Blood and Thunder books 1-4

By Susan Stephens

Powerful, hot-blooded men fight for justice.
Passionate, stand-up women go head to head with them in this pulse-racing quartet of sexy, fast moving novels.
Set in exotic, often dangerous locations, four hard men: a Russian, an Argentinian, a Spaniard, and Cesar, the mystery man who calls no place home, find love a tougher call than the criminals they track down.
United. Triumphant. Blood and Thunder.
If you loved Susan Stephens’ Band of Brothers: Acosta series, and Thunderbolt!, you’ll love Blood and Thunder from this USA Today bestselling author.
Alexei TSAR (Book 1)
Dante (Book 2)
Diego (Book 3)
Cesar (Book 4)

Previously titled; Christmas Tsar, Argentinian Billionaire, Spaniard Untamed and Brazilian Unleashed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Stephens
• Release date: Nov 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781910604410

Susan Stephens

Romance with heart, heat and red-hot men, written by author addicted to all of the above.Latest release for Harlequin... UNTOUCHED UNTIL THE GREEK’S RETURNBLOOD AND THUNDER SERIES Dangerous women. Hard men. Ferocious passion.ALEXEI. https://books2read.com/u/m2leOdDANTE. https://books2read.com/u/38dejVDIEGO https://books2read.com/u/me9XezCESAR https://books2read.com/u/mB25GACONOR https://books2read.com/u/baDBNQBooks 1-4 BLOOD AND THUNDER available as box set https://books2read.com/u/mYGQ7YHOT HEX seriesWARRIOR WITCH https://books2read.com/u/3Gw5yPROYAL WITCH. https://books2read.com/u/4Xr6qNCHRISTMAS WITCH https://books2read.com/u/49nXRwFIRE WITCH. https://books2read.com/u/3n2eB8USA TODAY best-selling author Susan Stephens has global sales of over 10 million books. Translated into 26 languages across 109 countries, Susan's 75th book recently hit the shelves.A professional singer before meeting her husband on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, in true romance style they met on Monday, became engaged on Friday and were married three months later.Susan's menagerie consists of dogs, cats, horses, a donkey, several guinea pigs, a husband and three terrific children.Sue enjoys entertaining, travel, and going to the theatre. To relax she reads, cooks and plays the piano, and when she's had enough of relaxing she throws herself off mountains on skis, or gallops through the countryside singing loudly.But most of all, she loves hearing from you, her readers, and keeping in touch via regular newsletters.FREE story for new subscribers.Newsletter Sign-up:https://subscribepage.com/f9n2j5

Book preview

Blood and Thunder Boxed Set 1-4

Contents

Alexei

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Dante

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Epilogue

Diego

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

Cesar

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

Newsletter and Social Media Links

About the Author

Other books by Susan Stephens

Copyright

BLOOD AND THUNDER Boxed Set 1-4

ALEXEI (Blood and Thunder 1)

DANTE (Blood and Thunder 2)

DIEGO (Blood and Thunder 3)

CESAR (Blood and Thunder 4)

Copyright © 2021 Susan Stephens

Cover Design Copyright © Glass Slipper WebDesign

Editor: Linda Ingmanson

Formatter: Glass Slipper WebDesign

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All books in this boxed set are works of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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All Rights Reserved.

Alexei

Introduction

With these arms…

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When Dana brought up a new frame on the giant screen, Amber felt as if her entire body had been plugged into a power socket. This was definitely her assignment. She would kill to keep it. 

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Billionaire playboy polo player— Dana paused to get her team’s attention as everyone had been distracted by the titan on horseback. At least, that’s what we’re supposed to think, but I believe there’s something more going on in Alexei’s life.

ALEXEI

A Blood and Thunder Novel

Copyright © 2021 Susan Stephens

Cover Design Copyright © Glass Slipper WebDesign

Editor: Linda Ingmanson

Formatter: Glass Slipper WebDesign

ISBN (Ebook) 978-1-910604-51-9

ISBN (Print) 978-1-910604-52-6

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

---

All Rights Reserved.

Prologue

Alexei - Blood and Thunder

It’s going to be a tough Christmas for someone.

No one knew if Dana Black, editor in chief of Hard News, was joking or not. A tough Christmas could be a euphemism for an interview conducted over Christmas in Barbados, which Dana would keep for herself. Equally, it could mean a great new polar tent had been designed, and the manufacturers wanted it tested on the tundra. Seated at the back of the meeting, Amber glanced at her colleagues, all of whom looked smugly contented, as if the statement Dana Black had made was meant for someone else.

Someone called Amber?

