Wicked Games: The Extended Edition (Steele Security #1) Read online

  “I met with the editor of the Atlanta Times today and he loved my article. In fact, he was so impressed with it, that he’s making sure it gets picked up and distributed nationally,” she began.

  A round of congratulations and cheering ensued as they continued to pass the food around the table. As Brianna spooned the potatoes onto her plate, she casually added the punch line. “The Editor-in-Chief at the parent company told him to offer me a staff position…with the Miami Herald.”

  The silence in the room was only momentary before the shouting ensued.

  “No, you just got home!”

  “You’re not moving that far away from home all alone.”

  “Can I have your room?”

  “Everyone calm down. This is the deal. I’m grown, I’ve graduated college, and I’m ready to step out and make my own life. This is a phenomenal opportunity that is unheard of for a new, unproven journalist. That one idea, that one article, has moved mountains for me.

  “The staff position isn’t a glamorous job or anything, but it’s what I want to do. I’ll still have to prove myself, take some of the stories others don’t want, but this can open so many other doors. In four weeks, I’m starting my new position as a staff writer in Miami.”

  Evan saw the same determined young woman he’d witnessed getting on the military transport plane sitting before him now. The will and desire to excel was ingrained in her very being. Not knowing how to give up, she pursued her goals with fervor and determination.

  “I’m proud of you, Brianna,” Evan replied warmly. “You’ll do great in Miami.”

  Diana dabbed her eyes with her napkin and added her agreement. “Your father’s right, Brianna. I’ll miss you more than I can say, but I’m very proud of you, too.”

  “So I get your room?” Ashley chimed in with a teasing grin.

  “No, Ashley. I expect my room to become a shrine to my memory. You’ll need to pay your respects to it daily,” Brianna teased.

  The following four weeks seemed to move all too fast for the Tate family. As Brianna made preparations to move, every step toward her new life took her farther from the safety and security of her close-knit family. When she found an apartment online that appeared to fit her needs, Missy and Brianna made a quick weekend trip to tour it in person.

  “All right, we’re finally away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears. Spill it,” Missy demanded as they took their seats on the plane.

  “What?” Brianna asked, momentarily confused.

  “You know what. It’s been nearly four months since you got back from that desert and you haven’t been on a single date. Every time I’ve asked about what happened, you’ve brushed me off. Now spill it,” Missy demanded.

  With a huff, Brianna nodded. “Fine. Noah and I became pretty close while I was there, but he got called off base for a mission just hours before I came back home. He didn’t make it back to the base before I left, so I never had a chance to say goodbye. Or anything else, for that matter.

  “He mentioned that he’s from the Miami area. It sounds crazy when I say it out loud, but I really hope that he finds me through my article.”

  “That would be an awesome story to tell your grandkids one day, Bri,” Missy assured her. “If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

  “I know I didn’t know him that long. I barely even got his real name, but I just feel strongly that he’s the one for me,” Brianna whispered, afraid to voice her beliefs too loudly.

  “So you want to be close to the place he calls home in case he decides to look for you,” Missy nodded in agreement. “I have a good feeling about this. Even though I really don’t want to lose my partner in crime.”

  “You’ll just have to come visit me often,” Brianna smiled.

  Sweat glistened on their brows almost immediately after stepping outside the airport into the heat and humidity of Miami. The taxi delivered them to an attractive apartment complex. Each building consisted of five floors and had meticulously landscaped flower gardens. The buildings surrounded the gated pool area and gave the aura of a secret oasis.

  Brianna and Missy exchanged excited glances as they rushed into the main office. An attractive older lady sat behind the desk, busily tending to typical office duties. When she heard the door chime, she looked up and smiled at the two young ladies entering.

  “Hello, how can I help you?” she asked.

  “I’m Brianna Tate. I called about the apartment that’s open and scheduled time to tour the grounds in person.”

  “Yes, Brianna,” she smiled. “I’m Wanda, and I remember talking to you. I’m so glad you were able to make it. Atlanta, right?”

