Chapter Five

Rafael

I open my eyes and like the feel of her laying half on me. This is new. I take it all in wondering what it is about her that has me changing even my sleep preferences. I’ve always hated clingy women. She’s always touching me too. When did I start liking that? Maybe it’s the job. I’ve always used women as a diversion after Ops and during downtime. Cassidy isn’t a diversion. I want her and I want everything she’s willing to give me. There’s something about her that’s got me hooked. She’s confident, professional and elegant in her movements, but in bed, she has no inhibitions, no hang-ups and her reactions are raw and daring. I’ve never met anyone like her. She moves and my arm tightens instinctively. I don’t want her moving away from me.

“You need to get up?” Her voice is hoarse and my dick jumps at the sound. She’s going to be sore today and she hasn’t had much sleep. We fucked and explored each other for hours.

I kiss her hair and loosen my hold on her. “Sleep, Bella. I’ll do some laps and check in at the office. You have a couple of hours.”

She rolls to the side. “K, but you don’t have a pool.”

Clenching my jaw, I hold in the laugh putting my pillow against her back and covering her. I want her to feel like I’m right there. What the hell am I doing? I move fast getting a bathing suit and changing before I do any more stupid shit.

When I get to the shed that houses the lap pool, I key in for resistance. The water starts moving and I jump in the deeper side. It’s only eight by eight but one side is deep with a treadmill of sorts built right in. Today I’m swimming, but I can’t wait to try out all the features. This one is a little different than the swim pools at the base. I bet Cassidy will love it. Clearing my head, I swim.

* * *

My office is on the side of the bedroom, but I know the room is soundproof. A layer of insulation covers every wall in the building, but this one has everything that the situation room does. Waite did the plans himself and made sure it has the same jamming technology that keeps the office clear.My transmissions are safe from inside and out.

Perez, Schneider and Sprague move closer to the center of the room when they see me connect. I’m reminded again that every one of my men don’t miss much. “Commander,” Perez says.

“Agents. I was reading through the stations and saw you’re already working on the case for the insider trading here in Providence. I’ll have a copy of the investigative reports later tonight.”

Sprague waves her hand. “We have them, Commander. There are some discrepancies that we’re following.”

Perez gives her a look and she stops. Fuck, I knew something wasn’t right with it. A DA doesn’t hand off high profile cases unless he thinks he’ll lose. Cassidy knows it too, but she doesn’t have a choice. “Perez?”

He takes a breath. “The night crew pulled everything they could find on the case. Benavides found the warrants and pulled the information as if it wasn’t already done. He’s got a lot more than the detectives have. We kept going and found a threatening text to the DA. There was no response and we can’t open the DAs phone or email without a new warrant. I think we need to get that warrant, warn the assistant that’s taking over the case and ask that the case be moved until we finish investigating.”

Jesus, there’s more to it than just what he said. Not that he didn’t say enough. “What else do you have?”

Schneider steps forward. “This isn’t just insider trading, it’s embezzlement using a dummy corp to funnel the money offshore. They’re setting prices based on a market the dummy corp is controlling and dropping the money in the Cayman’s.”

She’s in danger and the fucking asshole didn’t tell her. The players just got bigger. I look back at the screen. “Get the warrant. We were asked to look into the case by Assistant DA Cassidy Warner. You need to know I have a relationship with her. The case was dropped on her and she isn’t comfortable with the information, witnesses or how it happened. I only know that, what you’ve told me and what I’ve read in the paper. She was handing me the files later tonight.”

Schneider steps back and looks at Perez. “Since you’re not actively investigating, the relationship won’t come into play legally. We need to interview Ms. Warner as soon as possible. Is that going to be a problem?”

“No, she’ll be on hand today. I’m sure she’ll want to talk to you.” Jesus, this is getting complicated. The need to protect her seems to be all I can see right now.

Perez nods. I have to trust him on this. He’s my FBI procedure guy. “We’ll get the warrant. Warn her, Commander. It’s apparent her boss didn’t.”

The fucking guy covering himself and throwing her into this without a word. “Yeah. I’ll do that right now. Is there anything else that I need to do, or stay away from?”

“You can’t lead this investigation but you can and will hear where we are at all times. This is for both of your protection from a legal standpoint. Commander Ford can take over if you’re comfortable with that,” Perez says.

