In the dark of the night, forbidden fantasies came to life as I dreamed of her. Night after night, she invaded my mind with disturbing sexual encounters. It was always her. I would wake to a cold bed, alone, the wetness on the sheets proof of my desire.

Nightmares were common for me, yet I never shared them. The horrific things I’d seen haunted my dreams, but recently, Jordan had taken center stage within my subconscious.

And now she was gone, and I had learned one very important lesson: you only get one chance in life, so take it and run—or risk losing it forever.

Last night had been a major clusterfuck, which was only part of the turmoil swirling inside me this morning. I had known what I was walking into, yet my heart had still sunk at what I saw there. She was happy with someone else. Her life would go on without me.

She wasn’t the type of woman who was easily forgotten. Once again, I let the memories settle in, and with that came the pain, a reminder of the way she’d looked at me. The way she’d felt. I tried to bury it, but it was always there.

I had pushed her away to keep her safe, but at the time, I hadn’t realized it was forever. She had brought me to my knees. We never should have wanted each other in the first place.

I released a hard breath, reminding myself again that she was safe now without me. I would just have to live with that. Then I prepared for the day, both mentally and physically.

“Sir.”

Flynn stood in my doorway, reading me, as usual. He was an astute observer; it was uncanny, really.

“Come in, have a seat.”

As I scrubbed my hand over my face, his sharp eyes penetrated me, and then he immediately got to the point.

“You look like shit.”

“I know.”

“Aren’t those the same clothes you wore yesterday?”

“Ah…” I looked down at my office attire. “I think so.”

“You let the woman go?”

“Oh, you mean Jordan. I couldn’t risk it.”

I was unable to meet the scrutiny in his eyes.

“You, my friend, are an idiot.”

“That’s nice.”

“It’s true. You are.”

I vaguely remembered me telling him the short version of what had occurred, the reasons I’d made the choices I’d made. I started organizing the presentations for our morning meeting, gathering the papers in front of me, but then I put my project aside to address him point-blank.

“You think it was easy?” I challenged his gaze, which was locked on mine “Any guy looking at her knows he’ll have to work for it. Dating, courting—everything I’m unfamiliar with. She’s the type of woman you marry, not just fuck. In my world, she’d never be safe. She would be a liability.”

“You’re telling me that you’ll never have a relationship, as long as you work in this field?”

“That about covers it.”

“Very well…sir.” He stood, ready to leave. “I’ll let the men know you won’t be long.”

“Thank you.”

That was too easy. Knowing Flynn, I anticipated there would be a part two to this conversation. But work had to come first. I was focusing all my energy on our only case, the monster who was terrorizing my team. It required a numbing mind-set before any irrational thoughts could take root, something I understood all too well.

I was a man who understood death. I’d seen it, breathed it, and accepted it. It had made me who I was today. I’d been referred to as alpha, and that I needed to calm the fuck down. But I was a product of my environment. A lethal weapon if called upon, I risked my life to save yours.

Other options were just too horrifying to consider. I had to find the answers, and the man who was responsible.

My focus was here with my team, and with the additional men trained, we were up to speed. I was ready the minute I walked through the door, as ten pairs of eyes all focused on me.

“Intel says we are looking for a professional, and I tend to agree.” I gripped the sides of the podium. “A hired hand who’s also a deadly motherfucker. His expert moves are proficient, and he’s highly trained and skilled in the act of killing. He has an edge, and that edge is allowing him to get the upper hand.”

“Sir, can you confirm if this is a personal vendetta?” a new man asked.

“It appears that way.”

“He’s dangerous and unpredictable,” Flynn offered. “He’s yet to leave any evidence behind. I have a list of potential violent aggressors who fit the profile.”

“Flynn will be assigning small teams of three, with a list of assailants who may have an axe to grind.” I handed them over to him to distribute. “I want each team together at all times. New strategies are assigned to ensure safety. Any and all leads are to be taken seriously. Whoever these people are, they have taken three of our brothers, and I won’t allow him to take another.”

I pulled Flynn aside.

“We have an obligation to the homicide unit, since they have been providing us with information. Now we need to return the favor, work as a team, and disclose any leads we find.”

“I have one of their cards. I can meet with them, if you like.”

“Yes, arrange a meeting on my behalf, and then you can brief me on their findings.”

“On it, sir.”

The day flew by with endless paperwork, and the few leads we got, I assigned myself. I barely heard the knock as Flynn arrived with a slip of paper.

“What’s this?”

