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Chapter 111: Carla
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Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 112: Vaughn
Thursday. Ashton Khoury's Home, New York City, NY.THERE WERE TIMES when this job took Vaughn to places he'd never have expected a poor kid from El Paso to end up. The penthouse of a New York City sky rise was on that list. If it weren't overcast, he was pretty sure he'd be able to make eyes at the Statue of Liberty.If his mom could see this...He was pretty sure the monthly rent for this place cost as much as the house he'd bought for his mom. Places like this just didn't make sense to Vaughn. Sinking this much wealth into extravagant living didn't make sense to him. It was one thing to have a sturdy built home with some nice, finishing touches, and a completely different thing to have gold fixtures and priceless paintings.Maybe he was just a simple guy with simple tastes?There was nothing wrong with that, just as there was nothing wrong for Ashton Khoury to spend a fortune on his glass house atop a skyscraper.Vaughn turned away from the window at the end of the hal
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 113: Carla
CARLA BIT HER LIP.Ashton was freezing up, totally in his head. It killed her to see this confident, commanding man reduced to this. One way or another, they had to get Jared back."Give me your phone," she whispered.Ashton dug it out of his pocket and handed it over.If they could get through this quietly, maybe no one would ask why Ashton was willing to jump through so many hoops for an assistant."Did something happen?" An Asian woman stepped forward. She had a no-nonsense air about her Carla liked immediately.It was time for Carla to be the strong one. These things went in waves. Sometimes Ashton had to be strong for her, but now it was her turn to let him lean on her. Only this time the stakes were so much higher."I'm sorry, you are?" Carla glanced around the room.One woman. Five men. These were the ones who'd get Jared back? Didn't they need more people?"You must be Carla. I'm Melody. I'm the team liaison." The woman held out her hand. "This is Grant, he's
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 114: Vaughn, Hani
Thursday. Ashton Khoury's Home, New York City, NY.VAUGHN STARED AT the door leading to Carla's office. They each had to spend a few moments squaring away their paperwork. He wasn't keen on being alone with her. Looking back at their exchange, it had been perfectly innocent on her side. He'd caught her unaware, he'd assumed her role, and he'd flirted a little.That was on him, not her. But he didn't like that he'd put himself in this position.Would apologizing make it weird? Or should he just push forward and pretend it had never happened?Nolan stepped out of the door, phone in hand. "You're up."Vaughn nodded. He'd dragged his feet until he was the last one for this task. He didn't relish being in the same space with her. Every time their eyes met it was like grabbing hold of a pair of jumper cables. The electrical hit he took looking at her, it made the hair on his arms stand up, his muscles tense and left him with an uneasy sensation in his gut. And that was standing
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 115: Carla
Thursday. Private Plane, Somewhere over the Atlantic.CARLA WAS GOING to murder Ashton. Preferably after they got Jared back. She wasn't cruel. Unlike Ashton who probably thought he was being funny offering her up to Mr. Sexy Ass like some kind of hors d'oeuvre.She'd rushed through Vaughn's paperwork and had even given him the additional NDA to shut Ashton up, all the while dying on the inside. Since then she'd avoided direct contact while loading everything up and riding in a different vehicle to the airport.If Jared were here, he'd be laughing his ass off to the point he'd be crying. He'd also offer to get her booze until her liquid courage kicked in.She sank farther down in her seat.This just sucked.Instead of joining the others in the general seating area, she'd sequestered herself in one of the small bunk rooms, each comprised of two plush chairs that made down into two beds or one depending on preference and how much trouble it was worth. The curtains were dra
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 116: Vaughn
Thursday. Private Plane, Somewhere over the Atlantic.WELL HELL.Vaughn still wasn't sure what to think now that he had more details. The truth was a lot messier than what was in his head that was for sure.His better sense said to go. Put space between him and Carla. Complicated relationships always blew up, and he didn't want to get caught in the middle. Time had taught him valuable lessons.Except being in the room with her, not even touching her, was a full-body experience. It was as though every cell in every part of him was drawn to her. His hand tingled with the desire to reach over and brush her hair off her face or take her hand. It was crazy. He couldn't explain it. Even now he had to physically force himself to lean back, keep a little distance between them, and not touch her.He had to understand this. There was something pulling him toward her he had to wrap his head around."Ashton said you two grew up as friends?" Vaughn wasn't sure what he was doing, but