A couple of Amber’s new friends glanced at her with sympathy. She replied with a don’t-worry-about-me smile. It was no secret that Amber, the latest recruit at Hard News, was being put through the usual cub reporter’s trial-by-crap assignments, which meant if a lousy job came up, hers was the first name out of the hat.

But as that’s what I’m here for…

Alexei Riga…

When Dana announced this and brought up a new frame on the giant screen, Amber felt as if her entire body had been plugged into a power socket. This was definitely her assignment. She would kill to keep it.

Billionaire playboy polo player— Dana had to pause to get her team’s attention as everyone had been distracted by the titan on horseback. At least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe, but I think there’s something more going on in Alexei’s life.

There was certainly a lust storm swirling around the female office staff as they studied the steely-eyed Russian. This first close-up of Alexei Riga had stunned the entire team into silence, and Amber was no exception. Built like a gladiator with a face hard enough to crack rock, the Russian oligarch looked like a man who would shoot first and ask questions later. Dangerous? Oh yes. In every way there was, Amber concluded as her sex-starved body clenched repeatedly with approval. Who wouldn’t want a shot at melting ice?

Amber. This might interest you…

Several disgruntled heads swiveled Amber’s way as she was singled out.

Dana was the best in the business, and the entire team wanted to come to her attention. Dana was the main reason Amber had come to London to train as an investigative journalist. The editor was a hard taskmaster, but in Amber’s opinion, there was no point in training if she didn’t finish with some war wounds to show for it. She wasn’t quite as surprised as everyone else that Dana had thought of her for this assignment, as Amber’s particular skill set made her the obvious choice, though she hadn’t expected to dig her way out of the Hatched, Matched, and Dispatched column quite so fast.

Here is Alexei mounted alongside his teammates in the top-ranked Blood and Thunder polo team, Dana continued. Diego, Dante, and Cesar. All good so far, Dana allowed, but several times a year, these players disappear off the grid, and no one seems to know where they are, let alone what they’re doing. That’s what I need to find out. I want to dive into this story and dig out all the dirt. Who can give me what I want?

Amber didn’t hesitate. I can.

Yes. You’d be an excellent choice, Dana agreed.

Ignoring the murmur of interest that ran around the room, Amber confirmed, I fit the brief. I can ride. We have horses on the farm where I grew up, she explained to her colleagues. And, as you hinted, she added, directing this comment to Dana Black, who was the only person in the room to have seen Amber’s full CV, I do have some other useful skills—

Cooking? one wag called out.

I can cook, Amber confirmed without missing a beat. We grew a lot of our own food on the farm.

Turnips à la carte, another commented snidely.

I wish you joy of that, the first commentator remarked. Serving up farm food to some effete billionaire more accustomed to fine dining? That should go down well. He laughed unpleasantly.

These meetings were highly competitive events, and not all those present were Amber’s friends. No surprise there, she thought as she jotted down every way she’d like to ride Alexei Riga into next week and back, on the pretext of scribbling important notes.

So, what are these skills of yours? one of the old hacks asked in a tone that made Amber bristle.

I’m dogged.

This produced a smirk.

And keen, she continued, undaunted.

A snigger spread around the room, and then someone murmured, Arse-lick.

And I’m not afraid of a challenge, Amber added, directing a death stare at the culprit. She had no intention of indulging their interest further.

The Hard News welcome was notorious among cub reporters, but the chance Dana had offered Amber felt like a golden opportunity to break out, and it was one she had every intention of seizing—along with Alexei Riga, Amber daydreamed, knowing she wouldn’t stand a chance in the real world.

Good. We have our recruit, Dana confirmed. Accounts will arrange some modest expenses for you, Amber. You’ll be applying for a job as crew on Alexei Riga’s superyacht when it docks in Monte Carlo.

No one was laughing now, Amber noticed.

Chapter One

He noticed the girl right away. At every port, there were managed crew changes, but this one was different from his usual recruits. Young and curious, the leggy girl was not the type of savvy help that generally peopled his yacht. He called his purser aside. Tell me?

"The girl? She comes with impeccable references and an interesting CV. I sent a file through to you. Bright kid. Scholarship to a top school. Chose the army over university. Selected for Special Ops training, which she completed successfully. When she left the forces, she turned up as a trainee journalist at Hard News."

An interesting career path. Alexei’s brow lifted as he turned a level stare on his purser.

His man smiled faintly and inclined his head. I thought she might prove useful in the next part of our expansion.

We can test her out, Alexei agreed.

On the practical front, she can help in the kitchen, act as stewardess, and I thought she looked presentable.

