Reo's voice carried over the space. "Today another message to the Fox was intercepted on the island."
The words hung in the air.
Under the table, Kenji let go of my thigh and turned his hand up so that our fingers laced together. His grip was firm, possessive, and tender. His thumb traced the sensitive skin of my inner wrist, finding my pulse point. And I swore that touch said, ‘You did well. You're safe. You're mine. I love you.’
Placing the lollipop back into my mouth, I squeezed his hand twice and delivered my own message to the Dragon, ‘I know. I trust you. I love you too.’
Reo continued, “I called this meeting today because I now don’t think it isonespy. I believe it ismultiplespies. Coordinating. Watching. Waiting for the Fox’s signal to kill.”
Kenji sneered. “There is a nest of snakes on this fucking island, and we’re going to hunt and kill them, one by fucking one.”
I blinked.
Fuck. Now the meeting is really beginning.
Chapter twenty-eight
Strategy Time
Nyomi
Reo pulled out his phone, swiped the screen, and stared at it for a three-count too long. His jaw worked. Then he handed it to the twins without looking at them.
His face went grim as they passed it around. "The spy photographed Nyomi this morning."
For a second—just a flash—I saw something raw cross Reo’s features. Anger, yes. But also something that looked like guilt. Like he blamed himself for not catching this sooner.
Meanwhile, Hiro stirred next to me. “The spy took pictures of Nyomi?”
Reo turned to him. “Yes. The person snapped pictures of her, while she went to her office. While she left the kitchen after cooking with you.”
Hiro pulled the lollipop from his mouth with a soft pop.
My stomach twisted.
“And then the spy tried to send the photos to the Fox. With a message.” Reo paused.
The silence was suffocating.
“The message asked whether they should kill or kidnap her.”
Hiro rose from his seat. “What?”
I widened my eyes.
The phone had been with Kaoru, but as soon as he saw Hiro was standing. He put the phone on the table and sent it sliding down to Hiro.
Hiro caught it in seconds, lifted it to view, and began going through the photos. Soon, a low, animalistic sound vibrated from his muscular frame with barely contained violence. His hands clenched on the table. I could see the outline of his knife shifting slightly under his jacket.
Rage rolled off him in waves.
And from my right—Kenji. His fury was colder, more controlled, but just as lethal. I felt his body vibrating beside me, every muscle coiled tight. His jaw was clenched so hard I heard his teeth grind.
Both, were ready to kill.
Ready to destroy anyone who'd dare threaten me.
And I realized something in that moment, sitting between these two deadly men. All I had to do was find the spies, point them out, and they would do the rest.
