekblackcar,lookingimpatient.
“Tookyoulongenough.”Shegesturestothepassengerdoor.“Getin.We’vegotalongdriveaheadofus.” Islidesilentlyintothepassengerseat,nerveswarringwithmycuriosity.Mitzypeelsoutoftheparkinglot,andthelooming
prisondisappearsfromview.
“Whereexactlyarewegoing?”Ifinallyaskasthecityfadesbehindus.
“GuardianHQ I’mtakingyoutheretogetstarted”
“Notwastinganytime,Isee.”
“Yougotsomewhereyouneedtobe?”
“No.”
“Thenwhatdoyoucare?”
“Whatever.”Isnubher,pretendingindifference,whichisatotallie.I’mabundleofnervesbuzzingwithfear.
Mitzy glances at me sideways. “You’ll love it, I promise. State-of-the-art facility along the northern California coast. Nothinglikethehellholeyouleft”
Ihumnoncommittally,watchingthesceneryblur by.Sandyscrublandgiveswaygraduallytorollinggreenhillsandthick forests The air blowing through the vents even smells different clean and pine-scented compared to the city’s smog and ozone.
After hoursofdriving,Mitzytakesanunmarkedturnoff Wewindthroughrollinghillsuntil theoceancomesintoview,a deepblueexpansemeetingthesky.
Weroundacurve,andsprawlingmodernbuildingsperchedappearbeforeus.Peoplemovebrisklyaboutthelushgrounds surroundedbyimposingsecurityfencing
SothisistheinfamousGuardianHQ?ItlooksmorelikealuxuryresortthanthesecretivebaseIimagined.Aswerolltoa stopinsidethegates,Mitzyturnstomewithasmile
“Welcometoyournewhome.”
“Youmeanprison.”
“Initially,you’llliveonthegrounds.It’sjusttemporaryhousinguntilyoufindaplaceofyourown.Noguards.Youreally arefreetogowhereveryouchoose.”
“AslongasIreporttoworkeachday”
“Aslongasyoureporttoworkeachday.”Shestopsandgivesmealonglook.“I’mlovingtherebelvibe,butyou’renot verydifferentfromme”
“We’renothingalike.”
“Assoonasyouseewhereyou’llbeworking,whatyou’llbedoing,andtheresourcesyouhaveatyourdisposal,Iwon’t beabletodragyouawayfromyourwork.”
“Thosearesomeprettybigwords,butI’mnotexactlyago-to-work-each-daykindofgal.Punchingtimecardsis…”
“Youwon’tseeasingletimecard Asforhowlongyouwork,that’suptoyou Getyourjobdone,andtherestofthedayis yours,butIhaveafeelingyou’regoingtobeliketherestofmyteam.”
“Whatdoesthatmean?”
“Iprettymuchhavetodragthemawayfromtheirwork,too.”
“Whatever.”Igiveherthemostflippant,exaggeratedeyerollIcanmanage.
ApprehensionandcuriositywarwithinmeasItakeinthescene Thisgleamingcompoundisaworldawayfromthecold concretecellIthoughtwouldbemyhomeforthenexttwentyyears.
Twenty to life
That’swhatmylawyersaid.Twentyifthejudgefeltsympathy.LifeifIpissedhimoff.
I don’t know what awaits me here, but it’s got to beat prison food and hostile cellmates As I follow Mitzy inside, determinationwellsupwithinme.I’llstaywaryandkeepplayingthingsclosetothechest butmaybe,justmaybe,thiswill turnouttobetheunexpectedopportunityIneverknewIneeded.
Or,it’llbetotalcrap,ameaninglessdeskjobI’mtrappedinfortwentytolife
Onlyonewaytofindout.Squaringmyshoulders,Istepthroughthedoorstomeetmyunknownfuture.Afuturethatbegins withmestandinguncomfortablyinMitzy’sslickoffice,unsurewhattothinkaboutthistwistofevents
Thedrivewasenlightening.Iappreciatedthat.Afterweekslockedaway,thevastexpanseofrollinghillsandblueskyfelt like freedom WhenIrolled the window down, muchto Mitzy’s displeasure, the cryofcirclinggulls melded withthe faint crashingofwaves.Thetangofsaltairstillteasesmynose.
Iforgothowgoodfreedomsmelledlike.
It’safarcryfromthereekingconfinesofthatcell Orthefearoffacingtwentytolife OnethingIwillsayisthis.WhoeverMitzyworksfor,they’rerollingindough.
“Haveaseat We’vegotalottocover Notthatit’lltakemuchtimetogetyouuptospeedbuthumorme”Shegesturestoa fancyleatherchairsittingacrossfromherglass-toppeddesk.
Isitgingerly,eyesrovingthespace.Multiplemonitorscoverthefarwall,andIcan’tdecipherthecodescrollingbyona continuousfeed.Thatsayssomethingwhensomeonelikemeisstumped.Iliveandbreathecode,butI’veneverseenwhat’son thosescreens.Thisladymeansseriousbusiness.
Mitzyglancesatthemonitors,andhermouthturnsupinasmirk.
“What?”Ihatebeingplayed.Hatetestsevenmore.“Thatsomekindoftest?”
“We’llgettothetestslater”Butshenoticedmyinterestinthecode “Impressive,isn’tit?Ibuiltthesesystemsmyself” Iforceanindifferentshrug,notwantingtoinflateheregofurther.Truthfully,I’mstunnedandalittlejealous.Shemustbe incredibletodevelopsomethingsoadvanced NotthatI’deveradmititoutloud.
NotthatI’mtentimesbetter
“So,yougonnaexplainaboutthisorganizationIsoldmysoul to?”Ihalf-joke,butIwonder ifthatmightnotbethecase. “AmIonhousearrestorsomething?Gottawearananklebracelet?”
Shesmilesindulgently “Nohousearrest Noanklebracelet Weoffernon-Guardianstheoptionofinsertingatracker,just incase,butit’soptional.”
“Justincaseofwhat?”
“Abduction,kidnapping,stufflikethat.”
“Whatthefuck?”MymouthgapesasIspringtomyfeet “Neversignedupforthatkindofshit That’ssomemajorlyfalse advertising.”
“Relaxandtakethechair.You’regivingmeaneckachecraningtolookatyou.Niceshirt,bytheway.”
“What?Thisrattything?”Iglancedownatmyfavoriteshirt I’mamegafanofthebandandwear Angel Fire’sblackTshirtsexclusively.
Mitzylaughsbutdoesn’tsayanythingelseaboutmyshirt Chickisprobablyintoclassicalmusicorsomesuchboringshit Shewouldn’tbeabletoappreciatethegeniusbehindAngelFire’smusic.
Instead,shegoesallcorporateonme,explainingthisandthat.“IworkforGuardianHostageRescueSpecialists,Guardian HRS,orGuardiansforshort.Werecoverkidnapvictimsandtakedownthescumresponsibleforhumantrafficking.We’rethe goodguys.You’reapartofthatteamnow.”
“Ofcourse,you’redo-gooders”Irollmyeyesatthespiel
“You’llcomearound.”Shewinksandstands.“Now,letmegiveyouthetour.”
ThefirststoponMitzy’stouristheoperationsroomfilledwithmenandwomenmonitoringadizzyingarrayofscreensand controls.Phonesring,voicescalloutstatusupdates,fingersflyoverkeyboards.It’sahiveoffreneticactivity.
Despitemyattempttolookbored,I’mawedbythecomplexsystemsandtop-notchgear.Mitzynoticesmeoglingthesetup andsmirksknowingly.
“Thisishomebaseforourtechnicalteam.TheycallusTechies.”
“Techies?”Irollmyeyes “Whocallsyouthat?”
Andwhydotheyallowit?
Scrapthat
Mitzy’sfuckingproudofthederogativeterm.
