It Takes a Thief – Part 46

Breakfast with Director Remington reveals much. Jason tells them more of how the hostages died by Orchid’s hand. Now all that remains is a suitable plan to lure her out and arrest her — preferably without getting Jason killed.

Taylor could see his internal struggle. She took his hand, squeezing his fingers. He clung to her with desperation. His eyes flickered over to hers, thanking her silently. None of that was lost on Director Remington. However, his face betrayed nothing that he was thinking.

“Then, my boy, I think we need a plan.”

“Yes, sir. I believe we do.”

“Crash course in weapons follows breakfast. Then we’re going to talk with Kyle Tourney. He was going to come to the house, but I convinced him to come here instead. I think it’s safer for him not to be seen there. He’s got all kinds of reasons to be here. Explaining a visit to your place would be hard.”

“Whatever you think best. Honoria said she was going to discuss our covers.”

“She’ll be by after Kyle. I thought it best to do it all in one day. We minimize the time you’re vulnerable and keep them safe in the process.”

Jason nodded. It made sense to his paranoid mind. He was used to thinking in terms of safe locations. This room with no windows and only one door made him feel very secure. The fact it was in a well protected federal building helped as well. However, he was always wary when he was around people he didn’t know. He hadn’t quite made up his mind about Carter, although he felt comfortable with Remington.

Breakfast was cleared away and the team took Jason to the firing range. He’d been impressed with Tim’s brother’s range, but it had nothing on this one. Easily twice the size of the first range, it had every kind of weapon imaginable. They were the only ones there except for the people who worked there.

Jason was introduced to each of them, memorizing their names and faces. Andrea Hunter was the one charged with instructing Jason. She took him through basic gun safety, all of which he’d learned from Tim. Impressed at how well he remembered, she quizzed him before having him don the safety equipment. She showed him a variety of handguns and made him check each of them before selecting one for him to fire.

“Don’t be scared of the weapon,” she told him several times. “It’s an object, one we treat with respect, but it’s not what kills you in a firefight. What kills you is the person aiming that gun. You can’t be afraid of your weapon.”

“I’m not, Andrea, I assure you. Bloody well respect the hell out of it….”

“Then don’t flinch when you pull the trigger. It makes a big kaboom, but the noise can’t kill you.”

“No, what comes out the barrel is what kills you,” he quipped. “And since that accompanies the big kaboom, it makes me a bit twitchy.”

“Let me show you something,” she said.

Setting their weapons down, she lifted her shirt. Standing there in her uniform pants and bra, she pointed to six scars on her torso.

“I got shot too, Jason. Only the guy wasn’t satisfied with just once. He hit me with twelve of fifteen shots. Some of the scars are in places only my husband sees. The rest, you see. I was wearing a vest, like you. But the bastard was using Teflon bullets. They went through the Kevlar like a hot knife through butter. I got lucky, I had a hell of a partner who saved my life.”

She and Tim exchanged a significant look. The others stared at him as she put her shirt back on.

“The point I’m making is that I know how you feel. You remember every time that weapon fires. The burning pain as the bullet finds its target replays in your mind. And it’s gonna do that for a while longer. But it gets better.”

“Bloody hell. Twelve?”

She nodded, checking a weapon before handing it to him. He took it, checking it himself, before popping in the magazine. He chambered a round, took aim at the target and fired when she told him to. He didn’t blink or flinch.

For the next three hours, she took him through the same course each agent had to pass in order to carry a weapon. Remington wasn’t kidding about a crash course.

They stopped for lunch, then went back to the range for another two hours. When they finally finished, Jason was presented with a certificate.

“I didn’t think you could do it, Jason. You surpassed even my best students. Congratulations.”

Kyle Tourney and Honoria Walker were waiting in the conference room when they went back. Afternoon tea had been served in fine China with silver service. The agents weren’t sure how to handle it, but Jason was in his element. He greeted the judge with a hug and a kiss, shook Kyle’s hand and took his seat next to Honoria.

“I haven’t had a proper cuppa since I came to this country,” he said with anticipation. “Please tell me it’s not from tea bags.”

Remington smiled. “I have an Englishman on staff just to make tea,” he teased. “Give it a sip. See what you think.”

Honoria poured. Jason added sugar and took a tentative sip. A happy smile replaced his frown.

“Oi, that’s delicious! That’s perfect!”

He helped himself to cakes, cookies and cucumber sandwiches, encouraging the team to do the same.

“So, now what?” He asked, taking another sip.

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Under the Western Sky Is HERE!

I’m pleased to announce that my newest novel, Under the Western Sky, has just been released from Tirgearr Publishing.

Set in 1976, this retro-romantic suspense is set in a small town in Western Nebraska. Following in the wake of a botched FBI situation in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, the racial tensions in the small town are at an all time high. Bobby Menendez is dating Libby Marshall, a white girl. His best friend, Danny, is also white. Little do any of them know but a white supremacist organization seeks to make Danny and his father members. Can the three of them resist the pressure being put on them?

Below is an excerpt from Under the Western Sky.

CHAPTER ONE

       Libby Marshal leaned over the pool table lining up her shot, slender hips twitching to KC and the Sunshine Band. She hummed distractedly as she eyed the table. Bobby Menendez stood behind her enjoying the view. His hands moved forward, tingling to touch her.

“Touch me and die, Roberto Hermida Menendez.”

