Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,19

were sitting ducks.

“While the Serpent’s control stretches throughout Brazil, he’s not well liked in Peru. From what I understand, there’s a price on his head for several vicious crimes committed several years ago. I doubt the fucker wants to be extradited in the middle of his mining operation,” Diego continued. “Gold mining is much more lucrative than the drugs he was running before.”

Yeah, maybe, but from what I’d learned about the man, he had no fear of anyone. Fernando Calderone still had his hand in the drug scene even though he’d expanded to other avenues. Rumor had it he was increasing his hold on the entire South American economy. “So I’ve been told.”

Diego was right in that the house was well equipped, including enough food that we could stay here for several days if necessary. As if I wanted to spend extra time in a foreign country in this manner. However, we were required to wait for the signal before making an attempt to head to whatever airport was assigned to us. Everything was kept under wraps for this particular assignment, which was unlike the others I’d worked on.

No cell phones.

No credit cards.

Limited cash.

Another thing I didn’t like about this entire scenario. Limited control. I was used to running an operation the way I wanted, not partnered and not given minimal information. I knew the girl was important, but I wasn’t going to lose my life for a pretty face.

Or a drop-dead gorgeous body.

“Everything is secure at this point. I’ve checked all the windows. There’s also a security system.”

That didn’t alter the level of danger in the least and Diego knew it. If Calderone’s soldiers found us, they would simply extract the Serpent’s possession then firebomb the entire building. A part of me had wanted to end the life of the contact who’d brought us here, although he was supposed to be a trusted man working for the Specialists. I wasn’t certain why nagging doubts remained, but they did.

I shoved the thoughts aside, once again thinking about Lindsey.

Her blonde hair and blue eyes.

Her incredible mouth, lips that I wanted to devour.

And her tempting body.

Jesus. I’d never had my mind pulled away from a mission before. Not in the military and certainly not while working for the Specialists. Maybe that’s why this particular assignment gnawed at my gut. I’d also seen the way Diego had looked at her, had seen the way he’d touched her, and a moment of actual jealousy had reared its ugly head. Christ. I was losing my shit all because… No, I wasn’t going to think about the past.

“You care about her,” I said offhandedly, able to see his reaction through the red hues of the fading sun. The comment surprised even me.

“She’s spunky, gorgeous, and doesn’t deserve to die. What’s not to like?” He snickered after offering his thoughts, although I could tell there was more to his words. “From what I could tell earlier, you certainly seem to have a thing for the lovely blonde yourself, Jack. Hope you’re not feeling jealous.”

Operatives within the organization were allowed to do any damn thing that would get the job accomplished except for one thing. Romantic involvement. Particularly with a client or the people involved in an assignment. I might be a rule breaker, but that was one I had no intention of breaking. Fucking her might be one thing.

Anything else was unacceptable.

I remained silent.

Snorting, I shook my head. Jealousy. What bullshit.

“Fine. Hide behind your rage. I could go for a cold one right about now. Another perk of laying low for a while. After all, it’s been a shit couple of days.” Diego hesitated, obviously expecting me to say something in return.

“Yeah, whatever.” Just getting to the compound had taken two arduous days, the majority on foot. We hadn’t been able to risk being spotted in a vehicle of any kind. There were far too many eyes in every location.

“Whatever the chip on your shoulder is about, I suggest you get over yourself.”

Fisting my hand, I tried to keep my anger in check. “We’re here to complete an assignment, nothing more.”

Exhaling, instead of just walking away, he inched closer. “You know, I think you and I got off on the wrong foot.” His Spanish accent seemed heavier, his words clipped.

“I don’t think so. We’re not here to be friends.”

“What the hell is your problem with me, Jack? Is it about the money? Trust me, I didn’t request to go on this assignment. As a matter of fact,