Deadly Embrace (Deadly Assassins Series Book 1) Page 13

  “Hey baby, why didn’t you wake me this morning?” she asked.

  “You were sleeping so peacefully, and I didn’t want to wake you,” I answered.

  “When I woke up and you were gone I had wondered where you were?”

  “Running on the beach always helps me clear my head. It’s really beautiful here.” I said.

  “Last night, Jason, was the most exciting night of my life! I always felt like a piece of me was missing but now I feel you complete me. Can we stay here forever?

  “Unfortunately, darling, we can’t. We have a mission that was just greenlit and we have to go to Moscow tonight.”

  “Really? Which mission?”

  “Valchek.”

  “Really?”

  Suddenly Natalia came over and sat on my lap. She looked right in my eyes.

  “Please, Jason let’s just run away and start a new life and leave all this behind,” Natalia stated.

  “Natalia, you know we can’t, it would be committing treason. Besides you know there’s no place on the planet we could go that they wouldn’t find us with our trackers remember? What’s wrong? I can feel something is scaring you right now,”

  “I’m just tired of all the killing and all the blood and all the bodies and all the nightmares Jason!” she said.

  “Nightmares?” I asked.

  “Yes, I have horrible nightmares about the things I have done in my life. Being here with you has made me see that there is more to life than death, blood and destruction.”

  As she began to cry, and I leaned in and kissed away a tear rolling down her cheek.

  “I understand and after this mission I will look into us getting out and trying to live a normal life.”

  “Really? Do you mean it?” She asked.

  “Yes, after last night I know for sure my future is with you and only you. You complete my soul and I am in love with you on the deepest level.” I confessed.

  “Oh, my God no one has ever said such a beautiful thing to me.”

  “It’s you and me baby, against the world, for life.” I said.

  After breakfast, Natalia and I walked into the bedroom and laid together quietly. As Natalia laid her head on my chest, we both drifted off to sleep. A few hours later we packed up and headed for the plane, where Maurice was waiting to take us straight to Moscow.

  Chapter 31

  As we arrived at the airstrip Maurice was refueling the plane for the trip.

  I walked up and shook Maurice’s hand.

  “Hey, Commander, Natalia. How are you?’

  “Great, thank you,” Natalia answered.

  “I’m good Maurice. Are you almost done refueling?” I asked.

  “Copy that, I will be ready in ten minutes.”

  “Very good.”

  I grabbed Natalia’s bag with one hand and her hand with the other.

  Maurice looked on as we walked hand in hand and boarded the plane.

  He smiled at me with a raised eyebrow.

  As the plane took off, I looked out of the window and had flashbacks of the events of the last forty-eight hours with Natalia on this beautiful island. I had shared with her my deepest and most private secret. I wish we could have turned around and stayed there forever. As I looked over at Natalia she was peacefully asleep while holding my hand. She was so gorgeous, dressed in her black leather pants and jacket with a white top that showed off her sexy toned abs. I lifted her hand and kissed it softly. I knew she was the one and I would never let her go.

  After nearly a nearly a twenty-four-hour flight with a stop in China to refuel, we landed safely at a private airport in Moscow. I grabbed Natalia’s bag and her hand as we walked off the plane. Vince was there to meet us waiting in a black Range Rover.

  “Hey, Commander and Natalia. How was your trip?” Vince asked.

  “Very good thanks for asking smart ass,” I said.

  “Hey Commander did you give her a cheeky squeeze for me like I asked?” Vince said.

  “Indeed, I did Vince, now let’s get outta here!” I stated.

  “Hey, are you two done? Let’s go!” Natalia said.

  “Hey, Maurice what’s up man. Haven’t seen you in a while,” Vince said.

  “I’m good man. Had a mission, you know down in Brazil which was a real bitch. But I made everything work out,” Maurice started to laugh.

  “Yeah, Maurice I heard you blew up half of Brazil” I said.

  “I got the job done, didn’t I, Commander?”

