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Lei Lu was scrambling to pull the videoconference together. Fortunately, Shakespeare took direction well, especially when it came to connecting the flatscreen. Because they still had a dedicated and secure satellite link, matching the encryption was easy.
She shot off a group text to her teammates and they all showed up seconds before General Lyon appeared on the screen.
“The Joint Chiefs of Staff are still debating the merits of raising the airplane.” The general jumped right into it as soon as his face appeared on the screen. “They want to completely inspect the damage that this new Russian laser technology did to an airplane at forty thousand feet in the sky. So, until I get a definitive answer, your team is on hold.”
Did this mean they were going to be in Turks and Caicos for a while?
“The information you’ve provided us in the last twenty-four hours has been invaluable. We’ve discovered that the CIA knew the Russians were developing a highly advanced laser technology, but their local assets hadn’t been able to see it in action or any results.” The general sipped his coffee. “That airplane could tell us a lot. That’s why I want you to sit tight. Should it be decided that we’re going to recover the plane, I want you to guide the extraction team to the exact spot.”
“Sir, would it be possible for our team to be part of the retrieval process?” Katlin asked. “We’ve never done anything like that, but I think it would be great training for us. I believe we can be an asset to the recovery team since we have all been to the site several times.”
“Permission granted.” When the general leaned forward in his chair, the ear-piercing squeal came through the connection. “We’ll consider it training and equipment testing. Be sure to video the entire process using those new cameras. You may stay until the entire plane is on board the recovery ship. All of this is tentative. No one has said for sure that they’re going to raise the plane.”
“Your alternative mission would be to blow it up in place.” The general sipped once again. “I have to warn you, though, I have a Navy submarine captain with an itchy trigger finger and a boatload of torpedoes. We’re currently assessing which method will have minimal damage. The fact that Mouchoir Bank is a British territory means we’re dealing with a whole bunch of environmentalists and two state departments. The final decision could take days.”
Yes. Yes. Yes. Inside, Lei Lu was happy-dancing that she didn’t have to return to Washington D.C. for several more days. In case her parents decided to stay until she got home, they could wait a little bit longer...and maybe leave.
“Mr. Morgan, I am officially continuing your contract until further notice to provide diving services for this team and any others who are part of this operation.” At the general’s comment, several of her teammates shot smiles to Shakespeare.
Morgan? Nita mouthed, asking Lei Lu if she knew his name. Since they could all be seen by everyone attending the meeting, she just gave a single nod.
“I’ve read the report concerning last night’s incident. I’d like to be able to send you a security team, but unfortunately, I don’t have anyone available. If you want to consider outsourcing protection for the house as well as your airplane, I’ll approve the additional expense.” The man in his late fifties grinned. “Yes, Lieutenant Commander Callahan, Guardian Security is an approved private contractor.”
The excitement in the room was a living entity. Most of her teammates would be seeing their significant others within hours. Lei Lu was just glad she wasn’t headed home.
“Captain Silva, I know you’re completely capable of handling all the explosives should it be decided to destroy the plane in place, but since this is international, I’m suggesting to the director of the ATF that Special Agent Marcus Hernandez join you as the agency’s representative of the International Explosives Task Force.
All eyes flew to Tori who was trying to withhold her elation.
Continuing, General Lyon suggested, “Until your security team arrives, though, I want you to establish a guard duty rotation. The Russians are going to try again because hopefully they’re not going to know that the plane’s cargo is gone. Speaking of which, the CDC plane should be there in twelve minutes. Get a move on.”
“Sir, do you want me to escort the viruses and bodies back to the United States?” Nita asked, the hope evident in her voice.
“No need.” General Lyon shook his head side to side. “Representatives from the CDC are on the airplane. They’ll take possession of the viruses. The two agents onboard from the U.S. State Department will deal with the bodies of the pilot and copilot. SOCOM out.”
Lei Lu wasn’t surprised as disappointment washed over Nita’s face. She wanted to see her husband just as much as all the other Ladies of Black Swan wanted to see their men.