“We gather intel for the Guardians, run comms, coordinate missions, all that good stuff.” She smiles at my wide eyes. “We’rebigintoVRandrobotics Impressive,right?”
“Uh-huh,gotit,veryimpressive.”Itrytoappearblasé,butit’sincredible,leaguesbeyondanythingIcouldhaveimagined. “Betterthanajailcell”
Thesetupisphenomenal.State-of-the-artandrightupmyalley.Myfingersitchtostartexploringthesystemsandprograms. Andbyexploring,ImeandoingthingsIshouldn’t I’msogoingtohackthehelloutofGuardianHRS “This is where you’ll be workingmostofthe time, butIwantto give youthe full tour before bringingyoubackfor the boringjob stuff.”
BeforeIcansomuchastouchakeyboard,shewhisksmebackoutside “Let’scontinuethetourbeforebringingyouinhere.”
“Great”Like,Iwasn’titchingtodiveinandexplorethisincrediblesetup Notatall.
THE SCENT OF BACON AND THE SOUND OF CARTOON CHATTER GREET ME AS I SHUFFLE INTO THE KITCHEN. MY SON, MAVERICK, perchesonastoolatthecounter,stillinhisSpidermanpajamasashegobblesupbreakfast “Morning,buddy.”Irufflehissandyblondhairandgrabapieceofbacon.Atfiveyearsold,he’sthespittingimageofme atthatage,allknobbykneesandrestlessenergy,butthosevibrantgreeneyescamefromhismother MayGodblesshersoul.
“Youleaving,Daddy?”Maverickasksaroundamouthfulofeggs,blinkingupatme “Yeah,gottrainingthismorningwithmyteam,butI’llbebacktotuckyouintonight.Ipromise.”
HenodsandreturnsfocustotheTV,hisattentionspanshort,likeanykidhisage.Ikissthetopofhisheadandsqueezehis skinnyshoulder
“BegoodforGrandmaandPapatoday.”
Myparents chatter over coffeeandthemorningpaper as Igrabmygymbag Thoughwehadrockymoments whenIwas younger,I’mthankfulthey’rehereforMavwhendutycallsmeaway.
“Jebediah,” my mother glances up from her coffee, lips pursed, “you were out late again” Her tone holds a note of motherlydisapproval.
That’stheonlydownsideofaskingmyparentstomoveinwithmeandhelpmeraisemyson.Theycan’thelpbutparentme, inadditiontomyson
“Justhangingwiththeteamafterwork,Mom.”Iclearmythroat,avoidinghergaze.
Theeveningstartedwithmyteam,butIspenttherestofthenightlosingmyselfinsideawoman Can’trememberhername Don’tknowifweevergotthat personal.
Shefrowns,seeingthroughtheevasion.
“Don’tyouthinkit’stimetostarthealinginhealthierways?”
Guiltpricksatmewithheremphasisontheword healthier.Sheworriesthenamelesshookupsandpartyingaremywayof grievingandnotmovingon She’snotwrong.
“I’mfine,Mom,really”Ikisshercheekandsnagsomebacon “Ibetterheadout,orI’llbelate” Her ‘ we ’ re talking later’ lookfollows meoutthedoor.Withaheavysigh,Iloadupmytruck,thoughts driftingtoSarah liketheyoftendo.
MaybeMomhasapoint maybeit’stimeIdealwiththepastinabetterway?ForMaverick’ssake,ifnotmyown.
Shakingoffmymelancholy,IpointthetrucktowardGuardianHQandlookforwardtothedistractionoftraining,butmy mother’swordslingerinmymind,anuncomfortabletruthIcan’tignoreforever
AfterlosingSarah,ItriedtotradethedangeroftheSEALsforMIT,thinkingthatwastheresponsiblepathforayoungdad raisingakidwithouthismother IcouldbethereforMaverickwithasafetechjob,butthatkindoflifefelthollow,likeIwas goingthroughthemotions.
Momthinks myendless stringof one-night stands is unhealthy, but I never bringthose womenhome. I won’t disparage Sarah’smemoryinfrontofmyson Maverickisuntouchedbymyvices.
And whenItuckhiminatnightwithtales ofhis mother, Ihope he knows how deeplyIstill love her Mybrokenheart doesn’tnegatethattruth.
Some days, this job is the onlythingholdingme together As muchas itworries Mom, beinga Guardianmakes me feel wholeinawaynothingelsecan.
Fornow,it’senoughtokeepthedemonsatbay.
Sixgruelingyears inthe Navyand BUD/S trainingmolded me into a SEAL, but joiningthe Guardians gave me a new purposeafter everything.Now,it’smyjobtosaveinnocentsfromtheworstofhumanity.Adutyassatisfyingasitisgrimat times Ipivotedfromcomputersbacktobootsonthegroundforareason Thethoughtmakesmedrivefaster,eagertobeback amongmybrothers.
IfindCharlieteam’sbullpenemptywhenIarrive Cursing,Ichangeinrecordtimeandsprintforthegymcomplexacross thecompound.Ethan’sruthlessabouthandingoutpenaltieswhenoneofusislate.
Acavernousfacilityloomsaheadofme Thesizeofastadium,sparringmatsstretchoutbeforeme Theguysarealreadyat it,thesmackofskinonskinandmockingjabsechothroughthevastspace.
“SleepingBeautyfinallymadeit,”Ethancallsoutwhenhespotsme.“Latenightentertainingtheladiesagain?”Hemakesa pointofrollinghiswristtocheckhiswatch
TheothersheckleandlaughasIjogoversheepishly.“Yeah,yeah,laughitup,”Ishootback,droppingmygearnexttothe mats “Gotstuckbehindanever-endingconvoyofsemis,sueme”
“Excuseswon’tgetyougains,brother,”Hankribs,tossingmeapairofgloves.“Maybelayoffthelatenightschasingtail andgethereontime”
Ifliphimoffwithagrinandstartwrappingmyhands.“WhatcanIsay?Allyouuglymugsworemeout.Neededsomeeye candytorestoremysanity.”
“Careful,Jeb,keeppoppingoff,andI’llmakeyourunsuicidesnext,”Ethanthreatens,buthiseyesglintwithhumor Iholdupmyhandsinsurrender.“Pointtaken.Now,arewegonnagossiplikegirlsorgetsomeworkin?”
Ethan’sexpressionsharpens “Sinceyou’resoeager,dropandgivemefivehundred Ahundredforeveryminuteyouwere late.”
Igroanbutknockoutthepushupsastheotherslaugh.Bythreehundred,myabsandtricepsarescreaming,butIgritmyteeth andpowerthrough.
WhenIfinish,Ethanjerkshischinapprovingly.“Maybethat’llteachyoupunctuality.Now,let’sgettowork.”
Thesharpsmackofblowslandingonpadsandgruntsofexertionfilltheairaswepairofftospar Werazzandtrash-talk eachother,laughterpunctuatinggroanswhenagoodhitlands.
IpairoffwithBlakefirst,bouncinglightlyontheballsofmyfeetaswecircleeachother Hefeintsleft,thenshootsajabat myribs,whichIdeflect.Icounterwithalegkickhesidestepsbeforedrivingforwardinaflurryofcombos.He’sgotasteady handandaneagleeye.Theman’ssniperskillsarelegendary,buthishitscarrypowerandpackapunch.Myribsaregoingto bebruised.
Wetradeblows backandforth,goinghardbutcontrolled.Imisjudgethetimingononeexchangeandcatchahooktothe jawthatmakesmyteethrattle Shakingitoff,IcomebackatBlaketwiceasfierce,usingmysizetomyadvantagetoforcehim ontothedefensiveuntilhe’spinned.
