Page 17

Taylor

My fingers fly across the keyboard as I make the last few clicks to gain entry into this fortress.

The case notes were not kidding. This man has this place locked up like Buckingham Palace. But he is still no match for me because after a few more clicks, the system blossoms to life on my computer, giving me complete and total control.

Motion outside my window catches my attention and I quickly look up, my hand instantly moving to my knife tucked at my side.

When I see Tucker and Zoro throwing snowballs at each other, I can’t help the laugh that escapes as I turn my attention back to my computer.

As I slowly take control of the system, I think back to the look Aries gave me when I came outside. The team was waiting, and he was leaning against my driver's side door. Judging by the look on his face, I readied myself for an argument, but all he said before walking over to Boone’s truck was, “Be careful. Stay close.”

Everything in me wanted to ignore his warnings, but I couldn’t. My anger settled as the drive went on and I tried to put myself in his shoes. He has gone to hell and back multiple times and has every right to have an outburst or misplaced anger.

Still, I wasn’t going to let him come out here alone and risk his life, endangering him further if I lost control of the system. All of their lives, including Aries’ are in my hands, and it would kill me if anyone got hurt because I failed them.

A knock on my window drags me out of my head, and I look up to see Tucker waving at me.

Rolling down the window, I shiver as the frigid December air hits me in the face. “What’s up, Tuck?”

Tucker leans into the truck and quickly glances behind him before turning his attention back to me and lowering his voice. “Prez is pissy. He’s been snapping at everyone that tries to help him and if anyone even gets within a foot of him, he gives them a death glare. I know he has been through hell, but that is not the prez that leads missions and I’m worried this is going to be a shit show if he doesn’t get his head on straight.”

Glancing around Tucker, I see Ari glaring at one of the newest prospects. The poor guy is shaking in his boots.

Sighing, I quickly check to see if my computer is still running smoothly before I return my attention back to Tuck. “Okay. Why are you telling me? Boone is his right-hand man. Shouldn’t you be going to him?”

Tuck narrows his eyes at me and gives me a knowing look. “Honey. We all know that Aries and you have grown a lot closer in the past few weeks since he’s been home. Now I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but I suspect anyone that is in his bed has more power than his best friend and VP.”

“Tuck. You’re wrong. Aries is going to do what he wants, when he wants. I have zero control over that man, even if he is sleeping in my bed. And for the record, that is all he is doing. Nothing else.”

“Mhmm. Whatever you say, Tay. Sooo, are you gonna talk to him orrrr…” Tuck wiggles his eyebrows as he pulls his beanie further down on his head.

My computer dings, signaling all is ready to go and I thank technology for being my saving grace. Without looking up, I say, “Go grab everyone so I can debrief them and make sure their comms systems are working.”

Tucker lifts his arm in a salute. “Got it Cap.” He turns on his heel, almost busting his ass in the snow, and calls everyone over.

One by one, I check everyone’s inner ear piece and once they’re all set, the team gathers in a semicircle surrounding the driver's side of the truck. Before getting out, I shrug on my jacket and pull my beanie down.

Damn the Canadian weather for being brutal. I fucking hate the cold.

All eyes are on me as I hop out of the truck and my eyes immediately find Ari’s. His stoney expression is still in place and I want to ask him what is bothering him so much that he is taking it out on other members, but now is not the time or place.

A shiver runs up my spine and I clutch my jacket tighter around me. “Alright. I’ll make this quick since it’s cold as fuck.”

Grunts echo through the circle, and I face the left side of the group. “Group A. You will all follow Boone. While I was fixing his comms system, I explained the route. But to give a brief overview, you guys will go around the back of the house. This will allow for the element of surprise that we all know Boone loves. It is crucial that you follow the exact path Boone takes. The system may be in my control, but stepping out of the blind spots could alert something we don’t know of. Once you’re inside, stay to the left and wait under the staircase. The victim appears to be in the first bedroom to the right on the second floor. The captor has been moving between his office and bedroom on the third floor, so if Group Bgets under fire, you will need the element of surprise.”

I wait to see if any questions arise. When the circle stays silent and is full of nods of understanding; I move to the other team. “Group B. You will be under Zoro’s guide. You guys have the privilege of being a little less uniform as you are going in the front door. The second you step through that door, chaos will most likely ensue as there are three guards stationed at the front of the house. Now, I cannot see for sure how many guards are on the property. For a man that has this complex of a security system, there are a lot of blind spots. So just be vigilant and keep your head on a swivel.”

The group echoes group A’s gestures and I clap my gloved hands together. “Great. Keep your comms systems on. If anything happens or I can give you a heads up, I will tell you immediately. If, for any reason, we lose the control of the cameras or the comms system goes down, find your leaders and stay safe. I don’t foresee that happening as this asshole’s system is like child's play, but we can never be one hundred percent certain. I will be listening in, so tell me if anyone needs assistance. Good luck, boys. Go kick some ass.”

A chorus of “Thanks, Tay,” echoes through the circle and I open the truck door, desperate to get back to the warmth of the cab.

