Lydia
I awoke hot and suffocating. Cruz was draped over me, his body a living heater. I tried to get comfortable, maybe go back to sleep, since the clock read five a.m., but it was no use.
I extricated myself from his vise-like grip, sliding out of the bed and tiptoeing to the door.
Sneaking out to the main living quarters and kitchen, I made a beeline for the coffeemaker. I was glad it was a Keurig style so I didn’t have to go searching for filters and coffee grounds. There was a nice little caddy set up next to the Keurig, so all I had to do was put the pod in and pull the lever.
I took the steaming cup to the bar and sat down.
“You’re up early.” I jumped and slid my gaze over my shoulder to find Jolie bopping through the living area, her hair pulled back in a low ponytail, and dressed in hot-pink biker shorts and a tight black tank top.
“Yeah. Couldn’t sleep. How about you?”
Jolie smiled and made her own coffee, then brought it over to the bar and leaned forward across from me. “Meeting Ryder in twenty minutes to work out.”
“Ryder, huh?”
Jolie shrugged. “I want to become an operator. The admin thing was just to get my foot in the door. In order to be a badass, though, I have to have the proper training.”
“And Ryder agreed to train you?”
“Well, let’s just say I haven’t exactly filled him in on my intentions yet.” She laughed, the tinkling sound like confetti falling from the sky at a birthday party. “He thinks I’m working on self-defense and wanting to be prepared just in case. He has no idea what my real plans are.”
“Sneaky. Sneaky.”
Jolie put her hand on her hip and shot me a coy smile. “Everyone sees the bubbly package and takes me for granted. I just use what the good Lord gave me.”
“You ready?” Ryder stood in the living room, gym shorts riding low on his hips and a graphic T-shirt that had the arms cut out to the waist. I had to admit, he was a good-looking man. All of the Shadow Force men looked as if they could grace the cover of GQ.
I turned back to Jolie and caught her licking her lips. “You sure that’s the only reason you’re training with him?”
She grinned wider and pushed away from the counter. “Caught me.” Then she winked and followed after Ryder.
I’d seen the way he looked at Jolie. There were some definite sparks flying between the two, but I wondered if Ryder would ever make a move. For as much joking and flirting as he’d done with me, he seemed tongue-tied and nervous around Jolie. It sure would be fun to watch.
But would I be around long enough to see what happened between them?
It was a question that was burning in my soul. I knew it was too early to talk to Cruz about our future. We were concentrating on just staying alive and taking Chavez down. But it was the question that really had me up this morning. What did our future hold? What about my life in Miami? The clinic? Would Cruz fight for us when this was all over?
So many moving parts, but it was probably best to focus on one step at a time. The future would still be there once Chavez was put behind bars. That had to be our primary focus.
Strong arms encircled me, and warm breath fanned across my neck. “Morning, mi alma.” My soul. He’d been calling me that since we left the Chavez compound, and I wondered if he truly meant the term of endearment.
“Morning. You should have stayed in bed. You need the rest.”
Cruz released me and went to the coffeemaker to make a cup. “Well, I woke up to empty arms. It seems I’m having a difficult time sleeping when you’re not there.”
He quirked his brow, a habit I had come to adore. “Besides, it’s almost five thirty. I need to get a workout in. Haven’t hit a bag in weeks.”
“You think that’s wise with your back?”
Cruz leaned back against the far counter, his legs crossed at his ankles and his arms propped on his chest as he sipped his coffee. “All the lacerations are closed now. It’s incredibly itchy, which I take as a good sign. Ribs seem to be almost back to normal. A few lingering bruises, but all in all, I’m feeling quite human these days.”
“I just don’t want you to set yourself back.”
“You worrying about me, Lydia?”
“Of course. As a medical professional—”
Cruz moved so quickly, I barely registered it before he was leaned over the bar, his face inches from mine. “As a medical professional or as someone who cares about me?”
“Of course I care about you.”
“Say it.”
“I just did.”
“Say it like you mean it.”