“Alright,alright,Isubmit,”Blakelaughsbreathlessly,shovingmeoff Igrinandofferahandtohelphimup.Bothourchestsheavefromexertion.Thesatisfyingburninmymusclesprimesme formoreasweseparatetofindnewopponents.
After fifteenminutes, Ethancalls out, “Rotate!” and we switchpartners seamlessly The outside world falls awayas we lose ourselves inthe visceral joyof combat drills withtrusted brothers. Gabe and I touchfists. He’s all raw strengthand brilliance He’s our munitions expert and anall-around MacGyver whenitcomes to creativityand solvingproblems inthe field.Andheplaysdirtywhenhefights,butIdigin,unwillingtocededefeat.
ThisiswhatIlivefor: thesweatandacheofmusclespushedtotheir limitalongsidesoldierswho’ddiefor you Before Gabewipesmeonthemat,Ethan’sshoutpullsupshort.Breathdragginginandout,Itrytocatchmybreath.
“Alright,ladies,let’sgotwo-on-one,”Ethanorders,beckoningmeover.“Jeb,you’rewithmeandWalt.”
Walt’sourteammedic Acertifiedparamedic,he’saformerParajumper;theAirForce’sequivalenttotheNavySEALs, withthesamebrutal trainingIunderwentinBUD/S.Adrenalinesurgesasweflow intothefamiliardanceofstrikes,blocks, andgrapples Allthoughtsfadeasinstinctandtrainingtakeover
We’re sparring hard when Mitzy enters the complex, joined by a stunning woman. Actually, stunning doesn’t begin to describethewoman;she’saknockoutdressedall inblackandgavemewhiplashwhenItookasecondlook It’sunusual for Mitzytoshowupatthegym;thewomanmustbeanewhireandisgettingtheofficialtour.
Porcelainskin, poutyruby-red lips, and lithe curves hugged bydarkjeans;froma distance, Mitzy’s new techie radiates beauty Astheyapproach,hervividblueeyeslockwithmine Sharpintelligenceandsimmeringdefianceblazeinherpiercing gaze.
Mypulsespikesasshetakesinmysweat-slickedtorsobeforeshehastilylooksaway Inthatsplitsecond,beforeshelooks away,aflickerofinterestflashesinhereyes,andablushturnsherpalecheekspink.Somethingabouthersharpgazeandproud postureexudesanintellectlackingfromthebrainlessairheadsIbed.Myeyesgreedilytraceheralluringcurves.
Althoughourwordlessexchangelastsbarelyaheartbeat,I’mhooked.
I’malsodistractedfrommyfightwithEthanandWalt.Ethancatchesmehardintheribswithabrutaluppercut,makingme
gruntinpain.BeforeIcanrecover,Waltsweepsmylegsoutfromunderme.Despitegettingknockedtothemat,Ifindmyself anglingforanotherglimpseofthemysterioussirentrailingMitzyandpaynoattentiontoEthanorWalt.
“Eyesfront,Romeo”Ethankicksmyfeetandstretchesoutahand “Nooglingthenewrecruitswhenwe’reworking”He pullsmetomyfeetwithalaugh.
Iforcemyselftorefocusbutdiscreetlytrackthebeauty’sprogressthroughthegym Theteasingcurveofher lipsandthe defianttiltofherchinlingerinmymindlongaftershe’sgone.
Something tells me that alluring, raven-haired girl spells nothing but delicious trouble My interest is most definitely piqued.
“Who’sthatwithMitzy?”IaskEthanwhenwepausetohydrate.
“Noclue,butclearly,she’sgotyourattention”Heribsmewithaknowinggrin “Thoughshelooksabityoung,evenfor you.”
“Justadmiringtheview,nothingmore Idon’tpoachtrainees”Ishrugnonchalantly,thoughmypulsehasquickened “TwentybuckssaysRomeoseducesherwithinthemonth,”Gabechallenges. Theotherschuckle,fullyawareofmyhabitofbeddinganythingwilling “Nah,thisoneseemssmarterthanhisusualtype,”Waltcounters.“Isayhestrikesout.”
Isnortdismissivelybutcan’tdenyatwingeofintrigueattheirwords.There’safiretothatgirldespiteheryouth.Perhaps she’dbeworththechase?
Nope.
Icutthattrainofthoughtoffbeforeitforms Justappreciatingherbeauty Noneedtocomplicatethings Atleast,that’sthe lieItellmyself.
Withrenewedfocus,Iturnmymindbacktotheraven-hairedsirenandfocusonhoningmyhand-to-handcombatskills. Afewhourslater,mymusclesarepleasantlyfatigued.WecooldownandtoweloffinCharlieteam’sbullpen.Theribbing andcrudejokesstartimmediately.
“Whatkeptyouthismorning?”Ethan’stoneislightandteasing,butthere’samessageinhiswords “Notlikeyoutobelate, anddon’tgivemethatbullshitabouttraffic.Anotherlatenightwiththenewestflavoroftheweek?”
“Week?”Waltscoffs “Jeb’snotinterestedafterasinglenight Howthehellishegoingtokeeponeforawholeweek?” Ifliphimoffcasually.“Someofushaveimportantresponsibilitieslikeraisingthenextgenerationofeliteoperators.” “IssomethingwrongwithMaverick?”Ethan’stonesuddenlyturnsserious.
I’mtheonlyguyontheteamwithakid,anditsetsmeoffabitfromtheothers.NotthatIdon’tjointhematthebar.We’re allonthehuntforawomantowarmourbed.
“Mav’sgreat Justspentafewextraminuteswithmykidthismorning”
“Shit.”Ethanrunshisfingersthroughsweat-soakedhair.“NowIfeelbadformakingyoudothosepushups.”
“Don’t”Iflexmyarms,makingmygunspopout “Chickslovemuscles”
“Speakingofchicks,”Waltsays.“Mitzy’snewhirecaughtyoureye.Becarefulpoachingoneofhers.”
“LikeIsaid,Idon’tpoachtrainees.”Iliftachallengingeyebrow.
“Butyounoticedher,”Hankjoinsin,grayeyesglinting “Comeon,thatGothchickiscute,butshe’safewtoomanyyears youngerthanyou.”
“Can’tblame Jeb for looking” Blake acts like he has myback, butIwaitfor the other shoe to drop “Betshe’s barely twenty-one,whichmakesyou…”
“Legalislegal”Ishakemyhead “Evenifshe’seighteen” “Thatwoulddefinitelybestealingthecradle.Tenyearsis…”Waltgivesmetheeye. “It’seight,nineatmost,andageisjustanumber.”
Theyexchangeknowinglooksbutletitdropasweallheadtotheshowers Ishakemyheadattheiranticsbutcan’tdeny mypulsekicksupanotchwhentheymentionMitzy’snewrecruit. I’dlovetolearnmore
Find out her name. Hell, maybe I canget a bit of one-on-one time. If the chick’s new, she’s goingto need self-defense training Ifilethatfactawayforlateruse Itwouldn’ttakemuchtomakethathappen Thatfieryanddefiantgaze,alongwiththosecurves,definitelyspikedmyinterest. ButImeantwhatIsaid Idon’tmixbusinessandpleasure.
Much
Theconversationslowlyshiftsfrommysexlifeandturnstoournextop.Myteammatesmeanwellwiththerazzing.Losing myfiancéeinchildbirthleftmecommitment-shy Theypokefunatmebutneverjudge We’veallseendarkness.
Freshlycleanedup,Irejoinmybrotherslounginginthebullpen.Ourhomeawayfromhome,filledwithmismatchedchairs, fadedsportsposters,andasenseofbelonging.
IsnagwaterfromthebatteredfridgeandsprawlonthecouchnexttoGabe.Hissheerbulktakesupmostofthespace,butI
don’tmindthecrampedquarters.Afterachildhoodofrigidrules,thiseasymalecamaraderiesuitsmefine.
