Page 10 of Fire and Ice

Jack raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, maybe I wasn't too discreet," Maia admitted grudgingly.

Derek frowned. "It's unlike you to be sloppy, sweetie. You need a break and regroup."

Maia chewed her bottom lip as if pondering what her friend had just said. "I'm going to pack up and come back to set the charges," Maia replied, not wanting the men to know she was doubting herself. They were so perceptive, damn them. Jack had been stirring something unfamiliar within her too because he rattled her defenses like noman ever had. She was fully aware of his virile masculinity - sucking the oxygen out of the room such that she had trouble breathing smoothly in his presence. She did not need this complication right now with Reznikov at large.

She moved to her dressing area and pulled out two oversized duffel bags. To her consternation, Jack followed her, observing her like a hawk. She ignored him and started shoving clothes into her bag.

"Where are you heading?" Jack asked casually.

"It's really none of your business," Maia replied, a little more harsher than she had intended to. She wanted to keep her tone neutral, not act like he had gotten under her skin.

"I can offer you protection. I have some properties in a couple of small towns that are well-equipped to keep you hidden."

"And what's in it for you?"

"Damn it, Maia, I'm trying to keep you safe."

"I don't need you to keep me safe. You barely know me. I can take care of myself."

"I can see that. But you think this Russian whatever-he-is won't finally figure out how to get to you with the attempts he's made? Yeah, I know those mercs who stormed Castle were connected to him. I've got the resources, probably more than even the AGS."

Maia zipped up her bag that held her clothes and started working on the second duffel to hold her weapons.

"I don't need to fuck someone for protection," Maia retorted and almost regretted the words when she saw Jack's eyes grow icy and a muscle begin to twitch his jaw.

Without saying another word, Jack took the first duffel bag, turned around and stalked out, informing Derek over his shoulder, "I'll wait in the car."

Maia finished packing her second duffel bag and rejoined Derek who had started wiring the charges around the computer and other devices that needed eradication.

"Jack is right you know: he's better able than anyone else to keep you safe. The Russian won't think to mess with him."

"I know he's your friend"

"So are you," Derek returned.

"He wants me to sleep with him."

"Jack is honest, blunt even with what he wants, but he will never force an unwilling woman."

"I can't drag him into my mess. A mess, I might say, I've created."

"You'll have to give me some details about that sometime."

"It's still an ongoing case, I can't talk about it."

"Gotcha."

They continued to work silently, rigging everything to be set off by one transmitter. Once wired, they moved behind the wall near the stairwell and hit the detonator. There was a loud bang and a flash, and then everything was incinerated into charcoal-like remains. TX-3 explosives are very efficient: they burn fast and controlled and are frequently utilized by the military. It was also one of the very first products designed and patented by MDI.

Derek picked up Maia's bag of arsenals and started down the stairs with her.

Upon reaching the ground floor, Maia looked at her car wistfully and said to Derek, "Viktor is sending Guardians out to take care of the Russians' ride and my Audi. I'm gonna miss driving it."

"Where do you want us to drop you off?"

"The Fulton Station. I've got a locker there with a new laptop, access card and some cash."

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