“Man, how did you know?”

She made her shot, long distance across the felt top, snapping her pool cue, nearly nailing him in the balls when her arm came back.

“Shouldn’t stand so close,” Danny said across the table from her.

“Oh, man, the view!”

Bobby held his hands the width of her hips apart. He bit his lip as she faced him, a frown on her face. Her green eyes flashed at him. With a toss of her short, blonde, curly hair, she moved away from him with a glare. His dark brown eyes followed her, longing in his well tanned face.

“View’s damn good over here, and safer,” Danny grinned.

He’d been looking down her top as she bent over to shoot. He loved the fact that it was 1976 and even in this small, conservative, western Nebraska town, girls were liberated, freeing them from the confines of establishment undergarments. The no bra look was great! And Libby had such perky tits. Bobby could have his dangerous ass view, Danny went for tits every time.

“Boys, behave,” Toni’s father said from his office behind them.

Funny thing how Toni’s old man always had work to do when the boys came over. He would casually follow the four of them down to the pool room in the basement and sit in his work room fiddling with some electrical components while they played pool and listened to music. He didn’t mind them coming over, but they weren’t going to be unchaperoned either.

“Yes, sir,” they chorused.

They stepped back, snapping to attention, not quite saluting. Each with military fathers, it was hard not to when he talked in that tone. Fifteen years as a Marine before a shell shattered his right leg, didn’t go away. Everyone in town called him Captain Cristo. Only the very brave called him Grant.

“Girls, Mom’s got dinner almost ready. Why don’t you hustle up and help her set the table.”

“Yes, sir,” Libby replied, setting down her cue.

“Sure thing, Daddy,” Toni leaned hers against the wall, leaving a blue streak of chalk.

The boys hesitated, unsure how to proceed. They hadn’t been included in that request. Captain Cristo solved that for them by setting aside his work. He stood stiffly, old war wound tightening up on him. He motioned them into his work room, closing the door behind him.

“She may not be my daughter,” he said without preamble. “But you ogle her like that again, or put a hand on her,” he looked right at Bobby. “I’ll break all three of your legs.”

The boys exchanged a look. It took no explanation to know what the captain meant. Hard as nails though he may be, the words, break your balls, would never pass his lips in his wife’s house. He was very specific about language. Nothing stronger than damn passed anyone’s lips under his roof in her house.

“It happens I like you boys, or you wouldn’t be here.” He glanced at Bobby, who shuffled his feet, but met his gaze.

“Thank you, sir,” Bobby mumbled.

“I don’t forget being seventeen. I venture to say, I was as horny and troublesome as you two. If the Marines hadn’t grabbed me when they did, God knows where I’d have ended up.”

“My dad says the same thing about himself,” Danny ventured to interject quietly. “Only he was Army.”

“A Ranger.” Captain Cristo nodded sharply. “Damn fine heritage, boy. Your daddy too, Roberto. He was a great man. He died too soon.” He paused a moment, remembering Navarro Menendez with regret. “Just so we understand one another. Staying to dinner?”

“If Mrs. C. agrees,” Danny looked hopeful.

“When doesn’t she?”

“Honest, we don’t plan it,” Danny explained. “Just the girls call and invite us. It coincides.”

“Not a problem, boys. It’ll be a hard time for sure when I can’t feed a couple extra mouths. Go wash up, Emma will be calling us soon.”

They moved quickly to the small bathroom near the stereo and washed their hands under his supervision. They were drying their hands when his wife called from the kitchen above.

“Honey! Boys, dinner!”

“Coming, dear,” Grant yelled back.

“Wash up!”

“Already done.”

They walked up together, the boys slightly awkward with the captain directly behind them. His eyes seemed to detect any inconsistencies, sifting away until he found the truth of it all.

“Let’s have Bobby over here,” Emma Cristo pointed to a chair next to the windows.

Libby was placing a large bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. She looked up rather dismayed. Danny winked at her and Bobby took his place beside her. Toni and Danny sat opposite the other two teenagers.

“I swear,” Emma said after their blessing. “I may have given birth to one child, but I’m raising a dozen. Not that I mind, I love a big family. I’ve got seven brothers and three sisters,” she told them, not for the first time.

“And I’ve got two of each,” her husband contributed. “But what Toni lacks in siblings, she makes up for in friends.” He ruffled Libby’s hair.

“You might as well adopt her, Dad, she’s here all the time.” Toni grinned, tossing her long dark hair over her shoulder.

She and Libby were such a contrast. She was tall, solidly built, with dark hair and eyes. The Indian blood Toni had showed in her features as well. Libby was shorter and athletically built with short blond curls. She was all Scotch-Irish and looked it.

Bobby and Danny responded quietly as they passed the food around. When they were asked a direct question, they answered, but didn’t initiate conversation themselves. They were very intimidated by Captain Cristo. He was pleasant and generous, but he also had a way of reminding a guy to be on his best behavior around the women.

“Who wants ice cream?” Emma asked as the teenagers cleared the table.

They all said they’d love it. The girls washed dishes and the boys dried. Once the dishes were back in the cupboard, she pulled a half gallon of vanilla out of the freezer and chocolate syrup and peanuts to go on top.

“Mom, since it’s Friday, can Libby spend the night?”

“I expected she would,” Emma replied with a smile. “Mom’s working late again?”

“Yes, until closing.”