“So Romeo…”Gabe’smeatypawclapsthebackofmyneck.“AboutMitzy’snewestrecruit?”
“Clearly,youdogshavetoomuchfreetime”Icrumplemywaterbottleandaimitatthetrashcan Itgoesinniceandclean “Don’tyouhavegeartoprepinsteadofgossipinglikeschoolgirls?”
“Touchy”Gabeclutcheshischestinmockaffront,buthetakesthehintandtalkturnstoweaponsmaintenanceandtactics MyoveractivebrainispulledbackwhereitbelongswhenIgrabmyweaponandsetitonthecountertop.Imeticulously cleanmyweapon,thinkingit’lldistractme,butthoughtsofMitzy’snewcomercreepin She’sdistractinginallthewrongways.
Bettertoadmireherfromadistance.
Butthat’saloadofcrap
WE HEAD OUTSIDE FOR THE TOUR, AND MITZY LEADS ME TO THEIR TRAINING FACILITIES. UPON ENTERING, I STOP SHORT, intimidated by the enormous, muscle-bound men drilling inside With their imposing frames, they look ready for the most perilousmissionsimaginable.Notanounceoffatamongtheselivingweapons.It’sjustdeep-cutmuscleandtherawmasteryof bruteforce
I watch themgrapple and spar, the smack of bodies on mats punctuated by occasional grunts of exertion. Their sheer physicalityisdaunting,butIcan’tdenyafascinatingcuriosity Inspectingcloser,ahandfulofwomenaretrainingalongsidethe men.Leanandtoned,butmyeyesskimpastthemandcatchononeman atallblondbuiltlikeatitaniumwall.
Hispiercingblueeyesmeetminebrieflybeforehe’spulledbackintothefray.Hetakesapunch,rollswithit,andusesthe momentumtoputhisopponentinachokehold
Impressivereflexesandstunningpower.
Somethinginhiscommandingpresenceawakensaprimalhungerdeepwithinme Heglancesmywayagain,brazeninterest flashinginthoseicyblues.Achargedtensioncrawlsovermyskin,raisinggoosebumps.Mygazelockswithhis.
Hard Unyielding.
Steelforgedinfire.
Theroomspins Timeslows It’sjusthimandme,apredatorandhisprey It’sexhilarating Terrifying Abruptly,Iturnaway,nervesbuzzing faceheating.Heartpoundingagainstmyribcage.
As much as I outwardly scoff at these muscle-bound Guardian brutes, some secret part of me is drawn to their raw masculinepower.ThemenI’veknownwereneverdominantenoughtoignitemypassion.
Timidbetasatbest.
Insipidomegasatworse.
Mostmenare intimidated bymypricklynature. Walkingoneggshells instead ofsweepingme offmyfeetlike Isecretly crave
Shakingawaythedangerousmusings,IforcemyselftofocusonwhyI’mhere.
“Whoarethey?”Ipointtothewomen,butMitzythinksImeanthegroupofmen “ThosearetheGuardians,”Mitzyexplains.“Ourtacticalteams.They’reourmuscle thebootsontheground.”
“Idon’tworkwithmeatheads.”Despitemydesire,Ishakemyheadindisgust.
“You’ll mainlyworkwithmytechteam. Workingdirectlywiththe Guardians will be rare, but youshould refrainfrom callingthemmeatheads.”
“Why?”
“It’srude.”
“AndcallingusTechiesisn’t?”
“Glad to see youthinkinginterms of us. Good firststep inthe rightdirection. Now, come on.” Mitzysmiles tolerantly. “Theyseemintimidating,buttrustme,they’reharmless,Ipromise.”
Harmless isn’t a word I’d use for those massive brutes, but I staysilent As for the us comment, I know what Mitzy’s offering.Next,sheshowsmethetemporarylivingquarterswhereI’llbehoused.
“It’s temporarylodging Simple butcomfortable” She shows me the modest apartment “It’s got the basics: a full-sized bed, simple desk, chair, and computer provided. There’s a modestlivingroomand a functional kitchen. Muchbetter thana cell”
“Stillfeelslikeone.”
“Settleinandgetsomerest.”Sherollshereyesinexasperation.“We’llstartyourorientationtomorrow.Thecafeteriasare
comeasyouare Thefoodisfree,aperkofworkingforGuardiansHRS Justgrabwhatyouwant,eatwhereyouwill,butbus your tray. We cleanup our messes around here.” She clasps myshoulder and thenhands me a phone. “Mynumber is onthe phone Needanything,callme”
“Howaboutachangeofclothes?Toothbrush?Metalcuptodragalongthewindow?”
ThelookMitzygivesmesaysshe’sgettingtiredofmypiss-poorattitude Well,I’mtiredofittoo Ittakesalotofeffortto pretendI’vegotmyshitlockeddowntightwhenI’mshakinginside,terrifiedoftheunknown.
“Done and done You’ve gotclothes inthe dresser waitingfor you Toiletries inthe bathroom Anythingyouneed, we’ll get.Youcangrabwhateveryouwantonceyougetyourfirstpaycheck.”
“Wait?I’mgettingpaid?Ithought…”
“Toldyouthiswasajob You’renotaprisoner Ivalueyourskills,andyou’llseehowmuchwhenthatfirstcheckhitsyour bankaccount.Wedoallthefunpaperworktomorrow.Beatmyofficenolaterthannine.I’vegotafulldayplannedforyou.”
Withthat,sheleavesmealone Alone.
Noguard
Noanklebracelet.
Therearefences.
Don’tknowifI’mallowedoffGuardianHQgrounds,butI’llfigurethatoutlater I perch tentatively on the foot of the plain bed, hardly believing this sparsely decorated room is mine. No cellmates breathing,snoring,orcoughingtokeepmeawake Nolumpycotdiggingintomyside Justpeaceandquiet AndadoorIcan lockforprivacyandunlockwheneverIwant.
Definitelyanupgrade.
Afterthedeafeningchaosofcrampedcommunalcells,thissilencefeelsdisorienting. Lonely,almost.
Ididn’trealizehowmuchbackgroundnoiseI’dgrownusedtoduringmytimeinjail Shakingoff melancholythoughts, I boot up the computer. To mydelight, it grants access to Guardian’s systems without restrictions Mitzytrustsmemorethansheshould,orshe’stestingme
I crack my knuckles, grinning eagerly time to show this fancy system what I can do. Curling up in the desk chair, I delicatelyprobethenetwork.Istartsubtly,scopingoutGuardian’snetworkarchitecture,probingforweakpoints.ButMitzy’s securityissmoothasglass notsomuchasacrackIcanwedgeopen.
Severalhourslater,I’vemappedsubstantialportionsofthesystemarchitectureandlocatedafewintriguingvulnerabilities. Nothingtoocritical,andI’mcarefulnottoleavetracesthatwouldtriggeralerts
Ilearned a hell ofa lotaboutGuardian’s technical capabilities, though. Several projects still indevelopmentsparkmy curiosity They’redoingcutting-edgethingswithRobotics,ArtificialIntelligence,andVirtualReality Veryimpressive.
Ican’tholdbackagrin.Imaybetrappedfor now,butatleastthisplacecomeswithsomesweetnew toystoplaywith. Whoknows,maybeI’llstickaroundwhenmytimeisup
Butnotbecausetheyownme.
I’mstill myownwoman I’ll stayonlyifthis place is legitand Mitzylets me do whatIdo bestwithouttoo manydamn rules.
Twohourslater,Itestfirewalls Iwriteaslicklittleworm,myviral callingcard,andsetitloosetoopenbackdoorsfor me.
“Jackpot!”Rollingupmysleeves,it’stimetogettowork.
