Page 12 of Black Site

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Libby

There is something so exciting about traveling, especially when you haven't had the opportunity to do it. The fact that I am in a whole other country is mind-numbing. All I can think about is how awesome this is. Ace flew us here in a private plane that was generously donated by a person who needed the guys help once upon a time and owed them. For my first time flying it was a pretty cool way to cross the ocean. We landed in Croatia and a car met us to take us to the Zagreb hotel. Fresh snow was lying on the ground and right in front of the hotel ice skaters made their way around a rink. Everything was so beautiful.

"I don't know how to speak this language, Jim."

"You won't have to. We are meeting a man at a restaurant, he speaks Russian. He's a defector from his mother country and a man who can answer some questions for us." We check-in and are lead to a room.

"I thought you said we were going to Russia."

"We are. That is where we will end up after I take what I need from this man."

The porter holds the door open for me and him and he turns to make sure to lock and secure the door behind us. "This room only has one bed, Jim." I look over at the man who brought me here. Since we've been working together he's not been so monotone with me anymore. He even cracked a joke the other day. True it was at Remy's expense but it was an improvement.

"Very good counting skills, Ms. Anderson. I knew there was a reason I pay you so much."

"Oh cut the shit, Archer. You pay me because you can't do half of what I do by yourself. Now explain."

"This isn't a vacation. The people we are meeting are...dangerous and this way I don't have to worry about them trying to take you to get to me."

His words make me swallow the knot that forms in my throat. Oh my God. I was so caught up in the thrill of going to new places that I forgot the person I am with and the reason I am doing all the traveling. I can totally agree with him about not wanting to be used as a human shield for anyone again. Next time he might just say fuck it and shoot.

"Jim, I don't think I am cut out for this spy shit. I am way too direct and in your face to be of any good to you and I haven't been anywhere. I'll likely end up embarrassing you and letting stuff slip that I shouldn't. What were you thinking bringing me here?"

"I was thinking that you are more than competent to have my back if I need you too. You are loyal and you read people quickly and precisely. You are the best translator I have ever met and you can hold your shit together better than a lot of the men I have gone into battle with. That is what I am thinking, Liberty."

God, I hate when he uses my whole name. He knows it too. The bastard.

"We have a dinner to attend at six. Wear something...nice."

He wants nice I'll give him nice. I thought maybe I might need dresses for wherever Jim is taking me so I bought some just before we left - with his credit card. It's a business expense after all. I spend a good portion of the evening getting ready for whatever he has planned. I figure one of the reasons he wants me with him is for a distraction so I plan to be the best distraction he could ever ask for.

He's waiting in the lobby when I walk down the front stairs. Seeing his face is payment enough. I made a good call on the dress. It's beaded and long but there are cutaways on either side of my hips, in the front stopping just above my belly button and in the back all the way to the two dimples right above my ass. The top fastens in a chocker style collar that wraps around my bare neck. I chose to wear my hair up with wisps of curls coming down on either side of my face which is made up heavier than I normally would. The whole thing is a green that matches his eyes.

I walk by him and make sure I put extra sway in my hips. It takes him a while to stand up so I look over my shoulder at him. "Are you coming?"

My question has his beautiful green eyes growing larger until he finally stands and moves towards me. I might be playing with fire but I just can't help myself where he is concerned. Besides, it's safe because he doesn't want anything to do with me like that.

I rake my eyes down his body before meeting his eyes. He doesn't look so bad himself wearing a black tux. He comes up beside me and whispers low enough so only I can hear. "Tell me you're wearing underwear?"

I move my lips up into a mischievous smirk, "There wasn't enough room."

"You better be glad I have enough C-4 on me to blow up half the nation or you would be in so much trouble right now."

"You have no idea how much trouble I can get into." I walk a little bit ahead of him and try to steel myself when the heat of his palm on my lower back startles me. The entire time we ride to the restaurant he doesn't say anything just looks at me. His hand doesn't leave my back the entire time he walks us to a table where a large man is sitting. The man looks from Jim to me and back to Jim like there might be a question he is trying to ask Jim without saying the words. "Archer, I expect there is a good reason you wanted to meet with me."

"Always, Lebedinsky." He doesn't actually tell the man why he wants to talk to him which I can tell pisses the man off. His eyes shift to me and linger too long for my liking.

"Who do we have here, Archer? You didn't tell me you were bringing someone with you."

"Eyes on me or I cut them out." The man's eyes fly back to Jim and I have to slow my reaction to his words down. What the fuck?

After considerable silence, the man finally speaks again, "Sit, please." Jim seats me in the chair farthest away from the man. I'm not sure how I am supposed to distract this man when I am so far away from him. "The entertainment for the night is exceptional and a rare talent if I do say so myself."

The lights go down and everyone in the restaurant turns to a stage that has risen out of the floor when food is passed out. A woman is lying on the floor as music starts to play. The woman's body starts pulsing to the rhythm of the music like her body is breathing the music. Her top shimmies as she uses long strong legs to push her body up off the ground. She's dressed in red silks with jewels that sparkle at her hips and on her bra. Her body flows with the music and her hips rise and fall with each beat of the drum.

All the confidence I had when I walked down the hotel stairs is gone. I don't have what it takes to play when this woman is in the room. She is beautiful and all eyes are glued to her as she bends and shakes across the floor of the stage. Her body is full and curvy while still being lithe. Her hair is as dark as midnight and her face is stunning with high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes. I peek to my side and see Jim's full attention riveted on her.

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