Covertly Strong (The Strong Series Book 1) (33 page)

I love you.

x

AFTER COMPLETING FOUR SURGERIES INSIDE the crammed OR room of San Salvador Hospital, Sloan rests her aching joints in the small physician’s breakroom. She continues small talk with a few of the male surgeons around her. They talk animatedly about the difficulties they currently face in Guadalajara. Advancing medical care in Mexico is not easy. Technology and adequate resources are not as readily available as they are in the States.

“So how long are you going to be with us this time, Felicia?” Dr. Valaquez questions with intrigue. He is one of the many, male physicians who seem downright mesmerized by Sloan.

“I’m not real sure. Hopefully long enough to help a lot of beautiful babies who need my surgical skills,” she answers with a soft smile.

Yes, her career as Dr. Santora isn’t her real career, but it’s still something she takes pride in. She loves that she has the ability to help so many kids with facial deformities who would most likely never get the opportunity to receive surgeries to better their quality of life.

“Well, I’m hoping you’ll eventually decide to become a permanent resident down here.” Dr. Valaquez winks in her direction. “I volunteer to be the guy to show you around once you finally make that decision,” he adds with a smirk.

Sloan forces a fake laugh past her not-very-amused-lips.

This seems to be a constant occurrence with the male physicians she comes in contact with whenever traveling the globe for Project Smiles. Well, at least that’s what
they
think she’s traveling for.

“That’s very kind of you, but I’m pretty happy back in the States.”

“I think I’ll convince you eventually,” he relentlessly voices. “But until that time comes, how about you agree to an evening out with me? I’d love to take you to dinner and show you around Guadalajara.”

God, this man just doesn’t give up.

She’s more than aware that his idea of
“showing her around” probably includes her naked and in his bed.
Not. Fucking. Happening.
Even if she weren’t in love with Nix—to the point where she barely has a waking moment without his handsome face flashing through her mind—she still wouldn’t agree to go out with Dr. Valaquez. Hell, she wouldn’t agree to go out with any of the persistent male admirers she comes across.

She clears her throat, willing herself to avoid unleashing any of her infamous sass his way. “That’s really kind of you, Dr. Valaquez—”

“Please call me, Antonio,” he interrupts her.

A heavy sigh escapes her throat as she forces a friendly smile to cover her obvious irritation. “
Antonio,
I really appreciate the offer, but I honestly don’t have time for nights out while I’m here. When I’m on a Project Smiles mission, I’m all business. No nights outs. No gallivanting around town. My time revolves around three things. Eat. Sleep. And surgery.”

He nods in understanding. “Well, if anything changes, the offer will always stand.”

“Thank you,” she responds.

“And seriously, if you ever need anything, I’m always here. No matter what it may be.”

Although his words are laced with double entendre, she chooses to take them in the literal sense. “Really?” she questions rhetorically. “There is a physician in the area that I wanted to get a little more information on. I think a lot of his patient population could benefit from the free immunizations that Project Smiles is willing to provide.”

Antonio sits back in his chair, his shoulders slouching in slight disappointment. “Oh, okay.” He pauses for a moment. “Which physician?”

“Dr. Mendez. Are you familiar with him?” she questions innocently.

“Yes, a little. I’ve worked with him a few times in passing. Would you like his contact information?” he asks.

“That would be great,” she says with a nod.

Dr. Valaquez proceeds to pick his Blackberry off the table and jot down Dr. Mendez’s contact information on a white napkin from the dispenser in the middle of the table. “Here are his office and cell numbers as well as the actual address to his practice on the outskirts of the city.”

“Thank you so much, Antonio.” Sloan smiles and bats her eyelashes in his direction, knowing full well that harmless flirtation with this physician is probably something she will need to do to stay in his good graces…and to continue to get things like Dr. Mendez’s contact information. “You are such a sweetheart.” She fakes a girlish giggle.

“Where are my manners?” he voices. “I’ll call Dr. Mendez and let him know that I’m sending you his way. That way he’ll be prepared and more receptive to your unexpected visit.” Antonio’s cheesy grin is beyond ridiculous, but Sloan manages to keep a straight face.

“You’re the best, Antonio!” she exclaims with sugary-sweet friendliness dripping from her voice.

He winks in response. “Just promise me you’ll remember this little favor, and hopefully, if you manage to get any free time while you’re here…” he trails off suggestively.

“I’ll make sure you’re the first person I call,” she adds with a smile so forced that her goddamn face is practically aching from the lengths it takes to plaster it there.

Another cheesy grin and ridiculous wink are thrown in her direction.

“Well, I’m going to head out of here,” she updates as she stands from the plastic chair. “Thanks again, Antonio. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

As Sloan strides out of the physician’s breakroom—ignoring the overzealous stares from her male colleagues—she’s thankful for the small victory she just accomplished.

One step closer towards getting inside the Arturo compound…

SLOAN WAKES UP FROM A restless sleep. The nagging thoughts of the dangers she could face during this mission continue to weigh on her mind. She can’t help it.

Something just feels off…

Yeah, it’s normal for her to find certain things a little worrying when she’s on a mission, but she’s never actually felt so… There really aren’t any words to describe it. There’s just this overwhelming feeling of bad things to come. She shakes off the ridiculous thoughts and turns on the shower, getting ready for her day. She has a meeting with Dr. Mendez, and it’s all thanks to her flirtations with a certain relentless physician.

A naughty smile crests her mouth as she types out an email to Nix.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Sometimes you gotta play dirty…or flirty….to get what you want.

I’ve been a bad girl. I had to use my flirtatious charm and batting eyelashes to get some very important information.

Don’t be mad.
Wait.
Before I apologize, I need to know what you being mad would actually entail for me.
Maybe
I’d rather take the punishment than get on my hands and knees to grovel for your forgiveness?

Sir, I request for your response to include any and all delicious details of the punishment that fits my flirtatious crime.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Oh, my dear sweet Meli… You’ve been a VERY bad girl, and bad girls have to pay.

I’m finding myself a little enraged at the idea of you flashing that gorgeous smile of yours in another man’s direction. That smile, sweetheart?
IT’S MINE.
I suggest that you remember that in the future. And the idea of you groveling on your hands and knees? It honestly doesn’t do that much for me, but the idea of you on your knees with my throbbing cock in your mouth…

Well, that sounds like something I would enjoy.

The only person who gets your flirtatious charms and batting eyelashes is ME. In the future, if you choose to be bad again, you can bet that sweet little ass of yours that SIR will give you a nice, firm spanking before I fuck you hard and fast. I can guarantee I’ll make your fucking teeth rattle.

P.S. Your email worked. I’m hard as motherfucker right now.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: HOT

Growling. Spanking. Fucking. Pulling my hair. Making my teeth rattle….

I want it all. Phone sex tonight? I promise to make it good.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: FUCK YES

YES.

I can’t wait to stroke my cock to your sexy little moans in my ear.