I discover a weakness in one of their older servers used for HR data Amateurs left a tiny backdoor wide enough for someonewithmyskillstoslitherthrough.Thewormgetsmeaccesstoalow-levelemployeeportal.Ipokearoundtheirfiles, hungryforabiggerscore Aportalthissloppymeansbiggergapsawaitsomewhere
Innotime,I’minandscrollingthroughemployeerecords.Boringstuff,mostly.I’mabouttostartdiggingdeeper whena chatwindowpopsopenonmyscreen
Impressive.AlittleslowerthanIexpected,butnotbad.Meetmeinthecafeteriaforamidnightsnack. Iscowlandslamthelaptopshut.Sothepsychedelicglitterqueenwaswatchingthewholetime?Shouldhaveknownthis wasadamntest
Down in the company cafeteria, Mitzy waves at me from a table heaped with juicy steaks, baked potatoes, and even chocolatecake.Iignoreherpeaceofferingandloadatraywithmyfirstdecentmealinweeks.Imakeapointofsittingalonein afarcorner
Aminutelater,sheappearsacrossfromme,undauntedbymystandoffishness.
“Didn’ttakeyoutobeonetopout Makingapoint?”Shestealsafryoffmytraywithagrin Shereferstomedeliberately notsittingwithher,buttomychagrin,I’mrightwhereshewantedmetobe.
Iglareatherandshieldmyfood.“Youplantedthattotestme.”
“Ofcourse.Hadtogaugeyourskills.Itradedalotoffavorstofreeyouandhadtoknowifyouwereworthit.”
I’mcurious as towhatfavors she refers to,butthere’s nowayI’mgoingtoask Engagingin more conversationwithmy glitteringpsychedelicbossranksnumberoneonmylistoftopthingsIdon’twanttodo,butthen Igoandopenmymouth.
“Well, don’tthinkyou’ve gotme all figured out” Iglare ather and shield myplate fromfurther unauthorized frenchfry incursions.“Iwasjustwarmingup.Youwon’tbesmirkingwhenyouseewhatI’mcapableof.”
“Bring it on I love a challenge” Mitzy grins cryptically Her left eyebrow lifts in a challenge She snags another fry, slippingunder myshield. “Youthinkyou’re the next best bigthing, but don’t expect things to be easyaround here. You’re swimmingwiththebigguysnow.Thisisn’tagame.Thenext level won’tbesuchacakewalk.”Sheusesairquoteson“level” likewe’replayingsomedamncomputergame
Thatcockywinkofhersignitesmystubborn,competitivestreak.Oh,itissoonnow.She’senjoyingthiswaytoomuch.
“Don’texpectmetohackyouallnighttoprovemyself”Icrossmyarmsdefiantly
“Youdoyou.It’salluptoyou.”Mitzyrocksbackonherheelscasually.“Icouldbewrongaboutyou.Timewilltell.” “Wrong?Aboutwhat?”
“Whether you’re good enough to work for me.” The glint in her eyes ignites my competitive streak. Does she want a hackingduel?
“Oh,I’mplentygood,”Ithreaten,absolutelydevouringtherestofmymeal
Mitzy’schallengeringsinmyearsaftersheleavesmealoneandreturnstohertable.Sheshamelesslydigsintohermeal, neversparingmeasecondglance
Doesshedoubtmyskills?
NomoreMs.NiceHacker.It’stimetoshowthiscolorfulqueenofthetechieswhatIcando.
five-year-oldson,Maverick,andhecan’tbelateforshow-and-tell
Asexpected,he’sstillfastasleepwhenIpeekintohisroom.Isitontheedgeofhistoddlerbed,festoonedwithsuperhero sheets,andgentlyrousehim
“Timetogetup,littleman.Youdon’twanttobelateforshow-and-tellday.”
Maverickrubshiseyesandgivesmeasleepysmilethatmeltsmyheart Slowly,hebecomesmorealertaswegothrough ourmorningroutine.
Inthebathroom,Ilatherupmyshavingcream,andMaverickinsistsonjoiningin,smearingsomeonhissmoothlittleface. Hemakesagameofmimickingmymotionswithhisplasticsafetyrazor Ican’thelpbutchuckleathisexaggeratedexpressions inthemirror.Thelittleboyiseagertogrowintoamanlikehisdad.
AfterIhelpMaverickbrushhisteeth,someofthefogofsleepinessliftsfromhiseyes Nothinglikesomecoldwaterand minty toothpaste to jumpstart the day. We chat and laugh as Maverick gets dressed, telling me about his “cool guy” outfit choicesfortheday
“Don’tforgettograbRexyforshow-and-tell,”Iprovideagentlereminder.
“Ohyeah!”HiseyeswidenashegrabsthetoyT-rexoffhisdresser.Hebeamsatmewithhisprized‘Rexy’inhisarms.
Thesavorysmellsofsizzlingbaconandeggswaftdownthehallfromthekitchen,rousingourappetitesanddrawingusto thetable.Thearomaremindsmeofchildhood,awakeningeachmorningtothosesamesmellsasmymomcookedbreakfastfor mewhenIwasakid
Westridetothekitchentogether.Maverickscruncheshisnose,inhalingthemouthwateringscentswithdelight.
“Grandma,yourcookingmakesmytummysohappy!”Hepatshisstomachforemphasis.
“Take a seat, love, and I’ll bringyour plate.” Her voice overflows with a grandmother’s absolute adoration. My mom worksthestovelikeaseasonedwarrior.
MydadsnapsthenewspaperclosednowthatMaverick’satthetable “Whatchagotthere?”HepointstowardMaverick’s toydinosaur,smilingindulgently.
“Eatup”MymomwinksasshesetsaplatebeforeMaverick Heeagerlydivesin
Thenostalgicsmellofhercookingneverfailstobringmecomfortbeforetheharshrealitiesofthedayintrude.Maverick digs inhungrilywhile Isavor myblackcoffee, needingthe caffeine jolt. We’ll have to hustle to avoid beinglate, buta few minutestogetheroverahotmealisworththerush.
“Daddy,look!”Maverickholdsupapieceofbaconheshapedintoadinosaur.Ilaughandrufflehishair,pulledbackinto themoment
IrememberbeingMaverick’sage,eagerlyboundingintothekitcheneachmorningtoseewhatdeliciouscreationsmymom hadwhippedupforbreakfast Thingsweresimplerthen Now,it’smesittingattheheadofthetablewhilemyparentsserve anddoteovertheirgrandson.
Ourdynamichasshiftedinsubtleways.
“Becarefulwithyourjuice,love”MymomgentlyrepositionsMaverick’scup Ismilesoftly,lostinmemories
“HisnameisRexy,andhe’sthecoolestdinosaurever.”Maverickchattersabouthistoywithmyfatherbetweenbites. MydadtakesRexy,makingexaggerateddinosaur-growlingnoisesthatsendMaverickintoafitofgiggles I’mgratefulmy songetstoformthesesweetmemorieswithhisgrandparents.ThoughpartofmewishesSarahwashereinstead.
“Rexy’sgonnahavesomanyfriendsatschooltoday!”Mavericktellsmydadexcitedly Myparents and Iendured our roughpatches whenIwas younger. Theydisapproved ofmydecisionto jointhe Navyat seventeen,seeingitasyouthfulrebellion.MymotherthrewafitwhenItrainedtobecomeaNavySEAL.
She fretted each and every time I went on a mission, terrified I might never come back. It’s taken years to get her to understandthisissimplythewayI’mwired.I’maprotector,adefender,aGuardianforthosewhocan’tsavethemselves.
“Moremilk,dear?”MymomreachestorefillMaverick’sglass
MyparentsweredisappointedwhenIgotSarahpregnant.It’snotthatweweren’tplanningongettingmarried wewere butconstantdeploymentsasaNavySEALmadeitdifficulttofindtherighttime
While mymother fretted, Sarahgraciouslywaited throughlongabsences and uncertainty. We planned to finallymake it officialwhenIcompletedmylastrotationoverseasandreturnedhomeforgood Ihadtheringreadyandeverything.
