Falling for the Undercover Agent: Gems of Love, #5

By Agnes Canestri

She Was an Assignment. Until Cupid Went Undercover! 

Giordano adores his fresh gig as a private detective - that is, until Ruby unexpectedly appears on his radar. As a rookie, he understands the importance of professionalism, but her fiery locks and amiable demeanor throw his detective game off track. Who could have predicted that a seemingly straightforward assignment would spiral into such a delightful and complex affair?

 

Ruby's track record with men is less than stellar, and she's sworn off getting duped by smooth-talkers. When the handsome and enigmatic Giordano strolls into her tattoo parlor, she remains on guard. However, as their time together unfolds, it becomes apparent that he might just be the missing piece to her heart's puzzle.

 

As Ruby extends an invitation to Giordano for her high school reunion, he begins to suspect that his investigation is headed for a curveball. Amidst love's labyrinth and the scorching flames of attraction, he's confronted with a pivotal query: Can a web of fabricated identity lay the foundation for genuine love? Or will unearthing the truth lead to their romance going up in smoke?

 

In "Falling for the Undercover Agent", embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Giordano and Ruby, navigating through deceit and emotions, and uncover how a seemingly straightforward case transforms into a love saga that transcends even the most ingenious detective schemes. Take the plunge and allow yourself to be captivated by this enchanting romance!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Agnes Canestri
• Release date: Dec 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9783949202193

Book preview

Chapter One

(Giordano)

G otcha! I exclaimed triumphantly and lowered my binoculars into my lap.

I reached for the key in the ignition, ready to turn it. Finally, the waiting was over.

Action time, baby.

My heart rate kicked up a notch, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I couldn't help but feel a bit like James Bond as my eyes followed the figure of the woman gracefully descending the stairs of the five-story building.

Without the binoculars – and given that I'd parked a bit too far from her house – I couldn't make out her features. But I didn't need to. I could recognize her anywhere, thanks to those fiery locks of hair. Yes, her hair color was unmistakable, a deep red hue that shone like my favorite pinot noir.

I glanced down at the paper I'd placed on the passenger seat. Ruby Terryson. My lips curled into a grin as I re-read it. Her parents sure knew how to pick a fitting name for their daughter.

The woman paused at the end of the stairs, rummaging through what could only be described as a haversack, not a purse. It looked hand-painted and had a wolf's face on it. Quite the fashion statement.

I arched an eyebrow. I'd only seen a passport picture of Ruby, but I hadn't expected her to look this... normal. Her light jeans, a simple black T-shirt, and a blue jacket didn't exactly scream savvy million-dollar thief. I half-expected her to walk out wearing extravagant silk trousers and designer sunglasses.

Ruby pulled a pack of keys from her bag and turned left. She was on the move.

I snapped out of my contemplation, switched on the engine, and started to follow her. I hadn't planned to leave this spot before identifying Ruby's car, but better to be prepared than to waste precious time later. You never knew where Ruby might take off to.

If luck was on my side – and why shouldn't it be – she might be heading to meet Richie Donaldson. If she was, then I could have a juicy report on my uncle's desk by tonight.

I held my breath as I watched Ruby's every move. She stopped beside a red car, but instead of opening the door, she bent down and disappeared from view.

What the heck is she doing?

Maybe I should start rolling towards the car and pretend to be searching for a house number or something.

Ruby's head popped back up from behind the car before I had a chance to act on my thoughts. But instead of getting into the car, she started moving swiftly towards the end of the street.

What the...? I muttered, but my lips curled up as the rest of Ruby's body reappeared.

She was gliding on an orange-colored scooter, balancing herself perfectly with one foot forward and the other over the back wheel.

I chuckled and checked Ruby's case file again. This important piece of information was missing. If I'd known she didn't drive, I would've come prepared with a bicycle or something. Following her without drawing attention was going to be a challenge. How fast could a scooter go, anyway?

When I looked up again, Ruby was nowhere in sight.

I pressed on the gas and rolled into the street, cursing in Italian under my breath. Thank goodness my sisters weren't with me right now; otherwise, they'd be covering their ears. They absolutely despised it when I butchered our mother tongue. Honestly, I didn't do it often. But this situation called for it.