I reached for the note.

“FBI. They want to talk with you.” His gaze darted to mine. “They want to meet with you today.”

“Why are they stepping in?”

The homicide unit was willing to work side by side and share information. As I ran my hand over my face, Flynn understood my reluctance. It meant control slipping from my fingers.

“I don’t know. I was only given this information, and they said they would explain.”

“Fine. You may want to hold off with the local authorities for now.”

Holding the note, I read:

 

Nick Lancaster

FBI

National Security Branch, Associate Deputy Director

Meeting 6 p.m.

 

“I’m curious as to what he wants. Maybe they have stumbled upon a lead.”

I googled the address given, and sure enough, it was a legitimate FBI office. I gathered my files, and once I reached my Escalade, I searched for any suspicious evidence, going as far as checking for bombs under the car. This was my life now.

I locked my Glock in my hidden compartment, knowing it would set off alarms if I arrived armed. After stepping into the magnetometers full-body imaging machine, they added a very thorough pat-down, and then I was cleared. I signed in, and asked the intense man at the front where I would find Nick Lancaster.

Once I arrived on the eight floor, there was an organized-yet-chaotic feel within the room, their energy bouncing off the walls. The room was far from drab, offering a stimulating weight of power in its place. After over assessing it, I interrupted the first person who wasn’t on the phone.

“I’m here to see Nick Lancaster. I’m Steel Archer.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“Your office called me, summoning me here.”

The full-body assessment felt slightly reproachful, but I brushed it off, considering my surroundings. The agent picked up the phone, confirming that yes, I was indeed expected and not some crazed lunatic off the street.

“Nick will be right out.”

He shooed me away with a dismissive look, and I took the hint. Patience had never been my strong suit. As I endured my wait, I saw three plastic chairs placed against the wall that looked anything but comfortable, so I chose to stand and pace. Instinctively, I felt the rush of heat approaching.

I turned, my eyes are drawn to the approaching woman. Her moves were fluid. As her long legs ate up the floor, there was a dignified grace about her.

The light caught in her long, sleek chestnut hair as it shimmered and flowed. It was so long, in fact, that it caressed the small of her back.

Not a smile in sight, her composure maintained a certain control. There was a quiet confidence lurking beneath her professionalism.

But I felt it—the hum radiating through my core. I was rooted in place as she approached. She held her out her hand, awaiting mine, and it took an earth-shattering second to respond. Then my hand embraced hers in a firm palm-to-palm handshake.

The polite gesture was cool, yet inviting. I felt myself physically gravitating toward her. That is, until I felt the slight yank of her hand, severing the tie.

My grin broadened in embarrassment.

Amateur.

“Nick Lancaster. You must be Steel Archer.”

Her gaze stilled as it met mine.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Follow me, Mr. Archer.”

It was virtually impossible to keep my eyes above sea level. The black fitted pants stretched extravagantly over her round ass. Her white shirt was tucked into her slim waist, her belt holding a holster and her weapon of choice: a Glock.

We arrived at a glass enclosure, a conference room setting. She held the door, waving her hand to sit. A faint scent of lavender lingered about her as I wedged past her, briefly gliding over the front of her. I managed a deadpan expression, but my body had a mind of its own.

Ignoring the brief encounter, she chose the seat directly across from me.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve contacted you, Mr. Archer.”

Her forearms rested on the table, her fingers entwined. The file was before her.

“Call me, Steel, and yes, I’m intrigued, but I have an inkling.”

Mirroring her body language, I rested my forearms in the same manner, allowing the distance to between us to minimize, which unnerved her.

“Let’s get down to business,” she said, opening the file. She slid an eight-by-ten photo over to me. “Do you recognize this man?”

Lifting the photo, I studied it closely.

“No, who is he?”

I circled back to the fact that my gut told me this attack was directed at me, personally. That theory was at risk now if an unknown perpetrator was involved.

“Imagine, if you will, one of the highest paid assassins in the world. He calls himself ‘Echo.’ He’s originally from Russia, and his real name is Artur Grischa. We’ve had our eyes on him for several years, but he’s eluded us at every turn. His connections are endless due to his clientele.”

An unspoken admiration for her stirred in me, and I recognized something familiar in her. She was very much like me: lethal.

“Face recognition flagged him in the area. He can’t fly commercial, so we know he flew private. His contract ensures certain luxuries. Only the very rich can employ his expertise, and he’s extremely good at what he does.”