  “That’s right,” Brianna nodded. “Wanda, this is my sister, Missy.”

  “Hello,” Wanda replied. “Are you moving in, too?”

  “No, I wish,” Missy laughed. “I’m just here for sisterly support.”

  “You just let me know if you change your mind,” Wanda winked. “Come right this way, ladies. I’m the best tour guide you’ll ever find.”

  Excitement, giddiness, fear of the unknown–Brianna’s feelings ran the gamut of the spectrum. The one she felt most, however, was hope. She was so very hopeful that she’d reconnect with Noah.

  She took her time to walk through the empty apartment to visualize how she’d arrange her furniture. Scenes of how her life would change flashed before her eyes. In every aspect, she saw and felt Noah with her. In the kitchen cooking together, in the living room watching TV together, and in the bedroom making love every day.

  “I love it. I’ll take it,” she gushed.

  Chapter Six

  “Man, it’s been a long damn day,” Bull grumbled as the four men arrived back on base.

  “So glad this one is over,” Rebel agreed. “Being away from home gets harder the older I get.”

  “I’ve actually given this some serious thought,” Reaper chimed in. “Before we were called out for this assignment, I looked into forming my own security firm. Since I haven’t touched my trust fund my father set up for me, it’d be fairly easy to cover start up costs.”

  “You’re thinking of leaving the Army for good?” Bull asked.

  “I am,” Reaper confirmed. “Working for myself sounds better every day.”

  “Does one pretty little blonde have anything to do with that decision?” Shadow asked.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, man,” Reaper replied, his face stoic.

  Shadow laughed heartily. “Of course not,” he smiled. “I received an outside offer I’ve been considering, too. Maybe I’ll give Brianna a call when I get home. See if she wants to hook up.”

  Reaper rounded on Shadow, his eyes glowed with the intensity of fire. “Don’t even fucking think about it, Shadow. I don’t care how big and bad you think you are, I will fuck you up.”

  The knowing smirk and laughter that shone in his eyes was the only answer Reaper needed to know he’d just been played. Of course, Shadow couldn’t let their conversation end like that.

  “To the trained ear, that would probably be an odd response for someone who’s not interested in her,” Shadow replied dryly.

  “We’re almost back to the base,” Rebel chimed in. “I guess we’ll see, huh?”

  “Yeah, we’ll see all right,” Shadow laughed.

  The Humvee rolled to a stop and the four hulking men all exited at the same time. Even behind his sunglasses, Reaper knew his eyes gave him away when they searched for Brianna’s tent first. His lips set in a thin line, he prepared to accept the razzing that he knew his teammates would unleash on him.

  “Go ahead. We’ll wait here,” Shadow encouraged.

  He lightly shook his head, dropped his gear, and strolled over to Brianna’s door. He rapped lightly on it to alert her of his presence before he swung the door open and stepped inside. He jerked his sunglasses off his face as he swung around and took in the barren furnishings.

  She was gone.

  He burst out of the door, almost takin
g it off the hinges with his force, and stomped across the way to the command tent.

  “Where is Brianna Tate?” he barked out.

  The private that carried her suitcase to her tent upon her arrival quickly stood at attention. “Her transport taking her back Stateside has already left, sir.”

  Reaper stared the young man down for several seconds as he attempted to understand the words the private had just spoken. “I was told that transport didn’t leave until twenty-three hundred hours.”

  “The flight plan had to be changed because of anticipated bad weather. She was taken to the airfield about two hours ago. That plane took off about an hour ago, sir,” he explained.

  Reaper gave him a single nod and stormed out of the tent. When he reached the other men, he snatched his gear off the ground and trudged to his own barracks. In an uncharacteristic display of aggravation, he threw his gear onto the bed and began pacing in the tight area.

  Rebel approached him first and understanding dawned as he took in Reaper’s demeanor.

  “I missed her. The flight left early,” Reaper said through gritted teeth. “Son of a bitch!”

