Monroe: A Spy's Heart, #1

By Tricia Andersen

The life of a spy has no room for love. Jade Monroe has dedicated her life to protecting the secrets of the Agency. She is The Ghost, the best there is. That is until Lucas Dalton became her handler. He may look like a computer geek but there is sin lying beneath those polo shirts and khaki pants. She nearly sacrifices her life for him, sending them on two separate paths. When their lives weave back together, an obstacle shatters Jade's hope of exploring her deep desire for the IT tech. Can the two of them work side by side with the ever-growing tension boiling hotter between them threatening to consume them? And when Jade lays her life on the line for a mission, will they get their happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tricia Andersen
• Release date: Feb 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393559085

Tricia Andersen

Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband and her three children.  She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations.   For the past five years, Tricia has been a member of Hard Drive Performance Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an affiliate of Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has experience in kickboxing and currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Even though she has never competed in an MMA cage, she’s witnessed and been a part of a fighter’s journey from fight camp to their walk to the cage. She also has competed in jiu jitsu. Learn more about Tricia Andersen and her books at www.triciaandersen.com.

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all my readers at Welcome To the Cage. This was supposed to be my Silly Spy Short. With your encouragement, it’s now the first book in a series.

Thank you. I have the best readers in the world!

Chapter One

Ms. Monroe.

Jade shuddered at the sound of his voice. The melody sent a surge of electricity through her veins she’d never felt before. It set her heart off like a stampede. Not what she needed as she wove through the people that flocked the streets of Tokyo. Yes, Mr. Dalton?

The building you need is one block up then turn to the right. It’ll be three blocks further.

Jade pressed against the earpiece as she dodged a potentially lethal elbow. Thank you.

And Ms. Monroe?

Yes?

Thanks for having sushi with me last night. It was wonderful.

Jade fought back a shiver. Yeah, it was great.

Her memories of the night before took over as she picked up her pace. The debriefing for this mission took longer than anticipated. Lucas Dalton was hardly ever involved with any of the missions that the Agency doled out. He was the tech geek, spending more time rebooting computers around the building and updating software than getting involved with the agents.

But the stolen information Jade was retrieving was buried deep in a server somewhere in downtown Tokyo. Lucas had found it and was the only one who knew how to retrieve it.

He was the quintessential computer nerd –tall, lanky, thick-rimmed hipster glasses and an unruly thick mop of dark hair. He was teased by the guys in the Agency and the girls never gave him the time of day. He seemed lonely in his office in the basement.

After the debriefing, he shyly asked Jade to go out for sushi with him. She accepted. There was always something about Lucas. She thought he was adorable. Once they were dismissed, they headed to the restaurant down the street. Sushi led to sake bombs, for her at least. He casually sipped on ginger ale. After one she loosened up with him. They talked for hours.

By the third sake bomb, she was naked beneath him in his bed. Beneath those ties and dress shirts was a body that put every fashion model she’d ever seen to shame. Lean and muscular, he had the physique of a boxer. His touch was soft but firm. His kisses were velvet. What he did to her in his bed had her begging for more. Everything he did turned her into jelly in his arms.

Ms. Monroe?

There was his voice again. It sent sweet tremors through her. Uh huh?

You missed your turn.

Shit. The sidewalk is crowded. I couldn’t get through. I’m doubling back now.

All right.

Jade fought back the rush of breath that wanted to escape as she turned around. She’d lied. She had to. She couldn’t tell Lucas all she could think of was his lips wandering her neck and shoulders. He certainly wasn’t the first guy she’d been with but there weren’t many. Being on the run between missions made it hard to have a relationship.

She shook some sense into herself. Come on, Jade. Get it together. You keep dwelling on this and you’ll compromise the mission. You’re one of the best the Agency has. Don’t blow it now.

Jade carefully scanned the street ahead as she dodged a woman and her small children flocking around her like ducklings. Mr. Dalton, I see the building. I’m going to take a moment to straighten myself.

Ms. Monroe, you’re already beautiful. But if you feel you must, please do so.

