Played

By Zena Wynn

I've spent years watching my business partner and our Administrative Assistant moon over each other when they thought no one watched. It's time to do something about it. If they won't make a move on their own, like a master chessman, I'll maneuver them into position until the outcome is a foregone conclusion. I just hope my plan doesn't get us all killed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zena Wynn
• Release date: Nov 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463095126

Zena Wynn

Zena Wynn is a multi-published author of erotic and sensual romance in various romance subgenres: Interracial, Contemporary, Paranormal, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, and Inspirational. She writes the type of stories she loves to read—stories with great characters who, through love and determination, overcome all the challenges that come their way. Her heroes and heroines are passionately, lovingly, devoted to each other. Zena wants her characters to stick with readers long after “The End.”To learn more about Zena Wynn, visit her website: www.zenawynn.com. Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenawynn. Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XfstUTbbeNLAAmG4Cl4pw. Or contact her by email: [e-mail].

Book preview

Chapter One

Mike

I stood, feet planted, arms crossed over my chest. I want this contract.

My business partner reclined in his chair like a big cat. Despite his casual pose, I knew he could explode into action in the blink of an eye. So do I. It would keep us in the black for years, not to mention all the business that would come our way if we can pull it off. Unfortunately, it’s been tried and failed. Don’t see how we’ll be any more successful.

Smirking, I said, Those agencies don’t have me.

Jacob Jake Jacobson gave a slight nod. True, but even your evil genius may not be enough in this instance.

I grinned. Jake should know better than to underestimate me. Strategic planning was my area of expertise. One I’d raised to such a high level, it was almost a calling. I was planning. Jake was logistics. The man was a real-life MacGyver with his uncanny ability to provide the things we needed to accomplish the mission.

I have a plan, I said and waited.

When nothing more was forthcoming, Jake tossed his pen on the desk. Care to share, O Evil One?

Fighting back a laugh at the reaction I knew was coming, I said, They’ve tried to send single men, women, and couples. We’ll apply as a threesome and see what happens.

A threesome, Jake repeated slowly. His brows scrunched in an expression of deep thought as he considered my words.

Ménage à trois, polyamorous grouping. Any of this ringing a bell?

One dark-gold eyebrow rose. Cute. I know what a threesome is. It might work. The Feds are too strait-laced to think of it, but we’d need a third.

Straight-faced, I said, I have someone in mind.

Eyes narrowed in suspicion, Jake asked, Who?

Jackie. I waited for the explosion.

Jake’s face went blank with shock before he exploded into action. He straightened abruptly in his chair and slapped his hands on his desk. No.

Think about it. She’s perfect for the job.

Frowning ferociously, Jake surged to his feet. Absolutely not. She’s a noncombatant.

Which is what makes her perfect. No one would expect us of being spies with Jackie accompanying us, I said.

Jake adamantly shook his head. Jackie’s not cut out for this type of work.

I tried reasoning with him. Before you say no—

I already said no, he snarled.

—hear me out. Then, before he could voice the protest I saw forming, I outlined my plan.

When I finished, Jake crossed to the office window and stared out. I didn’t fill the silence. From the tenseness of his shoulders, I knew the lust he felt for our administrative assistant warred with his need to keep her safe. This was his opportunity to get a taste of the woman he’d craved for years.

After a minute of watching him struggle, I said the words I knew would tip the balance. Remember, this is a reconnaissance operation. All we need to do is get in, take pictures, and get out.

Finally, he turned to face me. If they accept our reservation and she agrees, I’ll go along with your plan.

Inclining my head in a small nod, I said, I’ll get started.

As I left Jake’s office, I allowed my smile to bloom. The first move of my master plan had been played. This game was now Active.

Chapter Two

Jackie

J & M Consulting, I answered the phone in my professional voice.

Hi, Jackie. This is Brad. Is Mike or Jake around? I need to speak with someone, one of our freelance contractors stated.

They’re in a meeting. Let me buzz and see if they’re available, I said.

Even better. Tell them I have an update, he said.

Hold, please. I placed Brad on hold and pushed the intercom button for Jake’s office.

Yes, Jackie, Jake said.

I have Brad on line one. He’d like to speak with you and Mike.

Patch him through.

Just a second. I disconnected with Jake and pushed line one. Brad, they’ll speak with you. Before I transfer you, don’t forget to fill out your expense report and turn in the receipts for payroll.

I’ll have those for you by the end of the week, he promised.

Thanks. I transferred the call.