More than, Alexei thought as the slender redhead viewed his superyacht in awe before sliding her bulky rucksack from her back in preparation for passing through security prior to boarding. Tiny shorts with frayed edges, cut from a pair of jeans, were the perfect foil for her long legs. Her backside was just the right size for his hands. Her waist was slim. Her breasts were pert, up-tilted, and almost certainly the real deal. A jumble of faded T-shirt and a fringed scarf thrown untidily around her neck completed the picture. She’d look sensational in a red silk dress, split to the waist, or a bikini of his choosing. Better still, naked.

What does she know about us? he asked as he watched her come aboard.

Nothing more than the usual gossip. I thought it better to use the organic method of induction.

I’m good with that, Alexei agreed.

On the practical front, we’re shorthanded, Alexei. If nothing else, she can fulfill her shipboard duties. She’s signed the usual confidentiality agreement, and we can always put her off at the next port.

I’ll interview her. Bring her up to my study.

Of course, Alexei.

Saluting as he would have done when they were both in Special Forces, the purser, once a lieutenant in the elite force where Alexei had served as his commanding officer, left the bridge to summon the new recruit.

Alexei Riga wants to see me? This opportunity to meet the man who had glowered at her from the screen in London had come much sooner than Amber had expected. She had barely had time to familiarize herself with her new quarters, let alone prepare herself for interview.

Yes, ma’am, and he doesn’t like to be kept waiting.

Her heart was beating in double time as she studied the man in officer’s whites. He looked battle ready rather than like a purser working for a billionaire on his superyacht.

Ma’am?

Coming. After dropping her bag on her bunk, she tugged off her scarf, straightened her clothes, and prepared to follow him.

Another image stuck in Amber’s mind as they jogged up the companionway leading from the crew quarters in the bowels of the ship to the main part of the yacht, and it wasn’t the comparatively tame image of Alexei Riga she’d seen in London, but the flesh-and-blood man who’d stood watching as she’d boarded. Naked to the waist in cut-offs that left very little to her imagination, with a towel slung around his neck, still gleaming from his swim, Alexei Riga was hot, hard, and assault ready like his yacht. She’d done her homework and knew that Russian Thunder was faster than boats half its size. Boasting a knifelike prow and a rounded hull that made it almost impossible to board, drones and two satellites monitored its every move as well as the movements of other craft within a phenomenal radius. There were cameras and motion detectors on deck, as well as a night-vision system, providing a battalion of eyes. Two helicopters squatted menacingly on the top deck, while a submarine and twin landing boats that were mini superyachts in themselves were housed on one of the lower decks, and the entire floating fiefdom was protected by a missile defense system and bombproof glass. What type of man commanded that?

An ineffectual and pretentious billionaire, as suggested by one of Amber’s colleagues?

She didn’t think so. Alexei Riga’s superyacht was equipped to serve a small army, which was what she suspected it did.

The officer escorting her used iris recognition to open a door leading to a different part of the ship. Have I done something wrong? she asked as he held the door to let her through.

Come with me, please.

Mr. Chatty wouldn’t tell her anything, Amber concluded. She was growing nervous at the thought of meeting Alexei Riga face-to-face. She’d never imagined a man who carried such a potent sexual charge, let alone met one in the flesh. She might have other useful skills, but sexual technology wasn’t one of her qualifications, and rumors abounded where the founding member of the Blood and Thunder polo team was concerned.

This felt more like a walk to the gallows than to an interview with the elusive owner of the superyacht, Amber thought as she passed more hard-faced crew members, who treated her as if she were invisible. She was escorted into an elevator in the same tense silence and taken to an even higher deck, where the air, to Amber’s overworked imagination, appeared to be scented with an equal mix of wealth and ozone. The honeyed teak of the lower decks gave way to a thick, sound-absorbing carpet, and all the soft furnishings were white. Not yellowing white, or dusty white, or, heaven forefend, grubby white; this was the world of white perfection, the world of order and control.

Since when did Russian oligarchs with more money than Croesus interview lowly members of staff? Chills raced up and down her spine as she caught sight of herself in one of the many crystal-framed mirrors, prompting her to change the walk-to-the-gallows metaphor to that of lamb to the slaughter.

The next door opened onto an area that lifted her spirits. It was a surprisingly airy salon where Scandinavian minimalism predominated. Vivid acrylics on canvas enlivened the restrained décor with action scenes from polo matches, but even that wasn’t enough to stifle her apprehension as Mr. Chatty led the way to a highly polished door, where he knocked discreetly.

Come…

Don’t even joke, Amber thought as the deeply masculine, faintly accented voice of Alexei Riga took a leisurely ride across her senses.