  “I’ve never seen you react this way over anyone, Reap. And I’ve known you a long time,” Rebel replied. Reaper’s eyes rose to meet his. Rebel nodded. “It’s time.”

  “Yeah. I think you’re right. It is time,” Reaper agreed. “Our service contracts are coming back up for renewal over the next few weeks. I’ll just take the Honorable Discharge and my walking papers back home with me.”

  “Steele Security, huh?” Rebel asked.

  “Count me in,” Bull said from the doorway.

  Reaper nodded. “Shadow, you too?” he asked.

  “I’ve decided to take another offer, Reap. But you know any time you need me, all it takes is a phone call,” Shadow replied.

  “I have no doubt about that, Shadow,” Reaper replied.

  “She means this much to you?” Bull asked.

  Reaper inhaled deeply, filled his chest up, and lifted up to his full height. He looked Bull directly in the eye when he replied. “Damn straight she does. I’m not leaving the Army for her, but she definitely helped me make my mind up.”

  “We’re in,” Rebel said, taking a step beside Bull. “Let’s do this.”

  They left Reaper alone in the barracks and headed to the mess hall. Reaper allowed his memories to take over his thoughts as he absently unpacked his gear. Brianna’s presence had brought a different kind of peace to him, one that he hadn’t known he was missing until she was gone.

  Now, simply knowing that she was on her way back home, thousands of miles away from him, was a depressing thought. His nights with her had made the barren desert a tolerable place. He looked forward to the time he spent with her and had even stopped dreading all of her questions.

  The following day, Reaper approached his Commanding Officer and informed him of his intent to leave the Army. After an hour of unsuccessfully attempting to persuade him to stay, his CO finally relented and agreed to start the necessary paperwork. The weeks prior to his discharge seemed to drag by, each day seemingly taking longer than the last.

  Patience had been drilled into Reaper’s mind and personality through the countless hours of training and missions he’d been on. In his line of work, he had to display an enormous amount of self-control to successfully complete his assignments. But this waiting on the edge of what could be a brand new life with Brianna was close to maddening.

  The day the transport left, taking Reaper home, the mixed feelings of leaving the only life he’d known since he left home at eighteen threatened to change his mind. The thoughts of a real life with Brianna pushed him forward. Knowing he’d have his own security company, and his brothers at his side, helped give him peace about his decision.

  When he stopped briefly before he boarded the plane, Reaper took a good look around the area that had been his home and silently said goodbye. It was well past time for a new life to begin.

  * * *

  “It’s fucking amazing how fast this business has grown,” Rebel exclaimed. “You need to hire more men, Reap. We’ll have to start turning business away if you don’t.”

  “I’m working on it. I’ve lined up several interviews this week with some guys who have great potential. You two get to help me,” Reaper replied as he looked between Rebel and Bull. “One guy is a tech support guru–we really need someone like him. All are former military, various branches.”

  “Let’s put them through our normal process for interviews,” Bull smirked.

  “Uh, Bull? We actually want these guys to like us,” Rebel laughed.

  “Wrong kind of interview process then,” Bull smiled.

  “Have you found her yet, Reap?” Rebel asked.

  “I found her the day I got back, Rebel,” Reaper replied as he continued working through the stack of paperwork on his desk. “You know I’m a planning man.”

  “Well, if you ‘plan’ much longer, you may lose your chance with her.” Rebel shook his head.

  “Not a chance. She lives here in Miami now. She’s been working nonstop to prove herself while I’ve been working nonstop to make this business successful. She’ll be at the Rainstorm and Bead Pub with her friends this weekend to celebrate her birthday,” Reaper explained. “And so will I.”

  “How do you know that?” Bull asked.

  “It’s my job to know, Bull,” Reaper replied with a sly smile. “I’ve done my recon on my subject.”

  “What a good stalker-soldier,” Bull replied dryly.

  Reaper looked up from his task and stared at Bull. He straightened his back and slightly narrowed his eyes as he considered his friend’s response.