Jade muffled a groan as she stepped into a storefront to check her disguise. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had said she was beautiful. Last night, Lucas said just that repeatedly. Hearing those words from his lips as he buried himself inside her made the sex that much sweeter. She took another deep breath and looked up at her reflection in the window.

Her bubble gum pink hair tied up in pig tails was a far cry from her normal brown tresses. Her brown eyes were nearly hidden by the heavy makeup. Her cartoonish dress had a fluffy skirt that rode to her upper thigh. She looked every bit like an anime character which was exactly what she was aiming for. Going in.

Good luck. I’m accessing the security cameras in the stairwell to watch for anyone coming.

Jade dipped around the corner and hurried down the sidewalk to the office building. She threw open the glass door and slipped inside. Just like her dossier said, the lobby was empty except for a rather burly guard behind a large desk. In fluent Japanese, Jade asked him for directions to the Anime convention. With a grunt he pointed down the street and muttered something about an event center.

She squealed, her voice sounding eerily like fingernails on a chalkboard, then insisted on giving him a hug for his generosity.

The chokehold took only seconds. The guard’s body slumped in his chair. Jade checked for a breath then pressed against her earpiece. The guard is out. I’m heading upstairs before he wakes up.

Be careful.

Jade dashed through the lobby to the stairs, taking them two at a time. She froze at Lucas’s voice.

Three incoming from the fourth floor. Take cover, he instructed.

Jade’s breath caught in her throat as she hurried up the final few steps to the next floor. She would never get used to this part even though she’d mastered it. She pried the door open and slipped inside.

The office floor she’d landed on was dark enough to hide her. She slowed her breath despite her stampeding heart.

It’s clear. You’re good to go, Lucas reported.

Understood. Jade slipped out the door then silently swept up the steps to the fifth floor.

Cracking the door open, she aimed her cell phone at the nearest camera. A piercing red light shot from the lens of the cell and shattered the glass lens. With a satisfied smile she sprinted down the hall to the computer room. She stopped suddenly to knock out two more cameras.

If the door is locked, I can’t get in, Jade protested.

You underestimate me, Lucas answered. She could hear fingers on a computer keyboard. Before her hand touched the knob, the lock clicked open. She turned it and stepped inside.

The walls were covered from floor to ceiling with computer servers. A monitor was embedded between a few. She glanced around dumbfounded. There are so many. Where do I start?

It’s not as hard as it seems. Find the panel labeled ‘C5’.

Jade searched each computer tower carefully. She was halfway down the first wall when she skidded to a halt. Found it.

Do you have that flash drive I gave you last night?

She slipped it from the pocket of her dress. Yes.

There should be only one USB port. Stick it in there. The program should do the rest.

She found the USB port and pushed it in. How do I delete the schematics once it’s done?

You don’t have to, Lucas instructed. I built a virus into the download program. Once we have the weapon design, it’ll destroy the entire hard drive.

Wow.

Not bad, huh?

You’re kind of an evil genius.

I’ll take that as a compliment.

Mr. Dalton. Ms. Monroe. Let’s keep on task, Jade’s superior, Director Thompson, piped in.

Yes, sir, Lucas responded. Ms. Monroe, is the light green on the stick?

Not yet. Wait. Now it is.

Pull it free and come home.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Dalton.

Anytime.

Jade tugged the flash drive from the computer and tucked it back in her pocket. She thought for a second. She had seen a back door at the bottom of the stairwell. There was no point arousing suspicion. The guard could be awake again and with the headache she was sure he was experiencing he had to be even more aggravated.

She stopped dead in her tracks as every monitor in the room came to life. The static on the screen bellowed white noise. Suddenly a picture appeared. Jade growled. However Xavier McManus had pulled this off was impressive. She was sure she’d buried the Austrian in a remote prison two years ago. Guess not. She probably should have buried him in the ground.

I know what you’re looking for, McManus, she barked. The weapon plans are going somewhere safe where the likes of you can’t sell them on the black market.

McManus laughed. Your Agency?

Of course.

Good. McManus stepped back until he was flush against the wall behind him. Beside him was the seal for Jade’s Agency. I’ll wait for you to bring it to me.

Like hell I will, Jade spat.

