Page 7 of Dustin (Thunder Elites Special Ops #4)

(Dustin)

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After last night, I’m more confused than ever. I didn’t mean for that to happen, but it did, and I know I have to own up to my actions. I just have no idea how to do that. I’ve always wanted Madison and wasn’t lying when I told her I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

She really does dominate my thoughts, even during the five years that she was away.

She was on a different continent, yet my thoughts often drifted to her.

It was maddening. I know she thinks I hate her, but it’s the opposite.

I can’t seem to stop caring about her, which makes me furious.

I’ve been pretending to hate her because I’m scared of what would happen if I didn’t.

When I woke up this morning, she was gone. She sent me a text informing me that she would be gone all day searching for a dress. Then she gave me directions to a boutique belonging to a friend of hers. I got my suit and returned to the hotel room, and Madison still wasn’t back.

I hear the doorknob turn about an hour before we have to leave, and she strolls in like nothing is wrong.

“Where were you?” I question.

“Getting a dress,” she says distractedly. There’s a big white box in her hand.

I notice she’s staring at me intently. Or particularly, my suit clad body.

She coughs, clearing her throat.

“You clean up nice,” she mutters as a blush appears on her cheek.

I grin, my anger momentarily forgotten. I’m wearing a black three-piece suit with a black shirt. My brown hair has been slicked back, and face clean shaven, I know I look good, that’s not the problem here.

“You spent all day getting a dress?” I question.

“Yes. It’s a new design I’ve been working on. I had to get it tailored to perfection.”

I sigh. “Just get dressed.”

She takes a quick shower before deciding to kick me out of the room.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because you can’t see me getting ready. Come back in thirty minutes.”

I decide I don’t have the energy to argue. I head for the hotel’s bar and have a glass of scotch while I wait. Exactly thirty minutes later, I head back to the room.

“You better be done,” I say, walking into the room. My eyes widen when they land on her.

Her dress is purple. A rich color that pops against her skin and gives it an ethereal glow.

The low V-neck transforms her already amazing breasts into something more luscious.

The skirt drapes to the floor in graceful folds and there’s a daring slit up one side.

The purple of the dress shimmers with subtle luminescence every time she moves.

I could also see the delicate straps crisscrossing against her back.

The dress clings to every inch of her body.

That coupled with her minimal makeup and beautifully curled blonde hair, and my heart skips a beat. Then another. She looks beyond beautiful.

“Cat got your tongue?” Madison asks when I continue to stare at her.

She knows what she’s doing to me. I clear my throat before realizing something. I pinch the bridge of my nose with a groan.

“Madison, you remember we’re going undercover tonight, right?”

“Yes….” she says tentatively.

“We’re going to attend a party we weren't invited to. Why did you have to pick a dress that’s going to turn heads and draw the attention of every single person in the party to us?” I question.

I’m not angry, but shit!

She ponders my words for a second.

“Oh,” she finally says, biting her bottom lip. “Sorry.”

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing.

Classic Madison. She’s the queen of going over the top.

“Should I take it off and find something else?” she asks. There’s a twinge of surprise in her voice as she watches my amusement.

I shake my head.

“No, you look beautiful,” I say sincerely.

A blush colors her cheek.

“Thanks.”

We walked out of the hotel and into the limo I chartered for the occasion. The driver immediately starts heading toward the event center where the ball will take place.

“What are you planning to do exactly? With the target?” Madison asks, her voice low, so the driver doesn’t overhear.

“Not much. I just need to get this device onto his phone,” I tell her, showing her the tracking device that’s in a small box.

She nods.

“So, you need to get him alone?” she questions.

“Not necessarily. I’m not sure yet how I’m going to do it.”

I'll know when I get to the location and scout the area.

We’re both quiet as the car zooms past buildings on the streets of Lisbon.

It’s a really beautiful city. I can see why Madison chose to live here.

The people here are kind and charming; I’m sure she has built a nice life on her own.

It’s all she has ever really craved. Independence.

She got what she wanted. I just wish she didn't have to break my heart in the process.

We finally arrive, and I watch as Madison takes a deep breath.

“Ready?” I ask her, stretching my palm towards her.

She pastes on a smile.

“Of course,” she says.

We walk into the party, and all I can focus on is the feel of her hand in mine.

Like it was meant to be there. Like she’s meant to be mine.

But I can’t claim her. I don’t know where her head is at.

And there are still so many things she’s keeping from me.

Secrets that need to be uncovered before we reach any consensus.

But for tonight, all we need to do is look like we belong and smile.

Just as I had expected, heads swivel toward us as soon as we walk through the doors. I imagine we must make a dashing couple. With a woman like Madison on my arm, I receive more than a few glares from other men in the room.

We try our best to blend in, with Madison conversing easily with people she knows, while I keep my eyes peeled for Vierra. He has yet to make an appearance.

Finally, he does, walking into the room with his wife on his arm.

The woman seems formidable, with brown hair like her husband and startling blue eyes.

There’s a small smile on her face, and she carries herself with grace.

People crowd the couple, and I watch them intently, thinking of a way to get close enough.

“What's your plan?” Madison asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“I still don’t know. Maybe I’ll follow him if he heads to a restroom or something. I’ll figure it out.”

I’m so unprepared, and it’s all her fault. I was distracted thinking about her all day instead of my mission. I can’t screw this up, though. It’s my only job, and I’ve got to succeed.

“Okay, fine. Don’t bite my head off,” Madison says with a glare.

I sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” I tell her softly.

She smiles before patting my shoulder. Her hand lingers on my chest for a while, and there’s a seductive glint in her eyes. It disappears as she pulls away.

“I need to use the restroom,” she informs me.

I nod. “Okay, be careful.”

She walks away while I continue to watch Vierra.

I briefly consider placing the device on his wife’s phone instead.

She should be easier to charm, and I could do it while she’s distracted.

But then again, she might not have access to as much information as her husband. We need to reel in the big fish.

I’m still watching the couple when two women step into my line of vision. They seem young, late twenties, and they’re identical twins.

“Hi, you don’t look Portuguese,” the one on my right says.

“That’s cause I’m not,” I tell her.

“My name is Emilia, and this is my sister, Victoria.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say with a grin.

“Is the woman in purple your wife?” Victoria asks.

“No, she’s my girlfriend.”

“Oh,” Victoria says as her eyes gleam with interest.

“What do you say about ditching the party and coming with us?” Emilia asks seductively.

I arch an eyebrow.

“I just said I have a girlfriend.”

“Yes, but you’ll have so much fun with us.”

“Thanks but no thanks.”

Maybe if it was any other day, in any other situation, I might have considered it. But not only do I have a job to do, but my mind and heart are still in knots over Madison.

They frown before walking away. I quickly turn my attention to Vierra, but my eyes widen as I realize he’s gone. He’s nowhere in sight. Then I realize Madison should have been back from the restroom minutes ago.

I suddenly realize that something’s missing. I check my jacket and realize that it’s gone—the tracking device I was supposed to use on Vierra. I remember the way Madison placed her hand on my jacket. She must have taken it.

Panic builds in my gut and climbs up my throat .

What the fuck is she planning to do?!