When the transmission ended, everyone moved except Lei Lu. She had to break the encrypted connection and assure it hadn’t been hacked. Nita was immediately on the phone to Oli requesting he meet her at the morgue so they could bring the bodies and the viruses to the airport. Katlin was calling Alex to arrange for the Guardian Elite men to be flown to Turks and Caicos while Grace, Tori, and Harper were on the phone to their men.
“We’re clear,” Lei Lu announced as she threw her arms up in the air. “What can I do to help?”
“Drive to the morgue and help Lady Harrier.” Katlin tossed the rental car keys to Lei Lu who snagged them midair.
“Why don’t I take Lei—dy Kite and Lady Harrier to the morgue,” Shakespeare suggested. “That way, you have the rental car to get everybody else to the CDC plane.”
“Are you coming right back here?” Katlin asked.
“Yeah.” Shakespeare gave them a tired grin. “My crew is handling today’s excursions. I really need to sleep for a few hours.”
“Change of plans,” Katlin announced loudly. When she had everybody’s attention, she continued, “I’ll go with you and Lady Harrier to the morgue. As team leader, it’s my responsibility to see to it that the viruses and bodies get put on that airplane.” Her gaze swept the other women. “I want one of you on guard duty and everybody else can sleep.”
“I’m wide awake, I’ll take first shift.” Tori checked the weapons strapped to her thigh. She nodded toward the large screen where they had just ended the videoconference. “Lady Kite, will you connect the cameras to this screen before you go to bed?”
“Sure,” Lei Lu said on her way to her computer. With just a few keystrokes, the TV filled with boxes, one for each camera. She didn’t want to stay there and sleep. She wanted to go with Shakespeare, and her teammates of course. “Lady Hawk, why don’t I go with you? You can always use an extra set of hands and guns.”
Katlin paused only for a second. Her gaze darted quickly to Shakespeare before returning to Lei Lu. “Good idea. Let’s go.”
Forty-five minutes later, they were on their way back to the rental house.
“That went faster than I expected.” Nita yawned. “I have to admit, I was really impressed that State Department dudes had body coolers.”
“They didn’t waste any time getting the bodies onto the plane.” Katlin’s thumbs were flying over her cell phone. “I don’t believe they were on the ground any more than ten minutes.” She turned her attention to Nita. “Answer the phone.”
As her friend pulled her phone from her pocket, it began to ring.
“Tell my brother ‘it’s a go’.” Katlin’s huge smile was a giveaway that she was up to something. As Nita and Daniel carried on a conversation, Katlin explained, “I just rented the house next door, the one between ours and Shakespeare’s, for the next two weeks. Daniel and the kids are coming down with Alex and his team, although they’ll be on vacation while all the rest of us are working.”
“Oh my God, that’s wonderful!” Lei Lu was so happy for all her friends. “Maybe we’ll get a couple days of fun in the sun before the Joint Chiefs decide what they’re going to do about the plane.”
As soon as Nita hung up, she threw her arms around Katlin. “You’re the best boss I’ve ever had.”
“I had ulterior motives,” Katlin admitted. “I get to see my favorite niece and nephew. Besides, it didn’t seem fair that everyone else had their significant other coming down.”
Lei Lu stared out the window. Everyone on her team had paired up...except her. She wondered how much longer the Ladies of Black Swan would continue. At some point, she expected her other team members to get married and decide to move on with their lives outside the military. Most were coming to the end of their commitment and they’d soon have to decide whether to make the military a career or move into the civilian world.
As part-owner of Guardian Security, Katlin already had a job waiting for her. Lately, Nita had often talked about finishing her residency which meant becoming a military physician. Grace and Griffin were already planning a Southern Belle wedding, and since he was manager in Miami, Grace would probably want to live there. Harper said the ATF often forgot that she’s not really one of their agents. Tori...well, she and Marcus were so new as a couple, but her teammate was so talented that doors would open for her in any number of alphabet agencies in D.C..
