Devotion (The Seductors Series Book 3) (9 page)

“We can’t apologize enough. It can’t be easy knowing you will never be able to see Mr. Kirkham again.”

“I’ve dealt with heartbreak before. I’ll be fine.” I wasn’t going to show any weakness to anyone. Bottling everything up was how I coped. If I let anyone inside, I knew I’d break.

“I still think you should take a week or so off to get your head together. You’ve been through a lot, Jade.”

“I don’t need it. I want to get straight back to work,” I snapped. Work was the only distraction I had.

A smile crept across her face. “It sounds as if we have the old Jade back.”

“She never left, Sonia,” I lied, smirking at her. I would do the job I signed up for, but the moment my contract was up, I was gone. I didn’t owe this company anything anymore.

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.” Sonia moved to look at her computer. “Give me a few days and I’ll work out a few smaller jobs for you. There are some top missions, but nothing is solid yet.”
  

“That’s fine.”

“I’m glad to have you back,” she beamed as I stood up. I nodded, hiding any emotion from my face. Inside, I was burning with a rage that I couldn’t unleash. It would only cause problems for Molly if Sonia found out that I had known about their true plan the entire time. “I’ll let you know when I have a mission for you.”

“Thank you,” I muttered before leaving her office.

It was quiet at headquarters. Molly, Georgie, and Drew were all on missions at the moment. I could have taken a drive down to the harbor, but I wasn’t in the mood for crowds.

After helping myself to some chicken salad that was left over in the main kitchen, I decided to relax in my room. I wasn’t disturbed until a few hours later.

When I saw Mario lean against my doorframe as soon as I opened the door, I groaned.

“I heard you were back. I just got back from a top mission myself.”

“I didn’t really need to know that, Mario,” I sighed, going to close my door in his face. He shoved his foot in the way so I couldn’t, though.

“Did you miss me?”
How was this guy a Seductor? He was an idiot.

“Oh, of course I did. My heart bled every second we were apart,” I snorted.

“I knew you wouldn’t be able to deny me forever. I think it’s time you give in to me, Jade. I’m here for a few days and so are you. We should use the time to fuck like rabbits. Hell, we might even learn a few things from each other. You never know.”  

“It doesn’t matter how many times you try and get into my panties, Mario, it’s
never
going to happen.”

“You’ll break one day. No female can resist this.” He motioned toward his body, and I tried really hard not to laugh.

“Whatever. Now can you move your foot before I slam this door on it?” I threatened.

“I’m only down the hall if you get lonely,” he smirked, running his hands through his slick, gelled hair. I shook my head. I really hoped I got a mission soon. The thought of spending time alone here with M
ario filled me with dread.

If we do this again, Jade, it’s for keeps.

I was restless in my sleep, dreaming of Oliver’s touch and the way he made me feel when his lips caressed my skin. Trying to push him out of my mind didn’t work when I was asleep. He invaded my dreams almost every night.

I love you, Jade. That never changed.

I knew he wouldn’t feel that way anymore. He knew the truth, and that was for the best. I’d deluded myself into thinking we could have
ever
made it work. He was too good for me. He deserved better, someone who wouldn’t break his heart by lying to him.

You’re t
he one I’ve chosen for myself. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?

I bolted upright in bed, the low sobs in my chest causing me to awake. It couldn’t have been me he wanted because he didn’t know the
real
me. I was sure he hated me by now, anyway.

It had been over a week since I left him. I’d already been to see Miles, who told me that Oliver had made no attempt to try and find me this time. I should have been happy about that—it meant he’d listened to me—but knowing I’d never see him again was difficult for me to deal with. I loved him; I always would. How was I supposed to move on from that?

I held my chest, unsure why was my heart beating so fast. It was only a dream. In the dim light, I reached for the glass of water on my bedside table and took a sip before lying back down.

Gazing into the darkness, only one thing raced through my mind. What was Oliver doing right then? Was he missing me as much as I was missing him?

Jade, you’re not going to get over him this way.
It didn’t matter. Deep down, I knew I didn’t want to get over him anyway.