Libby’s mother worked serving tables at the local bar. Nearly every night was a late night for a single woman with a child. Between her wages and a small widow’s pension, she barely got by.

“Thanks, Mom.”

Danny cleared his throat quietly. The captain’s dark eyes drifted over to him. He turned a little red around the ears, but continued to speak.

“Bobby and I were wondering if the girls could go to a movie tonight, Captain Cristo?”

“Did you ask the girls first to see if they wanted to go?”

“We thought we should ask you first, sir,” he answered sheepishly.

To Purchase Under the Western Sky

It Takes a Thief – Part 44

Finally able to give in tho their passion, Jason and Taylor spend a wonderful night together. The next day brings reality back, but they will always have this special time together.

“Yeah? And how many times were you there?”

They flanked him going out the door together. Jason’s blue eyes twinkled and his lips twitched.

“One hesitates to brag.”

“Three,” Taylor said as she came out of her room. “I know you all want to know. Three amazing, scintillating, sizzling, mind blowing times. Are you happy now?”

“So,” Greg said as he came out of his room. “Was it good for you?” He wasn’t smiling, but he didn’t seem angry.

“It was, yeah,” Jason replied.

“You should get your room sound proofed,” Greg said, shoving past Taylor.

“Sorry….” Jason didn’t know what else to say. “Wasn’t ever a problem before.”

“I didn’t hear a thing,” Tim said honestly. “It’s his imagination.”

“Me either,” Alex assured them. He tipped his head after Greg. “It’s the knowing that’s gotten to him.”

“I’m sorry it wasn’t him,” Taylor murmured. “I feel bad now.”

“Don’t,” Tim said, taking her elbows as he gazed into her eyes. “You had something great happen between you. The magic wasn’t there before. Hang up the guilt, soldier.”

She nodded as she donned her vest and helmet. The men did the same. They found Greg downstairs already kitted out. He was also holding a heavy assault rifle. His eyes held pain when he looked at Taylor, but he smiled at her before walking out the door. He stood on the porch, watching the perimeter as they loaded Jason into the SUV. That accomplished, he joined them, slamming the door shut behind him.

They took off, heading toward their main office downtown. Jason thought at first they were alone, but they were joined by two more cars as they drove down the street. The vehicles were identical and switched places from time to time. When they got to the federal building, the drivers headed into an underground garage.

The vehicle with the team was in the center this time. They stayed in the car until the area was secured. Greg went out first, then the rest of the team, keeping Jason between them as they headed to the open elevator. Greg followed them in and some of the others joined them as they rode upstairs.

The elevator stopped on the 12th floor. The security detail went out first, flanking the elevator. No one else was in the hallway. They proceeded to the end of the corridor, making a right. Jason grinned when he saw the blank wall, knowing someone in the FBI was as paranoid as he was.

A section of the wall opened and a keypad and card scanner slid out. Taylor slid her identity card and keyed in a sequence of letters and numbers. The door opened and they walked through. It sighed shut behind them as they stood in another corridor. There were no doors here, except at the end of a ten foot hallway.

Jason was still sandwiched between the agents. Feeling rather like a sardine, he walked with them to the door at the end. This required the card swipe and another code. Greg went through first, followed by Tim and Alex. Taylor walked through directly in front of Jason. He followed when she beckoned to him with her fingers. The team removed their helmets, leaving their vests on.

Jason found himself in a windowless room. The walls were covered with pictures of the outdoors. One wall was covered with a series of flatscreens and a bank of computers were set up below them. For the moment, the screens were a blank blue.

A solitary figure stood facing the door. He was a tall man, large and imposing. His dark skin reflected the blue of the screens, giving him an eerie appearance. He was dressed in a dark business suit. His tie was dark red, his shirt stark white. He smiled, but it was the single most disturbing smile Jason had ever seen.

“So, this is our little jailbird, hm?” His voice was deep, rumbling, like James Earl Jones.

Jason tried to conceal a shiver. He squared his shoulders, eyeing the giant of a man with polite disdain. He couldn’t quite muster a smile, but his face held a pleasant expression.

“Jason, this is our boss. Director Remington, may I present Jason Banes.”

“How do you do, sir?” Jason stepped forward, extending his hand.

The man gave him a baleful look. He didn’t step forward, nor did he take the proffered hand.

“You must have some powerful friends, Banes. All the charges dropped, your guilt expunged. It seems they’re willing to let anyone, even killers, walk the street these days.”

“I didn’t kill those people, sir.”

“So you say.”

“I don’t really care if you believe me, Mr. Remington. Your belief or not doesn’t change the facts.”

“Kid’s got spunk at least,” Remington said to the room in general. “Got to admire that. Don’t have to like it….” He frowned.

“Did you bring me here to insult me, or did you have something important to say? Not that you’re not spewing pearls of wisdom….”

“Enough! You watch your mouth, kid.”

“I will if you will.”

The director’s booming laugh filled the room. He clasped his hands behind his back, rocking from his toes to his heels.

“You’re a hell of a plucky one, aren’t you? Dammit, I like him, Taylor.” He came forward, hand extended. “I’m just jerking your chain, boy. Honoria’s a friend of mine. If she believes you, I do too.”

“Then when was the point of all this?” Jason waved his arms around.

“I wanted to see if you’d stick up for yourself. A man with no backbone won’t make it through this mission alive. You’ll do fine. He’s got chutzpah, Taylor. I like chutzpah.” He shook Jason’s hand, nearly knocking him down with a slap on the shoulder. “Come have a seat. Breakfast will be served in a few moments.”