He glanced up as she walked in. Twenty-four years old, according to her CV. Slender and pale, she had the type of Celtic fragility he’d steered clear of in the past. He preferred his women sophisticated enough to know the score. He reminded himself that she wasn’t here to share his bed but to work, and possibly advance within his organization. He took in the untidy red hair piled up haphazardly on top of her head and the casual outfit. Any resemblance to a woman who had undergone the most intense physical training the army could offer was lost on him. He might have wondered if her CV had been embroidered if it hadn’t come from an impeccable source.

Please sit down. He indicated a sofa.

I prefer to stand, sir.

As she straightened up and stared directly ahead, he got the first clue that she might be genuine.

At ease. And sit, he commanded.

She perched awkwardly on the edge of a leather chesterfield. She was a beauty, with clear jade-green eyes, and freckled, peachy skin. It was all too easy to imagine her lithe limbs wrapped around him and her lips parted as she panted out her pleasure, but none of that was relevant to him.

Why do you want to see me? she asked, staring up at him intently.

The bluntness of her question took him by surprise. Speak when I invite you to speak. This is not a pleasure yacht, and you are not a guest. Walking in front of his desk, he lost no time on pleasantries. Do you know what I do, Amber Smith?

Her full lips pressed down as she considered this. Something to do with oil and pipelines—and you play polo with the Blood and Thunder polo team?

What do you know about the team?

Not much, but I can ride. I have a horse on the farm where I grew up.

Why did you leave the farm?

For the first time, she hesitated. Family differences, she said at last.

Her CV told him she’d lost her father when she was twelve. The man had been covered in glory in the forces and killed in battle trying to save members of his platoon. Her mother had married again, taking her young daughter to live with her second husband on a remote hill farm. Alexei could make what he liked of that. There were no further details available to him.

What brings you to Monte Carlo looking for a job?

I thought this would be the best place for me to gain the type of experience I need.

At least she was partway honest. He knew the full story. He was testing her.

"You can’t come here to gain experience. I only accept fully trained crew. And you’ll wear a uniform in future. I hope you brought something warmer to wear in your downtime? It can be cold in Monaco at this time of year."

That’s why it’s not so popular with the big yachts around Christmastime, she observed, frowning. Obviously, I’m delighted that you’re here, she added quickly.

Obviously, he said dryly. She was right in thinking that most of the superyachts followed the sun and would be in the Caribbean or in the southern hemisphere. So you do have some warm clothes?

Oh yes. Flannelette pajamas, bed socks, jeans, and a fleece, she said, widening her eyes into innocent saucers.

She was bold enough to be cheeky. Interesting. But she appeared too innocent to fit his usual taste in women. And you got all that in your knapsack? he said, playing along.

I did. Her eyes sparkled with the knowledge that to know she had a knapsack with her, he must have been watching her as she’d boarded. Does that mean I get to keep the job?

You get to be on trial. He pulled away from the desk and straightened up. And now you’re dismissed.

She stood immediately.

Report for duty at seven o’ clock.

Tonight?

Tomorrow morning, and every morning after that.

Yes, sir.

You can call me Alexei.

Yes—her cheeks blushed red—Alexei.

He jerked his chin at the door and heard her sigh of relief as she closed it.

Amber’s legs were shaking. And what had she learned, other than the fact that Alexei Riga was a supercharge for her senses? She had never met a man so hard or so cold, not even during all her time in the forces. Having her body respond to him like a virgin awaiting the attention of the world’s most adept tutor in the erotic arts wasn’t helpful when she was here to get a story. Anything more than that was pure fantasy.

Mr. Chatty was waiting to take her back to her quarters. For now, she was under guard. She had no doubt that the officer had been tasked with keeping an eye on her. He struck her as efficient, but would he be good enough? She had a few tricks of her own up her sleeve.

Alexei Riga had certainly lived up to his reputation as an enigmatic hardman, Amber concluded once she was back in her cabin. She could confirm that the screens, phones, computers, and assorted technological gizmos in his quarters on board Russian Thunder were better suited to a war room than a billionaire’s study, and when Alexei Riga wore the ubiquitous uniform of blue jeans and black polo top, it suggested a warrior at ease rather than a billionaire too lazy to raid his wardrobe for something more stylish. His tanned, muscular body was a killing machine directed by a man with a steel-trap mind. She couldn’t help but fantasize about that same body delivering pleasure with unequaled skill. And those eyes—arctic ice best described them. Put them in the mix with Alexei Riga’s rugged features and impressive physique, and the complete package suggested the type of sexual energy that Amber’s underused body was only too eager to embrace. Fortunately, she had more sense.

Her imagination begged to differ.

Chapter Two

Fuck, she’d made him hard! Clutching his straining cock as the door closed behind the latest potential recruit, he grimaced and shut his eyes to blank her out. He had work to do tonight, and he could not afford to be distracted by the girl.