But fate had other plans, prematurelybringingMaverickinto this world and takinghis mother awaybefore we got the chancetogetmarriedandmakethingsofficial MybeautifulSarahwasgoneintheblinkofaneye
Losingherleftajaggedholethatcannevertrulyheal.Inmydarkestmoments,theguiltandgriefthreatentodrownme.My sonwillgrowupneverknowinghismother;Icandonothingtochangethat,butmostdays,lovewinsoutovergrief “Alldone,Grandma!”Maverickproudlypresentshiscleanplate.
He’sapieceofSarahIstillgettohold,ourfleshandbloodcombined thebestpartsofbothofus
My parents showed their support when it counted the most after Sarah’s passing, despite any past objections over my choicesinlife.Theyhadonerequest:thatIleavetheNavyandthedangerouslifeofaSEALbehindmeforthesakeofmyson. Out of respect for their wishes, I pursued my second love technology and computer science I earned my computer sciencedegreefromMITandbegananewcareerpath,buttheneedtohelpothersandsaveinnocentsindangernevertrulyleft me Igrewrestless,livinga“normal”life Thedomesticityfeltstiflingwhenotherscontinuedtosufferandstruggle
Afterlongdiscussions,myparentscouldseehowunfulfilledIfelt.Thoughitpainedthemtoseemeriskmylifeagain,they understoodmycalltoservicerantoodeep.
Theyhadonecondition:thatInotreturntotheSEALs.TheGuardians’covertmissionsalignedcloselywithmydesireto help,andtheircutting-edgetechmeantIcouldputmynewskillstouse.
As I reflect, the present scene unfolds around me myparents chattingwithMaverick, the clinkof forks onplates, the aromaoffreshlybrewedcoffee.
Theselittledetailsgroundme
TheirwillingnesstouproottheirlivesandmoveintohelpcareforMaverickshowedmehowluckyIamtohavethem. Ourdynamichasshifted.
Theywent fromparentingme to spoilingtheir grandson. Fortunately, despite the challenges, we’re navigatingthis new phaseoflifetogether measasinglefatherandthemasadoringgrandparents.
Theystillparentmesometimes,andIgotothemforguidancewhenIneedhelp,butIwouldtradeallofthattohaveSarah back.Ourarrangementiscomplicated,butIcouldn’tbemoregrateful.IfIcanbeevenhalftheparenttoMaverickasmineare tome,I’llconsidermyselfasuccess Fornow,Ienjoythesechaoticmornings,findingjoyinsimplebreakfastritualsanddays ofshow-and-tell.
IruffleMaverick’s hair affectionately.“Ican’twaittohear aboutRexyduringshow-and-tell,butremember toshare him nicelywiththeotherkids”
“Iwill,”Maverickpromisessolemnly.“Grandma,canIhavebaconfortheroad?”
“Fortheroad?”Shegrabsanapkinandplacessomebaconinside “Eatupsoyougrowbigandstronglikeyourdaddy” Maverickflexeshislittlearms,makingusbothchuckle.Myheartswellswatchinghim.Itreasureeveryminute,however longorshort,ofourtimetogethereachmorning
“Yourbaconisthebestestever!”He’sagood-naturedkidoverall.
“Howaboutafterschooltoday,wegetsomeicecream,justyouandme?”Ipropose.“CelebrateRexy’sbigday?”
Maverick’sfacelightsup “Yeah!RockyRoad,please?”
“Yougotit,buddy.”Icherishthesesimplefather-sonmoments,nevermoreawarethannowhowprecioushischildhoodis andhowquicklyitwillpass
Myphone rings as Maverickraces offtoputonhis sneakers.Iglance atthe caller ID it’s EthanBlackwood,leader of Charlieteam
Meaningwehaveamission.
“Yo,what’sup?”
“Wehaveasituationthatrequiresimmediateaction,”Ethansaysbriskly “Athirteen-year-oldgirlwaskidnappedlastnight fromherfamily’sCancúnvacationrental.”
“Anyleadsonwhotookher?”Istiffen,instantlyonhighalert
“Alocal cartel is suspected. The familyhid a tracker onthe girl before she was taken. She’s still inthe area, butintel indicatestheymaytrytomoveheroutsoon.Wheelsarealreadyspinningup.”
“I’mready,beatHQintwenty.”ImovetowardthestairsasEthanspeaks.
“Notime.I’msendingacartogetyounow we’llprepintransit.”Histonebrokersnoargument.
“Understood.” There’s no hesitation on my part, and because of my parents, no worry about who will take care of Maverick.
WhenIendthecall,Momgivesmeasympatheticlook
“Anothermission?”Atmynod,shepatsmyshoulder.“Don’tworry,we’llpickMaverickupfromschoolandtakehimfor thaticecream He’llunderstand,honey”
I scrub a hand down my face. “I hate breaking promises to him.” Guilt sits like a stone in my gut at the thought of disappointingmysonagain
“Maverickknows his daddyis a hero.” Mydad picks up his newspaper fromthe table and unfolds it. He gives me an understandinglook.“Justdowhatyoumust,andwe’llholddowntheforthere.”
Inod,buoyedbytheirsupportevenastheguiltlingers I’dbelostwithoutthem Maverickcomes barrelingbackintothe kitchenwithhis Velcrosneakers haphazardlysecuredandbackpackdraggingon theground Oblivioustothechangeinplan
IpasteonasmileasIhelphimgetsorted.“PapaandGrandmawillpickyouupfromschooltoday,okay?Igotcalledinto work”
“Aww,buticecream?”Maverick’sfacefalls.
I kneel and tickle his tummy. “Don’t worry, Papa will take you. We’ll go another time.” I kiss his forehead, hating to disappointhimbutunwillingtoexposehimtotheharshrealitiesofmywork
“Okay.”Maverickacceptsthiswithafive-year-old’sresilience,butthedroopinhisshoulderstugsatmyheart.
Toosoon,hisschoolbushonksoutside Hugsandkissesareexchanged,andIwatchwistfullyashetrotstothebuswitha littlewave.Mymomsqueezesmyshoulder.
“He’llbeokay.It’sgoodforchildrentolearnflexibilityandpatience.”Hertoneholdsanoteofwryness.Sheknowsthat lessonnevergetseasierasaparent.“Besafeoutthere.”Shethenturnsbacktothedishes,pretendingsheisn’tsendingher son intodanger.
Ipullherintoafiercehug “Thankyou,truly ForeverythingyouandDaddotohelpwithMaverick Ittakesaweightoff me.”
“Ofcourse,dear That’swhatfamilyisfor Nowgetoutthereandmakeusproud”Shepatsmybackaffectionately Itrotdownthehall,grabmygear,andthenreturntomyparents.
Asecondhonksounds.Thisone’sforme.
Afteraswiftgoodbye,Ihopinthewaitingvehicle,mindwhollyfocusedonthemission.Personalconflictstakeabackseat wheninnocentsneedourhelp.Asthecarspeedstowardtheairfield,Ipraywearriveintime.
Alittlegirl’ssurvivaldependsonit
THE SUV ROLLS TO A STOP BESIDE THE WAITING JET.TIME IS CRITICAL ON THIS MISSION TO REACH THE KIDNAPPED GIRL BEFORE she’smoved Ihopoutandstrideacrossthetarmactowardtherumblingaircraft,myduffelbagslungoveroneshoulder
The rest of the teamis here, prepping weapons and equipment. Our fearless leader, Ethan Blackwood, looks up from cleaninghisweaponandgivesmeatersenod Hisfeaturesaresetintheirusualmaskofstoicpre-missionfocus
Walthasmedicalsuppliesspreadout,takinginventorywithameticulouseye.TheformerAirForcePJwillbeourlifeline ifthisopgoessideways Gabecheckshishostofexplosivesandsabotagechargesfromhismunitionsstash Thebigmanisan artistwhenitcomestoconstructingchaos.