Lei Lu wasn’t sure she was ready to leave the military. She’d always planned to make it a career. Maybe they would let her become Black Swan Team 2 leader. They had a cool helicopter she’d love to get her hands on for a few hours of flight time. The problem was their team seemed to be quite cohesive already. She wasn’t sure that would ever work. Given the success of Black Swan Team 1, and how well Black Swan Team 2 seemed to be doing, Lei Lu wondered if another class was undergoing training. Maybe she could be the leader of Team 3.
Shakespeare pulled up in front of the rental house. “Home sweet home,” he called from the driver’s seat. Katlin and Nita jumped out from the back seat, thanking him and wishing him good night.
As Lei Lu reached for the door handle, he put his hand on her thigh.
She froze in place.
“Mind if I ask you something?” He then added, “It’s personal.”
They’d gotten very personal on his back porch a few hours ago. What the hell, why not? “You can ask, but I’m not going to guarantee I’ll give you an answer.”
“Everyone seemed very excited that the government contractors were coming down to provide security for your team.” Shakespeare glanced out the window before his gaze returned to her. “Do you have someone on that team that’s...special?”
“Fuck. No,” She snapped back. Lei Lu captured his face in her hands, forcing his eyes to meet hers. “Do you believe that I would have let you touch me like you did, been willing to go to bed with you, if I was committed to another man?”
“I don’t think you’re that kind of woman...but I had to hear you say it.” His eyes darted away from hers. “The rest of your team...”
“Katlin and Grace are engaged, Nita and Harper are married, Tori has recently found the love of her life, and then there’s me.” It was her turn to look away. “I’ve never had a long-term relationship. I never wanted one. The military is my life. My team is my life. I love my teammates. I live for them. I’d die for them. They’re the sisters I never had. Bonding over bullets is stronger than blood. I’m happy for them that they’ve met men who are willing to put up with us and our jobs. Living with us isn’t easy. It takes a very special man to love a woman warrior, and I’m so thrilled my teammates have found love.” She shrugged as though it were no big deal, but then admitted, “I just haven’t found that kind of man.”
Kiddingly, she asked, “Think you’re up for the job?”
Shakespeare didn’t crack a smile. “I know exactly what you mean. All my life, I’ve been surrounded by women and never wanted to keep any of them. I fucking hated New York City society. The women’s personalities were as fake as their hair color and breasts. They were more interested in the bottom line of my portfolio than what I truly cared about, what interested me, and what I wanted in my future. Going into the SEALs was freeing, but the women didn’t change. They didn’t care who wore the Trident, just that he came with a dependent ID card that allowed her to shop at the BX and commissary and be treated at the base hospital. None of them were interested in me, so I wasn’t interested in them. It didn’t matter whether they were base bunnies or society bitches, they wanted bragging rights for hooking the best of the best.”
He captured her eyes with his and held them. “You don’t give a shit about any of that.” He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. “You were interested in the dive instructor at a hole-in-the-wall shop on the tiny island of Grand Turk simply because he was intriguing. I could fall in love with you for that reason alone.”
He captured her mouth with his, possessing it. And she let him. For the first time in her life, she was willing to surrender control to a man. On one level, it was scary as hell. On another, she believed that he would let her take control if she needed it.
She was the one to finally break the kiss. “Let’s go to your house and pick up where we left off before we had Russian-interruptus.”
He pulled her in for one more quick kiss, then put his SUV into drive. Within seconds, they were inside his garage. Lei Lu jumped out and was at the house door before Shakespeare had the car turned off.
“I’ll race you to the bedroom,” she challenged as she dashed through the door to the house. At the beeping of the alarm, she turned, surprised he was only three steps behind her. “I’m going to win because you have to reset the alarm.”
His grin was evil, and she knew she was in trouble when he held up the key fob. The beeping stopped immediately.
“I’m going to win.” As he passed her, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry. When he reached the bedroom, she flew through the air as he tossed her onto the bed.