“I care about you, Cruz.” His lips pressed gently against mine, as an onslaught of emotions shot through me—fear that he’d leave me, love, joy, trepidation. They warred with each other as his lips warred with mine. We were fighting it out with our lips, tongues, and teeth. Who would win? Who would get the upper hand? And then suddenly, he pulled away and stalked back to his counter, reclaiming his previous position of crossed ankles and arms. The perfect picture of nonchalance.
I cleared my throat, wishing I could be just as at ease. “So, um, what’s the plan for today?” See? Perfectly cool.
“Team meeting at nine. Cade is fighting tonight, so I’ll be there. If you’d like to come with me, I would love that.”
“Like a date?”
Cruz chuckled. “I mean, I guess you could say that. Not sure how romantic an MMA fight is for a first date, but I’ll make it up to you.”
First date. And in many ways it was our first date. Lorenzo and Lydia had had a first date when she was a teenager and he’d just moved into adulthood. But Cruz and Lydia’s story was just beginning.
“Sounds pretty appropriate to me.”
With a smirk on his face, Cruz straightened and moved around the bar. He pulled me up to my feet, and then wrapped his arms around me.
“I know things haven’t been normal for us. They probably never will be. I’m okay with that, if you are?”
I brushed my lips against his in a quick kiss. “Normal’s overrated.”
“That’s why I love you.”
He stared into my eyes, letting the words register, letting them pierce my heart. I thought he would kiss me, but instead he smiled and walked to his room. When he reached the door, he paused and, grinning like he knew exactly what he was doing to me, he moved the conversation to mundane things.
“I guess I need to get dressed for my workout. I’ll see you at the meeting?”
“See you then.”
I wanted to throw the coffee cup at his head, but I refrained, grinning like a fool as he disappeared inside.
The next couple of hours passed in a blur. Ryder set me up with a key card to the facility as well as scanning my handprint so I could access the office and living quarters unassisted.
The Shadow Force team had also worked with Johnny Carter’s team in Miami to provide my father with a secure line, and Cruz had given me my own cell phone that was untraceable. I was grateful to have a connection with my father, and put in a call to assure him that I was really okay.
I also hadn’t told him yet about Cruz being Lorenzo. He’d been there for me when I’d grieved his death. I’d seen the regret in his eyes, but until a couple of days ago, I hadn’t realized what had happened between them. Cruz had given me permission to tell my father, but for now, it was best that my sister be kept in the dark.
“Papa, I have something I need to tell you.”
“What is it, mi flora?” My flower. He’d called me that for as long as I could remember. My mother had said that it was because when I was born, he said I was the most beautiful baby he’d ever seen, like a rose amidst the thorns. A flower in a field of weeds. My father tended to be very poetic.
“Do you remember Lorenzo Gallos?”
“Of course I do. He joined the marines. I was so proud of him. But he was killed in action three years ago. You were heartbroken.”
“Yes, well. He wasn’t killed.”
“What do you mean? We went to his memorial service.”
“I can’t tell you all the details, but the men that are helping me, the ones trying to save my life—they’re a security group who work for very important people. Cruz is actually Lorenzo.”
“I don’t understand.”
I filled him in on Washington’s visit to the hospital after Lorenzo had been rescued, his medical discharge that would have been pending, the facial reconstruction.
“I recognized him while he was undercover with Chavez. He was my bodyguard. He took the position so he could protect me while doing his job to uncover secrets about Chavez’s operations. It appears we may have enough to take Chavez down for good.”
“So, he faked his death.”
“No, he was declared dead. Lorenzo Gallos no longer exists. He’s different and yet much the same. I recognized him immediately, but it wasn’t until I allowed myself to believe, that I was able to really put two and two together.”
“You still love him.”
“I do. More so now than ever.”
“I’m afraid I have something to confess, mi flora. I fear you’re not going to like it.”
