Deadly Interpretations

*** Book 1 in the 'Adventures in World Peace' Series ***

U.N. Interpreter, Harley Black, meets her match in one DHS agent named Jim Bond. They're hearing chatter about her and her coworker, from people ready to take over the world. It's up to Harley to keep Jim in check while creating world peace...or die trying.

Excerpt

Beating someone up was so much easier in slacks. No one touched me without a reason.

As I dug my high heel into the man's back and yanked his arms behind him, I forced his face into the dirty United Nations floor. "Look buddy. I'm in no mood for this today. Get out, because I have to work." He was lucky I didn't hurt him more.

"Harley Black." Even though his face was smooshed against the floor, the man managed to speak. "If you let me stand up, I'll tell you why I'm here."

I leaned closer so he could hear me. "Can I trust you not to touch me again?"

"Sure." He moaned. "You win. I just want to talk to you. Honest."

Two security guards ran to the door while I let the intruder get to his feet. "Is everything okay?" the taller guard asked.

I nodded. "Fine. Just letting this guy know who's boss."

"Call us if you need us," the same man said, and they both walked away.

My victim looked down and dusted off his dark blue polo shirt and stone-colored pants. "I have to talk to you in private." He lifted his head. He had big blue eyes framed by dark blond hair and strong cheekbones. In other words, the guy was very handsome, but I wasn't about to let that change the fact that he wasn't on my good side.

I crossed my arms, watching Mr. Good-Looking, who was my eye candy for the day. "You have two minutes," I said. "What do you want?"

After he looked toward the long row of glass interpreter cubicles and down at the General Assembly of the United Nations, he grabbed my arm and led me to the back of the small room. He pulled out a badge and held it up to my face, making sure I read the thing.

However, I wasn't impressed, so I watched his expression instead. A badge meant nothing to me. Besides, he was something better to look at than plastic and metal.

The man moved closer to my face. "I'm an agent with DHS," he whispered. "That stands for the Department of Homeland Security—"

"And I just kicked your butt? A girl kicked an agent's butt. How hilarious is that?" I laughed but he wasn't amused, so I stopped. I wasn't a cruel person, but it was really funny.

He smirked. "I used to work for the CIA, but I was demoted because of a small incident with a queen in a different country. She didn't believe her house was the target of a bomb. We got the bombers before they struck, but she wasn't happy with me, so I was demoted."

"What a shame." I knew I sounded condescending, but I really didn't care. "What do you want with me?"

"I think there's going to be a threat on your life," he whispered. "We're getting chatter from all over and something big is going down. They want to use a U.N. interpreter to talk between the nations."

I watched him in indifference, crossing my arms even tighter. "Uh-huh."

"You don't believe me?"

"Nope. They don't use U.N. interpreters for things like that, and you never told me your name. How can I believe you?" I pointed toward his hand, still holding his badge. "For all I know, you got that at some discount toy store."

"It's real. I don't tell people my name right away because they don't always believe me."

This should be good. "What's your name and I'll tell you what I think."

"I'm sure you will. It's not every day I'm beaten up by a girl. If I'd known you were good at self-defense, I'd have brought my A-game and not let your good looks mess with me." He shook his head, studying my face. "Black hair and blue eyes. Very striking. They didn't tell me about that."

I almost laughed in his face. "What's your name?"

"Bond. Jim Bond."

I started to chuckle. "And you used to work for the CIA? Are you any relation to James—"

"No." His expression turned serious. "It's not funny. I'm no longer CIA, either, remember?"

"I'll never forget, just like you should never forget not to touch my shoulder from behind again. You really need to learn some manners." I considered giving him my full anger, but since I'd just put him on the floor, I decided to be nice. "Now, Mr. Bond, I think it's time for you to leave so I can do my job."

His grin covered his face. He glanced down at my cleavage before returning his gaze to my eyes. "Unlike your dossier, you do have a nice attitude underneath that tough exterior. You'll do fine." He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him, kissing me hard while his tongue penetrated my lips. He backed away after a few seconds, slightly out of breath, his eyes just inches from mine. "Welcome to my world, Harley Black. You've just become a member."

Even though his kiss was brief, it was very sexy, stunning me. I had to catch my breath before I could answer. "What did I do?"

"You're tough, beautiful, and exactly what I need to foil an evil plot. Plus, you're going to date me, so get used to this." He kissed me again, and it was amazing, to say the least.

He backed away as I took a big breath and opened my eyes.

"I still have it," he whispered.