“I don’t understand. Dr. Reynolds saw the research on his assistant’s laptop,” Alicia frowned. “The
power core was taken from a secret laboratory.”

“I told you Oliver wouldn’t have kept anything from me. The
power core was still a prototype. Judging by what he told me, I don’t think the core will ever exist. It’s too volatile.” I smirked in Alicia’s direction.
Take that, Bitch! You won’t be getting a paycheck as big as you were planning!

“Due to this unfortunate ending, the settlement we receive will be less than we had estimated. Our client is still paying us a reasonable reward, though. They will be studying the prototype and seeing if they can advance it themselves, but that will take years of work.” Sonia sighed, looking back at her computer.

“This is bullshit!” Alicia screeched. “We did as they asked. We should get the full payment!”

“We didn’t complete the mission. We stole a prototype, not the actual
power core,” Sonia snapped, glaring at Alicia.

“How can we steal something that doesn’t exist?”

“Alicia, I would shut up if I were you,” I warned, noticing Sonia trying to hold her tongue.

“Fuck off, Jade! What did you even do in this mission, anyway? You fucked the target and developed a soft spot for him.”
 

“Jade was the one who sealed this assignment, Alicia.” Sonia’s voice was firm. “Which is why I’m only giving you a small percentage of the take!”

“You can’t do that!” Alicia was up and out of her chair almost instantly.

“You broke protocol. What if we’d needed Jade to do another case with Mr. Kirkham? You disobeyed the rules and must be punished.” Sonia was clever, I’d give her that, but I knew Alicia would be getting a secret payout for helping to expose my true identity to Oliver.

“This is a fucking joke!”

“I suggest you leave now, Alicia, before you say something that will get you into trouble!” Alicia stormed off. I had to admit they’d played this well. If I hadn’t already known the truth, I would have believed the whole conversation.

“I’m sorry about that, Jade,” Sonia winced.

“It’s just Alicia being Alicia,” I shrugged.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” I lied.

“Do you feel ready to go on a small mission?”

“Yes. When?” I’d take any mission I could to get away from Mario right now. He was so damn persistent.
 

“Tomorrow. You’ll fly out to meet Zara and Drew in Germany.” I nodded; a mission with Drew and Zara was just what I needed. I had some questions to ask Drew about Georgie and him, anyway.

“Are you sure you want to do surveillance?” I asked Zara while Drew was checking the hidden earpieces.

“Yeah, I don’t mind. It will be good to watch the masters at work,” she winked.

“Masters?” I sniggered. “I don’t know about that.”

“Don’t be so modest, Jelly Bean,” Drew called. “Everyone knows you’ve just completed the biggest mission in Seductor history.” Was he bringing that up on purpose? I scowled at him. Of course he was. That was Drew for you.

“Don’t you have some rich Barbie doll to seduce?”

“Yes, but you’re already halfway there seducing her brother in
that
dress,” he commented. “If I didn’t look at you like a sister, I’d…”

“Stop right there, Drew,” I cautioned. “I know how your mind works.”

“You two are so funny,” Zara giggled.

“You should have seen us on a mission that involved an orgy, Zara,” Drew teased as her mouth fell open.

“Drew!” I yelled, slapping his shoulder. “We’ve never done a mission like that!”

“Oh, was that me dreaming again?” he questioned. I shook my head at him. I never minded the banter with Drew because I knew he was joking.
    

After we’d check our earwigs, we were ready to head to the sophisticated party. Drew cleaned up well and looked quite good in his tux. Tonight we were seducing the rich Bolton Twins, who were hosting the party in their luxurious mansion. Ellie and Donald were originally from England, and were worth a fortune due to their family’s money. The Seductors had been hired to steal an expensive painting from their estate. With their parents away, it would be easy to acquire, especially with the party being held in the same location.

We needed surveillance from Zara to make sure we were stealing the correct painting, as there were many valuable pieces of artwork in the mansion. We’d also hacked into the estate’s CCTV system, so she’d be able to keep an eye open for us once we’d discovered the piece we were looking for.

“So…first mission since Mr. Rich. How are you holding up?” Drew asked as we approached the mansion.