“Cruz already told me about your conversation when he asked for my hand in marriage. I can’t lie that it was upsetting to hear that you’d interfered in my life like that and didn’t tell me. But I don’t blame you either. I was sixteen and on my way to college. It wasn’t exactly Daddy’s dream for his daughter to be married off at such a young age. And Lorenzo needed time to figure himself out. It’s okay. I forgive you.”
“I’ve regretted the words that I said to that boy. He meant well. And he loved you. When he tried to join that gang, I cursed myself. I should have given him a leg-up. Helped him. Not sent him packing. I tried to find him a few months later, but it was too late. He’d already enlisted in the marines. It’s something I will always regret.”
“There will be time to fix it, Papa. For now, I need you to know I’m safe and that Cruz is taking care of me. Protecting me.”
“Good. I look forward to meeting this fine man very soon.”
“Soon, Papa. I love you.”
“I love you, too, mi flora. Your secrets are safe with me.”
I swiped at the tears flowing from my eyes, then took a shower and dressed for today’s meeting.
In time, all would be well between the two most important men in my life.
***
“I just spoke to Washington, and we have the all-clear to intervene tomorrow night. We finally have enough evidence to put Chavez away for good. He’ll never see the light of day.” Levi rocked back in his chair, the adrenaline already pumping.
“I thought this was reconnaissance only.” Cruz took my hand under the table, and I tried not to be worried about the change of plans.
“It was. But Washington tipped the DEA off to the large shipment coming in through the port in Savannah. They sent an undercover guy who took money from Juan Carlos Alvaro to keep his mouth shut. He’s got eyes on several thousand tons of guns and drugs. Biggest shipment Chavez has ever had.”
“Day-um.” Oscar bounced in his chair, just as eager as Levi to get his hands dirty, it seemed.
“You’ve got that right. So our job has changed, and we don’t have much time to practice the op—so planning is key.”
“Think Shirley can get some action?” Oscar rubbed his hands together in glee.
“Shirley?” Cruz’s forehead wrinkled in confusion, and I wondered who Shirley was and what kind of action she’d be getting. Fortunately, it wasn’t as distasteful as it appeared.
“I named the drone. As special as she is, she needed to be treated with love and attention.”
“So you chose Shirley?” Piper shot Oscar an incredulous look, only it warred with the laughter in her eyes.
“Okay, knock it off. Ryder, tell me what you’ve got?” Levi brought the group’s attention back to the matter at hand.
Ryder connected his computer to the projector that shot an image onto a screen on the wall.
“The layout is pretty simple. There are three points of entry, but one is a set of double-garage-style doors. Since those are notoriously loud to open and close, we’ll take the two doors on the north and south sides of the building.”
He changed the image on the wall.
“This is the surrounding area. It’s pretty sparse. Not a lot of homes or industry in this part of town. So, any explosions and gunfire won’t be reported immediately. That will take out the need to pull law enforcement into the conversation. At least on the front end of things.”
“Excellent.” Levi pushed up from his chair—the itch to move must have taken over. “Johnny Carter is bringing a team of six to help us out. All in all, we should have twelve operators. Not the worst odds, considering I expect there to be about twenty of them.”
“What about my dad and sister?” I wasn’t pleased to hear the change in plans. I trusted Johnny because I’d experienced his help firsthand.
“They’ve passed it off to a local agency. They trust them. Your dad and sister are in good hands.”
I couldn’t argue with that, even if I didn’t like it. If Levi said they were safe, then I had to trust him.
“Twelve of us against twenty or so of them. I like those odds.” Oscar grinned, and I was starting to get the picture that Oscar was maybe a little unhinged.
“Thirteen,” I piped in.
“Fourteen,” Jolie announced from the doorway.
“No.” Ryder and Cruz spoke at the same time.
Levi stopped pacing, and his expression turned sympathetic. I knew he was preparing himself to let us down easy. It was evident in the strained, slightly mollifying smile he had in place. “Look, Lydia, I know you want to help, but unless you’re super-handy with a gun, I don’t think it’s the best place for you.”
“I am handy with a gun, and I have a black belt in Krav Maga. I’ve been dealing with gangsters my entire professional career and have had to step into several heated situations. I’m not a wilting flower.”
