Wicked Shadows (Steele Security Book 5) Read online

  He shrugged. “That wasn’t high. I had to jump out of planes in the Army, so being able to see the ground while attached to a line was a walk in the park.”

  “You never talk about what you did in the service. I never knew you had to skydive.”

  He grinned at her reference. “I went to Jump School to become a paratrooper. But that was a long time ago. Nothing to talk about now.” He quickly dismissed the subject, regretting bringing it up, while also wishing he could tell her everything about his life so she’d better understand his position.

  “What’s on the agenda for tonight?”

  “I thought we’d spend some time enjoying the privacy of our suite before our dinner reservations. Then maybe a romantic walk on the beach, find a quiet spot, enjoy more privacy, and start all over again tomorrow.”

  “Enjoy the privacy, huh?”

  “Yep, and by that, I mean we’ll explore every inch of each other’s body. I can’t wait to strip you down and taste you all over again.”

  “Maybe we should skip the dinner reservations completely and just eat in tonight.”

  “Don’t think the thought hasn’t crossed my mind a dozen or so times. But, with only having two weeks and so much I want to experience with you, it’s best we go out. Besides, I want to show you off without the paparazzi around us.”

  “Fair enough. But only because I’d hate to deprive you of showing me off tonight.” She tried to keep a straight face while teasing him, but she was unable to hold the expression when he stared at her suspiciously. “Especially considering you won’t even be seen with me any other time.”

  “That’s it. I’m spanking that ass tonight.” His sly grin covered his face, the mirth of his words gleaming in his expression. “Keep talking to me like that. I’ll come up with more punishment that’s exciting to dole out.”

  “Promises, promises.” She stepped out of his arms but held on to his hand. “Let’s head back to the privacy of our room and begin that thorough exploration you mentioned.”

  Hours later, they emerged from the suite for dinner.

  “I love how you have that just-thoroughly-fucked glow. I love even more that I’m the only one who knows what it looks like. It makes me want to take you back to the room and start all over again.”

  “You can after you feed me.”

  “Oh, I’ll feed you all right.”

  “I need actual food for energy to keep up with you.” She walked faster toward the restaurant before he changed her mind. Again. “We’re already almost late. If they give our table away…” Her words trailed off, but the warning had been appropriately issued.

  His responding chuckle left no doubt of how scared he was in the face of her threat. The deep timbre of his laugh rumbled through his chest, reverberating through her body and leaving tingling chills from the sexy undertones of it. She was forced to acknowledge part of her attraction to him was his dangerous and mysterious air. It only added to his appeal and her inability to resist him.

  The open-air restaurant overlooked the mountains and ocean, giving them an incredible view of the moon shimmering off the surface of the calm water. The exclusive resort attracted the type of traveler who preferred privacy and offered it to others. Elle’s presence didn’t cause the slightest stir, giving them at least the illusion of anonymity during their meal.

  “Today has been perfect,” Elle gushed. “I’ve loved every minute of it. We should’ve done this long ago.”

  “I agree, so we’ll have to make it a standing date. A yearly escape to a remote location.”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Great. Then you agree to let me kidnap you and take you away whenever I want.”

  “Well, I won’t object, but my director may if I’m filming at the time you decide to kidnap me.”

  “Technically,” he quipped, “I can find ways around that inconvenience.”

  “You have so many talents, I can’t say I doubt that at all.”

  “To us.” He raised his wineglass. “And to our lifelong commitment of standing dates in hidden locations.”

  “To never having to worry that a date with you will be boring or awkward.” Elle raised her goblet and giggled during the clinking of glasses.

  After dinner, they took a stroll along the shore, the gentle waves lapping at their feet. The ocean breeze kept them cool in the tropical heat, though Elle could’ve sworn she saw sparks arc from the heated glances Devon shot her.

  “We’re all alone out here,” he whispered. “I can do anything I want to you, and no one would be the wiser. It’s so very tempting.”