  “You like her,” Reaper finally replied, his smile uncharacteristically covered his face. “She got through that thick hide of yours.”

  “Shut up, man,” Bull dodged as he shook his head.

  “Holy shit, you actually care about her,” Reaper said as he stood. “I don’t believe it.”

  “Reaper, I’d hate to kick my boss’s ass, but I’ll do it if you don’t quit this shit,” Bull threatened.

  Rebel, never one to let a taboo subject go without riling Bull as much as possible, had to voice his thoughts.

  “You’re right, Reap.” He turned toward him and continued to poke at Bull. “Shit fire. How’d she do it, Bull? You thinking of stealing Reaper’s woman or what?”

  Bull quickly stood, his body set in his fighting stance. “Take it back, Rebel.”

  “I never thought I’d see the day,” Rebel goaded him. “You, Reap?”

  “Never.”

  “Both of you shitheads better back off right now,” Bull threatened through his gritted teeth and clenched jaws. “You know I’d never do that to Reaper.”

  “Nah, man, that part I was just giving you shit over. But you do care about her. She did get to you,” Rebel laughed easily.

  “I meant it when I said I’d be her brother and look out for her,” Bull admitted. “She’s different than most.”

  “I agree,” Reaper said and smiled at his brother. “She is different from anyone else I’ve met. I’m glad you like her. You know the two of you and Shadow are the only family I claim.”

  “So, tell us about this party,” Rebel grinned.

  “I’ll be glad to–after the interviews. The first one will be here soon. His name is Brad Sullivan and he’s the tech guru I mentioned,” Reaper explained.

  “How many interviews do we have this week?” Bull asked, trying to hide the groan in his tone.

  “Ten,” Reaper replied. “Two per day.”

  “I don’t know which is worse–spreading them out or doing them all at once to get them over with,” Rebel replied.

  “I spread them out so we’re not sick of asking the same questions over and over by the end of the day. That would cause us to make rash decisions. Like Bull reminded us, these aren’t exactly the type of interviews we have experience conducting,” Reaper explained. “We need
the best men in place as soon as possible.”

  “Something new come up, Reap?” Bull asked.

  “We may have a government contract opening up to us, if the stars align just right. Judge took a position in the Department of Defense and is trying to help get the contract approved. But, since he’s a new employee and this is a big deal, I don’t know if it’ll be approved,” Reaper elaborated. “He also said he’d like to be a silent partner, offered money to help fund expenses.”

  “You don’t need his money,” Rebel replied, his brow furrowed into a V between his eyes. “You have plenty of family money. Why would he do that?”

  “I thought it was strange, too. He said he didn’t realize I accepted the trust fund from my parents. He thought I’d entered the military because I was penniless,” Reaper replied. “I had to explain the whole story of how it was set up in my name through my parents’ lawyer when I was a kid. It was automatically mine, without accepting anything from them.”

  There were very few secrets in the tight knit group and the status of Reaper’s family was well known. He and his father, Steve Steele, had a long history of butting heads, bouts of not speaking, and finally coming to blows before Reaper left home for good at eighteen.

  In Reaper’s eyes, Steve ruled his home with his iron fist and refused to consider any opinion that differed from his own. His take-charge attitude was overbearing and cast a suffocating shadow over the household. His rules were strictly enforced and doled out without preamble.

  The visiting Army recruiter made an impression on the young boy. His senior year had consisted of visiting several colleges, taking the obligatory tours, and listening to countless hours of speeches extolling the values each would bring. But each had left him feeling as if something significant was missing, like the incomplete picture presented when pieces of the jigsaw puzzle are absent.

  At first, listening to the recruiter explain the benefits of a military career was no different. It simply sounded like another pitch from a sleazy used car salesman. When the recruiter began listing the sacrifices a soldier has to make, the long days and nights on patrol, and the probability of leaving the comfort of his beloved country, he knew he’d finally found someone who was real. Someone who would be honest about what he’d face in his future. Someone who would tell him how hard and dangerous life can really be.