“You’re right. You’re not. But this is a military-style operation. If we had longer to train you, I’d happily let you come along. But we need you here. And I hope you’ll be willing to provide any medical care necessary if the team needs it.”
Disappointed, I nodded. “Of course.”
“Jolie, I know Ryder has been training you, but you’re not ready. Don’t think I don’t know what that training is really about. We’ll talk about your future as an operator in due time. For now, you’re not ready.”
“But—”
“I have the final say. I say no.”
Jolie dropped her head, and I hated the tears that I saw shining in her eyes. She was such an effervescent person, rainbows and unicorns all day long. And yet, her dream to be a badass operator was just out of reach. At least for now.
“Okay, that settles it. Jolie and Lydia will stay here. Be ready for any injuries we might have. The rest of us will split into teams. Oscar, get Shirley ready—we’ll use her to surveille the area as well as additional firepower. Any questions?”
No one said a word.
“All right then. Get to work.”
I didn’t see Cruz the rest of the afternoon, and I assumed he was practicing drills or whatever they did to gear up for infiltrating a major drug and arms deal.
I borrowed a dress from Jolie to wear to the fight that night. Unfortunately, even though she and I were about the same height, my curves made the dress quite a bit more risqué than I liked. The emerald-green fabric hugged my hips, raising the hemline by several inches, and the plunging neckline left little to the imagination.
“I think it’s too revealing.” I twirled in front of the mirror in Jolie’s room.
“Nonsense. All the women there will be dressed like hussies.”
I cocked my hip, my hand landing there for emphasis. “So, you’re saying I’ll fit right in?”
Laughing, Jolie scooted off the bed and stood behind me in the mirror. “No, of course not. I’m saying you’ll look tame compared to the rest of the women.”
“What are you wearing?”
“This!” She pulled out a shiny silver dress that looked even shorter than the one I’d chosen.
“Wow. That’s bold.”
“Yeah, well, if Ryder is ever going to make a move, I feel like maybe he needs a gentle push in the right direction.”
“That might send him flying over the edge.”
“Good. I’ll be there to catch him.”
She grinned, and we both giggled. Our men had it coming to them.
“I’ll see you in there?”
“Yep! Gotta change and then I’ll work my way over. Cruz is going to flip when he sees you.”
I liked the idea that Cruz would appreciate what I was wearing, but I didn’t think it was very wise to bait him. We were barely holding on to sanity as it was.
When I arrived to the arena area, the place was already packed out. A red carpet had been laid down through the gym directing guests to the main event. I immediately saw Cruz, Levi, and Ryder standing near the cage. Cade and Piper were huddled together—well, as much as they could be since Cade looked like he had a mad case of the jumping beans; shoulders hunching, fists bumping, neck cracking. I guessed it was part of staying loose and gearing up for the fight.
I walked in their direction just as Cruz’s eyes landed on me and bulged from their sockets as he took in my dress, raking his gaze from my head to my toes and back up again. I smiled, hoping it appeared genuine and a little mischievous. It must have done the trick as Cruz waved his hand in front of his face as if cooling himself off.
I giggled just as I reached him. His arms wrapped around my waist, and his big, strong hands landed right on top of my rear.
“This dress is everything.”
“Oh, yeah? You like it? I borrowed it from Jolie.”
“Think she’ll let you keep it?”
I tilted my head back, and he placed a kiss at the base of my neck. “Perhaps. But it’s doubtful. It’s a great dress.”
The arena was packed, girls in short dresses with too much makeup on, the clouds of perfume so heavy you could almost see them hovering in the air. Many of the men wore business suits with their ties either removed or loosened, while others looked as if they were from a much different crowd—leather, chains, tattoos. The atmosphere was heady with the thirst for blood. Both sets of spectators were ready for the show.
“So, what’s the plan?” I pulled away slightly, and Cruz tucked his arm around my waist.