Half an hour later, the entire Blood and Thunder polo team had assembled on deck. All of them were fabulously wealthy and all of them bound by the same code of honor, which was to clean up the mess that the authorities of various countries had neither the time nor the resources to deal with. Tonight, it was Alexei’s turn to head up the mission. He hailed from the steppes of Russia, where riding a horse was as natural as walking and the fight for survival was real and often vicious. His second in command tonight was Dante Formosa, an Argentinian born in a stable to a Romani mother—a stable Dante now owned, together with an inherited landmass the size of Great Britain. Diego Vidal would be acting as point man. Diego was a fearless warrior from a region of Spain high in the rugged Sierra Nevada, where men were hard, and women were passionate, and their horses were second to none. Last up was Cesar, a cold, distant man, who called no place home, and whose history before they’d come together to play polo was a blank. But it was Cesar who had bought Isla Celeste, an island in the sun that served as their base, and not just for polo. After tonight’s mission, the team would reconvene on the island for debriefing.

They went over their tactics one last time. Confident they had every angle covered, they tooled up and headed out.

Amber had no intention of staying in her cabin all night. Nice though it was, with its polished wood and clever design, she needed fresh air, as well as some time away from the ship to think how she was going to get the inside story on Alexei Riga for Dana. He wasn’t exactly the open, friendly type. He was more the archetypical strong and silent type, with a bit of BDSM potential thrown in. This was, of course, only a theory, as her experience was confined to her imagination, but he did love his discipline.

Pulling on her jeans, a fleece, and a pair of sneakers, she glanced at the crew instruction folder. There was nothing to say she couldn’t leave the ship, though she didn’t want Mr. Chatty trailing after her. She could eat on board in the crew’s mess, but as she wasn’t on duty until seven o’clock the following morning, she wanted to see what was happening on shore. The trick would be to find a café where she could actually afford to eat. Hard News hadn’t been exactly lavish with expenses, and Monte Carlo wasn’t noted for its cheap eateries, but maybe a sandwich bar would be open.

Slipping over the side of the yacht was easy. Getting back again might be a problem, but it was a problem that would wait until later. Climbing onto the pontoon from the ship without getting a dunking in the sea or being spotted by the guards or by one of the many cameras was another challenge, but it was one she relished. She had undergone many similar tests in the army and had proved a tricky adversary for her instructors.

It was dark on the side streets of Monte Carlo, apart from the occasional streetlamp and a reluctant moon. It was pointless searching the main drag for somewhere she could afford to eat, so she headed up the narrow side streets in search of affordable food, reasoning that workers like her had to eat somewhere.

From a trash can?

Shocked by the sight of a young girl rifling through a Dumpster behind a pizza restaurant, Amber backed into a doorway to watch. The girl had already made a small pile of discarded boxes containing scraps of half-eaten pizzas, and she was looking for more. Digging out her money, Amber counted the thin wad of notes. She made some swift calculations. She could afford to buy more than one pizza. Walking over to put her proposal to the girl, she was startled when the girl reared back as if terrified of Amber. Wheeling around, the girl looked for somewhere to hide.

Hey—no! Catching up, Amber tried to explain. Please don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you. What’s your name?

The girl looked at her warily before deciding to speak. Celina, she confided in a whisper.

I was just on my way to buy a pizza, Celina. Amber mimed eating a pizza as she pointed at the café. Celina obviously spoke some English, but Amber had no idea if she understood enough to realize what Amber intended to do.

I understand you, Celina explained to her relief.

Will you let me buy you a pizza?

Celina looked as if she’d rather disappear, and said nothing for a while. She was shaking like a rabbit. Rake thin, with long, straggly hair, she was grubby and half-starved. A noise made Amber swing around and stare up. She was shocked to see more women leaning out of an upstairs window. Your friends? she asked.

Following her glance, Celina grimaced. We’re all locked in. I managed to escape to find food.

Amber assessed the situation. The house was part of a block with a fire escape running down from the roof. Celina had taken an incredible risk to get out. The only way she could have done so was by edging along a narrow ledge to reach the fire escape, and from there, down to the street.

No! Don’t do that, Celina exclaimed in panic as Amber cautiously tried the front door. They’ll hear you.

They?

The men. Celina’s eyes had widened with fright. The men who brought us here, she explained, her gaze darting anxiously around the shadows. We paid them to bring us here, she admitted in a small voice. We all answered the same advertisement for well-paying jobs and a chance to better ourselves.

You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Amber said, firing up inside on behalf of the women as she tried to work out how best to help them.

The pizza? Celina pressed softly in an imploring tone.

She sounded so desperate, Amber knew she couldn’t refuse, though every second they remained in the open added to the danger of discovery.