“I’d be better if you weren’t talking about him.”

“Okay, that answers my question,” he mumbled before we were greeted by security.
   “You really don’t want to talk about it?” he asked once we were inside.

“How about we talk about you and Georgie?” I glared, changing tactics. Drew wanted to get personal. Let’s see how he felt if it was about him instead.

“What do you mean?”

“Oliver heard the two of you when you stayed at his apartment. Please tell me you were acting!”

“It just happened,” Drew stressed, helping me out of my coat before passing it to the coatroom attendant in the lobby area and getting a ticket.  

“Jesus, Drew! What were you both thinking? You two were giving me a hard time about falling for my target. This is just as bad. You know relationships between Seductors are forbidden, too!”

“It was just sex.”

“With one of your closest friends. I don’t buy it! If it had been Zara, Faith, or even Alicia—anyone other than Georgie—I would believe you.”
 

“Drop it, Jade,” Drew cautioned. “Nothing is going on!”

“It’s not nice having someone invading your personal life, is it?” I pointed out, crossing my arms while following him into the grand ballroom where all the guests were gathering.

“I’ll drop it, okay? I won’t ask about Mr. Rich again.”

“Thank you.” I smiled sweetly, scanning the crowd. It was time for Drew and me to separate and get to work. “I’ll see you at midnight,” I murmured, turning my earpiece on.  

“Are you sleeping with yours?”

“Not if I can help it,” I muttered, moving into the crowd to search for my target.

My mark wasn’t difficult to find.
Five bimbos, all laughing at his jokes while drinking champagne, surrounded him. What was it with these rich men? Most acted like they were gods or something just because of their money. Oliver had been so refreshing…
No, Jade, you can’t think about him right now.

I walked over to the bar and ordered a glass of champagne before positioning myself at the end of the counter so I was in my target’s line of sight. I sat on a silver bar stool, crossing my legs, making sure they were visible to.

It took about half an hour for our eyes to connect. I glanced away, acting shy, before looking back toward him. He was still watching me like I knew he would be. His long gaze began to drop down towards my legs. I gave him a small smile, running my hand slowly down my right thigh, and he appeared to be excusing himself from the group of ladies surrounding him.
That’s right, you need to come to me. I’m not doing battle with those bimbos.
I turned away, pretending to not notice his approach.

“I saw you looking at me from across the room,” he whispered close to my ear. “I thought I’d come over and introduce myself.”

“You don’t need to, Mr. Bolton. Your reputation precedes itself.” I smiled warmly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Jade—Jade Foster.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Jade. How are you enjoying the party?”

“It’s amazing. Although…I can’t seem to find my friend. She invited me.”  

“You’re from America?” he mused, motioning for the bartender to fill both our glasses with more champagne.

“Yes, near Florida.”

“Are you just visiting Germany?”

“Yes, I came to stay with my friend for a few weeks.”

“The friend that stood you up? What’s her name? I might know where she is?”

“This guy is so slimy. He’s making me want to barf,” Zara sniggered into my ear. I tried to regain composure, but she was right.

“Samantha Heart,” I muttered, taking a sip of my drink. I knew the underwear model had been invited to this party but was currently held up in Paris.

“Oh, knowing Sam, she’ll arrive fashionably late. I can keep you company until then, if you’d like?”

“But it’s your party! Don’t you have people to greet?”

“I’ll leave all that to my sister. I’m just here for the alcohol and beautiful women anyway.”

“Oh, please. Where do they get these lines?” Zara snorted in my ear.

“Sounds like quite a life,” I mocked.

“How about I give you a grand tour of the mansion?”

I smiled seductively, gracefully slipping off my stool. “I’d love that.”  

“Okay, Jade, you’re looking for
The Lone Soldier
. It’s a military piece from the 18th Century. Drew hasn’t gotten inside the main house, yet. He’s still chatting up his mark. He’s almost there, though. Man, some of his lines… Has he been hanging around with Mario?” I couldn’t stop a little giggle escape my lips.

“Something amusing?” my target asked.

“It’s the champagne.”