“There are a couple of smaller fights beforehand. We’ve been training a few guys, kids we pulled off the streets, rescued them from the gangs of Atlanta. They’ll fight first. Then Cade will be up.”
“You’re the medical personnel for the evening?”
“I am. Want to lend a hand?”
I glanced down at the dress I was wearing and then shrugged. “Why not?”
Cruz showed me where all the medical supplies were. He’d set up an area inside the arena for quick access, but walked me back to the locker rooms where he had a table set up for more extreme injuries, if there were any.
When we returned, the first fight had begun. Two young men were facing off, circling each other before testing a jab or a kick. One guy kicked his leg out, sweeping the other guy off his feet. He climbed on top and rained fists down onto his face, before the guy on the bottom did some crazy maneuver and launched the guy off him.
It went on like that for several rounds, the crowd cheering for their favorites, booing when they didn’t like a punch or kick.
During one of the breaks, Cruz was tending to a cut on the face of one of the fighters, Landon Miles. I jumped in when he was having difficulty stopping the bleeding. Holding the cut together with my fingers, Cruz applied Vaseline, and we had just enough time to keep the blood from running down his face.
The next two fights went pretty much the same way, until finally, it was time for the main event. Cade was dressed in black shorts with a red stripe down the sides and red gloves, and he looked like he was ready to rip someone’s throat out. I’d never seen the guy look so vicious. He was always so kind to me, it was difficult to relate the man who’d tended to the wounds on my back so gently just days before to the man who looked as if he’d tear the head off anyone who got in his way.
The announcer called his name, and Cade made his rounds to each angle of the cage to greet his fans. Then he announced the other fighter, Roberto Perez. The crowd was noticeably quieter. Apparently, they were cheering on the home team for the evening.
Cade took his time, watching the other guy’s form, checking his punches here and there. It was slow going, and I glanced down at my phone.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and I jerked my attention back to the cage. Cade had moved in quickly, landing blows to Roberto’s face and torso.
Cruz had a smile on his face as Cade worked the guy over. The ref sounded the whistle, and they retreated to their corners. Cruz hurried over, checking Cade for any injuries, and then walked back just as the whistle was blown again.
“I guess he’s okay?”
“Never better.”
I watched as the men circled each other again. I heard a shout in Spanish from the crowd, and Roberto grinned just before grabbing Cade’s head and slamming his forehead against his.
The crowd screamed, boos and hisses reverberating throughout the room.
“What’s he doing?” I followed Cruz as we hurried to Cade’s corner.
“I don’t know. It’s an illegal move.”
Only, the referee just seemed to look nervously around the room as Cade fell to the mat. Roberto slammed his fists into Cade’s face, but due to the headbutt, he was all but unconscious and unable to protect himself.
“Get in there!” Levi shouted to Cruz, Oscar, and Ryder, as all four of the men rushed the cage door. Just as they stepped inside, several other men followed. One of them threw a punch, landing a solid blow to Levi’s face, and all hell broke loose.
More men piled into the cage, the space a mad crush of bodies, fists flying, and curses raised. Cade still lay motionless on the floor. I glanced around looking for Roberto, but he was systematically working his way through the throngs of people, punching and kicking.
I didn’t hesitate. Someone needed to get to Cade. Reaching the cage gate, I fell to my hands and knees, grateful I’d worn full-seat underwear under the very short dress, and crawled between legs and knees, yanking my fingers away quickly before they were stepped on. My goal was to get to Cade and get him out of there before he was trampled.
When I made it to Cade’s side, I examined the cuts on his face. His eyelids were swollen shut, bruising already beginning at the top of his nose and under his eyes. He had a huge gash at the top of his brow, and his nose was pouring blood. His lip was cut, too—his whole face looking like something out of a scene from a horror film.
I shone a light in his eyes, watching his pupils dilate. Nothing seemed to indicate he had a traumatic brain injury, but he probably did have a mild concussion. Either way, he was going to be in some serious pain.
Glancing around the cage, I looked for someone who could help me get Cade out of there, when I saw Roberto making his way to Cruz. He had a murderous look on his face and stomped towards him with purpose and determination.