  “That goes both ways, actually.”

  His dark blue eyes flashed with a mixture of desire, admiration, and amusement. “Just when I think I have you figured out.” He pulled her into his side, his big arm wrapped securely around her, and they walked back to their room with their bodies stuck together.

  Their remaining time on the island was spent in much the same manner. By day, their exciting excursions took her to places she never would’ve dared or dreamed of going without Devon. Perilous journeys to volcanic peaks. Dizzying heights of rock climbing expeditions. Day-long hikes deep inside the rain forest. Underwater excursions to a beautiful coral reef.

  Nights were spent in their open-air suite with room service delivering their meals more times than not. The in-suite infinity pool provided all the privacy they needed while allowing them to enjoy the moonlit views. Wrapped in a sensual embrace, they made love nightly, with one waking the other for a second round at some point before the morning sun lit up their room. The closer they were to the end of their two-week escape, the more desperate they both became for one more touch, one more embrace, one more kiss.

  13

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The morning before they were scheduled to leave, Devon snuck out of the room while Elle showered. He had a special surprise planned for her and didn’t want to risk her hearing him on the phone arranging it.

  “Hello, sir. How can I help you?” The suites had butlers assigned to cater to the guests’ every need. Though they hadn’t needed his services before, Devon knew he didn’t have long before Elle would notice his absence, so he provided the basics and left the man to finalize the details.

  “I need to arrange a spa package for my companion—after we return from a helicopter sight-seeing tour.” Devon gave the butler his specific instructions, speaking low and looking over his shoulder frequently to make sure she hadn’t overheard him.

  “I’ll be glad to arrange every aspect of it.” With a few keystrokes, Devon and Elle were booked on the morning helicopter tour, and her complete spa package would begin immediately afterward.

  “Thank you,” Devon replied and turned to walk away after the butler handed him the itinerary.

  “Sir?” the butler called to him. “This was left for you late last night. We don’t allow unscheduled visitors in the suite area after the resort doors are locked. The gentleman was adamant you were to receive this first thing this morning.”

  He handed Devon a large manila envelope, and Devon’s heart sank. No one knew precisely where he was or exactly when he’d return, so there was only one explanation for the unscheduled visitor. The fact that someone had tried to access the room he shared with Elle enraged him. Had that man been successful, his body would’ve been shark food, never to be found again—company man or not. The agent in him suddenly cringed at the room he’d chosen for their escape.

  On paper, the idea was perfect. Secluded. Romantic. Private. Tropical.

  In practice, he’d given whoever had followed him to the island a full-frontal view of every move they’d made. The unobstructed view looking out on the island was equally as open looking in with high-powered binoculars or a scope. His lapse in judgment and following of security protocol could’ve cost both his and Elle’s lives.

  He thanked the butler absently before rushing back to the room to check on Elle. His paranoia was engaged with a renewed ferocity. He’d been so
busy living the carefree life, his guard had been down completely. He hadn’t even sensed eyes on him or footsteps following him. With all his time and attention devoted to Elle, he’d unknowingly put them both at risk. He berated himself over his own stupidity as he stomped back to their door.

  Elle stepped out of the bathroom just as Devon entered the suite. “Where have you been?”

  He was relieved to see her wearing the short robe, though the belt was loosely tied and the fabric gaped open at her chest. “Just making sure our last day here is off the charts unforgettable.”

  “Care to share what awaits me today?”

  “Nope. I don’t want to share at all. I want every second to be a surprise. But do me one favor—get dressed in the bathroom. I overheard one of the butlers say they’ve caught people with binoculars trying to get a peep show before.”

  Elle laughed incredulously. “We’ve been parading around here naked and having sex on every surface in every position imaginable for the last thirteen nights. One more won’t hurt now.”

  “You’re probably right,” he conceded. He decided there was no need to alarm her unnecessarily. If anyone from the company had seen them, he’d find out. If it had been someone with the press, the pictures would’ve already been all over the web.

