Sapphire (30 page)

Hearing the feral grunts of appreciation from the contemptible voyeurs in the audience, Jase fought the urge to rush the stage. What stopped him was not Gray’s restraining hand on his shoulder, but the frightening fact that Sapphire was nowhere to be seen. Roberto stepped forward and caught Jase’s eye. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, his excitement was evident. Turning back to the audience, his smile widened to an oily grin.

“Gentlemen, we have a special treat tonight. While most of you prefer the young, untouched women you see before you, I realize a number of you prefer a ‘hardier’ type. A woman who challenges a man, provokes him with her wicked ways, teases him, taunts him, even defies him. A woman who needs to be tamed by a strong man, a powerful man who knows how to bring such a woman to heel. For those of you who are up to the challenge we have a special treat. Her name is Sapphire. If anyone is as hard and cold as that beautiful gem, it is this woman.”

A curtain at the back of the stage opened, revealing a second stage behind the proscenium. Standing in the middle of the raised platform was Sapphire.

To say that she was beautiful was to say that a multihued sunset, imbued with a hundred shades of red, orange and gold, was colorful. Her statuesque body with its magnificent curves and toned skin was breathtaking. Her naked breasts were decorated with jeweled nipple clamps that Jase swore he would clamp on the end of Roberto’s penis before he killed him. What was most striking about the beautiful agent was her presence. Her chin held high, her sapphire blue eyes flashing, she gazed into the audience, a derisive smile curving her lips. Jase had to grudgingly admit that if anyone was the epitome of a willful, uncontrollable woman, it was indeed Sapphire.

The murmurs of the crowd escalated as the men pushed forward in their chairs, consulting with their aides. From the flurry of activity it was clear that Roberto had underestimated Sapphire’s worth. Jase could see his nemesis’s eyes gleaming with anticipation. Unexpectedly, a slight frown creased Roberto’s brow. He touched his ear and visibly started. Obviously hearing a disturbing message his expression hardened. He glanced over and met Jase’s gaze. The greedy gleam that Jase had seen in the monster’s eyes seconds before was now blazing fury.

Bowing to the crowd, Ventrilo’s voice was strained.

“Gentlemen, please forgive me. We need to prepare for the bidding. I do hope that you are intrigued with the sumptuous delights you see before you, and that are available for your pleasure and your purchase. But do know that none of these rare delicacies come cheap.”

With a wave of his hand he turned and strode from the stage, the curtain closing behind him.

A shower of electric sparks surging up his spine alerted Jase to the impending danger. Scanning the crowd, Jase saw a familiar face he hadn’t seen before either at the
Caligula Club
or earlier in the evening. Recognition sparked between them. Dread and understanding coursed across Jase’s overtaxed nerves. In that split second Jase knew that Michael Porter, the former DEA agent who Jase had served with in Iraq and seen on a number of special operative missions was a fucking double agent. Speaking into the com, Jase intoned. “Plan Q. Now everyone. We’ve been sighted. Get the girls!”

Jase, Noah and Gray surged forward, reaching the stage in giant strides. Ripping at the curtain, Jase fell back. His breath shot from his body as if he’d been hit by a bullet from an SSK .905-caliber rifle. For a second he couldn’t square the horrific sight with reality. The little girls were huddled together crying and screaming as he and his men rushed forward—but there was no sign of Roberto Ventrilo. And the platform where Sapphire had stood minutes before was empty.In the cacophony that followed Jase could hardly hear Sapphire’s frantic voice calling his name. Barely able to respond because his fear was so intense, Jase barked over the com, “Where the fuck are you, Sapphire?”

Over the sensitive communication device Jase could hear Sapphire’s pounding footsteps. Her voice was ragged, panting with exertion.

“I’m okay! Roberto is getting away, Jase. He and his men are heading for the roof. I hear a helicopter. I… can see it now. I’m on him, Jase. He’s in my sights!”

Racing for the stairwell leading to the rooftop heliport, Jase spit out a series of sharp commands. “Gray, come with me. Noah, grab a couple of men and come up the back way.” Grayson on his heels, Jase barked into his com. “Agent Shaw, stand down! We’re right behind you!”