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 117: Carla
CARLA WISHED SHE'D finished that last drink. Ashton was a heavy pour, but it took a whole lot more vodka for her to claim the alcohol made her do it. No, this moment, her lips on Vaughn's and their bodies pressed against each other, it was all her trying to feed this deep, yearning void inside of her.She wanted what Ashton and Jared had. Love. But for the time being, unless she met the most understanding man in the world, the best she'd get was sex. And she was fairly certain sex with Vaughn would be life changing. Her weak arguments against this fling were crumbling. She had Ashton's blessing and judging by the erection pressing against her, Vaughn was willing.There was no denying they both felt the chemistry. It was powerful. Magnetic. And she wanted to just give in. But was Vaughn willing?She broke the kiss and stared down into his dark, lust filled gaze. His stubble rasped against her fingers as she slid her hand along his jaw. He was aroused. Because of her. What were the
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 118: Carla
Friday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Cairo, Egypt.CARLA PEERED OUT OF the bathroom window into the courtyard below. Her experience with the rest of the world was confined to resorts and expensive hotels while traveling with Ashton. She was fascinated with the slice of real life she saw going on around her. The Aegis Group facility was, well, it looked like something out of a movie.The stone structure appeared to be a large rectangle situated around a central courtyard with wings on either side, a sturdy gate and the bulk of the rooms on the far end. The rooms she'd seen had beautiful carvings on the walls and the doors were heavy wood with scenes cut into them. Even the room she'd been shown to was a work of art with its tiled bathroom and the beautiful furniture.She glanced at the big bed with the halo of morning light falling across the pale sheets.What time was it and what time did her body think it was? Did it matter?As soon as they were cleared to fly into Beirut th
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 119: Vaughn
VAUGHN WAS SATISFIED THEIR Cairo site security was as up to date as it was going to get. In the very near future someone needed to spend a week here swapping out equipment. With the instability in the region, they never knew when the Cairo site would become inaccessible.Hell, he'd recommended twice now that they dump the site and set up somewhere else. Cypress was a hop, skip and jump away from a lot of places and the island much safer. But the people in charge all had other ideas.What did he know?He was the surveillance guy.It wasn't like Zain or the big boss would send him here to do the job.Vaughn strode down the hall toward the situation room. In the large home's former years, it had served as the dining room. When Aegis took the house over and made it their Cairo facility, they'd transformed the corner room into their one-room headquarters.He entered the room and was struck by the unusual sight of Brenden and Melody sitting with their heads together."What are
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Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 258: Epilogue.
Three Months Later. Aegis Group Offices, Seattle, Washington.MELODY PLACED HER SERVICE weapon in the case and clicked the lid shut. This was the real moment for her when she got to switch off from a job. Used to it was when they turned a newly rescued asset over to whoever had paid to have them rescued, be that family, coworkers or other loved ones. However, after Ibiza everything had changed.She smiled at the newly hired munitions clerk and slid the case over. Unlike the guys she didn't feel the need to keep her weapons at home."I'm done with this. Thanks," she said."There's the sharp shooter," Vaughn said coming into the small room, Nolan and Riley bringing up the rear.Melody flushed and inwardly preened. That had been a rather exceptional shot there at the end."It was just a shot." She rolled her eyes and leaned an elbow on the counter as the guys all requested their own secure cases. "What are you three doing?""Carla's birthday," Vaughn said as if that expla
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 257: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Forgery Front, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY WANTED NOTHING MORE than to let Grant take over. He was good at that. It was kind of his thing. But she knew he wasn't on Ethan's side. No one was. They didn't understand him. Not that she did either, but after spending a few days around him she had some insight to the man, he'd become.But first...She took Grant's face in her hands and pulled him down for a quick, hard kiss."I missed you," she whispered."You're safe." He squeezed her.She nodded then let go of him and turned her attention on Ethan.The man had taken two central mass bullets. He needed a damn doctor.She grabbed Grant's hand. No matter what came next, she wanted him by her side. She marched across the small space to where Ethan leaned on the only still-standing desk. Nolan had his gun trained on Ethan while a man she didn't recognize spoke to him."Who are you?" She stepped between Ethan and the newcomer. "Why aren't you getting him a doctor?"
