“I’m a thief, son, not a bloody miracle worker.” Despite the words, I catch a softening in his tone and throw down a gauntlet I know he won’t refuse.
“You will have any and all resources you possibly need. Make a list and we’ll call you back in…” I glance down at my phone. “In twenty minutes.”
“Make it an hour.” He hangs up.
I heave out a sigh of relief, and as everyone speaks at once, I text my hackers.
Me: We need intel on AlexeiBalabanov.
General Young stands. “Clear the room. I need to inform the mayor, the governor, and the president.”
Once we file out of the room, we stop on the gravel, and Slate points to his jet. “Italy anyone?”
I understand his hurry. Better to ask for forgiveness than wait for permission.
Walking to the runway, I turn to Landy, and hold both her hands. “Would you consider returning to New York? Egonov has you in his sights and will extract revenge.”
Her ponytail bounces as she shakes her head, no. “Me? He’s the one who better watch his six.”
Not wanting to argue in front of the rest. I shelve my thoughts, and jog to catch up. “Alright mates, how soon before wheels up?”
Chapter 14
Landy
Over the Atlantic, I fall asleep in a comfy leather chair and when I open my eyes, Sebastian leaves the circle of men sitting around a table. Dashiell arrives at my side and leans over to kiss me senseless. As he stands, he hisses out a deep breath which means it’s time to prepare for battle.
Squatting his butt on his heels, he cups my cheeks, and takes my hands in his. “All of Patten’s women and children have agreed to added protection. Right after we land, you are to stay in the villa, no exceptions.”
“No. And before you spout off about shit magnets, I need to remind you of something. This…”
I slip out of his grasp and wave my hand to encompass the entire private jet’s interior. “Is all on you and not Kade.”
Dash’s jaw muscles pulse and his brows furrow. “You could have told him no.”
“Don’t change the subject. Admit it. You love being Little John to Alistair’s Robin Hood.” Tilting my head, I meet his stare, and emulate his grim expression.
“You’re not going to be part of this mission or I’m sending you home on the next flight.” His eyes spark fire but I am not giving in.
“Yes, I am.” My arms cross my chest, I clench my fists, and we stare for the longest time.
Then he cracks up, pulls me out of my chair and tips up my chin. “You are the most obstinate woman I know. Come here.”
“Really? You need to get out more.” My hands dip in his back pocket, cup his butt, and as I squeeze him closer to me, he lowers for a kiss.
Our tongues tangle, and we grind. Mindless to the rest, when we break apart, I tug his earlobe and whisper, “How about I agree to let you tie me up and be as bossy as you want in bed?”
The black centers of his eyes widen and his nostrils flare. “Oh, firefly. Be careful what you promise. I will collect.”
“I’m counting on it.” While my clit does a happy dance, I nip his lower lip and walk him to the coffee pot.
After a slurp of the nectar of life, I reconnect to his beautiful brown eyes. “Thank you.”
“I haven’t agreed to anything but interesting sex, luv.” Lips pursed, one of his brows quirks up, and I reach to his face to push it down.
“But you will. Sweetheart, if we’re going to have a future together, I need to be fighting at your side, not bickering.”
“I don’t want you hurt.” He glances over at the team, now settling down for a quick nap. “They’re all seasoned warriors.”