Ford isn’t an investigator and this isn’t Ops. “No. You have the experience, rank and ability to lead this. Commander Ford is strictly Ops. I need you to step into On-Site Commander for the Investigator team. I know it’s not the way it’s done, but you have the legal background to understand and execute all matters pertaining to the Investigators. I think the program would run with less resistance and be covered legally with you in that Command position.”

Schneider and Sprague are smiling at him. That tells me I made the right decision. Perez looks shocked making me smile. “Please?”I tack on with a bigger smile.

He smiles. “I didn’t expect it, but I’d be honored, Commander.”

“Good. I’ll get Cassidy up and let her know what’s happening. Call if you need me.”

I hear the room clapping as I shut the video down. Now I need to tell my Bella what’s going on. I do fifty push-ups before I leave the office. I’d like to beat the shit out of the coward.I didn’t like him as soon as I met him.

Cassidy is in the kitchen pouring coffee. Perfect. My eyes take her in from the bottom up. Sandals, bare legs, the dress hits just above her knees with a jagged edge that’s longer on the left, the dark purple lightens going up to just under her chest where a dark purple ribbon changes the flowing dress into a sculptured white one around her chest and arms. I’m jealous of the dress. Jesus, I need to get a handle on this.

Instead, listening to that warning to slow this down, I walk up from behind wrapping my arms around her and drop a kiss on her head. “Morning, Bella. You’re beautiful as always.”

“I love when you come up behind me. I get to do this.” She pushes her ass into me and pictures bombard my brain.

“Jesus, I need to talk to you, but you’ve got the wrong head wanting to lift your dress to make that real.”

She spins around and my head falls to hers. Not what my dick was hoping for, but she’s got a serious look on her face. “You need to talk to me? About last night?”

The anxious look she gives me doesn’t fit with her normally confident personality. Someone has hurt my Bella with negative words.

“I’d love to replay last night but no. This is about the trading case.”I watch as her whole body relaxes and I’m pissed off. “I’d like to find the man that put doubt in your head and beat his ass, Cassidy. Last night was more than I expected and has me wanting you more than I did. I hated leaving you in bed but knew that I’d end up fucking you again. You needed sleep more than I needed to be in you.”

Her eyes shine bright but she’s not smiling. “Thank you. What about the case?”

I guess we’re not talking about the asshole that mistreated her. “Let me get a coffee and we can sit.” I step back and she turns, then hands me a cup.

“I heard the door close,” she explains.

When I pull her chair out, she smiles. “We were sent to etiquette classes by our Commander. It helped get us ready for the military balls that he loved to throw. For some reason, it stuck. I hate the fucking balls.” I explain. Growing up in the embassy I’ve seen enough.

She laughs. “I like that you do all those little things for me. Thank you and him.”

“You’ll get along great with my mother. She loves it too. Apparently, I was a caveman growing up at any party she threw.”

“Why are you stalling?” She’s too fucking smart.

“Right. The Investigator Team started working on the case last night. They rebuilt it starting right from the beginning. They pulled their own information and found a threatening text to the DA. Him dropping the case on you puts that threat aimed your way now.”

She stands up quickly. “What? He was threatened and didn’t tell me! What was the threat?”

I sit her back down and move her coffee cup. “I wasn’t told. Perez will be here to interview you, but legally I can’t be the lead on the case. He’s a former assistant SAC with a legal background, as in he was a lawyer before the FBI.” I watch her relax with that information. She nods so I go on. “They’re getting a warrant for the DA’s phone and email. Perez will explain everything they found when he gets here. This isn’t just a trading case, following the money, they found a front setting prices and funneling money out of the country.”

She’s up again. “What the hell is he thinking? There’s nothing in his notes about embezzlement. Can you take me home? I need my briefcase and the files before your Agent Perez gets here.”The determined look on her face has me controlling the need to kiss her.

“Of course. Will you stay tonight?”

She spins around surprised. “Yes. I’m sorry this is happening on the day of your party. I’d normally ask Evan to make an official call to your office, but he’s involved. I’m feeling a little out of my depth right now and need the notes to see the discrepancies with what you’ve found. I’m going to have to ask the judge for more time.”