“I won,” she declared as she stripped off her tank top.
“How do you figure?” Shakespeare stepped out of his shoes while lifting the shirt over his head.
“My feet went through the door first.” She knew her argument was lame, but this game was too much fun. She tossed her shoes over next to his, then started on her shorts.
“I was the one who stepped through the doorway, so I win.” He shucked off his shorts and his erection sprang free.
Lei Lu was speechless. His body was beautiful, all lean muscle, tanned to his bellybutton then from knees down. The white skin around his hips seemed to accent the salt-and-pepper hair at the base of his impressive cock. She couldn’t take her eyes off it. He was big, and it seemed to be growing the longer she stared.
“I can’t tell if you’re afraid or pleased.” He prowled toward her. When he reached the bed, he covered her hands with his. “Let me help you with these.”
She was shocked when she looked down her body. Her shorts were halfway off her hips. Lifting up, she started to shove them down.
“Allow me.” He lifted her hands and placed them over her head. “I want to unwrap my gift.” Slowly he pulled her shorts and panties down her legs, dragging his fingertips, igniting every nerve. He tossed them to the side, then ran his palms up the inside of her legs, spreading them as he settled his broad shoulders between her thighs. He ran his fingers through the black trimmed hair at the apex of her legs.
“I like this.” He then ran his index finger down her slit, parting her folds, holding them open with his thumbs. “You’re already wet and this is hard and swollen.” He tapped her clitoris and Lei Lu thought she was going to shoot up off the bed.
Looking down her body, her eyes met his. “I’m not going to last very long, and I want you deep inside when I come.”
“I can make that happen.” His grin was sadistic. “Next time. I told you before, I want to taste you. I want you to come all over my face and I’m going to lick up every drop of your cream.”
He circled her clit the whole time his words seduced her. “Then I’m going to do it again, and just before you explode, I’m going to slide inside you.” He shoved two fingers inside her channel.
Lei Lu’s whole body shook as she tried to hold back her orgasm.
“I want to feel your body quaking under mine as your inner muscles grab my cock, forcing me to follow you over the edge.” Shakespeare slowly pumped his fingers in and out as he lowered his mouth and flicked the underside of her clit with the tip of his tongue.
Colors exploded in her head. Her leg muscles tightened and released, spasming on their own. She had a fleeting thought that her thighs must be crushing his head, but she couldn’t do anything about it because they were out of her control. All she could do was ride the wave of ecstasy and let it pull her under.
When she opened her eyes, Shakespeare filled her field of vision. She loved his satisfied smile. He kissed her, circling his tongue around hers while his fingers went back to work on her oversensitive clit.
She worked her hand over his pecs, down his hard abdomen, and followed his happy trail to his cock. She knew she wasn’t going to last long. Wrapping her fingers around his shaft she pumped it up and down a few times and was rewarded with a liquid drop as her thumb rode over his tip.
Shakespeare rocked into her hand. “I want you so bad.” He shoved his fingers back into her channel and stretched her.
“I’m not stopping you, and if you don’t hurry up, I’m going to take over,” she warned and caressed his swollen head.
Rolling slightly, he opened the drawer of his nightstand and pulled out a strip of condoms. “Never.”
He must’ve seen the question in her eyes as he continued, “I never bring women to my bedroom and I rarely share my home with them. We always fuck at their hotel or condo.” He gave her the sweetest kiss. “It just feels right having you here in my bed. You’re a first for me in so many ways.”
Feeling extremely special, almost cherished, she snatched one of the packets and ripped it open. Without asking permission, she rolled the condom down his length. This was for her. He wanted her body and she was more than willing to give it to him. He’d already given her so much. As soon as she had his shaft completely covered, he kissed her while he rolled on top of her.
Automatically spreading her legs, he found her opening without any need for her guidance. When he slid inside, she rocked her hips up, forcing him to go even deeper. She wanted more so she wrapped her legs around his waist. On his knees, he inched his way up, changing the tilt of her pelvis.
