Perfect Picture [The ShadowDance Club 7] (Siren Publishing Classic) (11 page)

Once they’d cleared the entrance gate they’d picked up a couple of tails and he was not at all surprised. The government was likely trying to make sure they could get the best propaganda material possible and he was fine with that—it was the extra witnesses to them spiriting away a child that he could do without. Giving her the signal to move closer, he spoke in very low tones. “We’ve got company now and since we don’t know how sophisticated their listening devices might be we’ll need to be discreet,
cara.
” She nodded her head in understanding.

Smiling at him with mischievous intent she asked, “How much further to our first site? I’m anxious to get some great shots before we lose this light.” He grinned at her. Damn she was something else. She was going to hit the ground running on this thing and he was going to feel like a real ass for having doubted she could handle it.

“I’ve got a small map in the outer pocket of my bag. Grab it and you’ll be able to see the spots I’ve chosen. But if you see something else you’d like to try, let me know and we’ll check it out.” He knew she would understand that if she happened to spot the school’s bus before he did, he wanted her to speak up.

* * * *

Ilaina was so tired she wasn’t sure she had the energy to even get out of their small van again. They’d taken pictures at five of Noah’s pre-selected sites and hadn’t seen a hint of Myla’s group or Drake Foster. No one had been where they were supposed to be and she was hot and running on fumes. Just as she was about to ask if they were going to have to give up they rounded a small copse of trees and the bus came into view. Ilaina felt a wave of relief wash through her and sent up a silent prayer of gratitude. Suddenly, finding herself re-energized she was almost vibrating in her seat when they managed to park right beside the bus.

She spent a couple of extra minutes freshening up her makeup in order for Noah to have a chance to make contact and work out a plan with the sisters who were responsible for the group. As she was looking in the compact mirror she noticed a truck pull in to the small parking area and had to smile when she saw Drake Foster unfold himself from the cab. She didn’t even want to think about how he’d known the exact moment to show up. Thinking about the balls in her pussy sending out GPS coordinates was just too weird.

The full-scope of the sophistication of the team her brother and Noah worked with was just starting to really dawn on her and it was humbling to know how rarely she’d actually taken time to consider what they did. They took far greater risks each and every time they went out than she’d known and it gave her a new level of respect for each and every soldier she knew was out there working to try and make the world a safer place.

Glancing up at Noah she saw his quick nod and knew he wanted her to get out and engage Drake.
Showtime. Remember, a little girl’s life depends on your ability to sell this.
Getting out of the vehicle with her usual grace, she stood and stretched and then turned toward the man striding toward her. Hoping she sounded surprised to see him, she sputtered, “Drake? Is that…oh my God…what are you doing here?”

“I’d say the question is, what are
you
doing here, Ilaina? Although since you’re with Drummond, I’d say I can probably guess it in one.” She hadn’t ever been up close enough to the man to realize how tall he was or that his eyes were the most amazing shade of crystal clear cerulean she’d ever seen. She knew she had to stop staring because this was supposed to be a man she’d had a relationship with so gawking at his eyes was going to be a huge red flag if anyone was watching.

“I told you this trip was important, but you didn’t want to listen to me. These pictures are going to help the women and children of this country get some significant exposure. It’s important attention and support they have been desperately in need of for generations.” She had been walking away from the van as she spoke and Drake was keeping pace with her and his eyes told her that she was doing the right thing drawing eyes away from the van where Myla was hopefully being stashed as they spoke.

“So you couldn’t have come with someone else? Christ, Lainy, you know how I feel about you spending time with him. Why him? Huh? Tell me.” He’d stopped her and grabbed her arm to turn her toward him. She’d played along and exaggerated her physical response so it would look like he’d spun her with the unrestrained power observers would expect from a man of his size. He’d actually been extremely gentle and she could see the flash of embarrassment in his eyes at her reaction. They were far enough from the group that he would be able to speak against her ear and it would look like an attempt at seduction. He was facing the van and could easily see over her head so he was able to give her a play by play and she tried to not react to the feel of his hand moving in slow circles over her lower back. She might have been able to stifle her groan if it hadn’t been for those damn balls clanking together inside her. Now that she was standing still and he was speaking against her ear and touching her, she was able to feel each shift and vibration.

