Caleb

Chapter One

Caleb ~

After Axel had finished briefing Bravo team, Declan took over, ready to discuss individual assignments with Caleb, Pierce and Marcus before they left for the day.

"Alright, let's talk assignments," Declan started.

"I'll take Ricardo, the primary, but the other three are up for discussion. Any preferences?"

I've got one, but if I open my mouth, I'll never hear the end of it.

"Dibs on James." Pierce said quickly, causing all heads to turn and look at him.

"File says he runs a string of clubs and is quite the playboy party animal. Could be entertaining to say the least. Plus I'm not interested in attending tea parties and shopping sprees." Pierce continued.

"I'll take the stepmom." Marcus added, receiving nothing but an arched brow from Declan.

"What can I say? Older women love me." Marcus said, before smirking at Caleb.

Marcus and Pierce are volunteering for the other two clients so I will be assigned to Elaina...and I fucking love them for it.

Declan dropped his pen onto the table and leaned back in his chair, giving the entire team a deadpan expression as he cocked his head to the side and let out an exasperated sigh.

"You think I don't know what you guys are doing? Do I look like an idiot?" Declan said flatly, eyeing all three of his teammates, waiting for one of them to admit it, but hearing nothing but silence.

"Marcus you're with Elaina, Caleb you're with Camila," Declan declared as he scribbled onto the notepad in front of him.

"Ah come on, Boss. Let the guy have a little fun." Pierce said.

"This isn't damn vacation Pierce, it's a job. I know Caleb would never fuck up an op, but why put the temptation there at all? Can't focus if you're droolin' over women."

"I seem to remember you falling for Lexi while working a job...drooled pretty hard yourself, but still handled business." Pierce was joking, but his tone changed as he challenged his friend.

Bad move Pierce...never bring up Lex.

Clenching his jaw, Declan slowly turned his head toward Pierce who had his arms folded across his chest with a taunting smile smeared across his face.

This isn't gonna end well.

"Alright, alright, enough." Caleb finally said, holding his arms up and laughing at his stubborn teammates.

"Dec, assign me to whoever you want. I don't give a shit, okay?"

Leaving his eyes locked on Pierce for a few seconds more, Declan turned his focus back to Caleb and gave him confirmation.

"Camila." Declan said flatly.

"Cool. Done." Caleb replied with a smile, trying to diffuse the situation by accepting the assignment without question.

Standing abruptly with his folder in hand, Declan headed for the door before turning and pointing at Pierce.

"You play too much." Declan said with the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile that was almost too small to notice.

"But that's why you keep me around." Pierce laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back against his chair with an arrogant smile.

"No. I keep you around because you can land a kill shot from two thousand meters." Declan corrected him.