Just as my butt hits the seat, a hand on my arm grabs my attention and, to no surprise of my own, Ari is standing there.

“What’s up?” I ask, my voice calm and unbothered.

“I’m sorry for being a jackass earlier. I’m just a little stressed with this being my first mission back.”

“It’s fine. Just watch your back in there and be safe.”

I can tell he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. Instead, he wraps his arms around me and glances over my shoulder. Tombstone climbs in the passenger seat, his eyes immediately going to the computer resting on the dash.

“Keep her safe, Tomb.” Ari’s voice is cold and authoritative.

Tombstone’s head snaps in our direction, a smile spreading across his face. “Of course, Prez. I’d never let anything happen to my little sis.”

I flash Tombstone a smile and turn my attention back to Ari, who is glaring at Tomb.

Damn, this man is grumpy today.

After what feels like the longest hug ever, Ari disentangles his arms from around me. “See you soon, Hellhound. Be safe.”

“Always.”

His hand moves to cup the side of my face and I try to search his dark eyes for a hint of what is going through his mind, but I can’t place it because he is walking away and following the group up the driveway before I can put two and two together.

As soon as he and the others disappear up the driveway, I shut my door and begin watching the cameras, Tombstone mimicking my gesture.

Tombstone glances over at me for a brief moment before holding out his fist. I bump mine against his and wait for him to say his signature phrase. “Let’s do this thang, girl.”

Tombstone and I have established this routine. Every time I’m on a mission, he is my buddy. More like my bodyguard, but I like to think of him more as an assistant than a protector. Tombstone loves to learn about what I do, and he is getting the hang of things. He is nowhere as good as I am, but he knows the basics and that’s sometimes all you need.

We both check our comms systems and watch as the groups grow closer to their entry points. As Group Barrives on the front steps of the house, Zoro’s voice crackles through the earpiece.

“Approaching the front door. Two guards are walking inside. Everyone get ready to take down as soon as we burst through those doors.”

“Heard.”

“Approaching the back door. No sign of guards, will hold position until Group Bhas the attention,” Boone says, his voice calm and quiet.

“Heard.”

Group Bappears on the camera and I watch with bated breath as the group busts through the doors, immediately taking down the two guards.

The sounds of gunshots and yelling sound and my eyes stay locked on the camera.

A flood of men dressed in all black approach from the left corridor and I say, “Incoming. Left corridor. Head count is about twenty.”

“Thanks, Tay,” Tucker says, and I watch as he turns his attention to the incoming men.

I watch in amazement as the Braveheart men methodically take down each and every one of the guards, like it's a cakewalk to them.

Various voices filter through the comms system and slowly Group Bmakes their way up the stairs just as a group of men make their way from the third floor.

“Problem. Captor is entering a panic room, and a guard is on their way quickly towards Bailen,” Tombstone warns.

“Group B, go after the guards and keep them away from Bailen’s door. We will come behind and secure her.” Boone’s orders are firm and no one argues.

I watch in complete silence as gunshots ring throughout the staircase, my attention moving back and forth between Bailen’s terrified expression as she hides in the corner of her room and both groups taking down men left and right.

“Romeo. Fucking stop. Jump in front of me again and I push you down these stairs.” Ari’s voice has me frozen and I find him on the cameras. He, Romeo, and a few other members are locked in a shootout with men on the third floor. Romeo stares at him with a sad expression but doesn’t heed his warnings.

One after another, Romeo and the other members jump in front of Ari, take his shot, or push him behind a corner. To anyone else, they would look as if they were protecting their prez, but judging by Ari’s face, he wants to rip their heads off. And he almost does just that.

Out of nowhere, Ari grabs Romeo and his twin brother, Rocky, by the back of their shirts and throws them back, pointing his gun at the guards, taking them down one by one.

Once the guards are all down, he turns his attention back to the men, who are standing there in shock with their guns still aimed and ready to take down anyone who crosses their path.

“I fucking told you to stop. And you didn’t listen. Stop treating me like I am broken. I am the goddamn president of this organization and just because I was gone for two months doesn’t mean you can disobey my orders. Do that shit again and I swear I will kick your asses to the curb so fast my boot mark will burn for days.”

Before I can stop myself, I lean forward and yell into the comms system, “ARIES! Enough.”

Aries’ spine straightens and the comms system quiets. I quickly glance at both groups and see that Bailen is secured and that the last few guards are being taken down. Just as members from Group A step into the captors room, my fingers fly over the keyboard and I watch with a smile on my face as the panic room doors open, the captors face morphing into pure terror as Braveheart members drag his sorry ass out.

“Taylor. Not now.” Aries' voice is cold, stealing my attention away from Group A. I should take note of his tone and not push, but I don’t care.

“No. You will not speak to people who are trying to save you like that. Romeo, Rocky, and Amo are just trying to help you. This is not the Aries show. This is team Braveheart. Key word team.”

“Mind your business, Taylor. I’m warning you.”