“They are loading her now so hang in for a bit sweetness. I know those balls have to be making you crazy but you are doing great. That was one hell of a performance by the way. Hell, I’d tell Alex he should hire you if I didn’t think Noah and Cash would have my head on a platter.” She felt a shiver go through her and wished it was Noah standing in front of her so she could plead for what she needed. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, but whispered his words just a breath away from her lips. “Lainy if you don’t stop making those sweet little sounds and looking at me like that we’re going to have a problem, baby.” She saw him let out a shuddered breath before he shook his head. “I hope Drummond knows what a lucky bastard he is. Let’s move, play it up baby, we’re heading to the airport and I want everybody to be thinking about you and me and not the fact that you are not going to use this site.”

As they neared the van Drake leaned down and trailed kisses up her neck and the moan that came from deep in her chest was all too real. “Baby, I’m so glad we’ve worked this out. I’ll follow you back to the airport and we’ll get your luggage then. Take some time and explain to your photographer friend that
friend
is all he’s ever going to be. If you’re going to be my wife, he needs to respect that boundary.” Drake had spun her around just as they’d gotten back to the van and she’d caught just a glimpse of Noah and the look of fury on his face had nearly caused her knees to buckle.

Drake had pulled her flush against him and the feeling of his erection was unmistakable. The feeling of his lips against her neck brought her back to the act she was supposed to be putting on, so she wrapped her arms around his neck and bit him lightly at the point where his neck joined his shoulder. She had to stifle her smile when she heard him mutter, “Fuck,” just as Noah stepped up to them.

Noah knew they were acting and he’d known Drake Foster for many years, hell they’d shared women at The Club on more than one occasion, but he was still seeing red. He’d nearly come apart at the seams when he’d seen Ilaina spun around to face Drake. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she’d overplayed it deliberately because he knew for a fact Drake would never manhandle a woman, well unless he had her strapped to a St. Andrew’s cross or a spanking bench and her prior consent—then all bets were off. But watching what had appeared to be an intimate moment between lovers had been more than he could stomach. Thank God he’d had a very sweet young girl to hide in the back of the van.

Now, standing next to the “lovers” he waited for his friend to get his lips off his woman. When Drake finally looked at him Noah didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes.
Bastard is so going to pay for this.
“Come on Ilaina, let’s go we’ll head on back if you’re done sucking face with your honey. I’m tired and I need to get these shots processed so they can be delivered before we leave in the morning.” He turned and stalked back to the driver’s side.

As they were leaving he saw their tails still chatting up the nuns and he wanted to make the most of their lead time. He tossed his phone to Ilaina. “Check the messages and make sure that plane is in Jos.” When he heard her confirmation, he told her their ETA and had her text it to Mitch.

“He says we’re going to be hot coming in. What does that mean?” Lainy was anxious to get to the airport. She’d feel a lot better when they were in the air.

“He is telling us the natives are restless and we need to keep our heads up. We’ve attracted some attention we didn’t need along the way. But it must be at the other end since our tails don’t seem to be in a rush to follow us.” He was still surprised he wasn’t seeing any dust behind them.

“Père, Sister Angel fixed those men’s cars. She said you have some minutes to lead ahead.” The scared voice from the child he’d hidden in the back tore at his heart.

“Myla, you were such a brave girl. You’ve made me very proud. I’m anxious to get on that plane so I can hug you and introduce you to my girlfriend.” He heard her giggle and it was music sent straight from heaven. “Remember what we told you, just stay put and try to rest a bit because you’re in for a long ride on a very nice plane and I know you are going to be excited by that. And by the way doll, your English is really great you have obviously been practicing. Alex, Zach, and Cash are going to be very proud of you, too.”

They didn’t hear any more from her and made the rest of the short trip in relative quiet. They were just coming into view of the airport when his sat phone rang. He didn’t bother giving his name because it was a secure line and Mitch would know who was on the other end. “Talk to me brother, tell me we’re clear—please.” Noah didn’t want to sound like he was expecting the worst and he knew Ilaina was hanging on every word he spoke.