  He stole into the bathroom, locked the door for privacy, and silently opened the manila envelope. With the contents in his hands, he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head. The death stipulation for leaving the CIA had suddenly become more appealing.

  After memorizing the details, he put the documents under hot water and watched as they completely disintegrated. Though he couldn’t deny that handy little trick was better than eating them to erase all traces, the fact that he was activated on his vacation didn’t escape him. It was a clear message sent from high up the chain.

  We can find you wherever you are.

  The helicopter tour of the island was better than Elle ever expected. Though she’d seen many of the sights up close and personal, the morning tour bundled all the memories they’d made into a neat package and tied them together with a pretty bow on top. Thirteen days of perfection and bonding with the man of her dreams, the man she loved and had always loved. It had been the best time of her life, hands down.

  “You’ve been quiet today. Are you ready to get rid of me? Run out of things to talk about with me?” She teased Devon, knowing he dreaded the end of their escapade as much as she did. She had simply decided to reserve her quiet suffering for the flight home the next morning.

  “You know better than that. I wish I could keep you with me always.”

  “Don’t go back,” she pleaded. She’d decided long before never to ask him to choose between his job and her. Truth be told, she’d been laser-focused on her own career, and she took advantage of the mostly out-of-town-boyfriend to avoid splitting her own time and attention. But her career was no longer the most important aspect of her life. She wanted more—with Devon. “Stay with me. Quit your job, whatever it is that takes you away from me.”

  His eyes searched hers, but his expression was unreadable.

  “Or take me with you, and I’ll quit my job. Either way you want it—I don’t care which. It’s just too hard to let you go again now.”

  “I feel the same way, Elle. But I can’t let you quit what you’ve worked so hard to attain. I also can’t quit my job, even though I can’t explain why. And I certainly can’t take you with me. You are far too valuable to me to do that.”

  Her crestfallen face tore at his heart, though he hid his deep disappointment behind his passive façade. “Don’t worry, darlin’. One day, we’ll be together without all these obstacles between us. I’m working on it.”

  She snuggled into his side and swallowed the tears that threatened to fall. Crying wouldn’t help and would rob them of the time they had left together. That also reminded her. “Hey, you said you had another surprise for me after the helicopter tour. I can’t imagine anything could top this. So, what’s next after we land?”

  “It’s two-fold, actually. First, you’re going to the spa for a lot of pampering and girly stuff. After that is a surprise I refuse to spoil, so you’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “You’re not going to the spa with me? For a couple’s massage?”

  “No, I’m not letting some guy put his hands all over me—or you. I booked the only lady masseuse who was open for you, and I’ll just wait patiently until you’re finished.”

  “You could’ve booked the guy for me, you know.”

  “Hell, no, I couldn’t have either.”

  Elle snorted with laughter at his refusal. “You know the studio brings in massage therapists for us, and sometimes they’re male. It’s okay. Just because he’s a man doesn’t mean it’s wrong or bad.”

  “It is wrong for another man to have his hands on you, and it will be bad when my hands are on him.”

  “What about when I have to film a nude scene or a sex scene with another actor? How wrong or bad will that be?”

  “Deadly. It’ll be deadly wrong all the way around.”

  “You’d better hurry with that plan for us to be together all the time, then. That scenario will arise if I stay in movies long enough. Not that you have anything to worry about because there’s nothing romantic about the scene itself. But the camera and editing magic can definitely fool you.”

  His responding growl conveyed his displeasure with her answer.

  “And we’re back at the heliport. I hope you’ve both enjoyed your flight,” the pilot said into their headphones.

  Elle and Devon cut their eyes to each other at the same time. They’d become so comfortable with their privacy that they’d forgotten the pilot could hear their entire conversation. She chuckled lightly and dropped her head in her hands, shielding her face in embarrassment.

