Gage (THE GOLDEN TEAM #3)

32. Niki

32

Niki

I knew Max was one of the Americans still in Afghanistan. He would never die on me. He knew how brokenhearted I’d be. He’s my brother, and I love him more than anything. I will find him if it’s the last thing I do.

I paced back and forth, my heart pounding. I had to find someone who could show me where the Americans were. I have to rescue my brother. I know he’s alive.

I had taken two weeks off from my job as a special agent with the FBI—just enough time to track Max down and get him out.

Now, I stood in the middle of this scorching desert, scanning my surroundings. There were no Americans here—or if there were, they were in hiding. I had expected them to be moving fast, working to save the others trapped here. Reports said there were over six hundred Americans still left behind.

So where the hell were the rescuers?

I had already lied once, telling the locals I had been sent here on an official mission. But if I didn’t find someone soon, they would send me straight back to America.

I stepped outside. Damn, it was hot.

I was used to California’s warm but comfortable climate—not this unrelenting, suffocating heat. As I wiped the sweat from my forehead, I noticed a plane coming in for a landing. My pulse jumped.

Was it American?

I walked over and stood against a building, watching closely. If it was an American plane, I wasn’t about to let it go into Afghanistan without me.

I could be a huge asset to anyone willing to take me along. I know how to fight, I know how to shoot, and I know how to plan. If they’d just give me a chance, I could actually help.

Then, my heart soared—it was an American plane.

Now I just had to convince them to take me with them.

Dressed in a black wig, with brown contacts and dark smudges across my face, I was unrecognizable. Even Max wouldn’t know it was me. I had done a damn good job of disguising myself.

As the plane doors opened, I saw them step out. Army Special Forces.

My stomach tightened with anticipation. These were the guys I needed. But would they really go into Afghanistan dressed like that?

I glanced down at myself—tight blue jeans, boots, and a black T-shirt. Maybe I should change. Should I wear what the local women wore? Or see if they had extra fatigues I could borrow?

My eyes stung from the dark brown contacts. I blinked a few times, trying to ease the irritation, then squared my shoulders and strode toward them.

“Excuse me! Excuse me! Are you going into Afghanistan?” I demanded, hurrying up to them. “If you are, I need to go with you. I’m searching for the Americans trapped there. My brother is one of them. I always knew he wasn’t dead. Now, I can prove it to my mom and dad.”

The group turned, all eyes locking on me.

A big, handsome guy stepped forward. “Uh, I’m sorry, but we don’t take civilians with us. It’s way too dangerous—it’s dangerous for us, too. Give me your brother’s name, and we’ll look for him.” His brows furrowed. “I’m surprised they even let you stay here.”

“I don’t need anyone taking care of me. I can handle myself,” I said. “I told them I was waiting for someone, and when you guys flew in, I thought you’d be perfect for my cover.” I crossed my arms. “If you don’t take me with you, I’ll just follow you.”

The big guy sighed. “I’m sure you can take care of yourself, but you’re not coming with us. We’re a team—we train together and fight together. You’d only complicate things.”

“There are four of us,” he continued. “We have a buddy system. How are we supposed to work that with five?” His voice was firm. “The answer is no.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You don’t have to be such an asshole about it. You don’t even know me.”

I took a breath, forcing my temper down. “Look, I don’t need to be part of your little ‘buddy system.’ I just need someone to show me where the damn Americans are so I can get my brother and get the hell out of here.”

His expression remained stone cold.

I huffed. “If you don’t want me to go with you, fine. But I will follow you. Whether I’m with you or on my own, I’m going . My brother is out there, locked up somewhere. I’m getting him out.”

I glared up at the man towering over me. He had at least a foot on me—but I wasn’t intimidated. His blond hair fell over his forehead, and his smoky blue eyes burned right through me.

Damn.

My panties were suddenly wet.

I clenched my jaw, shaking off the thought. Not the time, Niki.

I stepped around him, ready to plead my case to one of the other men, but he moved with me, blocking my way.

I stepped again. He blocked me.

Again. Blocked.

Was this asshole laughing at me?

I tilted my head up, locking eyes with him. “If you don’t move, I will lay you out on the ground and embarrass you.”

And the bastard laughed.

My father always warned me— Niki, that red hair of yours is going to get you in trouble.

Now I knew what he meant.

Before I could stop myself, I had the big guy on the ground, flat on his back, before he even realized what hit him.

I smirked, stepping over him. “Now—”

Boom.

I was suddenly flipped onto my back, he pinned me down before I could blink.

Shit.

His face hovered close to mine, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Good move, sweetheart,” he murmured. “But never turn your back on your opponent.” His voice dropped, his breath warm against my cheek. “If you do, you’re dead.”

His face was so close, his mouth just inches from mine.

I didn’t breathe.

Did I want him to kiss me?

…Yes. Oh, my God, Niki, you are disgusting.

I barely knew this guy. And he’d just thrown me to the ground. And yet… my nipples hardened, betraying me.

He can’t know, can he? No. He damn sure can’t know.

I scrambled to my feet as the others watched.

The big guy crossed his arms. “Alright, if you’re coming, you follow our rules. When we tell you to do something, you do it. No tough girl act. These people have machine guns—you won’t get close enough to throw them on the ground.”

I swallowed hard, nodding.

“And lose those tight jeans. You’ll have to dress like they do—just like we will. Follow me. I’ll show you what to wear.”

I clenched my fists.

I should thank him. He did protect me from the fall. And he was right—I never should’ve turned my back.

But I’d be damned if I was thanking this brute for anything.

One of the others spoke up. “What’s your name?”

“Niki O’Riley.” I gave him my Mom’s maiden name. I don’t even know why I did that.

I wasn’t about to tell them I was an FBI Special Agent. As far as they knew, I was just a woman looking for her brother.

The man nodded. “I’m River Channing. This is Gage Sparrow, Lyon Spenser, and Raven Jackson.”

“We’re the best of the best,” River said. “We know what we’re doing. If you’re coming, you follow our lead. Agreed? ”

I hesitated.

“Sure,” I said.

Total lie.

River eyed me before nodding. “Follow us. We’ll get you different clothes.”

I smirked. Step one—complete.