“How’sitgoing?”InodtotheothersasIdropmygear.
“Sameshit,differentday,gearinguptoraisesomehell”Gabegrinsashetinkerswithexplosives “Readytogetgoingandbringthatgirlhome.”Waltlooksupfromhismedicalkit.“Whatdoweknow?” “What’sthedeal?”IturntoEthan,ourstalwartleader
“I’llgooverthefullsit-reponcewe’reairborne.”Ethanfinishesputtinghisweaponbacktogether.“Fornow,checkyour gearandverifysupplies”
Heor oneoftheotherspackedmygear frommylocker backatHQ.It’sEthan’swayoftellingmetomakesuretheygot everythingbeforewetakeoff.Onceairborne,therewon’tbeanyresupply.
“Onit”Icheckmygearandammo
“How’sMaverickdoing?”Gabeasks.“Thelittlemanstayingoutoftrouble?”
“Forthemostpart”Ichuckle “Hisnewthingisshapingbaconintodinosaursinthemorning” Theguyslaugh.
“Cutekid,”Waltremarks.
“Thatheis.”IsmiledespiteknowingI’llmissbedtimewithmysontonight. Butit’sforaworthycause.
Theatmosphereisrelaxedyetfocusedaswemakefinalpreparations Ourbanterholdsundertonesofdarkhumorcommon inthosewhoregularlyfacedanger.
“Damn, lookatall those explosives,” Iwhistle appreciativelyas Gabe pieces together his customized charges “Saving somebaddiesfortherestofus?”
“NopromisesonceIstartblowingshitup.”Gabegrins.“ButI’lltrytoleaveafewskullsforyouanimalstocrack.”
“Appreciatethatgenerosity,brother.”Hankchucklesashefieldstripshisrifle.
Walttests the sharpness ofa combatknife, eyes glintingwithgood humor. “Ifyouhogall the targets, drinks are onyou whenwereturn”
“AsacrificeI’mwillingtomake.”Gabelaughs.
We chat casuallyas we work, savoringthese moments Soon, missionmasks will slip into place, movements honed by endlessdrills.Fornow,we’rejustgrabbingsomecamaraderiebeforedutycalls.
Thecabindoorthumpsclosed,mufflingtheenginesaswetaxitowardtherunway.
“Let’sdothis”Ethanmeetsmyeyesandnods
Onceairborne,thecasualtalkdies.Wereview schematicsandplans,facesgrim,rehearsingtacticalmaneuvers.Laughter ceases,themissionoursolefocus
We review the rescue planuntil the missionunfolds inour minds the crumblinghacienda holdingthe target, the rugged terraintocross,ourentrypoints,andcontingencyplans Nodetailistoosmallwhenalittlegirl’slifeisatstake
Whenweland,wegearup,facesdisappearingbehindmasks,movementseconomicalfromendlessdrills.Theonlysounds areVelcroripping,magazinessnappingintoweapons,andcalm,steadyingbreaths.
Walttriple-checkshismedickit,stockedwithtourniquets,clottingagents,andIVfluids theessentialstokeepusaliveif thingsgosideways.TheformerPJenduredthesamebrutaltrainingastherestofusinBUD/S.He’sourlifelineouthere.
Gabeloadsupwithasmallarsenal shotgun,handcannon,tricked-outM4 Plusenoughammotobesiegeafortress Our munitionsexpertdoesn’tmessaround.He’sourall-aroundMacGyverinsolvingproblemsinthefield.
Ethancoordinatesfinal detailswithCommandwhilewelockandload Themissionfocusandadrenalinekicksinaswe preptoinsertintothehotzone.Thisiswhatwetrainfor,dayafterday,nightafternight.
Go-time
Weslipintothedarknesslikeghosts.Inteltagsthelocationaslightlydefended,butwetakenothingforgranted.Situations morph,andsurveillancemissesthings.
We’rereadyfortheworst
Itake point,hyper-alertfor signs ofearlywarning.Amile out,the dilapidatedhacienda appears againstthe nightsky.A fewfaintlightsindicatelife Intelisaccurate minimaldefenses Theircockinesswillcostthem We’vedonethiscountlesstimes,buttheedgeneverdulls.Mysensesstrainforanysignoftheenemy.
Attherallypoint,Ethansignalsahaltanddropstooneknee Wefollow andslow ourbreathswhilescanningaheadwith opticsandthermalimaging,identifyingsentrypositions.
“Fivehostilesonpatrol,twomobile,threestatic,”Ireporttersely.“Thirty-secondgapbetweensweeps.”Weghostacross theopengroundatthenextgapinpatrols,reachingthecrumblingperimeterwall Silentasghosts Sofar,sogood.
Crouchedmotionless,weobservetwolackadaisicalkidnappersstrollingpast,barelypayingattention Cockyfools,certain they’reuntouchableouthere.
It’safatalmistake.
Once the patrol moves onandtheir footsteps fade,Walttakes outhis lockpicks andgoes toworkas we watchhis back. Twentyagonizingsecondspassbeforethestubbornlocksurrenders.Islipinsidethegloomyrooms,sweepingforthreats.
Therearenone
Iwavetheteamin,andweflow deeper,senseshyper-alert.Mynerveswindtighterthecloser wegettotheroomwhere intelindicatesthegirlisbeingheld Voicessoundahead twoobliviousguardsstandingoutsideherdoor
EthansignalsGabeandWaltright,HankandBlakeleft.I’mtotakethedoor.Athiscommand,westrikeasone.Gabeand HankslashthethroatsoftheguardswhileWaltandBlakewatchtheirsix.
Ikickinthedoor.Ethansurgesinaheadofme,gunup,whileIflowinbehindhim.Mymuffledshotsdropthelonestunned guardinside.IkeepwatchwhileEthanandWaltrushtothewhimperinggirlcurledinthefetalposition.She’schainedtothe wallandliesonafilthymattress
“You’resafenow.”Waltrushesinandsoothesher.“We’regettingyouhome.”HechecksherforinjurieswhileGabesnaps thelockholdingthegirl
Bangedupandbruised,bysomemiracle,she’srelativelyunharmed.
Walt wraps a thermal blanket around the dazed teen’s bony shoulders while Ethan radios Command that our target’s secured Walthandsmehisweaponashescoopstheweakgirlinhisarms Weslipoutsideandstealintothenight,retracing oursteps.
Objectiveachieved
The trekto exfil is tense butuneventful anti-climactic after the tensionofinfiltration. Soon, the teenis bundled into an SUVtobereunitedwithherfamily
Allinall,itwasaneasymission.
Notallgothissmoothly.
Beforewe’rewheelsup,Icallhome,hopingtocatchMaverickbeforebed “Hey,buddy,wantedtocheckinbeforebedtime,”Isaywhenhepicksup. “Daddy!Imissyou,”Maverickreplies “Whenareyoucominghome?”
Myheartclenches. “Soon, kiddo, justgotsome workstuffto finishfirst, butI’ll be home before youknow it. How was show-and-tell?DidthekidslikemeetingRexy?”
“Yeah!Itoldthemhe’saT-rex.He’sthebiggestandhassharpteeth,”Maverickexclaims.“Theyallwantedtoholdhim.I sharedniceandletthempasshimaround.”
“That’sawesome Soundslikehewasabighit”Ismileproudly Wechatafewmoreminutesabouthisdaybeforesaying goodnight.Ihangup,wishingIweretheretokisshimgoodnightinperson.