I worked for J & M Consulting, a small, private consulting firm run by two men: Michael Mike Michelson and Jacob Jake Jacobson. My title was Administrative Assistant, but my job was that of an office manager. I held things together while they were out of the office, made travel arrangements, handled payroll for the twelve contract employees who worked for us, and generally made sure the bills were paid.

My desk sat in the reception area located between the two bosses’ offices and the entrance. Our suite of offices also contained a breakroom, conference room, bathroom, copier room, and an additional small office where contractors could come and complete their paperwork. Situated as I was in the center, no one could get to anywhere within our space without me seeing.

Both bosses were in their mid-forties, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Jake was the more serious of the two. Mike usually had an upbeat personality and easy-going smile that almost disguised the sharp intelligence in his eyes.

They were opposite in looks as well. Mike was dark—dark hair, dark eyes with thick eyebrows, and a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. His gold-toned skin hinted at a Mediterranean heritage. He was tall and had the somewhat bulky musculature of a man who liked to stay physically active and fit.

Jake was our golden boy. His hair was a dark golden blonde. Like Mike, he kept his haircut short and sported a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. Though just as tall and muscular, Jake was on the lean side. It was his eyes that really defined him. They were golden brown and piercing, just like an eagle.

I’d been with the firm for over four years, almost from the very beginning. I remember the day the temporary agency called with the assignment.

Jackie, we have a new client that’s looking for a receptionist. I have to warn you. You’ll be the fifth temp we’ve sent in less than two weeks. It’s a small, startup business run by two men. Both are former military and stringent in their requirements. By all accounts, one is a sweetheart. The other is a terror. They said all they wanted is someone to answer the phones, but from what I was able to glean from the women I sent, what they actually need is someone with more administrative abilities. If you’re interested, I need you to start tomorrow morning at eight. This is a temp-to-hire position, Katherine said.

I’d spent ten years as an executive secretary before the company I worked for folded, so I was more than qualified to handle the job. Sure, I’ll go. Give me the details.

From the very first day, it had been easy to see which man was the sweetheart and which one was the terror. At the time, Jake had been in the middle of a contentious divorce and had the disposition of a grizzly bear. He also had the tendency to bark orders like a drill sergeant. That first month, we’d gone head-to-head quite a few times, while Mike watched with an amused grin.

I’d passed my probationary period and been hired on permanently. As business increased, so had my pay, job classification, and responsibilities. Over the years, I’d gotten to know both bosses fairly well. I could read their moods and almost anticipate their needs, which is why I knew when something was up.

The bosses were acting strange. It wasn’t the number of closed-door meetings they held. When present, they spent most of their time in and out of each other’s offices. It was the way Mike looked at me each time he went into Jake’s office, and the way Jake seemed to avoid my gaze. Something was going on with those two. Something that involved me.

It took another couple of days before I was brought in on the secret.

Mike poked his head out of Jake’s office. Jackie, will you come in here for a moment? Send the calls to voicemail and place the out of office sign on the door.

Sure thing, Mike. I did as instructed and crossed to Jake’s office. It was almost quitting time. Our business hours were eight to five, but clients rarely came into the firm after four-thirty. We wouldn’t hurt anything by closing early.

Jake’s workstation was sleek and modern in design, the black going well with the blue-gray carpet and powder blue walls. A docking station containing his laptop and dual monitors sat on the small end of the rounded L-shaped desk. Two masculine leather armchairs, also in black, sat facing his desk. Mike sat in one. I took the other and crossed my legs as I settled.

You two finally ready to tell me why you’ve been acting so weird these last two weeks? I asked.

Mike shot a grin at Jake. Told you she was sharp.

Jake’s serious demeanor never changed. Her intelligence was never in question.

We need your help with a client, Mike said, coming straight to the point.

I’m listening, I said, my tone cautious.

While I didn’t know the specifics of what J & M Consulting did, I knew a lot of the work was confidential and/or classified. In addition to regular business clients, we had plenty of government contracts. Jake and Mike traveled frequently to many of the world’s hotspots. I also found it telling that the majority of their hired contractors were military veterans. The one exception was Richard, our computer specialist. Every firm needed a computer geek.

We’ve been offered a lucrative contract, if we can complete the assignment. It’s not dangerous but requires we go undercover. The job means traveling to a luxury resort in the Caribbean. Our client would very much like to get photos of what’s happening on that island, but none of their operatives can get close, Mike said.

Why? What’s so important about the island? I asked.