You stay here, and I’ll be back as fast as I can, she promised. Don’t go anywhere. I’m going to help you.

Don’t tell anyone, Celina implored. You’ll put us all in danger if you tell the authorities.

But we have to tell someone, Amber insisted.

Just not yet—we’re all so hungry.

All right, Amber agreed. But throw those boxes of pizza away. You don’t know how long that food’s been rotting in the bin.

There was hunger, and then there was this, Amber thought as Celina reluctantly did as she asked.

Stay back in the shadow of that doorway and wait for me, she instructed.

Amber paid for as many pizzas as she could afford. She’d sort out her finances later. Balancing the boxes in her arms, she backed her way out the door. She looked around for Celina, but there was no one in the doorway, and the window from which the women had been leaning out was closed—

Amber exclaimed in fright as a big hand slammed across her mouth, then her survival instincts and training kicked in, and she fought with her elbows, her heels, and her teeth, but the man was too strong for her and started dragging her toward the house.

How thoughtful of you to bring us pizza, he snarled in an ugly accent.

Alexei and his team spread out silently, taking up position in preparation for the raid. A thirst for danger had always united them, and their goal was simple tonight. There were female captives inside the house, whom they intended to free. And not just free but repatriate, or find them safe havens. Failure wasn’t an option. If they weren’t rescued, the older women would go as domestic slaves, hidden and forgotten in some plutocrat’s mansion, while the younger, prettier women would be washed and groomed and dressed in tiny bikinis before being offered up for auction on the dark web. It was a multimillion-dollar enterprise controlled by a network of men that Alexei and his team had sworn to eliminate. Alexei’s spy at the pizza restaurant had alerted him to this latest cell, which was why Alexei’s yacht was berthed in Monte Carlo at such an unfashionable time of year.

He’d just been told through his earpiece that the women had been moved from the locked attic to the cellar. Because of some young English girl walking into their trap, his spy on the ground had told him, ending with a brief description of the girl.

Amber Smith. He swore viciously. He’d had no report of her leaving the ship, but the description fit her perfectly.

And we didn’t even have to pay for her transport here, his spy now reported one of the gang members boasting.

Fucking idiot! As if they didn’t have enough on their plates tonight without having to rescue Amber.

I got a quick look at her before they dragged her away, his spy told him. She’s valuable stock—young and fresh. Even her long red hair is an advantage because it’s so unusual. They’ll put a premium on her when they put her up for sale. When they manhandled her into the house, I heard one of them say, ‘Let’s see how you like the rats in the basement when you join the other sluts,’ which is why I think that’s where the other women are being held.

Alexei’s thirst for justice had just become personal. Understood, he murmured.

He glanced at the house. Lights were on in the front rooms. He made a gesture to indicate that his team must watch the front door while he slipped around the side.

The back of the house was in darkness. He wore protective bands around his fists and was carrying a pack containing the tools he’d need. Keeping his gun cocked and ready, he chose a window to crack. Using a glass cutter and glass suckers, he silently removed the pane and climbed inside. The cellar door was right in front of him. Bolted. No problem. The only hitch he anticipated was that the women would start screaming when he burst in wearing night vision goggles and brandishing a Glock.

As always, timing was key. He relied on his team to keep the gang pinned down while he freed the women. He waited for the first round of gunfire, then shot the bolt and plunged into the steaming damp and oppressive darkness.

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At the sound of the first shot, the women crowded around Amber started to scream. Shoving them behind her, she told them to crouch low while she stood in front of them, shielding them as best she could.

We don’t know what’s happening yet, but we need to be ready to move, she impressed on them. It’s no use screaming and crying. Do you want to die in here?

She could only hope her tone got through to them, and Celina helped her to translate.

Amber flinched like the rest when the door burst open and a huge, black-clothed figure burst in. Recovering quickly, she took up position to defend the women.

The man reared over her, intimidatingly close. Amber?

Alexei!

Stand down, he ordered quietly.

She obeyed instantly. This was not the time for rebellion. Alexei stared past her, assessing the number and condition of the women. She assessed the quality and type of body armor he was wearing, together with all his state-of-the-art equipment. Black combat gear with night vision goggles over his balaclava told its own story. Away from the plush surroundings of his superyacht, Alexei Riga was a tough, hard-bitten soldier of a type Amber was accustomed to and felt an immediate affinity with.

Are you okay? He glanced at her once through the slit in his mask.

Yes, sir.

His stare lingered for a millisecond on her face. I’ll lead the women upstairs, while you take up the rear. Make sure no one gets left behind. We need out of here fast. Someone from the gang will be down here checking inventory at the first possible opportunity.

Backup?

He nodded. As soon as I give the signal, my team will draw fire.