Either you do or I will execute every person in this building one by one starting with this one. McManus snickered as Jade heard scuffling off the screen. Two of his men dragged a body into view.

Lucas, Jade breathed in alarm.

Lucas struggled against his captors. His eye was already swelling. There was a fine cut above his eyebrow. Jade, run. Do not turn that flash drive over to him.

I can’t let them hurt you. I won’t.

If you turn it over, they’ll hurt you. They can have me. Just not you.

A grin spread across McManus’s face. He looked at his men. Evacuate the building. This is the only one that matters.

Sir, we have the director, a burly, hairy man dressed in olive green protested. He clutched a semi-automatic rifle to his chest like a lifeline.

I sincerely doubt Jade Monroe will surrender the plans to me in exchange for the director. However, it seems she’ll come running for this fella. Let the rest go. McManus sneered at Lucas. Lucas scowled back at him through the blood.

McManus turned his attention back to her. Monroe, you have twenty-four hours to bring me the drive. If not, I’ll kill him slowly. With his last breath he’ll be cursing your name. Understand?

Jade stared at the screen for a long moment. I’ll be there.

You’d better, Monroe. Twenty-four hours.

She heard the cry of No just before the monitors flipped off. She sighed as she threw open the door and raced for the stairs. Her heart twisted in her chest. McManus was a ruthless murderer. The thought of Lucas in his hands terrified her. The fate of someone else had never phased her like this before. She’d learned quickly not to form attachments to anyone else. It was rule number one in this business. One incredible night in his bed and he’d gotten into her heart.

At the base of the stairs she could heard loud, angry shouting in Japanese. The guard was awake and obviously not happy. Sneaking out the back utility door she ran down the street several blocks before finding the first cab to take her to the airport. She could barely manage a smile for the pilot flying her back to Seattle. All she could think about was Lucas.

That morning replayed itself over and over in Jade’s mind as she stared at the vast blue water of the Pacific Ocean beneath the plane. The sun woke her before her alarm had. The light piercing her senses was the first thing that registered in her brain. The second was Lucas’s arms wrapped solidly around her as he softy snored. She took a moment to revel in the feeling of his naked body spooned close against hers, the hard planes tucked tight into her curves like a jigsaw puzzle. It took all of her willpower to pull free from his embrace and get dressed. For the first time ever she wanted to blow off a mission and fall back to sleep beside him. If getting these plans weren’t so important, she might have. As she picked up her bag, she took one last look at him. The bedsheet was draped across his hip showing a hint of his sculpted ass. His skull tattoo on his bicep stared back at her. His thick, dark hair was more rumpled than usual.

He’d spent the entire night telling her how beautiful she was. Him fast asleep like this was what was truly beautiful. She had never seen a more beautiful man. She scuttled across the bedroom to place a soft kiss to his cheek then left, closing the door softly behind her.

That was this morning. Now, McManus had him. If it took turning the weapon plans over to the Austrian to get her Lucas back then so be it. But it would be the last option on the table.

Agent Monroe, we’re landing in Seattle, the pilot informed her.

Good, Jade replied as she was jostled from her thoughts. Thank you.

Once the plane came to a stop on the runway, Jade thanked the pilot again then found her motorcycle. Time was of the essence. She needed to put the love-struck school girl aside and let the secret agent out.

She thought as she slipped her helmet on and mounted her bike. Storming the Agency was a bad idea. It would only get her and Lucas killed in the end. She shuddered a little at McManus’s last warning. The thought of Lucas hating her to the point of cursing tore her heart apart.

She had to get to him. There was no other option so she was going to need some help developing a plan and there was only one person she could trust with something this critical. Redirecting her bike, she sped off between the hangers onto the highway leading out of town.

It took twenty minutes for Jade to reach the little brick house overlooking the ocean. She glanced suspiciously side to side then strolled up the walk. She took a moment to study the brilliant blossoms that framed the door before she knocked.

A blonde in pigtails answered the door dressed in a tank top and running shorts. She gave Jade an amused smirk. Hey, Jade. Love the pink hair. And the anime getup. Bet you got some catcalls on your bike.

I just got back from Tokyo, Jade responded defensively. I barely got the make-up off on the plane. I still need a shower.