  “Yes, but messy as usual.”

  Natalia stood there smiling as Vince, Maurice and I exchanged our usual banter.

  We had to drive for about an hour to reach the deserted cabin in the woods we were using as our headquarters for the mission. When we arrived, Chase, Nick, and Ryan were out front, loading gear into our communications vans for the mission.

  Natalia and I stepped out of the black Range Rover and she walked around to my side and immediately grabbed my hand. As we walked toward the team, Ryan had a pleasant smile on his face. The rest of the team looked on in shock.

  “Hey guys, how are all of you doing?”

  “Well, not as good as you obviously, and it’s about damn time,” Nick joked.

  “Nick this is no time for jokes. Okay everyone this new development doesn’t change our objective! Valchek is a priority one target. Which as you all know means he is a target marked for death. We must recover those files and eliminate Valchek once and for all. He has killed a lot of people and destroyed families around the globe.” I instructed.

  Boris Valchek was the last of an old Soviet Union oil regime. He inherited his father’s failing petroleum empire back in the 1960’s and turned it into a multi-billion-dollar empire. He used the funds from that legitimate business to start his underground trafficking businesses.

  Valchek provided weapons to terrorists around the world. He also was the most wanted human trafficker on the planet. Countries from around the world used Valchek’s services to purchase cheap slave labor to work in fields and factories. He provided high quality girls that were then forced into sex slavery. For years the CIA have tried to kill Valchek, but he always slipped away somehow. Not this time.

  “Chase once we have retrieved the files and I give you the signal you take Valchek down!” I said.

  “Copy that, Commander. I never miss,” Chase said.

  “Nick and Vince the two of you are going with Natalia and I. Nick you will be a part of the wait staff and Vince you will be going in as an arms dealer looking to make a deal with Valchek for some new weapons. Ryan was able to digitally hack the guest list and get all of our names on the list. Maurice make sure to surround the perimeter with C4 because we will need a diversion for our escape.” I said.

  “Copy that, Commander.”

  “Make sure you all have on your vests tonight! We are going against our most vicious enemy. Ryan, make sure you have a strong signal from everyone’s body trackers in case there are any surprises.”

  “Copy that Commander.” Everyone agreed.

  Natalia went inside to change into her evening attire for the party. Ryan walked over to me and handed me my communications devices for the mission. I loaded the clips of both my 9mm handguns and threw them in a bag with extra ammo.

  “I’m happy for you brother, but don’t you think this now complicates things?” Ryan asked.

  “It does, but we’ll figure it out. We have to concentrate on the mission right now. Ry this will be my last mission.”

  “Really? You’re out just like that? Why? For her?”

  “Yes, for her. It’s time for me to face my demons and step out of the dark and into the light! I love her man.”

  “I understand. I just wanna make sure your head is in the game,” Ryan said sounding concerned.

  “Why Ry? You have never doubted me before. I’ve been leader of this team for over ten years and I never fail. I didn’t get the nickname “The Reaper” for nothing. I got this.”

  “Brother this is the
toughest mission of our lives. We have never faced an adversary like Valchek before.” Ryan said.

  “I know what is at stake right now Ryan. If everyone does their job and we watch each other’s back then everything will be okay. It’s business as usual. I know Valchek is the worst, but he has never encountered me. Time to take him down.”

  Chapter 32

  Ryan and Maurice loaded the rest of the equipment in the van. I walked inside the cabin to change into my tuxedo. The cabin had a warm rustic feel with exposed beams, a large leather couch in the living room next to the fireplace, and a white kitchen with stainless steel appliances. I walked into one of the bedrooms and began to remove my clothes to take a shower. I walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower and the bathroom quickly filled with steam. I stepped into the shower and let the hot water wash all over my head and body. Suddenly I felt a hand on my back. I turned and saw Natalia standing there naked and she entered the shower with me. She picked up the bottle of body wash and squeezed some into her hand. I inhaled the nice cool scent as she rubbed her soft hands across my back. I then turned and looked into Natalia’s beautiful eyes.