How could I lose sight of my target so quickly? I'd been on this stakeout since 5:00 AM, for crying out loud.

With one hand, I reached for my phone, tapped my uncle's number, and switched on the loudspeaker.

As soon as Uncle Giovanni's gruff voice answered, I said, I think I made a mistake. I lost Ruby.

Uncle let out a short cough before responding, You lost her! What do you mean? Has she left the city?

No, no. She's still here. I saw her leaving her place and taking off on her scooter.

Oh, I see. Uncle chuckled. Why don't you try heading to her workplace? She's probably going there to open up her tattoo shop.

Her workplace? Of course. Why hadn't I thought of that? I'd probably been too fixated on the hope that something big would go down in my case today.

I steered towards Main Street, where Ruby's tattoo studio was situated, and spotted her at the next traffic light.

You were right. I've got her.

That's just experience, son. Remember, we're not dealing with hardened criminals here. Most of our targets are just petty thieves or cheating spouses. Don't go all detective on me, okay? Otherwise, I'll have to pull your overzealous butt off the case. Now, follow this Ruby and find a safe spot to monitor her shop from across the street.

Heat crept up my neck. Maybe I should've thought twice about working for a family member. I couldn't stand being scolded like a kid, even if I deserved it this time.

But it seemed like I was going to spend the rest of the day in my Chevy after all. If only I'd brought some snacks. I glanced at my empty mug; I should've downed two espressos this morning. Waking up early wasn't exactly my strong suit.

How about going in and pretending I want a tattoo? I asked. I could ask a few questions, scope the place out.

My uncle chuckled. I can see you're itching for a taste of some 007 action. Okay, fine, you’ve got green light.

Really? I couldn't contain my excitement.

Going undercover and faking to be a client sounded more like the thrilling fieldwork I'd envisioned. I just needed to come up with a convincing story and avoid actually getting a tattoo. Needles? Not my forte.

Sure, my uncle sighed. Just, please, be discreet. You need to be forgettable to the girl. Mr. Donaldson wants to keep a low profile.

I only half-listened to my uncle. I was already crafting a compelling cover story in my head. What should I tell Ruby I do for a living?

A writer? Nah, too extravagant.

A cop? Nope, too suspicious.

Right, an insurance agent. That would explain why I was just passing through town and—

Giordano, were you even paying attention to what I said?

My uncle's sharp voice snapped me back to reality. Ah... yes, of course. On a need-to-know basis, maximum discretion. Got it.

Great. Good luck. We'll meet tomorrow at noon at the Lexter Lounge with Mr. Donaldson. Be punctual. He's flying us out on his private jet, but we need to leave town by four.

Huh, I’d better find today something substantial to report to the client. Something that would prove to my uncle that I was the right man for this job. I'll be there, Uncle. See you soon.

The call abruptly ended, and I slammed the brakes just as the orange scooter came to a halt at the street corner. Ruby gracefully dismounted and securely fastened it to a nearby tree.

As I stealthily parked my Chevy behind a nondescript van, I couldn't help but think that I'd found the perfect vantage point for my surveillance mission. I planned to bide my time here, waiting for the tattoo studio to swing its doors open, giving me the perfect excuse to waltz in and play detective.

Just as I leaned back in my seat, striving for a more relaxed posture, a hulking figure with a gleaming shaved head sauntered towards Ruby. She was in the midst of an epic struggle with the lock on the shop door, seemingly oblivious to the approaching behemoth.

A perplexed frown crept across my face.

This mountain of a man sported tattoos that spanned every visible inch of his flesh. There was something about his gait that sent shivers down my spine. What if he had nefarious intentions towards Ruby?

I didn't know this town well, and despite the deceptively safe aura of this neighborhood, I understood the importance of staying vigilant. My mission was to shadow the girl, but I couldn't stand by if she were in harm's way. After all, ingrained in my psyche by my family was the belief that men should protect women.

The dude slowed down, stalking Ruby from a few meters away and attempting to be as discreet as a bull in a china shop.

Upon closer reflection, he looked like an escapee from a prison break or maybe just a recently paroled ex-con. My hand instinctively found the car door handle, and I shoved my cell phone into my back pocket.

