Free Mission Made For Two by C.R. Hill Page B

us.  I thought you might enjoy a touch of America.  H ope it’s to your liking.”  He lifted his gla ss. “We will have wine from my private stock tonight.”
    Sierra smiled and sipped some of the drink .  “This is perfect.   You are very thoughtful.”
    “ I try .  Last night you said you were from Chicago.”  His left eyebrow hitched up.  “But I don’t think you ever said where you live now.”
    Setting her glass on the table, she ran her finger around the rim, watching the condensation run down the sides.  “I’ve lived in New York the last three years.”  She’d pulled one of her alter egos for this mission. One she knew would stand up under intense scrutiny . Even pictures of Lea h would show a green-eyed blond. No doubt, Diaz would have one of his goons run a check on her while they were out snorkeling.  “Before that, I lived in Texas. Dallas.”
    “A woman who likes the big city?”
    She shook her head. “Hardly, but I’m an account executive for a large firm.  They move me around as needed.  I much prefer a setting like this.”
    “Yes, it’s quite tranquil here.”  Diaz chuckled.  “I also don’t believe you told me your last name.”
    She met his gaze.  “I thought men liked mystery.”
    Luisa came back out with her tray filled again.  This time with salads, silverware and linen napkins.   She didn’t linger, but retreated with her head down.
    “I do like mystery.  But I don’t like to be at a disadvantage.”  His lips quirked. “You know my last name.”
    “Touché,” she said and smiled.  “ Tanner .”
    “Well, Lea h Tanner , it is a pleasure to get to know you.”  He picked up his fork.  “Eat. Enjoy my hospitality.”
    Sierra did as instructed, knowing his hospitality wasn’t ever given without expecting something in return. 
    She didn’t think he was going to appreciate what she planned to give him.     
    ~ ***~
    Ensconced in a guest room next door to Diaz’s room, Sierra slipped into her bikini .  After she tied the strings of the little black triangle top, she opened a concealed compartment in her bag and removed the communication equipment. She slipped the small receiver and transmitter in her ear.
    “ You there?”
    Jake ’s deep voice answered, “Off shore fishing.”
    Hearing his voice sent a thrill through her.  Now that she’d experienced the potent affect of his touch, things would never be the same.  “Sounds fun.   We’re getting ready to go snorkeling off the beach.  With any luck, I’ll get a chance to snoop tonight.”
    “You better do it quick.  I don’t think you’ll be able to keep Diaz at bay indefinitely.   Especially the way your dressing. ”   His dry tone came across loud and clear.
    She chuckled.  Just wait until Jake got a load of her bikini.  “If I can find what I need tonight, I’ll be out .  Oh, and did you hear Diaz ordering someo n e to find you?   He’s still pretty ticked that you got away.”
    Jake grunted.  “ Yeah, I heard .”
    “And he was arranging a pickup of more children from an orphanage in Peru for Wednesday . I think you should call Trent and let him know.”
    “ Already did .   I’ll be waiting when you’re ready to go snooping .”
    “Ten-four.”
    Sierra removed the earpiec e and hid it back inside the compartment .  After pulling on a tee shirt and shorts, she slid her feet into a pair of white flip flops . 
    Opening the door, she stepped into the hall.  Diaz walked out dressed in swim trunks , his bronze chest bare.   H e was muscular, yet nothing lik e the cut edges of Jake’s physique .   He looked at her and smiled.   “Are you ready, querido ?”
    “Can’t wait.”
    He walked to her and stopped.  The da rkening look in his eyes was her only warning before he tugged her against him and took her mouth in a heated kiss that totally nauseated h er.
    She forced herself to respond instead of gagging .  Luckily, he wasn’t intent on dragging it o ut.