When he slid out, she felt the sudden loss, as though he belonged inside her. But when he thrust back in, it was as though he’d shown her a new way to have sex. Each time he moved, he scraped across a spot that felt as though he was touching her clitoris. Maybe this was the infamous G spot. Whatever he was doing, it was perfect.
“What can I do to get you there?” He asked between pants.
“I was just enjoying the ride.” She lifted her hips to meet his with every thrust.
“You are so fucking tight. You feel so good. I’m not sure how much longer I can last.” She could barely understand him between his clenched teeth and rasping breath. “Rub your clit,” he ordered.
She pushed him over onto his back, staying connected. “No. You rub it.” She raised up, only his tip still inside her, then slammed her body back onto his, forcing him even deeper. She could feel him hit bottom. She tightened all her pelvic muscles as she pulled up again.
He rested his hand on her hip as his thumb found her clit. He slid down its swollen length then pressed. When her whole body tightened, he smiled. “Good to know you like that.” He moved his hand and pinched her clitoris.
Lei Lu fell apart, her shattered pieces falling onto Shakespeare, trusting he’d keep her safe when her eyes couldn’t see anymore. Through the orgasmic haze, his body went rigid as his arms banded around her.
The past two days finally caught up with her. So comfortable sleeping next to Shakespeare, it was several hours before she awakened. After a quick trip to the bathroom, Lei Lu was starved. Shakespeare was still sleeping but she didn’t think he’d mind if she raided his refrigerator.
Padding nude to the kitchen, she passed his dining room. The table was a handcrafted antique with gorgeous contrasting inlaid wood. His house looked like a home. So many places they stayed in were nothing more than well-appointed rentals filled with rattan furniture and easy to clean cushions. There were a lot of glass-topped tables, pastel colors, and water themed décor. Shakespeare’s place reminded her of Katlin’s condos.
His massive kitchen even looked like her team leader’s with its six burner professional stove, refrigerator and freezer hidden behind wooden panels. The light and dark wood theme of the living room floor carried vertically to the cabinets. An array of browns wandered drunkenly through the white countertops, giving the kitchen the air of quality. It was obvious that Shakespeare like surrounding himself with nice things. Since living with Katlin the last couple of years, Lei Lu had grown accustomed to quality and style, the complete opposite of her childhood home.
She refused to think about her parents’ home. She was never going back there except for brief visits. A few years ago, she found it too awkward to stay in their home and had started booking a hotel room during each visit. She’d become quite creative with the reasons that she couldn’t stay in her childhood bedroom.
Standing in front of the refrigerator with both French doors open, Lei Lu couldn’t decide how hungry she was. Opening and closing drawers, checking plastic containers, and sadly finding nothing appetizing, she wondered if they could get pizza delivery.
“My fantasy has come true.” Shakespeare slid his arms around her waist and pulled her back to his front. His hands automatically went to her breasts. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear, “I didn’t pay nearly enough attention to these pretties. I’ll just have to take you back to bed.”
She wiggled her butt against his growing erection. “I’m in favor of that, but you have to feed me first. I’m a high-octane woman and I’m running low on fuel.”
He turned her around in his arms and looked down at her. “You cook?”
“I can get very creative with a bag of MREs.” She went up on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. “And I can make a mean omelet. I’m an expert at Chinese food, but I’m quite sure you don’t have the right ingredients.”
“Oh, ye of little faith.” He walked over and picked up the portable phone. “I have a running account at the Red Dragon. What would you like?”
When Shakespeare punched the button to disconnect the line, he looked at her from under hooded eyes. “We have twenty minutes. How do you feel about shower sex?”
“Hot slippery bodies sliding over each other, and we end up clean.” She smiled. “Then you’re going to feed me. I think I’ll keep you for a while.”
A second later, Lei Lu found herself upside down. Once again, Shakespeare had thrown her over his shoulder, and he was headed down the hallway. The view was pretty awesome. She smacked his bare ass.
He returned the favor.