  “Hey baby. I thought you were already getting dressed?”

  She raised up on her toes and pressed a kiss to my lips.

  “I didn’t hear you come in Natalia. You’re probably the only person on the planet who can sneak up on me.” I joked.

  “Don’t worry the guys didn’t see me sneak in and I locked the door behind me. I just wanted to have a few minutes alone with you before we leave,” she said.

  “Oh, really?” I inquired.

  “I can’t believe we are finally going to be together after this is over. I want to go to sleep beside you every night and wake up to you every morning. I want babies too. I want to embrace life, not be mired in all the killing and death.” Natalia stated.

  “I agree baby, I love you too. I’m going to resign as soon as this mission is over. Are you okay for this mission? I can’t focus if I’m worried about you.” I said.

  “You never had to worry about me before, Jason. And as if I recall, I have even knocked you on your ass a few times. I can take care of myself,” she said.

  “I know you can baby.” I teased.

  Natalia and I finished our shower. She leaned over to kiss me and then wrapped herself in a towel and peeked out into the hallway so she could sneak back to her room. I finished getting dressed and proceeded downstairs to meet with the team about the mission.

  Natalia and I were going undercover as a couple looking to buy some documents that had been stolen from the CIA. Our mission in Moscow was to locate Boris Valchek’s office on the top floor of his mansion and steal the files back before they could be sold to the highest bidder. The files contained the identity of all our undercover U.S. operatives around the world. They were encrypted and Valchek had to bring in someone to decrypt them before they could be sold. This was the one mission that I knew would change all our futures forever. As I stood by the fire, I stared into it and dreamed for a moment what my life would be like once this is all over. I was looking forward to settling down and having a normal life. I’ve pulled the trigger on so many targets over the years. The life of an assassin is a lonely one and I didn’t want to live that life anymore. I had sold my soul for long enough. Killing was all I knew. I was stunned back into reality when Natalia walked down the stairs. She was dressed in a red, floor length gown that hugged all her gorgeous curves. Her makeup was flawless but elegant at the same time. At that moment I just wanted to kiss her bright red lips. Her brown highlighted hair was pinned up in a way that suited and elongated her neck. She looked breathtaking and I was at a loss for words. The team gathered in the living room so we could go over the mission.

  “Guys, I just wanna say to all of you this is my last mission. It has been an honor to serve as Commander of this unit. After this mission I will be retiring to start a life with Natalia.”

  “Commander, we have been best friends a long time and this is the first time I have ever seen you smile. From that first day we met at Briarwood Academy, I knew you would be our leader and you have served well. If Natalia makes you happy, I say go for it! Remember, I’ve always got your six,” Chase said.

  “Commander, it has been an honor serving under you,” Nick said.

  “Well Commander, look out, Natalia is a snarky firecracker! But I hope you both are happy together,” Vince said.

  Vince walked over and hugged Natalia.

  “Natalia, darling you know I adore you. Commander, you and I didn’t get off to a great start but it has been an honor serving with you. I am happy for you both,” Maurice said.

  “Thank you all for your support. This is the first time I feel like I have a real family in you guys,” Natalia said.

  As Natalia walked by, she said, “Come on Commander, let’s have some fun and deal with Valchek once and for all.”

  Ryan, Nick, and Chase followed Natalia and I in the communications van disguised as a delivery truck. Maurice and Vince were both following us on motorcycles. As we drove to the party, Natalia placed her hand on my leg and smiled.

  “Okay, Coms check everyone,” I said.

  “Commander I hear you loud and clear and both your body trackers are giving off strong readings on this end!” Ryan laughed.

  As Ryan monitored the readings on the screen from the communications van, he noticed both of them were giving off the same heartbeat readings.

  “Coms check,” said Vince.

  “Coms check,” said Nick.

  “Coms check,” said Maurice.

  “Coms check,” said Chase.