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

It Takes a Thief – Part 43

After discovering he’s not only a free man, but is going to be used as bait to catch Orchid, Jason decides he’s waited long enough for Taylor. He takes her to bed, making love to her — taking her breath away.

They made love again, taking their time, savoring one another. Their climax, when it came, was softer, subtler, and even more satisfying. Afterward, they took a long shower and cuddled up in bed together, his body around her protectively.

Tim woke them by tapping on the door the next morning. Jason grabbed his shorts while Taylor threw on her T-shirt and pants. Pistol in hand, she used the peephole, checking to be sure it was one of the team. Sighing with relief, she opened the door.

“Hey, bright eyes,” Tim said as she closed the door. “Get clean panties and be ready to roll. The boss called. He wants Jason at the gun range in an hour.”

“The department range?”

“Yup. Gunnin’ with the big boys. I’ll keep an eye on Romeo while you change.”

“Thanks. I’ll be right back,” she told Jason.

He nodded as he grabbed clean boxers from the dresser.

After she left, Tim eyed the disheveled bed. “Hope you treat her right, Jason. I’d hate like hell to have to kill you.”

“Bloody hell, I thought we were past that, Agent Stewart. I’ve no intention of treating her badly. Nor do I intend to love her and leave her. She’s amazing—wild, luscious…. And that’s all I intend to say, or I’ll get my balls handed to me on a bloody platter.”

The older man shook his head, chuckling. “We take her safety, as well as yours, very seriously.”

“Understood. Does Greg think I’m a total wanker?”

Tim shrugged. “I doubt it. He knows it couldn’t have worked out between them.”

“There’s always that hope….”

“Yeah. So, ready?”

“Yes. Let me pull this up. The maid’s no longer working.” He made the bed quickly and neatly. “One thing you learn in juvie is how to make a tight bunk.” He grinned proudly.

Alex Graves tapped on the door. Tim let him in. Alex carried a bullet proof vest and a helmet for Jason.

“Do I really need all this?”

“You’re our primary. We take that very seriously. Don’t feel bad, sport. We’ll all be dolled up the same. Car will be ready and at the door in ten.”

“Coffee?” Jason looked expectant. “And I’m blood starving.”

“Boss said he’d have the works,” Alex assured him. “Don’t get too excited. That could mean stale donuts and weak coffee.”

“I hope to hell not. I need real food.”

“Worked up quite an appetite, did ya?”

“Not saying a word. I know my place.”

© Dellani Oakes

To purchase Dellani’s books:
Indian Summer & Lone Wolf
The Ninja Tattoo

It Takes a Thief – Part 42

DISCLAIMER! This episode contains explicit sexual content. If you’re bothered by steamy sex scenes, skip this one!

Finally able to give into their desire, Taylor and Jason make love for the first time.

“God, you’re amazing,” he told her, kissing her again. His hands roved her body, exploring.

“Me? I thought it was you,” she said with a satisfied giggle.

“Now that—is the sound a woman I date would make,” he told her with a proud grin.

“Oh, is that so? Do all your women get this treatment?”

“No. That I saved just for you. Never felt that good before.”

“I bet you always say that.”

He considered a moment before replying. “Fair to say. But I never meant it before tonight.” His kiss was feather light.

He hopped over her, trotting to the bathroom to get rid of the condom. When he came back, she was half dressed.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought we were done?”

He smiled, taking her in his arms. “That time, yeah. But wouldn’t you like to do it again?” He kissed her neck. “And again?” He nibbled her ear. “And maybe, possibly…. Again?”

His hands slid under her shirt, softly cupping her breasts. Taylor shuddered.

“Stay with me, Taylor. All night. I want to make love to you over and over… and over.” He continued kissing and nibbling, removing her clothing so quickly, she hardly noticed.

He led her to the bed, sitting on the side as he fondled her body. Gently, languorously he laid her back, his hands memorizing the curves and furrows of her body. His fingers dropped between her legs, stroking her. She sighed, shuddering as she moved against his hand. He kissed her deeply, taking her mouth almost roughly with his own.

Not to be outdone, she told him what she wanted in no uncertain terms. Levering herself upward, she rolled him on his back as she straddled his thighs. His hand continued to play with her, the other joining as he used his thumbs on the most sensitive inner parts.

Taylor shuddered, sighing contentedly as he continued to massage her.
Grasping him gently, she worked her own magic, handling him in ways that made his body beg for hers. Finally, slowly, she descended over him, taking him deeply inside her as she rode him. Taylor had never made love like this before. Her other boyfriends hadn’t been experimental or adventurous. For her, this was an amazing and unique experience. Never able to express her sexual desires, she tread new ground with Jason. The fact he didn’t protest, but seemed to like her to tell him what she wanted, made her even more bold.

Jason clung to her hips, moving beneath her, rising and falling to match her speed. He continued to massage with his thumbs, knowing she liked it.

Taylor gasped with pleasure. Jason smiled when he heard it. He knew he was in the right spot. Holding her firmly, he made sure he penetrated to the right depth with the right amount of pressure to insure her delight. She bit her lip, moaning. Jason worked his hips faster, releasing his grip on her thighs. As the sensations increased, Taylor matched his speed, gasping and laughing as her body enjoyed his.