Backatbase,afterquickshowers,wedebriefandrehashdetailsfromthemission
“Who’s readyto getshitfaced and find some hottail to celebrate with?” Gabe grins lecherouslyas we startpackingup, wagglinghiseyebrows.
“Hellyeah,Icouldblowoffsomesteam.”Hankeagerlyhigh-fiveshim.“Orgetblown.” Whentheguysstarttalkingaboutcelebratorydrinks,Istifleayawnandbegoff.I’mtoowiredtosleepandnotinthemood
forameaninglesshookup.Aproteinshakeandsomequiettimewilldotonight.
“Youanimalshavefun.I’mgonnacallitanight.”
“Yousure?”HankgivesmealooklikeI’mcrazy Mostnights,I’mtheringleader whenitcomes tobooze,chicks,andsexwithstrangers.It’s mywaytodecompress,butI shakemyhead,touchedbyhisconcern
“Appreciatethethought,butI’llstickwithamellowonetonight.Youenjoy,though.”
“Yourloss”Gabeclapsmyshoulder
“Notlikeyou.Anythingwrong?”Blakerubshiswethairwithatowel,dryingoffafterhisshower.Hisexpressioniskind butserious.
“Iknow,”Iconcedewithasmall smile Something’s shiftedwithinme SomethingIcan’tputafinger on Thethoughtof anothernamelesshookupatabarsuddenlyfeelsempty.
Lonely
“Justnotinthemood.”
“We’ll drink your share then” Gabe cocks his head, studying me The intuitive one of the bunch, perhaps he senses somethingisoffwithme.
I’dlovetoaskhimwhatitisbecauseIcan’tfigureoutwhat’ssuddenlychanged.
“I’ll tagalongtobabysityoureprobates,” Ethanchuckles,thoughhis smile doesn’treachhis tiredeyes “Butdesignated driveronlyformetonight.”
InodgratefullyatEthan,knowingournormallyparty-lovingleaderisonlygoingtohumortheguys He’sbeenkeepingto himselfmoreafterthingswithRebelendedbadly.
Afterherrescue,thingsgothotandheavybetweenthetwoofthem,butthenRebelvanished.Noone’sbeenabletofindany hintofher,andthat’ssayingsomething,consideringtheresourcesatGuardianHRS.
Therabbleheadsout,whoopingandhollering.Iwavethemoffwithachuckle,mymindalreadylookingaheadtoaquiet night
Afteralate-nightrun,I’mdrawntotheemptycafeteria,cravingproteintorefuel.
It’s after midnight,buta few others are upsnacking IncludingMitzy,broodingover a neglectedmeal,face bathedinthe glowofhertablet.Sheabsentlypicksatwhatlookslikeamealmadefortwo,butthere’snoonesittingwithher.
Igrab a proteinshake whenmovementcatches myeye. Alone figure sits inshadowysolitude, and Ifeel anirresistible pull…
It’sMitzy’sintriguingrecruit.Theraven-hairedbeautysnapsherheadup,andourgazesclashandcollide.Theairbetween us seems to charge as we study one another Damn if my pulse doesn’t quicken Her eyes narrow when I pivot, intent on approach.Evenindarkness,thatpiercingbluegazesimmerswithdefiance.
Her full lipspartslightly,butthen,asifcatchingherself,she’ssuddenlyonher feet,bodycoiledwithtension Shebuses hertrayandstormsoutwithoutaglanceback,leavingmestandingthere,stunnedandcravinganswers.Whoisthismysterious womanwho’sgottenundermyskin?
Unsurewhattomakeofthetenseencounter,Idrainmyshake
BeforeIcanprocesswhatjusthappened,Mitzysidlesup,regardingmewithaknowinglook.
“Well,thatwasintense,”sheremarkswithaknowingglintinhereye “SeemslikeyouandStitchfeltsomesparksflying, hmm?”
“Stitch?”Iturntheuniquenameoverinmymind
Mitzysmiles.“She’sgotskillsandanattitudetomatch.Couldusesomeguidancesettlingin.”Sheassessesmeshrewdly. “Infact,Ineedsomeonetocoverherself-defensetraining.Wanttheassignment?”
“I’dbehappytoshowhertheropes”Pulsehammeringaway,IjumpattheopportunitytogettoknowMitzy’snewrecruit “Excellent.”Mitzy’seyesdancewithmirth.“Fairwarning,she’sahandful.” “That’sokay I’mupforachallenge”
Shesauntersoff,laughingunderherbreath.Ishakemyheadruefully,knowingI’vebeenplayed,buttheprospectofgetting toknowStitchoverpowersanyhesitation Thisassignmentistoointriguingtopassup
Stitch
I ANGRILY STABAT THE REMAINS OF MY CELEBRATORY STEAK DINNER WHEN THE CAFETERIA DOORS SWING OPEN. ONE OF MITZY’S precious“Guardians”sauntersin ThemomentIseehim,it’sasifalltheairgetssuckedoutofmylungs
Thisman…
Gorgeous
The mostbreathtakingmanonthe planet tall, broad-shouldered, withthe physique ofa god. He’s the kind ofmanwho doesn’tjustwalkintoaroom Heownsit.
Hisunshakableconfidenceandhowheholdshimselfgivehimanundeniablepresence. Amagnetismthatpullsatme Sooooonotmytype.
Butdamnifthatchiseledjawlineisn’tsexyashell
Ishamelesslyoglehisassetswhenhesuddenlyturnstowardme.Ourgazesclash,andhehasthemostintense,piercingblue eyesI’veeverseen Thelightdustingofhisfiveo’clockshadowmakesmyfingerstwitch,yearningtofeeltheburnofitagainst myface andotherplaces. Lowerplaces.
Thewayhisprofessional indifferencetransformsintosomethingmoreprimal issomethingI’ll neverforget WishIcould sayI’msurprised,butmenlikehimseewomenasconquestsratherthanpeople.Still,thathungerinhiseyesandthewaythey makemefeel asifhe’sundressingme causesmetosquirm
It’sanunusualexperience,somethingI’veonlyreadaboutinbooks,buttheintensityofhisgazebringsimagestomindof beingclaimedinthemostprimal,mostbasicwayamancanclaimawoman.
Something stirs within me, igniting raw, uncontrolled desire. The rational part of my mind dismisses him, saying he’s nothingmorethananarrogantalphamale,butmyheart…
Oh,myrebelliousheart
Itbeatstoadifferenttune.Amelodythatyearnstosubmittotheraw,untamedpowerofthisalphamalestandingbeforeme.
Hiseyesflarewithheatedinterest,devouringeveryinchofme Theraw hungerinthatpenetratinggazemakesmeshrink back,arabbitsensingthewolf,butIcan’tlookaway,frozenbytheintensityofhisgaze.Bankeddesiresmoldersinthoseazure depths.
Worsethanthat,theexpressiononhisfacesayshe’sgoingtohavemewhether Iwantitor not.Mypulseskitterswildly, acutelyawareofhissheerphysicalityandthecoiledpowerbarelyconstrainedbeneaththesurface.
ThismanholdsthepowertouprooteverythingIknowaboutpassionandpower
Hecouldoverpowermeifhewished.
Asifitwereinevitable
Asifitalreadyhappened.
Mylipspartwhenthecornerofhismouthedgesup.Mysquirmingturnstoanotheremotionasthehairsonmyarmsstand andfeargripsmefromtheinside
Thethoughtofhimterrifiesme andexhilaratesme.
Whenhegrabsaproteinshake,musclesflexingunderhistight,blacktee,heturnstowardme,andIdotheonlythingIcan thinkof.
Irun
Ibusmytrayinrecordtimeandracefromthecafeteria,vowingnevertoreturn.Onceoutofthere,thedoorsclosebehind me,anditfeelsasifIcanbreatheagain.Myshouldersslump,andmyraggedbreathsettles.