Her breathless refusal hit him hard in his gut.

“I
can’t
, Jase. I can’t let him get away.”

Remembering the image of Sapphire, naked except for the gossamer harem pants, he shouted, “Dammit, woman, you aren’t armed! For the last time, Agent Shaw, I’m ordering you to stand the fuck down!”

As they cleared the landing at the top of the stairs and prepared to rush the roof, shots rang out, chipping at the stuccoed walls around them. Jase stopped, almost knocking Gray down behind him. Peering around the doorway, Jase saw Roberto’s personal EC 135 helicopter with Mason and Manuel at the control panel, preparing to take off. Frantically scanning the rooftop for a glimpse of Sapphire, his chest constricted further when he saw her. To his horror, Ventrilo had her by the neck, dragging her across the tarred roof, the barrel of an S&W 500 Magnum pressed against the base of her skull.

Ventrilo shouted above the whirr of the powerful blades, “Move another step, Jase, and I’m going to splatter her brains all over this roof.” He added with a sneer, “Know that I’m going to kill her anyhow once I get in the bird, but you can speed up her death by making a single move.”

Jase stepped back, signaling Gray to do the same. He forced himself to look at Sapphire, expecting to see terror in her eyes, the terror that was making it impossible for him to breathe. Instead, her jewel-hard eyes were bright with intent. He saw her almost imperceptible hand signals and realized that she must have spied Noah at the side wall. Knowing that what she intended was borderline suicidal, Jase almost didn’t give Noah the corresponding signal. But seeing the fierceness in Sapphire’s eyes he knew he had to comply.

Spotting the barrel of Noah’s M110 SASS sniper rifle aimed at the back of Ventrilo’s head, Jase did the only thing he could to save Sapphire. He signaled Noah to be ready and at the almost indiscernible countdown of her fingers, Jase gave Noah the go sign. In slow motion he saw Sapphire smash her elbow in to Ventrilo’s gut at the same time dropping to her knees. The blast from
Noah’s rifle echoed across the still night air. Again, as if the world was turning in slow motion, Jase swore he saw the bullet enter the back of Roberto’s head. Ventrilo’s Magnum fired, but blessedly Sapphire was on her knees in front of the shattered man as he fell to the ground, his bullet harmlessly penetrating the tarmac.

Epilogue

W
ith his free hand, Jase tightened his grip on Sapphire’s arm. He already had his other arm wrapped securely around her shoulders and there wasn’t an inch of space between their bodies, but the extra grip was comforting, at least to him. It was four hours since the hideous roof top scene, when Jase knew that he’d come within split seconds of losing the woman he loved.

He knew that for years, if not the rest of his life, the image of Sapphire, Ventrilo’s arm around her throat, his Magnum pressed against the kill spot at the base of her skull, would be in every nightmare he had. Even so, he couldn’t believe the calm courage of the woman who gave him silent orders that were 90% likely to end with her death. That he had no choice but to comply would haunt him for a lifetime, knowing the tragedy that could so easily have happened.

Herding the “clients” into the various agencies planes and helicopters, Jase acknowledged that most of the contemptible men would be on their way to their home countries within hours. As bitter as that fact was, Jase comforted himself with the knowledge that he and his men knew who they were and planned to make the rest of their lives a living hell.

On the flight down the mountainside on the way back to their base, Jase connected with Ian and Diamond, giving them a blow by blow description of the chilling events that ended with Ventrilo’s death and the capture of scores of his men—including and especially the traitorous Michael Porter. Ian summed up the response that echoed that of every one of their agents on the team.

“Sapphire, I can only tell you, that when agents across the globe come together to retell the most heroic stories of brave agents, what you did today will be the first one told.” His voice dropped. “We honor you, Gabriella.”

Jase saw the tears well up in Sapphire’s eyes. One fell when Diamond’s crisp voice came over the com.

“Col. Ross is correct, Sapphire. While I should fire you on the spot for once again disobeying direct orders, I applaud your instincts and sheer courage. You, my dear, are the epitome of the agent I envisioned when I formed the
Ladies of the Night
.”

Seeing the tears on Sapphire’s cheeks and knowing that she must be feeling the aftermath of their adrenalin-spiked venture, Jase aimed for humor.