I nod, happy she’s staying and smart enough to hit on what Perez said. Taking her hand, I get her down and into the car. She’s quiet the whole way. I bet running through her notes. As soon as I stop she’s got the door open. “Wait, Cassidy.”

She glares at me. “I can open the door, Rafael.” The attitude is cute, but I know she won’t like hearing that.

“There is a threat aimed at you. I’d like you to be around for more than a day, Bella. I’m selfish like that.” I watch fear then amusement hit her eyes.

“Me too. Go for it, GI Joe.”

“GI Joe?” Walking around the car, I’m smiling. He was one of my favorites.

Taking her keys, I open the door, then walk through the house while she hits the alarm pad. Since we’d have no problem bypassing it, I’m not taking chances. She has a nice two-bedroom apartment. I’ve only been in the front part. While I’m in the bedroom, she pulls clothes from the closet. I take the hangers with her outfit for tomorrow walking back to the living room.

She comes out with a bag and her briefcase. “All set.”

Taking her bags, I don’t waste time with questions.We make it back to my house with her quiet again. The threat has to weigh on her mind pretty heavily. Add to that her boss put her under the gun and I get the silence. When I pull in, she looks at me.

“I know this isn’t how you planned the day, but I won’t be very good company with so many questions unanswered.” She looks stricken by the thought of needing answers.

“Do whatever you need to. I’ve got the teams covered. You get you covered and the team will brief me on what’s happening. I can help until they start showing,” I tell her, opening her door.

“Thanks, I have a feeling I’ll need it.”

At the table, she starts pulling files. I make a line of the evidence, glad that the table is long. She works on the other side splitting up witnesses, the detectives’ notes, depositions, Evan’s notes, warrants and motions. This is a massive amount of information. “Where do you want to start?”

She walks around the table looking at the evidence page by page. “Can you look at the warrants and make sure the evidence was obtained legally? Something in here bothered me when I looked at it Friday night or yesterday morning, I can’t even remember which now. The flash drives with scanned information are plugged into my laptop.” She sits and starts going through Evan’s notes.

I get some post-it's and a pen and pull the warrant file.

I’m almost done when the bell shrieks making her jump. “I never changed it. Maybe I should.”It is a bit loud.

She laughs and I kiss the corner of her mouth then hit the panel so the door opens while I take the stairs. Perez, Schneider, Peters and Marks were on the screen. I’m glad Marks is here with them. His is a good perspective to have.

“Agents, thanks for coming early. Cassidy is going through what the DA dropped for her. She needs a reason to get the trial pushed back.”

Peters laughs. “We got it for her.”

I look at Perez and get a nod, but he’s not smiling. They’re looking around. “This is a nice setup, Commander.”Schneider starts walking toward the game area.

I turn toward the stairs. “We’ll be upstairs,” I tell him and start up. They all have bags over their shoulders that I assume are filled with files. When we walk in, Cassidy stands with a pleasant look on her face. It hits me she’s in her professional mask. I smile, “Cassidy, these are Agent Perez, who is the Commander of the Investigator Team.”

Her hand goes out and he shakes it. “Agent Marks, former Detective from Boston PD. Agent Peters, a terrorism specialist from Virginia. Agent Schneider will join us when he’s done looking around.” Turning to my men, “This is Assistant District Attorney Cassidy Warner.”

She nods and looks at Perez. “Do you need a formal invitation from my office?”

Perez turns toward me. “Is this area on video?”

“No. The only live feed is in the office. The house cams are outside and entrances.”

He nods. “Smart, but your movements and everything we do needs video back up.”

Schneider walks in. “I can get a camera up in here.”

I shake my head no. “The office has a table and extra workstations.”

I walk toward the office door while Perez explains the procedure to Cassidy. As long as she’s on video or audio asking for help, we’re hired. My hand gets us in and I prop the door open, so I don’t have to program them all in.

Perez is ever the professional, “Agent Perez, Schneider, Peters and Marks from the Enhanced Resident Office Providence.” He nods to Cassidy.

“Providence County Assistant District Attorney Cassidy Warner.”

He nods and I pull a chair out for her. “Commander Rafael Saber in attendance.”