She gathered yet more paperwork, and her gaze met mine. I saw the different shades of brown with gold streaking through her eyes, changing color as her reactions did. They casted a spell on me, rendering me speechless. I quickly recovered once her voice penetrated my brain.

“We’re quite confident there’s a connection between the two of you. You are at risk, you and your men, but we have yet to decipher the tie, and who’s behind it.”

“We’ve been asking ourselves the very same question. What we don’t understand is why—or who’s pulling the strings.”

“We will be taking your case. A team is presently in place to review all your findings. The local homicide unit has shared the evidence, now we just need to interview the men who were involved or at the scenes.”

She was tidying up her files when a defiant tidal wave flooded deep within me.

“I normally have no qualms working side by side with the authorities but let me be perfectly clear. Those men were like brothers. So, I can assure you, I refuse to step aside and let the FBI shut me out. You need my assistance, and you’ll benefit from my expertise.”

“We’ll consider your offer.”

“I don’t think you fully understand. It wasn’t a request.”

She stood, her palms placed on the table, hovering over me. I felt her authority, her conviction, I was certain she didn’t realize how sexy she looked fuming mad? I doubted it ever even occurred to her.

“It’s not entirely yours, Mr. Archer. Not any longer. I’m working within the parameters of the investigation, and the guidelines of the FBI.” 

“I admire your passion, Agent Lancaster, but I feel a follow-up meeting is due.”

“For what purpose?”

I stood as well, and as I departed, she followed, crossing the room behind me. When I pressed the elevator button, the door instantly opened, and I stepped in. Then I turned to face her.

“I’ll come up with something.”

Offering a devilish grin, I didn’t waver from her heated gaze.

She didn’t know it yet, but she had finally met her match.

I jackknifed up as the sound jerked me awake, tangled in sheets drenched in sweat. I had been searching for any evidence that was real, but I had come up empty. My mind was playing tricks on me. Looking over at the clock, I saw it was five a.m. The sun had yet to make an appearance over the ridge.

Whiskey’s long nose lay on the bed. Then a quiet whining I was all too familiar with began.

“Now, buddy? You can’t hold it for an hour?” I let out a sigh. “Fine.”

Pushing the damp sheets off my body, I sat up, rubbing a hand over my dark stubble. I reached for my pants and boots, tucked the Glock in my waistband, and threw on a T-shirt. Then I punched in the code, shutting down the alarm system.

Letting Whiskey out the door, a cool breeze hit my warm skin, then shifted suddenly as I stood on the front porch. I couldn’t stay at the safe house; I needed the familiarity of my home.

Suddenly distracted by barking, I instinctually ran toward him, the darkness hindering my efforts. Whiskey sat, trained, as I looked up the tree to see that my surveillance camera was damaged. Maybe I was being paranoid at this point. An animal could have wrestled it down. But my gut told me that if it was an animal, it was the two-legged kind.

Fuck.

How could anyone get this far in without setting off multiple triggers? More importantly, how long ago had this happened?

“Come on, boy. Do your business.”

As he lagged far behind, I walked back, focusing on everything I could see. A better assessment was called for once daylight hit.

Still exhausted from the restless night, I made coffee and waited it out. Once the first sip went down smoothly, my memories came back sharp and vivid as they invaded my mind. Last night a pang of envy had hit hard. Logically, I knew there was no future with Jordan, but my subconscious believed there was. All I could do now was push it all out of my mind and move on. The only small comfort was that I knew she was safe with Ben.

It was dangerous mixing business with pleasure. I couldn’t let it cloud my judgment, but I wanted to believe there was room for someone in my life, as complicated as it appeared. And once I closed the door to Jordan, something inside me shifted. Immediately my thoughts returned to the woman who shared my interests, as well as my stubbornness. Nick might be a more suitable match. A faint whisper of hope settled carefully inside, slowly healing the broken pieces of my heart.

At sunup, I revisited the surveillance damage, taking photos with my phone. I noticed a suspicious area where the fencing looked tampered with. There was bent metal, as if someone had crawled in and passed undetected by the sensitive alarm. I snapped a few more pictures. It was time to pay Miss Nick Lancaster a visit.

I arrived unannounced, anticipating mild annoyance over my lack of a courtesy call. I’d take the heat, in truth I welcomed it. I didn’t want to give her the opportunity to rebuff my presence. The two cups of coffee I’d carried in through security had almost caused a shutdown, so I wouldn’t be arriving empty-handed.