The blonde leaned against the door frame. So to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? I haven’t seen you in months, not since I left the Agency.

I need your help, Sami. You were the best handler I ever had.

I was your best friend. Remember? Sami glared at her for a long moment before she straightened herself. The answer’s no but you can come in anyway.

Thanks.

Jade followed Sami inside then shut the door behind her. The house was small and decorated in bright colors. There were posters thumbtacked to the walls. It resembled a dorm room instead of an actual brick and mortar house. But then again, Sami wasn’t the average woman either.

Sami motioned towards her living room furniture for Jade to have a seat. Jade settled on the sofa as Sami nestled herself in the papasan chair.

So what’s this favor? Sami questioned.

McManus has taken over the Agency. He wants a set of weapon blueprints that were stolen from the Russians and hidden in a server in Tokyo. He’s holding a hostage until I turn them over.

I thought you turned McManus over to the Austrian officials? He was supposed to serve like seven lifetimes.

I thought so too.

Well, since it’s McManus I’m out. That guy is a dangerous lunatic. Just don’t take the plans to him. Simple.

Not so simple.

Why not?

Jade couldn’t answer. She just shook her head.

Sami looked at her, puzzled. What’s going on, Jade? Who’s the hostage?

Do you remember Lucas Dalton?

Yeah. Guy from IT. Started shortly before I left. Kind of a hottie in a nerdy sort of way. Is he the hostage?

Jade’s voice was weak. Yep.

So? Why is this such a big... Sami’s eyes flew open in surprise. You got a thing for Lucas.

It’s a little more than that. Jade shuffled her foot along the wood floor. I slept with him.

You slept with Lucas Dalton? Dang, girl.

Come on, Sami. I need you. You can get me in the Agency so I can disable McManus.

Sami cocked an eyebrow at her. This is more than a booty call.

Are you asking if I have feelings for Lucas? Yes. I do.

Sami stared at her for a few long moments. All right. I’m in only because you’ve never been in love before.

I didn’t say I was in love.

Right. You’re risking your life for this guy. You’re in love. Go take a shower while I dig for the blueprints for the building.

Jade smiled. Thank you, Sami. I appreciate this.

Sami waved her hand at Jade. Yeah, you owe me. Go.

Jade gave her one last smile before she shuffled to the bathroom. Slowly she stripped off her clothes then twisted the knobs until the bathroom filled with steam. She stepped under the stream then quickly scrubbed her hair and skin. She let her imagination go for a moment, remembering the shower she and Lucas had shared. She could feel his hands on her skin where he had caressed her. His lips wandered over her bare skin. There wasn’t much bathing before he lifted her up and directed her to wrap her legs around his hips. In all her adventures she hadn’t had shower sex until then. It was amazing. The constant pelting of the water drowned out her cries as Lucas drove her to another orgasm.

Snapping herself back to reality, she rinsed then toweled dry. She laughed as she stepped out into the bedroom, finding a set of clothes waiting for her. Sami always knew how to take care of her, even in the darkest moments. Jade tugged the clothes on then strode out to the living room.  On the screen of the laptop perched on the coffee table were the schematics of the Agency building.

So how long do I have to figure this out? One day? Two? Sami shouted over the clanging of the dishes she was washing.

Jade’s laugh was hesitant. How about two hours?

Sami popped out from behind the door. Two hours?

I had twenty four hours to turn the plans over. Factor in flying from Japan and all.

I can’t come up with a plan for you to storm in there by yourself in two hours.

Jade looked at her and smiled without saying a word.

Sami shook her head. No. Oh no. I’m not going.

Please, Jade scoffed. We all know you’ll say that then come anyway. I need you. You’re just as good an agent as me if not better.

I was a handler.

So better.

Jade.

Please, Sami.

Sami stared at her then huffed. Fine. You win. She tossed the purple dish towel in her hands onto the table next to the laptop then the plopped down in front of it. Jade studied her as she clicked a button or two. Sami had been her closest friend from day one. There wasn’t a moment that Jade didn’t feel safe with her. And when there wasn’t a mission the two of them would crash here in this little house acting more like sorority sisters than