Peters goes right to the computer station and connects to the office. The screens pop on around the room. Perez has Cassidy tell him how she was given the case and I’m pissed at the little weasel for dragging her into this again. Marks asks my first question of whether this is normal. I sit and listen to her answers, then her concerns. Perez lets her talk then shows her the warrant and threats that her boss got. The son of a bitch. I’ll kill him myself. There’s more than one threat on the screen.

‘Your life means nothing to us.’

‘I’m the only judge you need to worry about.’

‘Trading is the only crime you see.’

They talk about the detectives and I want them picked up but can’t say a word here. Perez tells Marks he wants them in the office tomorrow. I relax and listen until the bell shrieks.

Cassidy smiles at me. “Go, I’ll be down as soon as I can.”

I nod kissing her cheek. “Take whatever time you need.” I look at Perez. “Thanks, Commander.”

He smiles. “Just Perez.”

I nod walking out. At the stairs, I key the door when I see more of my agents on the screen. They’re in when I get to the bottom. “Welcome, Agents.”

They’re walking around looking at everything not really paying attention to me.

Waite comes toward me. “We came to work for a couple of hours. We have some good leads.”

I nod. “Thanks, Waite. They’re in the office. Cassidy needs to be on camera, but the files are on the kitchen table. She has flash drives with scanned material on her laptop.”

He smiles walking right by me. “Knew making the office big would come in handy. We won’t stay too long. We all agreed to two hours. I may find my way back to your office later.”

“I appreciate it.” They all follow him up and I know they aren’t all fitting in the office.

He stops at the top. “Perez will put her under surveillance. That’s going to happen even when she’s with you. The threat to a public official is straight FBI jurisdiction. The Director will let him run it knowing you’re involved. He said don’t make him regret it.”

Jesus Christ. I nod. Informing the Director was smart but fuck. The catering truck pulls up with a van right behind it. I point them to the side lot and meet them and the coordinator as they get out. Jim walks toward me while the food crew starts moving shit to the back. “We’re a little early, but we have a lot to do. Since it’s all food related, I’ll call you with any questions.”

My mind is on Cassidy, so I just nod. The method of killing runs through my head as I’m walking back. ‘Secret’ if it’s to look like an accident or natural causes. ‘Open’ if it is to be known. ‘Terroristic’ if it’s not only known, but publicized as a hit. I shake my head watching cars and trucks pull in. It’s a hell of a time to throw a party.

Ford walks right to me. “Benavides told us what’s going on. The team has a schedule. We’ll make sure she’s covered today. Perez pulled a SWAT from each team to cover her tomorrow.”

“I was just thinking of the methods and how best to cover her. I can’t do a fucking thing here.” This is not a position I’m comfortable with.

He nods and hits my shoulder. “That’s what we’re here for, Rafael.”

He smiles when Swanson says, “And beer!”

“Thanks, Ford. When’s the pizza due?” I ask stopping him in his tracks.

He’s surprised but smiles. “An hour. It’s already paid for.”

I nod. “The Investigators are upstairs. Volleyball, soccer, archery and a tightrope are already up out back. Ford, you know where the game room is,” I say loud enough so they all hear while I hold the door open.

“Decker, I’m on air hockey, but I got to see the Commanders girl!” Ford yells going up the stairs.

I’m ready to follow him up and throw him off the landing, but I’m stopped by a voice that stuns me. “Commander Rafael Saber! Thank you for inviting me. I made enough cupcakes for your whole platoon. This is my friend Stella. Isn’t he a looker, Stella?”

I take a couple of seconds to look at my feet wondering when I invited her. When I look up,Agent Lecompte is smiling at me. I don’t get the new haircuts, but she looks like the Peter Pan fairy. It’s cute. “Agent and Mrs. Lecompte, welcome.” I look at the little woman on the side of them. “Miss Stella, it’s nice of you to come today.”

“Not yet, but I may. Myrna says you have a panty-dropping smile. I love a man with clean scruff on his face.”

This cannot be a grandmother. I inspect my feet while people are laughing. I have no idea who the fuck is behind these women, but I can’t look right now.

“Stella! Don’t embarrass him!” Myrna yells like we’re all twenty feet away.

Taking a deep breath, I look up as Lecompte is pushing them inside. “Old ladies are fucking funny, Commander. They don’t care what comes out of their mouths. We need younger women like that,” one of the Carlsons says.