It’s not the island itself but who owns it. El Mayo is the leader of an international organized crime syndicate involved in drugs, weapons, human trafficking, contract murders, and more. He’s one of the ten most wanted criminals in the world. As a result, he’s also very selective, very private, and difficult to get near. Every reservation is screened and vetted, Jake said. He reclined in his chair and leaned to the side on one arm.

I glanced at them both. I thought you said it wasn’t dangerous. He doesn’t exactly sound like Mr. Nice Guy. Even as I spoke, the words human trafficking echoed in my head.

My niece had been the victim of human traffickers. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been one of the lucky ones who escaped or was rescued. Her ‘handlers’ had used her, killed her, and tossed her body aside like so much rubbish when she’d no longer been useful to them.

Mike leaned forward in his chair. Relax. The guy’s rarely there. Like I said, this is a basic reconnaissance mission. Our client wants pictures of the layout of the place. If we can get eyes and ears inside, even better. The resort is very private and ultra-exclusive. The only way onto the island is by boat or helicopter.

What worries our client are rumors that El Mayo is considering branching out. Operatives in that part of the Caribbean have noticed a sudden influx of terrorists and criminals on the FBI’s watch list in the area, Jake added.

What about satellite images? I was no spy, but I watched a lot of television. They can do amazing things with satellites these days. It was enough to spook me if I thought about it too hard.

Satellites are good, but due to national security laws, they haven’t evolved to the point of allowing us to identify individuals. Plus, the island has a lot of trees. It’s not as simple as they make it seem in the movies, Mike said with a smile.

Grinning sheepishly, I said, Noted. So what’s the assignment and how does it involve me?

I glanced back and forth at both of my bosses as they communicated silently. Again, Mike took the lead. As I said, several operatives have tried and failed to get reservations at this resort. It didn’t matter what ruse they used, somehow they never passed muster. You know how the Feds are. Something about them just screams government, no matter the agency, if you know what to look for.

By this statement, I assumed my bosses did.

Reservations have to be requested six weeks in advance to give them time to vet the applications. I intend to apply to use the resort as a honeymoon destination, Mike said.

Honeymooners. Me and you? I asked, wondering how this was any different from what the other operatives had tried. Surely, they’d thought of it.

Mike flicked another glance at Jake, who watched us silently. No, the three of us.

The three... My voice trailed off as words failed me.

Chapter Three

Jake

Jackie’s eyes widened and her face flushed. There wasn’t much that caused her to become speechless. Not that she was a jabber mouth. Normally, she was careful with her words, doling them out like precious jewels. It was one of the many things that made her perfect for this assignment. There was scant chance she’d let something slip with a careless word.

Not that I’d tell Mike. I still was against her involvement.

Think about it, Mike said in that intent way he had when he was hell bent on convincing me his plan was a good one. No one would expect the three of us to be anything other than what we say. For it to work, we’d have to apply for a marriage license, and you’d have to marry one of us for real—

Me. She’ll marry me. The words shot out of my mouth before I could censor myself.

—but the marriage would be annulled once we return to the States. Due to the unconventional nature of our relationship, it’s only natural we’d seek a place where we could be ourselves without being judged by outsiders, Mike continued as if I hadn’t spoken. We’d all wear matching wedding bands. Your last name would be a hyphenation of both of ours.

Wouldn’t they expect my identification to match? she asked, coming out of her shock.

Not necessarily. Most couples leave their wedding and go straight to their honeymoon destination. The bride handles the process of changing her name after they return, Mike said, having thought of all of the angles.

What about sex? she asked in her composed manner. No offense, but I’ve never had sex with two men. Even if I had, casual sex just isn’t my thing.

My cock hardened at the thought of at last being able to strip her to the skin, pull her under me, and take what I’ve craved for years. Not that it would happen. I had a strict non-fraternization policy with my employees. It didn’t matter how many times thoughts of having Jackie stole into my dreams and fantasies, I wouldn’t act on it.

Mike shot another look in my direction, inviting me to chime in. I raised an eyebrow, a silent reminder this plan was his baby. It was his job to convince Jackie to play along. I just hope she wouldn’t quit over it. Jackie was a civilian. The very nature of this request constituted sexual harassment. In this age of the #Metoo movement, Mike played a dangerous game.

Mike sighed heavily. I won’t lie. We can forgo penetration, but there will be nudity and sexual contact. The orgasms will have to be real. We’ll be under constant surveillance, and one thing we can’t fake is sexual satisfaction. It shows in the eyes, the facial expression, and the looseness of the limbs. We’ll have to assume everyone there is watching, assessing, and monitoring to see if we’re really who we say we are.

My thoughts