  “Yes, we loved it. Sorry you had to suffer through our whole conversation. I’m afraid you’ve spoiled us here with a sheltered vacation, and we’ve enjoyed the seclusion a little too much.”

  “Not to worry, miss. This radio has a convenient button that mutes your conversation for the pilot. When I have it muted, I just watch to see if you’re speaking to me or not. Usually, the passengers talk amongst themselves and relive their stay. It’s all part of the appeal of this resort.”

  When they exited the helicopter, Devon walked Elle to the spa and left her at the front desk. “Enjoy your Princess Elle package.”

  “Thank you. I’m sure I will.” She rose up on her toes and kissed him before he got away.

  Once outside the spa, he walked to the railing of the terrace and waited. Within minutes, he felt the weight of eyes on him and sensed the presence of someone too close to be a coincidence.

  “Just a suggestion, but if you value your eyes and limbs where they are, I suggest you get out here now.” Shadow spoke to the air, letting his voice carry to his watcher.

  “I’ve heard your skills were incredible. But the stories could never match the real-life action.”

  “Rogers. You son of a bitch. If I find out you’ve been lurking outside my room and getting your rocks off watching my girl and me, I’ll force-feed those rocks to you before I snap your fucking neck.”

  “I’m not that stupid. Besides, I just got here late last night. They wouldn’t let me anywhere near your room. The target just arrived yesterday, and this is the only chance we’ve had to take him out of play. He’s preparing to move a shipment of children. We’re sanctioned to neutralize him. The syringe is taped under the bench beside you.

  “Older man, completely white hair, naturally bronze skin. He has lunch reservations on the veranda in fifteen minutes. Table for one. He likes to eat alone. His table will be in a secluded spot. Handle this, and go enjoy the rest of your vacation. You picked a hell of a spot.”

  “Why don’t you handle it and save us both the trouble?”

  “He’s above my pay grade. Should something go wrong, we’ll need your unique skill set to handle it.”
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  “It’s past time for you to upgrade, then. Stop depending on me when you’re afraid to get your hands dirty. Or when you’re simply afraid.”

  “I’m not supposed to tell you, but the analysts think he could be connected to Ava’s abduction. They didn’t give me concrete intel, but for them to even mention it tells me they’re at least one thousand percent certain.”

  “Oh, he’s definitely a fucking dead man then.”

  Shadow reached under the bench seat beside him and retrieved the syringe. He knew it well—he’d helped perfect the current design. Small and easy to conceal in the palm of his hand, a simple push of a button released the needle and the contents in quick succession. He could be in and out of the area before the effects of the medication took hold.

  The emergency team that would pick up the victim during his medical crisis were prearranged personnel from the company. Their only task was to help him along to the light and complete the mission. The medical examiner, also on the payroll, would rule his death as natural causes, the mixture of his blood pressure medication in combination with the elevated levels of potassium chloride in his blood would appear to be no more than he ingested too much table salt and didn’t get enough exercise. In short—he ate and drank too much while not caring for his overall health.

  It was easy to make the report say what was necessary to carry out orders when it was all orchestrated well in advance. Even the autopsy report with an official cause of death had already been completed, leaving only a few standard fill-in-the-blanks, and his death wouldn’t be questioned by anyone who could do anything about it.

  With the device in hand, Shadow strode casually to the area where his target sat alone, reading a paper and occasionally looking out at the spectacular view. Just beyond the unfortunate target was another terrace overlooking the trees and ocean below. With his sights set on the vacant terrace, Shadow wound his way through the tables and chairs, passing the man as he returned his glass to the table.

  Shadow waited a few seconds on the terrace behind his target before he continued moving down more stairs to other areas of the sprawling resort. Each step took him farther from the man who’d grabbed his chest in pain. His request for a table away from everyone else would aid in his demise. The resort staff was busy serving larger parties at busier clusters of tables, oblivious to his emergent situation and his inability to cry out for help.