They are identical, so I don’t know who is who, yet. I just nod and follow them in hearing Myrna yell again. God help me. “A fire station house! Is this a man room?” I’m staying far away from those two. They can think we’re a platoon, who’s it going to hurt?

Stella yells back while Decker tries to get one of them to play air hockey. I climb the stairs and push Ford toward them. “Single women are down stairs.” I laugh walking through to the office while he’s jogging for the pole. That will make an entrance. The table has Agents around it talking and typing. Cassidy is reading a file and Perez is talking to someone on the phone. I turn around and walk back through the house. They don’t need me in there and I have nothing to add because I don’t know anything. I’m pissed again at her boss and take the back stairs to check on the food. I want to be anywhere but here right now. That’s a lie. I want to be in the FBI office with Cassidy getting the information they’re gathering and coming up with a plan to keep her safe.Perez is doing that. I sigh and find Jim.

* * *

Cassidy

An alarm goes off and everyone freezes. “It’s party time people,” Agent Marks says.

Damn. I was just getting to the money links. Perez sits in front of me. “We’ll come back to this. Right now, you need to worry about your case. The securities and commodity fraud will be handled by the FBI with the State Attorney, along with the threat to the DA. Your job is to convict the CEO of insider trading at the state level. We have the proof. We’ll get more before you open. Concentrate on the evidence that we have and I’ll get you up to speed on what we collect tomorrow. What does your day look like?”

Egad! “Court at nine, eleven and two.”

He nods. He’s a very serious man. “Tomorrow night?”

“Okay. At the bar?”

He doesn’t like that idea. “I need to get the Commander updated. I’ll ask if we can meet here or the office. You’ll have security with you tomorrow, one seen; one not. Try to stay away from your office. You are not talking to the DA at all tomorrow unless the State Attorney or I’m present. What he is doing isn’t illegal, but it skates unethical until we have the proof of him covering embezzlement.”

They already have proof, they’re going for more and I’m happy with that. “I want to kick his ass. I won’t talk to him until this is over and I’m calm and safe.”

Finally, the man cracks a smile. “You sound like Agent Lecompte. Once your CEO is convicted, the FBI will slap the company with charges of false accounting, fraudulent trade and illicit transactions designed to evade. We’ll freeze assets causing the focus to be turned to the federal level. You’ll be out of it and nothing will tie you to those charges.”

Holy shit, Evan should have called them in right away. They’ll get the evidence and he’ll get hit with covering this up. “Thank you. I appreciate you getting me clear before all hell breaks loose. ”

He stands giving me the hint that we’re done for now. “You asking for help is what’s keeping you clear. It’s not the CEO and his petty shit that’s your threat. It’s the dummy corp set up by the bank. That’s on us. Know your evidence, witness testimony and law. We’ll have the case law to support your fraud claim.”

He’s a better motivator than my felonious boss. “I will. Thanks again.”

The table is empty but stacked with piles of files. I hope Rafael has a box somewhere around here. I take a minute to move the case out of my right now. It’s daunting. I’m in danger and my boss knowingly put me here. I think about Rafael and the party. He’s got to be going crazy not knowing the plan. He likes plans. Right now, he isn’t updated and has all these people here. I should be helping, not making it harder for the guy. Pasting on a smile, I pull up my armor and walk down the stairs. At the bottom, I congratulate me for not falling on my face. It’s a good start.

There are people all over the lounge and game area. I smile and nod at them hoping none of them are here to hurt me. When I see a bald head I relax, I know him, Neil the Sniper.

Rafael is surrounded by people, but he’s looking above them all. It seems like he’s slowly scanning the entire yard. At the door, I stop and watch as his head turns my way.

His smile lights something in me. The man has superpowers, I’ll give him that. We walk toward each other and meet in the middle. I didn’t think of what I’d say, but he obviously did. His arms go around me and I’m lifted right off the ground in a kiss. Lifting his mouth off mine, I’m a little scattered wondering why we stopped. Then I hear the men and bury my face in his neck. “What makes the world go away when we kiss? Why does it keep happening?” I ask getting achuckle as he squeezes me a little tighter.

“There goes the paint, Stella!” My mother is here?