  “Okay, eyes on the prize everyone,” I said.

  Maurice had set up explosives around the perimeter of the mansion as a diversion for our escape. Ryan was in the van monitoring us all. Chase was in a tree adjacent to the property with eyes on the scene through his M40 rifle scope. Nick was already inside undercover as one of the wait staff to assist with our retreat. Vince arrived after Natalia and I as a guest to the party.

  Natalia and I pulled up the driveway in a black, Maserati. As we both walked inside I could feel all eyes on us as we entered the main ballroom. We took a seat toward the back of the room so I could keep my eyes out for Valchek. Vince was mingling with the guests and was already on a couch making out with some hot supermodel. Natalia and I drank a couple glasses of champagne to keep up our cover. Vince glanced over at me as he blew rings of smoke in the air and sipped on his gin and tonic cocktail. Suddenly the band began to play the tango. I stood and extended my hand to Natalia which she accepted. As we danced across the floor, we looked into each other’s eyes. We had an obvious and fiery connection that couldn’t, and wouldn’t, be denied.

  “Well Commander, am I making you nervous,” Natalia asked.

  “No, of course not,” I answered.

  “Well, I can feel your heart beating against mine,” Natalia said

  “Chase, report. Where is Boris?” I asked.

  “Commander, he’s out on the back patio talking to two gentlemen I don’t recognize,” Chase responded.

  “Copy that, Chase.” I said.

  Ryan had hacked into the mansion’s surveillance systems.

  “Ryan, run facial recognition on the men Valchek is talking to.”

  “Copy that.” Ryan responded.

  “Okay Commander, the men are arms dealer Assad Akem, number one on Saudi Arabia’s most wanted list and Bennett Michael Hall the world class art thief.”

  “Copy that Ry.”

  “Vince, time for you to make your move,” Natalia said.

  I watched as Vince stood up and began to walk toward the grand staircase with the model on his arm. As Natalia and I danced, we saw Vince disappear into one of the upstairs bedrooms and close the door. The room Vince went into is the where the electronic box was located to deactivate the motion detectors in Boris’s office so we could gain entry without being detected. When the music stopped playing we went over to th
e buffet table to get some food. Nick was serving guests at the buffet table. As Nick handed me my plate he placed an electronic key card wrapped in my napkin.

  “Good evening. Sir and madam,” Nick said

  “Good evening,” I responded.

  “The filet mignon is especially good tonight, sir,” Nick stated.

  With Nick telling us the secret phrase, I knew it was time to make our move. Natalia and I saw that the stairs were unguarded so we headed up. When Natalia and I got to the top of the stairs, Boris’s office was straight ahead. As we walked down the hallway Natalia and I saw two of Boris’ men approaching us carrying machine guns. We hurried into a small bathroom and closed the door ‘till they passed us by. After they passed, Natalia and I entered Boris’s office. I stood guard at the door as Natalia turned the computer on Boris’s desk on. She inserted a flash drive and started downloading all the files.

  “Okay Ryan, can you hear me?” Natalia said.

  “Yes Natalia, I’m here. Did you insert the flash drive and start downloading the files?” Ryan asked.

  “Yes, Ryan I did. The screen says the download is almost complete,” she stated.

  “Okay Natalia the virus I put on the flash drive will destroy the files and Boris’s computer at the same time,” Ryan said.

  “Hurry up Natalia. They’re coming this way now!” I said.

  “Commander, there’s some serious movement going on in there!” Chase said.

  “Chase, I see them!”

  “Boris and his guys are on their way to your position!”

  “Copy, that! Nick what is your position?” I asked.

  “Commander, I’m in the ballroom serving the guests. Boris and his guys are on their way upstairs! Did you get the files yet?” Nick asked.

  “Almost. Natalia is downloading them now.”

  “Vince, what’s your position?” I asked.

  “I’m in a bedroom down the hall. The girl tried to kill me, so I just took her out quietly mate!” Vince said.