Their Masquerade (The American Soldier Collection 6)

She was definitely interested in that and in finding out ways to identify and destroy DeLacruz.

“Well?” Armando asked her. She was a bit suspicious of this sudden job offer. However, being that her main goal was to gain enough money and resources to destroy her brother’s killer, any bit of help was a step toward accomplishing her goal. Even if this turned out to not be something she was interested in or could gain information from, it was still a stepping stone on the totem pole leading to accomplished professional success.

“I’ll need more specific details about the job requirement, benefits, pay, etc. I’ve been offered a few different positions both here in Italy and in the United States.”

“Are you playing hardball with me, Mariah?” Armando asked as he opened up another set of doors that led to the main hallway. She stared up into his dark eyes, and she could see the humor in his expression. If he hadn’t have pissed her off earlier, she could have enjoyed his company for this evening.

“A woman has to have her options.” She started to walk away, but Armando grabbed her arm gently, yet firmly, as he pressed his body close to hers. He stared down into her eyes very seriously, while she absorbed the smell of his cologne. His jacket fell from her shoulders and she looked away only to find him staring at her breasts and then back into her eyes.

“I can promise you, this will be the best offer you’ll ever get. It’s an amazing company. Every day new things are discovered, and financial support is received from across the globe. Say you’ll come see it. Say you’ll let me give you the tour personally?” he whispered.

She was caught off guard at the way he spoke to her, held her arm, and enticed her with his sex appeal. Armando obviously had a stake in this company as well. She felt an attraction to the man. Was it his dominant attitude? Perhaps the way he took charge? She liked that about a man. He had sex appeal, was charming but rough around the edges, almost like a certain Marine she knew. Yet he was calm, and didn’t show his emotions or intentions in his eyes. More like Deacon, than anyone. He raised his eyebrow at her in question.

“It sounds intriguing. Should I call the office there to set something up?”

He slowly released her arm and took his jacket that fell between them. Looking her over one final time, he smiled.

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll contact you next week and set everything up. We’ll meet at the main headquarters.”

“Okay.”

“Mariah, I was looking all over the place for you. Did you two get acquainted?” Gustavo asked as he wrapped his arm around Mariah’s waist. She saw Armando’s expression change and he appeared angry, almost jealous of Gustavo’s move. Immediately Gustavo lightened his hold on her.

“We made some plans for Dallas. Apparently, Armando is headed there next week as well.”

“Wonderful. Shall we go mingle a little more before we leave for the night?”

“Sure, Gustavo. I’d love to. Good night, Armando.” She reached out to her hand to shake his, but Armando brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it, just as Manchenso had earlier. She smiled.

“Until we meet again.” He gave a slow bow and then turned around and headed back inside.

“So, what do you think? An opportunity and a half, right?”

“I think we’ll see when I get to Texas.”

Mariah walked with Gustavo and they danced to a few songs as the music continued to play. She couldn’t get Armando off her mind or Manchenso for that matter. Armando was charismatic and strong willed. She liked that in a man, but something tightened in her gut just thinking about him in a sexual manner.

She knew the culprit. There were four of them. All Marines. The epitome of intimidation and the only men who made her think about spreading her legs and doing things she blushed just thinking about.

Damn, I need to get them out of my head.

Chapter 4

They were all on edge as they leaned against the bar at Casper’s. Mariah was going to arrive any minute, and Gia Marie and all their other friends and family from town were giving Mariah a welcome home party. They’d all missed her and looked forward to seeing her.

L.T. couldn’t believe it had been over two years. He had no idea what she would look like. Although the pictures she’d sent her uncle Jeb were always of views, or buildings and scenery. Hardly any of them were of her.

She had been such a beautiful young woman when she’d left before her final year of college. Jeb was proud while L.T. and his friends were miserable. He hadn’t wanted her to leave the country. He wanted to keep watch on his best friend’s sister, but Mariah was determined. She wanted to put life here behind her and move on. L.T. and his friends needed to let her go.

“I can’t wait to see her,” Deacon whispered. They were all staring at the entrance despite all the talking, laughing, and celebrating going on.

“She’s here,” Gia Marie yelled out and everyone quieted down.

His heart was racing. He didn’t know what to expect, but the moment the door opened, he felt his jaw drop, and he wasn’t the only one to gasp in pleasant surprise.

One look at the platinum blonde hair, the big bold, blue eyes, and luscious lips, and L.T. knew he was in serious trouble.

“Holy shit. She’s fucking hot,” Axel stated aloud, as the cheers filled the room and everyone took turns hugging Mariah and greeting her hello.