The tingle started in her belly, deep inside. Suddenly, a spark exploded inside her heralding her orgasm. Taken by surprise, she gasped sharply.

“You okay?”

“Fabulous! Oh, God! Here it comes!”

She clamped down on him, riding him hard and fast. The orgasm, when it hit, shook her body from head to foot. Her toes tingled as the waves radiated from their joined hips, slamming into her like a tsunami. It felt so good, she couldn’t speak. With each gasp, the pitch of her voice rose.

Jason couldn’t decipher the sensations filling his body. He wanted to explode, but somehow that didn’t seem like the right thing to do. Instead, he clung her, letting her rock and roll on him as hard as she wanted. When a breast came close, he suckled it. When her mouth sought his, he kissed her. It felt unimaginably good lying there with her astride him, clamping down on him like a sensual vice grip.

“Oh, God!” He yelled. “Take me deep. Deep!” He took her hips, grinding his against her.

Taylor screamed, the orgasms threatening to pound her senseless as she came in a hot rush. Jason roared as he came, his loins exploding deep inside her. Laughing, they rolled on their sides, legs and arms entwined.

“That was even better,” she said with a satisfied sigh.

“Yeah, it was.”

“Is it always that good?”

“Told you already, exceptional—you and me—together. The best.”

“It wasn’t ever this good for me before,” she admitted shyly. “You let me do things—whatever I want. No one ever did that before.”

“More fool they.” He kissed her. “Better this way, eh?”

“Much.” She nipped his lip. “Thank you.”

“What for?” He was genuinely puzzled.

“For making me feel so alive.”

“Oh, love—you make me feel like I can do anything. I could move mountains or take on a dragon or two. As long as I know you’re with me.”

“I’ll be with you forever,” she promised.

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

It Takes a Thief – Part 41

DISCLAIMER! This particular segment does include a steamy and specific love scene. If you don’t like it hot, skip this episode!

Jason has just found out from Judge Honoria Walker that he’s no longer a murder suspect. His slate is wiped clean. The District Attorney had nothing but circumstantial evidence from the beginning. With a change of heart, and a long discussion with Honoria, he’s dropped the charges. Jason is a free man once more. As such, he is determined to be with Taylor. Being used as bait for Orchid makes him feel his mortality even more strongly than before.

He didn’t give her a chance to respond. His lips on hers stopped any protest. Her comments were blocked by his tongue in her mouth. Every ounce of passion he’d been shoving aside the last couple of days came gushing up as if from a well.

Jason took her breath away. Never in her life had Taylor felt the way she did when he kissed her. She was floating, his hands on her body the only thing keeping her close to the ground. She should make him stop, put the brakes on like she always had with Greg. She shouldn’t let a man she’d known less than three days make love to her. Good girls didn’t do that, did they? FBI agents didn’t allow themselves to….

She couldn’t think straight anymore. He made her dizzy. He stopped kissing her. Taking her by the hand, he led her into the gym and up the spiral stair to his bedroom.

How many women had made this same trip? How many women had he been with? She wanted to ask him, but he was kissing her again and she couldn’t think straight. His hands burned her body, searing her skin, leaving flame trails in their wake. He grasped her shirt, pulling it up so he could fondle her bare breasts. It kept slipping down, so he slowly pulled it off while he licked her nipples.

Jason’s body was on fire. Calling upon all his control, he took his time, savoring the experience. He’d wanted a woman for weeks, and Taylor since meeting her. If this was his only chance to make love to her, he wanted to do it right. He knew she was reluctant, but not opposed. Had she put up any protest, he would have forced himself to stop—but she didn’t. She gave as good as he was giving.

Her body was amazing, even better than Orchid’s. She might not be a super model, but she was more beautiful. She was sleek and strong, her muscles honed by years of martial arts and yoga. She was lithe and limber. Her curves fit against him perfectly.

Before they realized it, they were naked, kissing and fondling one another beside the bed. Jason lifted her easily, laying her in the middle of the bed. She tossed back the covers as he dug in his supply drawer.

She laughed when he brought out the condom. “That’s what you didn’t want me to see?”

He nodded as he crawled toward her on the bed. “That and the fact that there’s a pink thong bikini in there.”

“Oh, I could have gone swimming in that!” She swatted at him as he pulled her to him.

“No one sees you in that but me,” he said.

His kiss once more stopped conversation. Taylor ran her hands over his lean body, dropping low to help him put on the condom as he kissed and sucked every available inch of her. As she moved her hands back up, she felt the bullet scar.

Jason flinched away as her fingers touched the still sensitive tissue Taylor opened her eyes to see him biting his lip.

“Did that hurt?”

“Just my pride,” he said as he went back to her breasts.

Taylor shoved him on his back, straddling his thighs. Her lips started at his neck, moving slowly, languorously down his body. She nibbled his nipples, then nipped all the way down his hard torso until she got to the scar. She kissed it gently, letting her tongue flicker against it so lightly, he barely felt it. Spending a minute or two more, she increased pressure and speed.

Jason was nearly wild with desire. She was making him crazy! She had him pinned to the bed, but he remembered something he’d learned in their martial arts training, and used his greater weight against her. Flipping her on her back, he was inside her completely before she realized what he was doing. Her turn to be pinned to the bed.