Once I reached the eight floor, no one questioned my arrival. Assuming they recognized me from yesterday, nothing looked out of the ordinary. I made my way down the long hall, searching for her office, and at the very end, I saw her nameplate engraved on brass.

I tapped gently on her door.

“Come in.”

She was in the midst of reviewing a floor plan, and she forced herself to look away from it, disrupting her concentration. I could see the irritation starting to flicker on her face, followed by a scrutinizing stare.

“Good morning, Miss Lancaster. I have your morning coffee.”

I placed it on her desk, carefully avoiding any paperwork. I also set creamer and sugar by its side, not knowing how she took it. I would find out soon enough.

“Don’t you own a phone, Mr. Archer?”

She leaned far back in her chair, arms folded across her chest.

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Her expression pleased me to no end. Unable to resist her presence, I took my seat opposite her desk. “Join me,” I said, holding up a cup of my own. I watched as she poured creamer in, replaced the lid, and took a sip.

Noted.

“How can I help you, Mr. Archer? As you can see, I’m very busy.”

As I casually glanced over at what held her interest, I recognized the floor plans of the warehouse I just so happened to own. I gazed up, challenging her unshakable demeanor, and our silent showdown begun. I took a slow drink, faced with her stubborn determination. It was an undeniable quality I happened to admire.

“I assume you know that’s the building I own.”

“I’m well aware.”

“And what do you hope to find there?”

Poised and deeply professional, I saw her debating whether to let me in. She had the power to remove me from this investigation, but so far, she hadn’t.

Fascinating.

“You have a lead.”

Her stoic response only confirmed it.

“Fill me in. I’ve worked on the blueprints for almost a year, and there’s been updates you’re not privy to. I know the building inside out.”

“No. It’s just a hunch,” she said, underplaying the entire scenario.

“Quite the contrary. The ‘hunch,’ as you put it, they’re usually the best leads. You need me. I’ll be an asset.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” she said, a wide grin appearing on her face.

I was unable to look away. Had I met my match? I did love a good challenge, but this required another tactic altogether.

I rose, leaning on my knuckles, hovering over her desk.

“You and I, we’re the same. Exactly alike. Attracted to the rush, the unnatural thrill of the chase. We’ve seen the same wars, and we’ve had the courage to act. I’ve killed, and you’ve killed, but it’s only made us stronger, and more fearless. We don’t let people in. We’re complicated and not easy to know. Loners. That is, until we meet our match, or our equal. Then, and only then, in that combination, will the numbness melt away.”

She listened to my rant in silence.

“Insightful,” she finally replied, but she looked uncomfortable.

The truth was thought-provoking.

“Likewise. Now come join me. You won’t need a warrant.”

I felt a flash of pride as emotion filled my chest. The words were true for both of us.

“Fine, but we’re only going there to check it out.”

“Right.”

I enjoyed spending time with her. She understood the world I lived in, because she lived there as well. The ultimate task was always to survive.

I insisted on driving, refusing to fold my body in half by attempting to fit into her Toyota Prius. She agreed, and it was easier than I’d anticipated. I got the feeling she was picking her battles.

“Fill me in.”

“A lead came in, but it wasn’t a confirmed sighting in the vicinity. He could be anywhere, from the swankiest hotels to an abandoned warehouse. The link between the two of you only confirmed that this would be a good choice, either to entice you here, or create a bomb threat. There’s a hundred different scenarios.”

I took in her words, although being back at the construction site made me uneasy. It was the same vicinity of Alex’s warehouse where I’d brought him to make his peace with Graham.

The killer couldn’t know that, but if by some chance he did, then he was toying with me.

“Nick, you need to know, there was an incident that happened very close to this warehouse. It just occurred to me: if Echo was privy to this information, it’s likely he has a plan to pull me into a trap.”

“What happened here?”

“Without divulging certain client confidentially issues, it was a scare tactic. No violence took place, but I find the whole coincidence theory off.”

I neglected to tell her the part about kidnapping, and I was sure there were a number of additional infractions, as well.

“Look.” Pointing to the broken glass panel on the door.

I picked up my phone once we’d parked out of sight. Speed dial number one.

“Flynn here. What’s going on, Steel?”

“Precautionary measures. Send backup immediately to my warehouse, the one under construction.”

“On it, sir.” 

“I’m contacting my office.”

I could see Nick’s anxiety rising as she pulled her Glock out, ready for anything. I listened to her call in for backup, preparing them that they would have an additional private sector on site.

I overheard a few choice words on the other end of the line, followed by, “yes, sir.”