I couldn't tear my gaze from the stranger, who had closed the gap between himself and Ruby. The sinister grin on his jacket-clad chest stretched wider, almost tearing the fabric, as he raised his arms menacingly.

Oh crud, he's about to pounce.

Without further contemplation, I flung the door open and catapulted out of the car. I had to maneuver around the van to reach the opposite side of the street, a feat I accomplished in a heartbeat.

My fists clenched tightly as adrenaline surged through my veins. The guy might have been a formidable giant, but I possessed the skills to take him down. (I held a ninth-degree black belt in judo and had some decent cage-fighting experience.)

Only a couple of meters separated me from the looming threat, and I was just about to leap into action, ready to shield Ruby from harm, when she spun around.

Her face lit up with delight, and she flung herself into the man's arms, planting a peck on his cheek. Oh, Pete. It's been ages! Don’t tell me you need a refresh on that name again? 

Pete's gaze dropped, and his formerly menacing facade melted into boyish embarrassment. Uh, well... yeah, I kinda do. Mind helping me out?

In haste, I snatched my phone and pretended to be engrossed in a message.

Ruby flashed Pete a mischievous grin. What's the dilemma today?

Pete scratched his chin, his eyes darting around nervously. It's Angela, my new flame, he began. She's been giving me hell about having Sharon's name tattooed on my chest. Threatened to get all her exes inked on her butt if I don't do something about it.

Ruby burst into laughter, and her joyous giggles drew my attention. Her cheeks formed two crescent lines as her freckles danced in harmony with her laughter. She resembled an adult version of Pippi Longstocking, minus the pigtails.

Pete shrugged with a sheepish grin. I know, I'm being ridiculous.

Ruby's laughter subsided, her expression growing serious. Oh no, Pete. Don't take it that way. I'm not laughing at you, just at Angela's comment.

I couldn't help but be captivated by her eyes. Their green hue was extraordinary, pulling me in like a powerful magnet. It was a shade I'd never seen on a human before, reminding me of my grandmother's Siamese cat. Perhaps it was the contrast with her fiery red curls that made them so hypnotic.

The Pippi Longstocking comparison no longer seemed fitting. Ruby had grown into an unexpectedly attractive woman.

Pete took the keys from Ruby. Let me open this for you. You should have someone look at this lock. One day, you might get trapped inside.

Ruby nodded in agreement. Yes, that's a possibility. Although I hope I won't be running this shop for much longer.

Pete wrinkled his nose, clearly concerned. You're thinking of leaving us, Ruby? First your dad, now you? That's not fair. He eyed her with suspicion. Got some new gig lined up or something?

I edged closer, eager to hear Ruby's response. If she intended to close her tattoo studio, it could mean only one thing.

Nah, Ruby replied, her voice filled with a hint of wistfulness. Not yet. But a girl can dream, right?

Pete playfully poked her in the ribs, then held the door open for her. And here I thought your dream was to get creative on me. After you, Ruby.

With Ruby and Pete now inside the shop, I drew in a deep breath and looked up.

Ruby hadn't revealed any concrete plans yet, but this was more than I would have learned if I'd stuck to Uncle Giovanni's original suggestion of staying in the car. I had to trust my instincts; they would guide me.

I returned to my car and settled in, setting a timer for thirty minutes. That should give Ruby ample time to address the issue with Angela's name tattoo. Afterward, I would become her new client and subtly extract the information I needed, all without her realizing it.

Chapter Two

(Ruby)

Idipped the needle into the ink and powered up the machine. My eyes narrowed as I scrutinized my latest creation.

Well, it wasn't exactly my magnum opus, but then again, Pete had the uncanny knack of collecting exes faster than I could design creative cover-ups. I was gradually running out of ways to transform those letters into tattoo art that seamlessly blended with his existing ink.

One more touch, Pete, and we're officially calling it a masterpiece, I reassured the hulking man, who was doing his best to put on a stoic facade while enduring the persistent stings of the tattoo needle.

Ah, fantastic. I must say, Ruby, that 'S' from Shannon? It's pure genius. A cobra on my chest? I mean, that's gotta earn me some tough-guy points, right? He flexed his biceps, but his macho display caused the needle to veer slightly off course. Ouch! he exclaimed before