He murmured a single word into a hidden mic, and the gunfire intensified overhead. Gun cocked, Alexei went ahead of her, while Amber turned to the women and laid her finger on her lips. She ushered them up the steps and into the room above, where Alexei had barred the door into the main part of the house. All that remained was to hustle the women through the broken window.

She recognized the guy from the pizza restaurant waiting outside. They exchanged brief nods of recognition, and then he hurried the women into a van with blacked-out windows and drove them away.

Aren’t you coming? she asked Alexei.

I’m staying to help clean the place.

She guessed he wasn’t referring to mopping floors. Then I’m staying too.

No, you’re not, he said fiercely.

She glared into eyes that held all the warmth of ice chips behind his sinister mask and stood her ground.

I take it you can remember how to handle a gun? he bit out seeing she had no intention of moving.

Military training? And I’ve grown up handling a gun. I used to shoot on the farm all the time, though unarmed combat’s my preferred method of self-defense.

Reaching down, Alexei pulled a small gun from an ankle holster. Point and shoot, he instructed. Just don’t shoot me. Or yourself, he added as an afterthought.

Alexei worked smoothly with his team to trap the gang in a pincer movement, while Amber watched his back. They made a good team, though she didn’t take her first decent breath until all the gunfire had stopped.

It’s done, one of Alexei’s colleagues informed him, with the briefest of glances at Amber.

How many of you are there? she asked when Alexei stood down.

He ignored her question. So did his friend. So she answered it for herself. There were four members of Alexei’s team tonight: Alexei, Dante, Diego, and Cesar, otherwise known as the Blood and Thunder polo team.

Chapter Three

It was only when Alexei leapt into the driver’s seat of the sleek black SUV and tore off his balaclava that she noticed the dark patch on his sleeve. You’ve been hit.

Just a scratch. He took off from the curb at speed. You can clean it up when we get back to the ship. If your stomach can take it?

My stomach can handle a graze, she assured him. It wasn’t tending Alexei’s wound she was worried about, but the prospect of touching him.

You got the standard medical training in the army and a little more besides when you joined Special Ops. Don’t act the fool with me, he warned. I’ve read your CV—the authorized version, as well as the bullshit you served up to me.

His mouth seemed crueler and his harsh accent more pronounced as he flashed a glance at her. When were you going to tell me the truth? Or are you going to deny that you graduated close to the top of your class? Alexei’s icy stare bored into her.

Lifting her chin, she remained true to her training and said nothing.

Do you want the job on my ship or not?

‘I want it, she confirmed tensely. But could you please look where you’re going when you’re driving?"

With a humorless laugh, Alexei sped up, taking them on a tour of the principality’s winding streets like a race car driver.

Where are your colleagues? She checked the wing mirrors for a possible tail.

They can look after themselves, Alexei said tersely.

She braced herself against the dash as he abruptly swung the wheel. What will happen to those women now?

They’re safe with the relevant authorities and well cared for. The principality won’t risk anything that might taint its brand. This is a playground for the rich and famous. Imagine how it would look if some of the less worthy citizens found their dirty linen being washed in the public square.

Are you saying there are people here who would keep slaves like those women?

What do you think, Ms. Smith? A lot of boats move in and out of marinas all over Europe without anyone asking the right questions. Except for you, Amber Smith, he observed, and you ask a lot of questions. I’ll debrief you in more detail when we’re back on board. How did you disembark, by the way, without anyone seeing you?

Smiling faintly, she said nothing.

Alexei hummed. Your take on upping security could be useful.

It’s all too easy to become complacent, Amber agreed. Even the most advanced technology has difficulty keeping pace with the complexities and determination of a human mind.

You don’t say, he murmured, sliding her a look.

Alexei’s cold stare warned her to be open with him from now on, or she’d be off the ship with nothing to show for her stay, apart from the few scrapes and bruises she’d gotten tonight. But she’d learned enough to know there was a dark world beneath the everyday, and that no country could handle all the action. Alexei Riga, and men like him, took up the slack. He was a fearless vigilante, operating on the fringes of the law. Was that what Dana had been hinting at? Should Amber write about it in her article? Or were her loyalties divided now? She wanted to keep her job, but she didn’t want to jeopardize Alexei’s valuable work. Act in haste, repent at leisure sprang to mind, but she already knew that she wouldn’t be able to live with herself if she betrayed Alexei. Keeping her job was going to be harder than she’d thought unless she could come up with something else to write about.

He drew up alongside Russian Thunder and sprang down. Let her through, he barked over his shoulder, tossing his keys to one of the guards.

She jogged up the gangplank in his wake. Will there be more missions like this one?