Oh, my God! “You invited my mother? And Stella?”

He laughs right out. “No, I thought you did. I’m afraid to smile at them. I think they’ll literally drop their panties. It’s been mentioned more than once. ”

I laugh and can’t stop. I wouldn’t put it past them. Right now they think he can peel paint with that look. “I’m sorry. I told her she wasn’t invited. Harper must have brought her.”

He nods, but I feel his body tense. He sets me down and kisses my head. I love how he does that and the side of my lips thing but right now he wants answers.

I don’t make him ask, pulling his hand to move him to the side where no one is standing, I turn and start talking. “This is more than simple trading, but my case is just with the CEO on trading. The FBI has the evidence and even the case law to back it up. Once my case is tried, they’ll file charges on a federal level against the company and the bank. I don’t play a part on that end and it is never mentioned in my case. The State Attorney will get the evidence your team has and will collect, that has to do with security and commodity fraud. I’ll be clear.”

He hugs me again. “I’m glad I put Perez in charge. With you trying the fraud they won’t know you have information about the other crimes. This is great. You don’t meet with the State Attorney so they won’t get any tie from you there.”

Uh oh. “But I do meet with the State Attorney. Evan covered up the securities evidence. So did the detectives for that matter. I don’t know how I can avoid being involved in that.”

He looks around and seems surprised to see Perez standing against the wall. “Can’t the Agency handle this without her? This puts her right in the line of fire from all different directions. The media will have a field day.” He’s right, I didn’t think about the media.

Perez nods looking right at me. “She wants to be involved. Kicking his ass were the exact words.”

I hold my breath. Way to throw me under the bus. Looking up scares me, so I look down. Rafael’s body goes still telling me he is pissed. Scary pissed, I should step back and look for a shield pissed. I take a step back and his feet move forward.

“One meeting with the State’s Attorney throws doubt to the men threatening Evan. It throws your name in the ring when he’s brought up on charges. This will make you persona non-grata at your office, the courthouse and in the public eye. It will take years to rebuild your credibility with colleagues once you bring charges against a standing DA. When those charges stick, it will get worse.” His face shows concern. I’m concerned too.

Donna touches my arm. When did she get here? “He’s right, babe. If the feds have the evidence, let them run with it.” I look at her weighing the options like there are any.

When I look at Perez, he smiles. “We collected every bit of evidence and our name is on the warrant. It was issued before your request for help. Nothing in what we have comes from you. It was me that told you about the threats. The smartest thing you can do is try your case and leave the other cases to the FBI where they belong. It’s set up like this for a reason. You shouldn’t lose everything for standing up for justice. You pointed the way, it’s enough. Let us do our job and you keep doing yours. We can’t really afford to lose another good lawyer.”

I can’t say I like it, but he’s right. The justice system was set up long before I started practicing law. “I guess I can walk up to him in court and kick him in the ass before the judge sits. I won’t be talking to the State Attorney. Thank you, Agent Perez. There will be a job opening if you’re interested.”

They all laugh, but when I look over, he’s gone. Rafael smiles at me. “I’m proud of you, Bella. The battle will still be fought. We can watch it together from the sidelines.”

“Closed room sidelines? Are we alone?” I ask teasing, but his eyes narrow and his mouth slowly forms that sexy smile.

“Oh shit.” I barely hear from Donna before I’m lifted and the yelling starts.

“Rafael, what are you doing?” He doesn’t answer which may be a good thing. I hide my face against his chest so the people around, all a hundred and fifty mouths we’re supposed to feed, don’t see the embarrassment on my face. “I don’t think this is the time and place, Rafael.” We’re not slowing down as he climbs the stairs. At the top he’s not even winded. I need to work out with him. I think he did laps today, but he doesn’t have a pool. Maybe he went to the office.

The door slams and my back is against it with my feet on the floor. “Whoa, GI Joe. Be gentle.”

“No. This is the time, this is the place and we both need the release.” He lifts the bottom of my dress stuffing the end in my cleavage. “Nothing about this is gentle. You just made the decision to keep fighting. That means you’re fighting to live, you’re fighting for your career and you’re fighting for us.” His pants fall to his thighs and I’m breathing like I’m in labor. “Fighting for us is what interests me most.Mi corazón es por siempre tuyo, cari?o.You just gave me a reason to join that fight by your side, my Bella Cassidy.”

