This takes place before "Long-Haul Predators". Before Tommy and Eva knew each other that well, and before they got closer.
I don't own Crossing Lines or it's characters.
The major, Hickman and Dorn were already seated at the table when the rest of the team walked in. They were all tired, it was still only 4 a.m and the morning light had just started shining across the sky.
"Sorry to call you in so early, but time is of the essence here" the major began. "Last night we received word that an extremely large shipping of drugs is coming to Prague. The sellers are not all that excusive, and some intel suggest that they intend to start a new network with drugs and girls".
"What kind of network?" Tommy asked.
"We have someone on the inside, well not in the tightest loop but around at least, and he'd heard that a rather large group there intend to buy these drugs and use them both for selling and then establishing a network where they get girls hooked on the drugs to take advantage of them, kidnap them and sell them to clients interested in more than just the drugs".
"Bastards" Tommy shook his head.
"Indeed" Dorn spoke up. "They need to be stopped as soon as possible, we think they might have a business going already and as far as we know, they have girls as well. The problem is that no one seems to be getting the location of potiential girls. Our inside man implied he was interested, but they then said that if he was, then the girl would be taken to him".
"This is a group of people known for their flamboyant ways" Hickman said "They like to entertain themselves, we need someone to get close to them and be allowed in the circle".
"The problem is, it's too risky"
"I'll do it" Eva said immediatly.
"No Eva, this is not something you can do alone. These men have no respect for women other than what they can do for them, you need someon with you".
"Aye, I'm in". Tommy's voice was strong.
"I want you to be sure of what you are doing. This is not easy, there's no telling what these groups are involved in and they will test you. There might be drugs and… well other ways to test you".
"I can do it" Eva looked at the major confidently.
"No worries" Tommy added.
Dorn's phone rang and he left to answer it.
"Sebastian you will be listening in, we might have you with them in the beginning, to make it more legit. Anne Marie, your with me".
"Alright"
"I have out way in" Dorn returned, phone in hand. "We just got confirmation that the group are in charge of a fight club of sorts as well".
Everyone looked at Tommy.
"I know you have experience in this Tommy, but remember to be careful. These people don't fight fair, and might be jacked up on drugs as well".
"I can handle it"
Eva resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his macho act. Only it wasn't an act, she knew that already.
"So Tommy's a fighter, then what am I?" Eva questioned.
"His girlfriend" Hickman observed her closely as he said this. "Look you'll have to take somewhat of a backseat at first Eva, and I know that's not your strong suit, but around these people a woman is not in charge. The man is. So Tommy is your boyfriend, and you follow him. Be yourself, they'll find it interesting with a strong woman, but remember – not to strong".
Eva sighed and nodded. Demure female here she comes.
"Don't worry love, I'll protect you" Tommy smirked at her, that teasing glint in his eyes.
"Don't make me kick your ass"
"Don't try to sweet talk me now, I'm still in charge"
"Well" Hickman raised his eyebrows. "We'll work on it"
Eva opened the door just as Tommy knocked at it. His eyes did a once over, and then another one. She opened the door wider and stepped aside. "Are you coming in or what?"
"Nice dress"
"Thanks, I wanted to stand out"
"You will" His voice was low and she turned to look at him. He sighed and closed the door. "Look. Tonight is a test run, if it doesnt work we'll talk about it later and fix it, okay? Your gonna have to drop the attitude".
Eva's temper flared instantly. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"That you still think your in charge"
"We're not there yet" she pointed out sourly.
"That doesn't matter. You still have that air around you"
"Tommy, I know how to do this"
"I know you do, but what you need to do is lean on me, do you understand me?"
He took a step closer to her. They were so caught up in their stare off that they didn't notice when the rest of the team piled into the room, stopping just inside the door when they noticed how close Tommy and Eva were to each other.
Tommy invaded her space a little bit more, their chests now so close that they brushed against each other. He took a deep breath and smelled the parfume she used, vanilla. And something that was entirely Eva. He felt something pass between them and he leaned forward just a little bit and just as he predicted Eva didn't back away, but raised her chin up to stare defiantly at him. He felt a thrill pass through him, but he pushed it down. "See?" He murmured. "Your first instinct is to challenge me".