Anger boils in my chest. “Fuck you, Aries. I am minding my business and that is protecting all the people I care about, just like those men are doing for you. If you weren’t ready to come back, then maybe you should have stayed home.”

My chest rises and falls rapidly as I watch Ari on the cameras. He’s staring at the floor as Rocky, Romeo, and Amo stand there, shock evident on their faces.

After a few moments, Aries looks to the men, his expression changed. “My apologies, boys. Taylor is right. I’m not ready to be back. Thank you for watching my back.”

My anger slowly dissipates a little, but I am still mad at him for snapping on innocent people. I know his nightmares are driving him mad, but that doesn’t give him an excuse to threaten to kick out three very loyal members of Braveheart. That level of hurt and misguided emotion would affect the strongest person.

Braveheart doesn’t pick members at random. They all come from places of hurt, betrayal, and need for a family. Most of us are refugees looking for a place where we can survive. And Aries knows better than anyone what all of us come from.

The system stays silent for a moment before Boone's voice sounds. “Alright team. Let's get back on track. Bailen is ready for transport and the captor is secure. We need to do a sweep of the property. Aries, Zoro and I have this under control if you need to step out. No judgement, brother. You did more than I could have given the situation. We love you, man.”

A series of the same sentiments echo Boone’s and I sit back in my chair watching Aries.

“Thank you everyone. I’m good. Let's get this wrapped up so we can go home.”

Aries glances up towards a camera in the corner of the hallway, and I feel as if he is staring directly at me.

Yes Ace, I can see you. No, I’m not mad, but today wasn’t okay.

I will the words to leave my mouth, but they don’t. Instead, I wait for him to say something and when he doesn’t; I know I will see him later tonight, like I do every night.

A knock on my door drags me out of my head and I instantly know who it is.

Ari peaks his head inside and flashes me a bashful smile.

“Yes?” I ask, trying to hide my amusement at his shy behavior.

Stepping inside my room, he closes the door and waits by the entry. His hands move to his hair and he pushes it back before shoving them into his sweats.

Turning back to my computer to finish my report, I wait for him to find the words he is struggling to say.

“I’m sorry, Hellhound. I shouldn’t have snapped at you or anyone on that mission. I shouldn’t have gone on that mission knowing I wasn’t ready. I’ve already apologized to everyone else and made an appointment with Dr. Link. Clearly, that masked motherfucker did a bigger number on my mind than I thought. I’m just—”

Cutting off his rambles, I lift the covers and pat the space next to me.

His brows raise in shock, and he freezes.

“I–I didn’t come in here for—”

Flashing him a smile, I pat the mattress once more. “Never in my life did I think I would witness Aries Clark nervous ramble, but these past few weeks have been anything but normal, so here we are. Now I need to finish my report, so get in bed and be quiet, or go sleep in your giant bed.”

He opens his mouth to speak again, but I raise my brows at him and give him a knowing look. He quickly stops himself and moves to the bed.

The bed dips next to me and he sits close, his back resting against the headboard. We sit in silence for a few moments as I continue with my report.

I am so engrossed in my report that when I feel him grow closer, my head snaps to the side in surprise.

Ari’s lips hit my cheek millimeters from my mouth and my entire body freezes.

“I–I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to be so close.”

A small smile spreads across his face, and he leans in close. “Don’t apologize. Because the only thing I would feel if my lips touched yours would be incredible.”

What. The. Hell?

I feel my cheeks heat and, desperately needing to change the temperature in the room, I hit my shoulder against his. “Smooth Ace. Now be quiet and let me work, please.”

With the shake of his head, Ari stares at me for a moment before shifting to lie down. I expect him to turn over and face the wall, but he doesn’t. Instead, he adjusts his pillow and faces me, a look of content all over his handsome face.

“Goodnight Butterfly. Don’t stay up too late.” His voice is full of exhaustion and something I can’t place.

“Night, Ace. Try not to steal all the covers tonight.”

His head turns, and he looks up to the ceiling, his chest rising and falling as a chuckle escapes him. “Okay, Miss I Take All The Blankets and Leave Ari to Freeze.”

Reaching behind me, I grab a pillow and smack him in the face. “Go to bed, you big liar.”

Ari doesn’t bother to move the pillow and all I can hear is his now muffled chuckle.

With his face covered, I allow myself to get a good look at him for the first time in weeks. Slowly, his usually toned body is coming back and I can’t help but linger on the tattoos cascading down his muscular arms.

My mind drifts to the almost kiss and that mixed with the idea of his tattooed arms wrapped around me has my cheeks flushing and my legs squeezing together.

Suddenly Ari tosses the pillow off his face and the second our eyes connect, his chocolate eyes plunge further into darkness.

A smirk spreads across his face and his eyes move down my body before making their way back up to mine. “Goodnight Butterfly. Sweet dreams.”

With that, he turns over to face the wall and my head falls back against the headboard.

What the hell is wrong with me? And why do I wish I would have moved an inch to the right and found out what Ari’s lips would have felt like against mine?