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 256: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Forgery Front, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY STOOD FROZEN TO the spot, the visual of the crackling electricity up lighting the faces of Ethan and Liman burned into her mind. It was like something out of an action movie.Ethan hauled back and rammed the bathroom door with his shoulder. He roared his rage.Liman was trapped. There was no way out of that bathroom. Eventually Ethan would get in or Liman would have to come out. Either way, it was going to be an explosive conflict.This was her chance to get out of here. The back door was unlocked. She could slip out and be gone. Call the cops, Grant, anyone more capable to deal with this. And yet she remained rooted to the spot, unable and maybe a little unwilling to move.They'd already left Ethan once and look where that got him.Ethan planted his back against the wall and kicked. She heard the pop of hinges. Another kick and the door clattered to the floor. Her stomach clenched. Ethan shoved off the wall, only to be h
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 255: Grant, Liman
Tuesday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT PUSHED UP OFF the cot. Some thoughtful person had brought four of them into the ops room at some point. He'd actually managed half an hour of sleep. It was better than he'd gotten trying to crash back in his room. Something about being near the constant buzz of activity helped ease his mind.He stretched, paying attention to the twinges of muscle protesting. The soreness was worse now post-crash.How was Melody feeling? Did she have any injuries?Watching the video, the ambulance had more or less driven off the road and tipped over. With any luck she wasn't badly injured.Grant gave Marco and Luke a wide berth. Both men had chewed his ass out for potentially risking Hannah and running into a situation by himself. Grant wasn't keen on rehashing that. Instead headed for the computer in the corner where Ghost had set himself up. Most people avoided him, which was fine for Grant. He didn't have to like the guy to use
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 254: Liman, Melody
Tuesday. Hotel, Chicago, Illinois.LIMAN LAID OUT EVERYTHING he'd spent the last thirty-six hours gathering. When he'd left their safe house he'd wanted to take supplies with him, but didn't dare beyond some cash. All he'd had was what he was wearing, some jewelry and a couple things he knew he could hawk at the pawn shop around the corner.It had taken some work hustling the goods he had, turning them into more profitable items, but he had a couple thousand in US dollars, three new to him guns and a small collection of ammunition, and if all went as planned, in another day he'd have a passport that would grant him an escape from this dammed country.He knew he couldn't go home. That bridge was burned. As soon as his government learned about the utter disaster, they'd want to bring him in for questioning. It wouldn't end in a simple debrief. There were no answers he could give his superiors that they'd accept. The only true end would be Liman's death.He had no intention of
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 253: Melody, Grant
Tuesday. Unknown.MELODY'S TOES HURT.That was her first coherent thought as her mind rose from the groggy sleep of the dead. She remained exactly where she was, as if even her subconscious was aware that there was a predator nearby.The handcuff secured to her left wrist bit into her skin and her fingers were numb, no doubt from the way she'd been laying.She strained to listen harder. There was no sound of traffic or horns. She couldn't even hear someone walking around, the whish of fabric or the soft sounds of someone breathing.If she didn't know better, she'd think she was alone.What did she smell?The air was musty and she recalled a vague memory from last night that included a sneezing fit."I know you're awake," a man said slowly.He was so close his voice seemed to rumble across her skin.Melody sucked in a breath and her eyes popped open.Ethan sat next to the bed, his clasped hands resting on the edge of the mattress. He was watching her."Jesus."
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 252: Grant
Monday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT KEPT STARING AT the map, as if it would suddenly reveal where Melody was. He knew it wouldn't, but as the hours ticked by his hope was beginning to wane. Eventually they'd get a lead. They always did. But would it be too late for Melody?"I know who he is," Gavin announced.Grant straightened and stared at the younger man holding his tablet up like a beacon."And?" Marco prompted.Gavin referenced the tablet screen. "Liman Fahed. Intelligence officer for the General Directorate of General Security.""And that tells us, what?" Grant asked."A name is a start," Ghost said.Grant ground his teeth together and focused on the map.A name was just a name, especially when they didn't know how to find the man.He'd hoped that with Ghost's arrival, they might make some sort of forward movement on locating Melody, but they were still stuck in a holding pattern.They needed a lead."So I guess it's not useful to
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 251: Melody, Liman
Monday. Unknown, Chicago, Illinois.MELODY KNEW SHE WAS dozing. She hadn't actually fallen asleep, even if the odd, twilight state between sleep and wakefulness made her question that knowledge. Exhaustion had won out, more or less. But she couldn't relax enough to become totally unaware.A soft jangle of metal lured her consciousness back into the land of the living. It wasn't a suspicious noise. More like she'd moved and maybe disrupted the coil of chain. Or Ethan had finally decided to stop playing at being a statue.Thinking the man's name caused Melody to shiver. She opened her eyes, blinking into the relative darkness. The light filtering in around the door from the next room over provided enough light for her to make out shapes.Ethan was no longer sitting.He stood. Judging by the way his shoulders hunched, his back was to her, his attention on the handcuff securing him to the wall.The chain jangled again. He grunted.The hair on the back of her neck stood up.
Aegis Group Lepta Team Chapter 250: Grant
Sunday. Aegis Group Headquarters, Chicago, Illinois.GRANT STARED AT HIS new phone. Zain had a bundle of them delivered via a courier about an hour ago. Since Aegis Group hadn't contacted Lepta Team's family beyond a few of the guy's girlfriends, it was imperative they have a means of communicating.The gut-punch had been opening up his photo gallery to see pictures of Melody. They'd gone to a nice dinner last week before leaving on the job. She'd looked beautiful in a goldish-pink dress that had shimmered. She'd rolled her eyes when he took a picture of her with the city lights behind her.Zain was nothing if not thorough. Of course their new phones would be updated with all their information and preferences, right down to the custom sound Grant had picked for Melody's texts.He tipped his head back and stared at the ceiling.Following the outburst earlier Grant had opted to wait in the hall where he wouldn't be tempted to stick his nose in things and slow people down.