Without thinking it through, I screamed Cruz’s name just as the guy reached him. “Watch out!”
Cruz looked to his right, just as Roberto sent his fist flying in his direction. Cruz ducked, barely missing the blow, then stood and reacted with an uppercut to the man’s face. Roberto’s head snapped back, and I figured Cruz had things well in hand.
I returned my attention back to Cade as he was trying to sit up. As I supported his back, he moved his head from side to side.
“What the hell happened?”
“Roberto headbutted you.”
“That’s why my head hurts so bad.”
“Yep. You’re going to feel like crap tomorrow.”
“I feel like crap already.”
“It will be worse.”
He grinned, chuckling softly. “Thanks for the encouragement.”
I shrugged. “Anytime.”
“Anyone tell you that you have a fantastic bedside manner?”
“All the time.”
We grinned at each other, the banter easy as if we’d been friends for years rather than days. I glanced across the cage and saw Piper anxiously trying to get inside, but the place was end-to-end packed with people. I yelled her name and pointed to Cade, then gave a thumbs-up. Her head fell back as she mumbled something I couldn’t make out.
“I’ve got him,” I mouthed, and she nodded, relaxing against the fencing as she watched helplessly from the sidelines.
“Ready to get out of here?”
“You bet.” Cade leaned over to his hands and knees, and I tried to take on much of his weight so he could stand.
“Here, let me help.”
A man I recognized, but I couldn’t place from where, gave Cade his hand, helping him to his feet.
“Thanks, man.”
“Anytime.”
Then it hit me. This man worked for Chavez.
I must have gasped, as the man whirled around, seeing the recollection on my face. He dropped his hand from Cade and took two steps towards me. I spun around to leave, but his large paws grabbed my shoulders and wrenched me backwards against him.
Several men blocked Cade’s path, and I knew he wasn’t strong enough to take them on in his condition.
I let out a bloodcurdling scream, knowing it would garner the attention I needed. Cruz’s head shot up as he dodged another fist, then he pushed the guy away and stalked towards me.
We were too close to the cage door for him to get there in time, not to mention how many people were blocking his way. If I was going to get out of this, I’d have to do it on my own—and I wasn’t about to be taken hostage and turned over to Chavez to have his fun with me.
I whirled around, taking the guy off guard. I planted my feet, and with the heel of my hand, I drove it up towards his chin, following through with as much power as I had in me. The guy’s head snapped back, kinking the back of his neck, and he dropped like a rock.
I turned around to catch Cruz as he neared me, and he swept me up into his arms and crushed me to him.
“Cade.”
He nodded and moved next to Cade, who had plastered himself against the side of the cage. Cade was disoriented and dizzy, and I wasn’t sure he’d even realized what had happened to me.
Levi grabbed the mic from the announcer who had been hiding in the corner of the arena. “The fight is over. Please exit the building now. Cade Montgomery is the winner by default.”
Groans erupted around the place as people complained about the short fight, but they began to disperse as Chavez’s guys ran like little ants back to their hill. Cruz and I led Cade back to the locker room as the rest of the Shadow Force team made sure the crowds left the building.
“How bad?” Cruz asked as I looked Cade over.
“I’m guessing a mild concussion. Needs a couple of stitches on the brow. His nose is broken, but apart from that, he’ll be sore but okay.”
“I’m right here, you know.” Cade sat up, and I dabbed at the cut.
“I’ve got a suture kit.” Cruz reached into his medical bag and pulled out the kit, and I went to work on stitching Cade’s brow.
“Those were Chavez’s men tonight.” I didn’t know if Cade had recognized them.
“Yeah, I know. Roberto was on the take as well as that ref. I guess you know what that means.”
I met Cruz’s gaze.
“They know who you are and where we are.” The words felt weighty as they hovered in the air, and I knew the ramifications of my statement were far heavier than just simple discovery.
Cade groaned and nodded.
“Our cover’s been blown to hell.”