She wanted to fight him because he surprised her, but the first thrust took her breath away. Gasping, she rose to meet him as he drove fast and deep once more. They made love with an urgency that neither of them could control. Almost angrily, he took her body, driving in hard and fast. Taylor moved against him, thrusting her hips up to meet him as he dove into her faster and deeper.

“Oh, yes!” She screamed. “Faster!” She pounded his back with her fists.

Jason could feel his climax approaching, hoping she was close. He couldn’t control himself. It had been too long since he’d made love. A change in her voice and the way she clamped down with her pelvic muscles told him she was as close as he was.

Finding a reserve of energy, he did what she demanded, moving as fast as he could, driving deeper and harder until her body vibrated against his, going somewhat slack as her first orgasm hit.

“Oh, God! Yes! Yes!” She screamed, giving herself over completely to the amazing sensations that exploded from their joined hips.

“Taylor, oh, God!” He groaned as he came.

“Don’t stop!” She demanded as he slowed. “Don’t you dare—stop!”

He kept moving, feeling his body go limp. Finally spent, he relaxed on top of her, panting. He rolled over, taking her with him, their hips still joined. He kissed her deeply, passionately, wishing he could make love to her again right away. Instead of completely sating his lust, making love to her had made him desire her that much more.

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

It Takes a Thief – Part 40

After a short chat with her boss, Taylor announces that Jason is to be used as bait to entice Orchid and draw her out. Their venue is a fashion show for charity to take place in a week’s time. This means that the team has to be trained to blend into Jason’s world and he has to learn how to better defend himself. School will soon be in session.

“Invitations?” Jason asked.

“Funny you should mention that,” Taylor said with a less caustic giggle. “I believe that you can expect it to be delivered tomorrow by messenger. Thanks to Judge Walker. I spoke to her too.”

“God bless the woman. How’s she doing?”

“She’s doing all right. Worried about you. She was glad for an update. She’s waiting for your call.” She handed him her phone.

“Seriously?”

She nodded, smiling. “Call her.”

He did as instructed. The phone rang twice and he heard Judge Honoria Walker’s anxious voice on the other end.

“Is this Jason?”

“Yes, ma’am. Agent Driscole told me to call you.” He wandered into the dining room, sitting at the long rectangular table.

“I think this is asinine,” the judge said without preamble. “But I can’t prevail upon the higher powers either. They’ve been working this angle since I suggested releasing you.”

“I’d expected it,” he said quietly. “Honestly, I’m surprised they didn’t cast me out amongst the wolves.”

“I do have some pull. The widow of Bert Walker can still wield a powerful ax or two.”

“I wish I’d met your husband, ma’am. I’m guessing he was a hell of a man.”

“He was,” she said proudly. “And a powerful businessman. He owned this goddamn town. I got your invitations and I’m making arrangements for backgrounds and cover stories.”

“You’re quite the little spy, aren’t you?” Jason laughed lightheartedly at her.

“Bert used to tell me I’d missed my calling. He said I should have written novels and movie scripts. We’ll have a meeting the next day or so to get their stories straight.”

“And me?”

“You can’t remember a thing. The case against you has been dropped. Inconclusive evidence.”

“Honoria, I was found at the scene.”

“So were half a dozen others, all dead, sadly.” She paused a moment out of respect. “But by some odd chance, there’s no real evidence connecting you to the crime. It’s positively mind blowing!” She sounded to genuine, Jason paused.

“Circumstantial evidence? That ruddy D.A. only had circumstantial evidence—all this time?”

“He thought he had a smoking gun, Jason. Once he realized you couldn’t be connected with the murders, he’s only too glad to let the charges slide. Your record is clear.”

“God bless, you, Honoria! I do believe I love you!”

She giggled and he could picture her tossing her head coquettishly. “No, you love my devious mind.”

“I do indeed. Were I a few years older….”

“You’d still be far too young. I have bunions older than you, my dear. Now listen. Tomorrow, the invitations arrive. You’ll accept, through my friend, Kyle Tourney—who will also be delivering them, by the way. The day after, you and I will meet, along with your team, to give them their new identities. I have on good authority that they are very bright and capable.”

“Yes, ma’am. They’re a great bunch.”

“Good. I like the sound of that girl. Tell me.” Her voice dropped conspiratorially. “What’s the term you young people use? Have you done it?”

“Your Honor! A gentleman never tells. But to satisfy your curiosity, no. Not for lack of wanting to, mind. I’ve behaved as a proper gent.”

“Good for you. I expect my boys to use their best manners.”

“I do try. How I wish you’d been my mother,” he said honestly.

“You’d have made me proud. I’ll see you day after tomorrow, dear boy. Go enjoy yourself.”

“I’ll try. Night, ma’am.”

To Honoria, it sounded as if he’d said mum, and she hung up the phone before bursting into tears.

Jason ended the call with a wide grin. “I’m not a convicted felon,” he said quietly. “Glory be!”

He was still smiling when he took the phone back to Taylor.

“Something’s got homeboy happy,” Greg said with a grin.

Jason handed Taylor her phone. He allowed his fingers and eyes to linger on hers.

“Indeed. Very good news, that was.”

He proceeded to tell them, verbatim, his discussion with the judge. He edited remarks pertaining to Taylor. She continued to hold his hand, watching his emotions in his eyes and face.

“And so, my lads and lass, I am not, nor have I ever been—a convicted felon.”