She blinked. He was right. Damn him. It was just a big part about who she was, and Tommy especially seemed to bring it out of her. She forced the tenseness from her body and took a step closer, their chests now pressing against each other. When his eyes met hers this time she lowered hers.
"Better" He murmured. One hand came up to cradle the back of her neck, guiding her head to rest in the nook of his throat. He tried not to think about how perfectly she fit there.
She took a deep breath and inhaled his scent. A spike of heat shot through her. This was so unlike her, but to herself she could admit that it felt good to be so close to him, even if it was in pretense. She tried to relax a bit more, to lean against him. His other arm came up around her waist, a firm pressure that held her tighter against him. A cough from the doorway made her head snap up and take a step back at the sight of the team standing there, staring at them.
Tommy turned and met Hickmans eyes calmly and he knew the older man had come to the same realization as he himself had.
"The problem" Hickman said "Is that your both Alfa. And in this situation there can only be one".
Tommy nodded. He knew that as well, he also knew that the terms for this assignment had already decided which one of them it was.
"So what should they do?" Sebastian asked.
"Resolve it" Hickman shrugged.
"How?" Sebastian looked perplexed.
"There's a gym in the basement" Hickman offered.
Eva smiled.
They had never sparred together before. Of course they'd seen each other fight, but they'd never had the opportunity to test each other. The rest of the team was seated on the other side of the mat, watching.
"If they already know that Tommy is going to be in charge, then why do they need to do this?" Anne Marie asked.
"Because Eva needs to know as well" the major said.
"But she does know" Sebastian seemed as perplexed as Anne Marie.
"Her head knows" Hickman cut in. "Her body is not convinced yet. It's hard to bend when you have a strong alfa personality, which both Tommy and Eva have. Eva knows she has to let Tommy take the reins here, but she doesn't act like it".
"Because they haven't fought over the reins yet?"
Hickman smiled. "Something like that. Something in Eva is still fighting to take the reins from Tommy, it's a bit complex, but it's what you get with two alfas".
"So Tommy needs to show her that he's in charge? Even though she already knows the mission?"
"Kind of, yeah"
"Fascinating" Sebastian remarked, watching his two teammates circle each other. "What if she wins?"
"Then we have another problem"
Sebastian watched as Eva and Tommy circled each other, both now dressed in their workout gear. "It's so primal".
"Well, we are primal beings Sebastian. Take away all the dressings and we are still the same as hundreds of years ago".
"Fascinating"
Eva watched Tommy's every move carefully. He was a fierce fighter, that much she knew, and if she was going to beat him she would have to be fast. She struck out, and he ducked quickly, dropping to try and sweep her legs out from underneath her, but she jumped away and they were back to circling each other.
"Nice move, love"
"Don't call me that" She gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to attack.
"Well you are aren't you?"
"Not yet" She struck out again, but he blocked it, striking out himself causing her to go on the defensive.
They continued this way for almost an hour and Eva felt herself begin to weaken, she knew she needed to end it soon before she was too tired. She used her last energy to pin Tommy to the mat, but an expert roll placed her beneath him, and even though she struggled she couldn't break free. He held her down and their eyes met, and she gasped at the intensity in his. Tension crackled in the air between them and her eyes widened at the feel of his body pressing down on hers. Her nerveendings were on fire and all she wanted was to feel him even closer. She shifted under his tight hold and bit back a moan when that movement placed him directly against her. Her eyes which had begin to close at all the sensations running through her snapped open when she felt him hard against her. Their eyes met and he leaned down. She saw the intent in his eyes and in that moment she knew that he was going to kiss her. He was going to kiss her and she wasn't stopping him. Eva, Eva, Eva, do something, say something.
"Good work guys"
The sound of Hickman's voice startled them both and Tommy got up slowly, offering his hand to her which she took, her own trembling slightly. What the hell had just happenend?
"Go get ready, you'll leave in an hour"
Thank god. She hurried to her bag without looking at anyone, least of all Tommy, whose gaze she could feel burning into her back. "See you later" She called out and then she was out the door. Goddamnit Tommy.
Sebastian and Hickman walked up to Tommy who was removing his gloves. "That was interesting" Sebastian teased while Tommy gave him a look that clearly told him to shut it.
"All good?" Hickman asked and Tommy met hsi gaze, knowing what the older man was really asking.
"Yeah, it'll be fine"
"Good, see you before you leave"