“Speaking of those direct, disobeyed orders, Agent Shaw: I neglected to tell you that while I’m not really into the BDSM scene, I’m a firm believer in spanking the hell out of any operative who disobeys my direct orders, particularly when I’m at nine breaches and still counting.”

Sapphire snuggled up against him and giggled.

“Hmm, Commander Malone, you should tell that to Noah. From what I saw yesterday, he’s a loose cannon. A righteous one, but a loose cannon all the same.”

~~~

Later that evening, Jase waited for her in her living room. He was already starting on his second glass of Scotch when Sapphire entered.

She was wearing a bright pink nightshirt. It featured a saucy looking female soldier wearing a regulation combat camouflage jacket and hat. But instead of pants, the cartoon figure was wearing thigh-high, lace topped stockings, high heeled shoes and a revealing thong. The slogan on the front of the shirt said it all.

You couldn’t handle me even if

I came with instructions

Jase roared with laughter at the impish sight, although he wasn’t surprised at the moisture he felt pricking the back of his eyelids.

He held out his hand, shaking his head at her audacity.

“C’mere, you.”

He pulled her up next to him.

“Damn, Sapphire, truer words were never spoken. Did you get that just for me?”

Sapphire laughed. “To be honest, no. But it
has
taken on new meaning since I met you!”

Jase eyed the gold collar that she’d been wearing since he’d put it on her before they met with Ventrilo. Removing the tiny gold key from his shirt pocket, Jase held it up to her.

“It’s probably time that I took that collar off, don’t you think? It’s quite a contrast to your nightshirt. ”

Sapphire pressed her lips together as though considering and then she shrugged and grinned.

“I don’t know, Commander. I’ve come to like it. It goes well with everything, except maybe my jeans. And, yes, it is a little odd with this shirt.”

He tipped up her chin and gazed into her eyes.

“I think that we should go jewelry shopping tomorrow, Gabriella. I’ve been thinking that a smaller collar would be nice. One that fits on your finger?”

Sapphire stared at him in surprise. She was quiet for a moment and then threw him a saucy grin.

“Hmm, that’s an interesting thought. But you’ll need to buy two. One for you and one for me. With your reputation, I’m not letting you out of my sight without a brand. Or in this case, a ring.”

Jase laughed and pulled her closer.

“Agreed, Agent Shaw. That’s probably wise
and
appropriate.”

He held her quietly for a moment and then assumed a mock frown.

“Now on to this evening. I don’t want to mislead you. We have some unfinished business to take care of. I believe I informed you what happens to any agent of mine that goes off the reservation, breaks ranks, and disobeys one of my orders.” He pursed his lips and deepened his frown. “Since you sashayed out of here two days ago, Agent Shaw, you’ve been quite busy. I’ve tallied that you have no fewer than fifteen infractions. They can’t be allowed to stand without repercussions, now can they? It wouldn’t set a good example for other saucy agents.”

He cupped her rear in both of his large hands and squeezed her firm cheeks, eliciting a sharp squeal.

“Do you know what that means, Sapphire? What I warned you would happen if you blatantly disobeyed my orders?”

Sapphire looked up at him and met his gaze. Tossing her head, she said with an impudent smile, “Fifteen infractions? Hmm, tell you what. If you’re actually man enough to make good on your threats, Commander Malone, I’d say we best get started.”

#########

Want MORE of the Fierce and Beautiful

Ladies of the Night?

Ruby

Coming JUNE 24!

Chloe Harper,
Code Name: Ruby
is a diminutive, red-headed vixen. But don’t let her size fool you. The fierce firebrand is as accomplished with a knife and Glock 19 as she is bringing men to their feet with her womanly wiles. Noah Walker, the stunning black former Army Ranger, is no slouch when it comes to attracting women, but even he is no match for Ruby. Both agents are more than equipped to take on what appears to be a rogue operation in the command structure of the national agency that hired them. The twist and turns of this surprising mission will have your head spinning. The only thing more riveting is the passion that flares between the two indomitable agents.

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Ruby
: Book 2, The Ladies of the Night Collectiohn