“First, I should warn you. Your big boss is going to have his hands full trying to explain how y’all let spyware into the homes of the most powerful folks in America.” I check my watch. “You might want to turn on CNN.”
The news flashes a picture of a Smart Sissy doll. First, we’re shown a few seconds of the Christmas ad we’ve all watched since Thanksgiving. The Muppet-like toy can interact with a toddler, a young child, a teenager, and an adult. At the time, it impressed the fuck out of everyone. After introducing the topic, the reporter plays the video Landy emailed him. It’s of a Supreme Court justice and his wife arguing about some illegal activities.
As the clip ends, the announcer sums it up. “Anyone who bought the doll, can return it for a full refund. CloudTekToys is under investigation, The Feds seized their software servers and shut down the company until further notice.”
The FBI agent shakes his head. “How the hell did you get mixed up in all this?”
“Hell, that’s easy. My wife. She don’t find trouble. It finds her.” As I start laughing, the poor guy curses and walks out the door.
Cheering erupts in the hall. Yessiree, I set another world’s record.
Chapter Twenty-Four
One week later…
Suds
“This is the best vacation ever!” Wearing nothing but a tiny white string bikini, my bronzed beauty exits the clear blue ocean.
A swimsuit model, water glistens on her tanned skin as she runs along the white sand. With every man on the beach staring, I hand her a thick towel and cover her up right quick. Her salty lips covered by mine, I lower her to the blanket and roll on top. When we come up for air, she spies my iPad.
“I thought we said no working.”
“I’m not. I’m reading.” Sitting cross-legged, I tug her to my lap, wrap my arms around her waist and as she holds up the screen, I summarize. “A bounty hunter earned himself five million bucks and gave most of it to charity.”
“I don’t believe you. Let me see.” She brings the article closer and after a moment, she leans her wet back to my chest. “Huh. Who knew? Dash isn’t a self-serving jerk.”
I snort. “I disagree. He almost got us killed.”
“You’re just jealous because he’s good looking and rich.” The mischievous smile she shoots over her shoulder causes me to tickle her ribs until she begs for mercy.
Shivering, goosebumps run down her arm, and she squeezes my bare thigh. “Uncle, uncle. He’s only got eyes for Landy. Did he say anything about her to you?”
“Real men do not gossip.” Aroused and ready for fucking, my cock presses against her bottom.
She turns, straddles me, and cups my cheeks. “That so, tough guy?”
“Damn straight.” We kiss in the morning sun, and I enjoy the lust rising between us until it becomes unbearable.
“Babe, unless you want to make love under the blanket, we should find our room.”
The minx purses her lips, as if considering my offer, then shakes her head. “Nope, we should go.”
Standing, she stuffs our belongings into a huge beach bag while I grab our sandals. In front of the hotel, she holds my hand and waits for my eyes to lower to hers.
“Sebs?”
“Mmm?”
“Something’s been bothering me.” Frowning under a floppy hat, her chocolate eyes stare off into space.
“Shoot.” I open the lobby door and she’s quiet until we’re alone in the elevator.
“The day I got shot, before the DEA showed up, a new bunch of armed Chinese men started killing everyone. Who were they? And don’t say the Russians. I won’t believe you.”
I chuckle on the surface, but inside, my chest constricts. It was a bad bet, one where I nearly lost everything. “You were supposed to wait outside.”
“Up for debate. Go on.”