“Things look good on this end, but I still want you to be watchful. Alex called in a couple of favors and well, that and a significant donation to the head of the airport’s security detail seem to have opened the gates so to speak.” Noah wondered just how significant that donation had been but knew neither Alex nor Zach would have blinked at handing over the money to save a child.

Mitch gave them directions to the Lamonts’ jet and Noah was right in the middle of asking about Drake when Mitch interrupted him. “Change of plans boys and girls. We’ve got unknowns coming onto the field.” Noah could hear the sound of Mitch’s fingers flying over the keyboard. “Colt, I need an update on Drake.” Mitch’s words to Colt Matthews didn’t surprise Noah. As the head of the Lamonts’ security detail he was no doubt in the driver’s seat at that end. Colt was married to Jenna Lamont and their home was the newest wing of the Lamont mansion on ShadowDance Mountain.

Colt could match Mitch in computer skills so Noah was relieved to hear he was also in the ShadowDance security control center more commonly referred to as the “Crow’s Nest”. It was obvious no one was taking any chances with their safety.

“He is coming in fast right behind them. ETA less than a minute.” Noah was surprised by Colt’s words but when he checked his mirrors again he could see the dust billowing like an angry brown snake up behind them.

Mitch’s next words were a welcome change in direction from where Noah had been worried they were headed. “Stay on the course I gave you. When you get to the jet, load as fast as you can. Use the comm-unit we gave you so we can stay in touch and keep Myla out of sight.”

“Roger that. Jet is just ahead.” He switched to the earbud piece. He wouldn’t be able to talk to them, but he would hear if there were any major changes in the situation. “Myla, you awake honey?” As soon as he heard her quiet acknowledgement he continued, “Okay ladies, here’s the plan.”

As soon as they pulled up by the jet, they were surrounded by team members who made quick work of unloading the van. They used an enclosed rolling cart to move most of the luggage and that had made concealing Myla easy. Noah had been so very proud of her. She had crawled into the cart without a moment’s hesitation. Drake had echoed the sentiments of all the members who had watched the brave ten year old as she stepped into the dark box without muttering so much as a hesitation. “Damn. She just stole my heart.” Noah couldn’t have agreed more. Seeing her eyes holding nothing but trust as he’d closed the door all the while telling her to count backwards from fifty and that she’d be out before she got to zero.

He’d managed to keep that promise, too. Opening the door and hearing her say ten had been a sweet moment indeed. As always, her smile lit up the room. He pulled her from the box and hugged her against his chest. “Sweetheart, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you. And I’m looking forward to hearing all about your adventure, but I need to help get things secured so we can get going.” Turning to Ilaina he continued, “Myla, I’d like you to meet Ilaina Red Cloud. She is going to help you get settled and then I’ll introduce you properly.”

Placing Myla’s small hand in Ilaina’s made him smile because the child was obviously taken with his beautiful woman. “Come on Myla, we girls need to get ourselves something to drink and then ready for takeoff.” They were already chattering like old friends as he hurried back outside to help.

They left both rental vehicles right on the steaming tarmac after Mitch assured them he had it covered. Watching as they lifted off he wasn’t surprised to see the van he and Ilaina had used and the truck Drake had used both leaving the airport. Glancing to his side he smiled when he saw that it was apparent that Ilaina and Myla had hit it off. He and Drake laughed as they watched the two of them giggling like old friends. “That’s amazing. Truthfully I was worried that Myla would be worried about the scene Lainy and I put on, but she doesn’t appear to have been affected. How can a child who has endured so much of the harsh side of life still smile and laugh like that?” Noah didn’t have an answer to Drake’s question. Mitch had said her paternal grandparents had agreed to come to Colorado and meet her. They had only learned about Myla shortly before they’d lost their son. Several of the SEAL team members who he had worked with had attended the memorial services for Mark Martin and when they’d learned of Myla’s dilemma and their impending rescue attempt, they’d asked to have a chance to establish a relationship with her when she arrived stateside. Unknown to his teammates before his passing was the fact that the friend they had all known as Marty was actually the son of a very wealthy oil company president. The Martin family could certainly offer Myla financial security, but it was her emotional security and happiness that concerned them all the most. The little brown-eyed beauty had earned every bit she could find.