Then she ended the call. Her unrelenting stare told me she wanted to beat me to a pulp. She barged ahead, and to my utter surprise, she vacated the SUV.

Fuck.

The fact that she had the balls to step up like that floored me. I had no choice but to follow closely behind, glued to her back, cautiously turning every second to ensure any danger didn’t approach from behind. I systematically scanned my surroundings. My focus sharpened, scanning in a one-eighty perimeter around the outer premises of the building.

In an instant, we were attacked by gunfire. Quickly pinpointing the roof, and the long-range tactical rifle, we were glued to the exterior as we made safe passage through the back door.

“Behind you. Go!”

We entered slowly and methodically, the anticipation of a threat at every corner. Nick’s eyes focused straight ahead as I followed nuts to butts, searching left to right. My racing heartbeat and the drumming of my pulse consumed me. The enemy felt close enough to taste his blood.

We climbed each step with my hand on her shoulder. Our movement was precise and fluid, like we were one. The quiet was deafening as I felt her body heat beneath me.

“Clear left, clear right,” I said, confirming safety as our steady climb became higher to our unknown assailant.

Rat-tat-tat…

The firing above us was now aiming low and accurate, and all the rage I felt returned.

“Against the wall,” I directed her, but she was glued to the concrete, moving quicker than I could trail. Her small frame had the advantage. She was seeing something. Her strike moved in slow motion as I watched her confident stance.

Her face was the face of war.

She aimed, then fired off several rounds.

Christ.

She didn’t hesitate, and I moved to keep up. Staying together was my first objective. So was forcing myself back to the here and now. There was a slight peek of the assailant’s rifle, and I prepared to fire, but he got his shot in first, clipping my shoulder.

Churning in fury, the enemy was mine.

We took two steps as Nick returned fire. I heard her exchanging magazines as I took my shots over her head, aiming high. The poisonous taste of revenge was feeding the wrath he’d unleashed in me.

“One more flight. It’s either this floor, or the roof. Stay close.”

We swept the top.

“Hot left.”

We prepared for any danger within the door on the left.

Once inside, she said, “Clear.”

The top floor was empty, and only shell casings had been left behind. Leaving the roof as our only option.

“What’s the plan?” I asked her.

She didn’t disappoint; her strategy directive spoke in rapid-fire precision.

I followed her in step by step, ready for the shot. My heart stopped beating for a second. The moment we opened the heavy door, its hinges squeaked against our shoulders. We stayed low, making it to the first operative structure safely behind an old and rusted air conditioner unit. As we were crouched down, she searched north as I searched south. We repeated the process until the roof was clear

Our gazes connected in confusion. There was no one here, no obvious way of escape, and the place was empty. The intensity of my rage weighed heavily on me as defeat and frustration coiled deep inside my gut.

We watched as a dozen vehicles approached.

“Our backup has arrived.”

“You realize the shit storm we’re in for?”

She holstered her weapon, and I did as well.

“Not me. I answer to no one.”

I smirked in her direction.

“You’re bleeding.”

I shrugged and continued my way down.

“Hold up, let me look.”

I leaned on the wall as she inspected my injury.

“I’ll recover, it’s just a scratch. Do you have any Band-Aids with Ninja Turtles?”

Her smile was worth the scorching pain. The chemistry between us was combustible. The sexual sparks flared. I was captured by her gaze, but beneath the surface, I was tumbling into madness.

“I’m fine,” I said harshly, yet I was unsteady on my feet, fighting to contain my cool exterior, all to impress this woman. As the men arrived, we briefed them. Working together, they entered the building to search for any additional evidence.

Flynn approached me. His gaze shifted to Nick, then back to mine.

“How bad are you hurt?”

“It’s nothing.” My mixture of rage and frustration is noticeable as Flynn moves my shirt, confirming the injury. “Flynn, this is Nick Lancaster, FBI.”

“We spoke briefly on the phone,” he said, shaking her hand. “So, Nick is Nichole?. Nice to know we have your support.”

Once again, his gaze sharpened on me.

“There’s much to discuss, and Nick has provided some valuable information,” I said. “We’ll get into the details later.”

“I have one hell of a file to report,” she said.

That smooth voice of hers was soft yet strong, a combination I found very appealing.

“I’ll contact you later,” I told her. Her slightly disheveled look left me wanting more.

“And Nick, thank you.”

She nodded, but I saw what was lurking deep within her eyes. A small flame had just ignited, and I was the perfect man to pour on the fuel.