He rips the condom package and I’m still stuck on owning his heart. I slap it out of his hand. “Now, before I come without you.” My hands go right to my nipples when he hesitates. I moan, then louder when he lifts and slides me down slowly. “My fantasy GI Joe does it better.”

I’m lifted and spun so fast I almost say the be gentle line again, but he’s obviously not into listening today. When he slides in me, I forget the be gentle and try to move my mashed face from the back of the door. He’s not into moving either. “Please,” I beg. “This is what fantasies are made of, but I need to breathe.”

He slides me back and his arms go around me. Oh, my freakin’ God, he’s like the armor I pull up when I need it. His front is plastered to my back like a shell and his strong arms have me held tight against him. My whole body shivers with that thought or maybe his fingers stroking me. “Harder, Rafael,” I’m begging again. Nothing but his words hit me. I can’t breathe, think or even respond coherently. All I can do is feel and I do. I feel him stroking inside me, his fingers making me crazy, his whiskers against my neck and that voice sliding like silk down my body. I explode.

* * *

Rafael

“Mi corazón y mi polla, Bella. ”

My dick seems to have a mind of its own where she’s concerned. She owns both. I have no fucking idea when I decided that. I need to get ahold of myself. Deep breathing with my dick still in her isn’t doing it. “Cassidy?”

She grunts.

“You’re ruining me,cari?o.” I breathe out at her ear.

“But it feels so good,” she mumbles making me laugh.

I can’t argue with that so I pull out bracing one hand on the door. “Let me clean you up, Bella. We’re supposed to play on the obstacle course the men made.”

She grunts again but doesn’t answer. The arm holding her up isn’t getting any help from her. I guess that’s my answer.

Cleaning her up has her talking again. “It’s kind of embarrassing to have you wash me. I can do this.”

My first thought is no. If I say that, she’ll get pissed. She is not walking around smelling like sex. Someone will surely die today. “I like taking care of you. I dragged you in here. I’ll clean you up.”

She gives me a funny look. “GI Joe cannot compete with the romantic Rafael, but he has some really good moves.”

I slide her sandals on never looking up. “You do realize it was me and not GI Joe fucking you.”

She walks out in a snit. “I need shorts if I’m doing an obstacle course. Just so you know, GI Joe showed up today. That spinning me around and stroking inside, oh, my God, a mere man is not capable. It was GI Joe.”

I follow her into the room watching her go through my drawers. She’s crazy and making me crazy. The light hits her side and I’m staring at those curves that I mapped.

“Your shorts will never fit. Can I wear these?” She has a pair of my underwear in her hands. I nod and watch her pull them on under her dress. “They’ll do, it’s a good thing you wear the boxer briefs. Anything else will just fall off.” She rolls the waistband and I know I’m never wearing them again without thinking about them being on her ass .

“You’re killing me.”

The professional smile is back on her as she walks toward me. “The day we met was the last time I was rational and reasonable. Now that I own your heart and dick. I think we’re even.” She pulls my shirt and kisses me.

“Jesus, I’m never making it to even. You ready?” I have to take deep breaths to settle my heart rate.

She pulls me out the door and through the kitchen. “My mother was yelling about you doing me. I’m never going to be ready for that.” She doesn’t sound happy about that.

Laughing, I throw her over my shoulder and carry her down. She never bitches about her hair getting messed or her ass in the air making all the crazy seem worth it.

“It took you long enough. The Commanders are next. You almost missed it!” Myrna says loud enough for the whole damn yard to hear.

Stella pushes through people and stands right in front of us. I put Cassidy down and look at this old woman that has to be four foot tall. “I missed the panty-dropping smile, sonny. Do it again for me.”

Jesus. Cassidy pulls me over to the Ops teams. Harper is laughing. “She’s got a second pair on so she can drop one decently.” She’s serious.

The men are laughing. I look at Cassidy. “Keep her away from me.”

She nods. “What’s the obstacle course?”

I have no idea and look for the Carlson twins. They were setting it up. Ford and Wheeler come closer. “We just went on a walk through. Piece of cake. I’m first, then Wheeler, then you. The women go next. Lecompte says your girl can do this and the midget lady wants in,” Ford says. Right, but not anywhere close to me.