He kissed Taylor’s hand, lips caressing her fingertips. Lost in the violet depths of Taylor’s eyes, Jason didn’t notice that the other men had quietly left the room.

Greg glanced over his shoulder once, longingly. Tim clapped him on the back, moving him away from the entrance. Saying nothing, Greg went up to his room, shutting the door with a slam. It reverberated in the huge house like a gong. Taylor and Jason didn’t even react.

Eventually, Taylor found her voice. “We really shouldn’t,” she cautioned.

Jason leaned over to kiss her, bringing her palm to his rapidly beating heart.

“They want to dangle me like shark bait, Taylor. So by damn, I’m going to enjoy every moment of the rest of my life. Because if Orchid succeeds in killing me, I don’t want to die without having been at least once with the woman I love.”

© Dellani Oakes

WARNING – It Takes a Thief parts 41 & 42 contain steamy love scenes. If explicit sexual content bothers you, then please skip these two episodes. The suspense continues in Part 43, coming out June 9. ~ Dellani

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

It Takes a Thief – Part 39

While talking to Taylor, Jason has a sudden revelation. A quick web search later, he has found Orchid, hiding in plain sight as an exotic super model. Now all that remains is a way to draw her out and bring her to them – without getting themselves killed, of course.

“Is that where she shot you?” Taylor’s eyes went right to Jason’s crotch.

“If she had, would it all still be working?”

He raised an eyebrow. It was quite satisfying to watch her blush.
“Close. She missed on purpose. Nice, eh? Meant to kill me though.”

“Time for me to call the boss,” Taylor said. “You guys clean up.”

They nodded, heading toward the kitchen. Jason lingered, eyes on Taylor’s as she pulled out her cell. Before she made the call, he crossed the room. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her firmly, heatedly, channeling all the desire and passion he possibly could into it.

“If you think for one moment,” he said huskily. “That she’s any more amazing than you—I hope that convinced you otherwise.”

Practically running from the room, he headed back to the kitchen leaving Taylor in stunned silence. Pulling herself back together, she made the call to her boss.

The men gathered around Jason in the kitchen, silently cleaning up after their meal. It was obvious that they all had questions, but Jason didn’t want to answer them. He felt betrayed again, as if Orchid’s flagrant presentation of herself was a slap in his face. She should be hiding out, changing locations every couple of days, lying low. Instead, she was working, partying, flaunting herself—advertising lingerie, fur coats, bathing suits and sex.

“I hope someone knifes the bitch,” he growled as he washed his knives.

Stabbing into the air, he startled the agents. Tim quickly disarmed him, taking his place at the sink. Jason barely noticed. For the first time in his adult life, he wanted to cry. He’d always been strong, tough, wily yet he’d been brought down by the oldest trick in the book.

“Go for the gonads,” he muttered. “Damn the woman! Doesn’t matter how smart, paranoid, clever or cagey a man is—go for the sex angle. It’s so hackneyed, yet it worked perfectly! I bet it always does. Do you know how that makes me feel?”

“Yeah, kid,” Tim said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Like any other man who’s ever been used by a woman. It’s a flaw in programming. We get a rush of testosterone, and we’re done for. I think I speak for every man in this room when I say this. Confronted with that woman, we’d all have been in trouble. I don’t care how many years I’ve got with the Bureau and the military before that. If a piece like that had approached a man like me, I’d have told her the best way to kill me.”

“After I fucked her bald,” Greg agreed loudly.

Taylor walked in as he said that. All the men made themselves busy. She said nothing as she took her place at the table. She looked pensive, contemplative, but not quite content. They stopped working and sat next to her.

“They want to use Jason as bait,” she said quietly. “He runs in some of the same circles. He can get into the big parties that the rest of us can’t.”

“We’d stand out like week old laundry.” Greg nodded. “She’d know we were posers the second we walked in.”

“So….” Jason sighed. “How did I know it would come to this? Had this feeling, me. Give her the chance to finish me proper.”

“I tried to talk him out of it, Jason. But our boss is adamant. The fact that she’s not stupid and will see a trap doesn’t seem to have entered into his scenario.”

“Then we have to be smarter than she is,” Tim said, patting her hand.

“And better armed than she is,” Alex added.

“More on top of it,” Greg concluded. “Cause home boy ain’t going in without backup.”

“Thanks, mates,” Jason said solemnly. “You’ve done what you can. I’ll be on my own.”

“No, you won’t,” Taylor said with the flicker of a smile. “He did okay an entourage. A girlfriend.” She laughed giddily, tossing her hair. “And three security. Only logical after what you’ve been through, right?” She giggled again, batting her eyelashes.

“Dear God!” Jason was appalled. “We’ll work on the performance, my lass. I wouldn’t date a woman with that kind of a laugh.”

“I know, but it was the best I could do on short notice.”

“And you lot,” he pointed to the men. “Are too much like agents. Military, yes. But you sweat, bleed and piss Bureau. Starting tomorrow, school’s in session. I’ll get you more like me if it kills us.”

“And you, my lad, will learn how to defend yourself proper,” Tim said in a fair imitation of Jason’s baser accent.

The young Englishman laughed happily. “I put myself at your disposal, Sensei. Meanwhile, when do we start this charade?”

“There’s a huge party in a week here in the city. Everyone in the fashion industry will be there. It’s not as big as Milan, but there’s a big push to do something to help the poor. What better than a fashion show to raise money, right?” Taylor rolled her eyes. “But absolutely everyone who’s anyone, or wants to be anyone, will be there.”

© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

It Takes a Thief – Part 38

After making a revelation about herself that clearly was difficult, Taylor runs to the bathroom in tears. The men sit in stunned silence for a moment before Jason decides to brave the turbulent waters of her emotions.

Smiling her thanks, she dabbed her eyes. “Or that. So. Now you know my stupid secret.”

“Not so stupid. Pretty damn important, if you ask me. How’d you hook up with this bloke, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“He was my step-father’s son. He was so wonderful to begin with. I thought he was just like his dad, but he wasn’t. His father is an incredible guy who loves my mom so much…. But Danny wasn’t like that.”

“We’ve all been fooled before. Look at me. Got the bullet holes to prove it.”

“What’s she like? Orchid?”

He blew out his cheeks, rolling his eyes to the ceiling. “Well, that’s a puzzler. Aside from being completely psychotic, which she covers remarkably, she’s—well—gorgeous. Tall, svelte, sleek like a jungle cat. Her body is amazing. She’s got muscle tone I’ve never seen on any other woman, not ever. Stamina like a bull moose….”

“You’ve measured the stamina of a moose?” She sounded annoyed by that statement.

“Not exactly, but that woman could rut for hours…. Sorry, bad choice of words, that.”

“Was she good in bed?”

“Best I’ve had,” he admitted shyly.

“Have there been that many?”

He shrugged and puffed out his cheeks. “A good few. Less than thirty….” He shook his head, not meeting her eyes. “Forty—two….”

She punched him and he stopped. Laughing, she shook her hair from her eyes. “Okay, so you’re ahead of me in the date department. So?”

“She’s like no one I’ve ever met before. She’s got to be at least half Oriental, maybe a smidge white, but mostly black on the other side. Her hair is long, black, sleek. Her eyes are this incredible smoky green color, like jade. High cheek bones, gorgeous skin….”

“You’re still attracted to her, aren’t you?” She threatened to punch him.

“Whoa! Forgive me for waxing poetical. If it’d been you with a man as gorgeous as her, I venture to say you’d still be as enamored.”

“Maybe I have.”

“Doubt that. Until I met her, I’d never have thought such a woman existed outside a magazine.”

He put his hand on his forehead, closing his eyes. “Oh, my God. I’m such an idiot! Computer!” He burst from the bathroom, rushing toward the living room.

“What? Jason!” She followed him, nearly tripping over her own feet.

Jason sat at the nearest computer, accessing the Internet. He did some Google searches and finally found what he was after. From what the others could see, he’d called up pictures of super models. More frantic searching and he was off to another site. When he sat back with a sigh of success, they had an array of photographs on the large screen before them.

She was surrounded by jungle, dressed in skins, bikinis, high fashion—but it was Orchid. She was the most beautiful woman any of them had ever seen. Her features were exotic, her body magnificent. She glared at them from the page and Jason saw for the first time the lethality of that gaze.

“Not so hard to find after all,” he muttered. “Figured she’d kill me, no one would know. Bitch hides in plain sight. That, mes amies, is the most dangerous woman in the world.” He pointed to the screen.

“That’s our psycho-thief?” Greg asked, trying not to drool as he looked at the pictures.

“The very one. Love to get her psych profile, eh? What makes you tick, lady?” Jason asked, leaning toward the screen.

“Why would she need to rob anyone?” Taylor asked.

“Doesn’t need to, does she? She likes the thrill. Like me, she lives for the excitement. But why kill off everyone? That’s what really makes me curious. She doesn’t ever work alone. I don’t think she’s a proper thief, more of a poser. She likes the thrill, lacks the skill.”

“Why kill her partners?” Greg asked.

“So we can’t go to the nearest copper and go, ‘Oh, by the way, that lovely, exotic beauty in Vogue is the one that robbed you at gunpoint. Remember her?’ Brilliant, in a sociopathic, homicidal way.”

“God, I’d give my left nut to make it with that woman,” Greg breathed.

“And she’d give it back to you strung on a length of your gut,” Jason replied, turning off the screen. “Trust me, no pussy is worth a bullet hole. None!”

“We’ve found her. Now what?” Tim asked.

“Now we watch her,” Taylor said. “She doesn’t know that we know. She has no idea Jason’s put it together. Maybe she figures he never will.”

“But we’ve got her,” Jason said with satisfaction. “Now we need to bait the trap.”

“How do you propose to do that?” Greg asked.

“Perhaps one of you needs to learn to be a thief?”

“Which one of us?” Tim asked.

All eyes went to Greg.

“What? Why me?”

“You’re more her type,” Jason replied, arms folded across his chest.

“Thanks a bunch. You’re telling me that a psycho-killer lady might think I’m hot?”

“You should be flattered. I doubt she’s made it with an FBI agent before. You could be her first.”

“Thanks—but not really. I don’t particularly want to get shot in the nuts.”
© Dellani Oakes

To Purchase Dellani’s Books:

Ninja Tattoo
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/the-ninja-tattoo.htm

Under the Western Sky
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Oakes_Dellani/under-the-western-sky.htm

Indian Summer
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=36&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Lone Wolf
http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=67&osCsid=8dc4fd3d95717ca205d5a157f3b827a7

Time for another chat with Dellani Oakes

Time for another chat with Dellani Oakes. Thank you, Karen, for sharing my interview!