Alexei stopped dead in front of her. Why? Is the adrenaline racing? he mocked. Does the danger excite you, Ms. Smith?

You should see to that wound, she said, ignoring his jibe.

He glanced down to where the pooling blood had painted a darker shade of black on his sleeve, and then indicated that she should follow him.

Medical supplies? she asked the moment Alexei had closed the door on his study.

He shot a glance at the phone on his desk.

Crossing the floor, she lifted the receiver and waited for the call to connect. Then she gave some brief instructions. Ignoring the barrage of swearing in Russian behind her, she replaced the receiver in its nest. Obviously, you’ve got a ship’s doctor,’ she said, turning to face Alexei. And that wound might need stitching."

How do you know we have a doctor on board? he challenged suspiciously.

I’d be pretty amazed if you didn’t. My best guess is that you have a fully stocked pharmacy, an operating theater, and a morgue for icing those unlucky enough to need refrigeration.

Alexei’s face remained stony, but he raised a brow and softened enough to murmur, "Touché.

Stay, he instructed when she turned for the door. We’ll talk more when the doctor has finished.

Amber shrugged as if this were fine with her, but her heart was beating like a drum. It was one thing standing up to Alexei and something else when he appeared to enjoy it. His stare might be icy, but it could undress her, pleasure her, and promise her more, all within the space of a split second.

He did need stitches. And the doctor was another of the hard-faced crew she’d seen before in passing. She acted as his nurse in silence. He accepted her assistance without comment. Alexei was stoic, as she had expected. He made not a sound as the doctor cleaned and stitched. She cleared away the debris and then showed the doctor to the door. Thank you, Doctor, she said politely as he went on his way as silently as he had arrived.

You’ve got your uses, Alexei observed. And you don’t flinch at the sight of blood.

I don’t flinch at anything, apart from injustice.

Alexei’s considering look was long and steady.

I’d like to do more, she admitted. I’d like to help the women you helped to save tonight.

There’s already a program in place.

And I’d like to be part of it, she said bluntly.

Our work will never be done. There will always be more gangs like the one we came up against tonight, and more women looking for a better life.

What do I have to do to join you?

You? Join us? Alexei looked at her skeptically. Do you think it’s that easy?

You said the gang belonged to a network of criminals? she pressed undaunted.

Correct.

Then you need all the help you can get.

Alexei leaned back against one of the snowy-white barstools to regard her sternly. He looked like a dark angel that had alighted briefly on a cloud; a very bad dark angel. She cleared her throat, and attempted to clear the smutty thoughts from her head. So tonight’s gang will have colleagues who’ll want revenge?

I’d hate to be out of business, he said dryly.

He reached for two shot glasses and put them on the bar. When he leveled a stare on her face, every lustful thought inside her sprang to attention and saluted.

He poured two equal drinks and held one shot glass out. Vodka—

Oh no, thank you. I don’t drink spirits.

That wasn’t a question.

She stared at the glass.

Vodka, he repeated. You’re shaking. It will steady your nerves.

She doubted any drink had the power to do that.

Unless you’d prefer hot milk?

Alexei’s mocking remark and the challenge in his eyes were all it took for her to pick up the gauntlet and run with it. She took the glass, careful not to touch his hand. Taking a sip, she almost choked.

Like this, he said, knocking it back. "Za zda-ró-vye! Cheers!" Alexei slammed his glass down on the bar.

Right now, hot milk sounds great to me, Amber admitted as she put her still-full glass down next to his.

Alexei laughed derisively. How are you going to join the team when you can’t even drink with us?

Perhaps one of us should keep a clear head? she suggested mildly.

Judging by Alexei’s expression, it was touch and go as to whether he would fire her or throw her over his knee and spank her, a possibility she found irrationally arousing.

You have heard of mutiny, I presume? His tone was low and faintly menacing.

And the brig, Amber confirmed. Where you could lock me up and throw away the key. But I’d like the opportunity to prove myself first—if that’s okay with you?

In what way? Alexei looked interested.

In the gym?

The gym? Now he looked amused. So the little English girl thinks she can handle herself in the gym?

She knows she can, Amber said coolly. She’d watched Alexei’s back tonight and had taken full part in the raid. She deserved some respect for that at least. "And it’s English woman," she emphasized.

His eyes narrowed and his lips pressed down as he considered her offer. Six a.m.—before you start work tomorrow. In my gym, not the crews’. The officer will show you the way.

Amber glanced at the deck beneath her feet as the huge vessel shifted almost imperceptibly. Alexei confirmed her suspicions. We’re casting off. This is your last chance to change your mind.

I’ve got no intention of changing my mind. Picking up the shot glass, she exclaimed, "Za zda-ró-vye!" and knocked it back.

Banging her glass