“I’m in too!” Myrna yells and other women start yelling, then the kids do .

“Let’s go.” I follow Ford watching where and how he moves. It’s a pretty basic course. When he gets to the rope hanging off the side of the firehouse, I follow and see him rappel down the other side. He’s laughing the whole way. I’ll get him with time. Wheeler goes and misses dead center on a target with the nerf arrow and moves slow across the tightrope. Ford is right, piece of cake. Before Wheeler is done, I go to the start where Perez is standing. “Who’s got Cassidy?”

“She’ll follow Lecompte, but Mingo will run on the side of her.” I nod, he’s SWAT and standing off to the side right now. I catch his eye and give him a nod. Perez tells me to get ready.

Cassidy gives me a kiss. “Get GI Joe out and beat the pants off these wannabes.”

Everyone is laughing including me when Perez says go. I run the soccer field, then across a log grabbing the bow and arrows without stopping. I hit all three targets and go over the tightrope fast. The little tunnel has me belly walking just before the rope grid. This is a kid course but fun to run. I pull myself up and hear Cassidy chanting, “Go, GI Joe!” Rappelling down I’m laughing. When I hit the finish line the crowd cheers. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done a course and finished laughing,” I tell Ford and Wheeler.

“Fuckin’ show off. You beat me.” Ford hits my back.

Wheeler is pissed. “The tightrope shouldn’t be in here.”

They banter back and forth about arrows and I look for Cassidy. Jogging over I make it before she starts. Agent Mingo runs on one side and I stay on the other. She’s fucking good. At the tightrope, she puts her arms out and I run alongside staying close. When she falls, I catch her and set her down to Myrna yelling encouragement. She’s slow going up the rope and jumps into a bounce house instead of rappelling down. The crowd is laughing with me this time.

I beat her to the finish line and wait for her to cross. When she does, she jumps on me. “Good job, Bella. I think you were channeling Wonder Woman. ”

She’s laughing. “My Dad was crazy with shit like this. That felt good.”

“You shock the hell out of me. I didn’t think you’d make the rope climb.”

“Not bad, sis. Next time hit the rappel,” Lecompte says smiling.

Cassidy hugs her. “I had to make up some time for the slow rope climb.”

Myrna comes over and I want to leave. Stella is sure to follow. Cassidy holds my hand tighter. I stay with her but look over at the start line. Waters, the trainer, starts and I know I’m beat. She’ll make the tunnel and aim faster than me. Whoa, she fell on the tightrope. I watch as she runs back and starts it over making it slower but with no more problems. I can’t see her until she hits the building, but she’s moving fast. I’m happy to see her smiling coming down. The crowd is yelling for her. When she hits the finish line, Cassidy and family are cheering.

She high fives Wheeler who starts bitching about the tightrope. “I’m adding it to training,” Waters tells him and everyone is laughing.

It’s a good day. Cassidy and Donna keep Stella away from me. She learns some of the men’s names and even knows who is watching over her. We laugh watching the Carlsons running the course with Stella and Myrna on their backs. I’m proud and relieved with the men that take the kids up the rope wall and rappel down with them. I’m sure my insurance carrier wouldn’t like that claim.

When people start leaving, Cassidy convinces Donna to take Stella and Myrna with her. Lecompte stays close to Cassidy until her mom leaves. “What do you want from your house?”

Cassidy is surprised and avoiding my eyes. “I’m going home, Harper,” she says and I don’t get it. She said she’d stay.

Harper gives her a look that would have me rethinking that. “You’re staying here, or I’m staying with you. As a matter of fact, I’m staying at your house because mom’s driving me fuckin’ crazy. ”

Cassidy is going to argue. I watch the professional mask come down and put my arm around her. “Stay here, Bella. If not, I’ll be parked outside your house.”

Her eyes shine my way. “I have rights over your organs. No taking chances with them out on the street. I’ll stay here.”

The men laugh. “Can I stay in the man room? No one has rights over my organs,” Agent Taylor says getting shit for not being wanted.

I just nod at him. Perez appears at my side. “Get some clothes. Your shift starts at nine when we leave.”

I guess they’re all staying until nine.