Ace rolls his eyes but refrains from commenting. He turns to look at Cash instead. “Do we have the budget to buy some from the Russians, or the Chinese perhaps?” he asks.
“No, not without moving several assets around and pulling investments, which would take too long. Gimme a second to think.” Cash grinds his teeth and paces, stroking his chin, his brow furrowed in concentration while he tries to come up with alternative solutions. I can tell he doesn’t like this one bit. Clearly, he’s the kind of guy who is used to being in control,and he doesn’t want any uncertainty. After a second, he finally admits, “I got nothing. I think this is our best option.”
Ace nods, accepting Cash’s judgment without question, and I wonder what the dynamic between the three is. Ace is the president, but he seems far more ready to listen to Cash’s advice than Gage. Is that just because Gage is in the doghouse, or is it always like this between them?
“Alright. Naomi, can you point out on a map where you hid the guns?” Ace asks.
Oh hell no.
If he thinks I’m gonna sit around and wait in the house while they try, and most likely fail to find the guns, and no doubt trash my favorite place in the process, he’s got another thing coming. “Nope. The only way you’re getting your hands on those guns is if you let me come with you.”
Ace wipes his hand down his face wearily, already seeming to understand how stubborn I can be, “You’re not gonna back down on this, are you?” he asks.
“Nope,” I reply with a triumphant grin, knowing I’ve already won.
“Fine. Cash, she can ride on the back of your bike,” Ace concedes. Clearly, he wants to keep Gage and me as far away from each other as possible.
“Oh no,” I say cheerily. “I’m riding my own bike.”
A heated debate between Ace and me ensues, he insisting that there’s no way he’s letting me ride off alone, and how it will be quicker and safer with me on Cash’s bike. I refuse, pointing out that the more bikes the better, especially if somethinghappens to one, and that two riders would slow us down more. Eventually, Cash breaks up our bickering.
“We haven’t got time for this. Just let Naomi ride her bike. Besides, I’m curious to see her on that thing,” Cash adds with a slight smile that doesn’t show his teeth.
Sensing he’s outnumbered and that Gage will definitely take our side, Ace finally gives in. “Fine. But you can’t go out like that,” he says, needing to win something.
“Sure, what do you suggest I wear then? It’s not like I have anything with me, and none of you are my size,” I point out. I have to admit, I enjoy verbally sparring with him just a little bit.
“I have some stuff from an ex that should fit you upstairs,” he grunts.
I don’t know why, but something about that bothers me. It’s kind of Ace to offer, and I’m definitely not jealous. Ace isn’t anything to me, quite the opposite, we’ve done nothing but clash since we met. I tell myself it’s just that everything he does irks me, nothing more. Perhaps it’s the fact that he treats me like some fragile tiny thing, and yet he clearly dated a woman who wears a similar size to me. Either way, I’m intrigued and grateful, so I simply say thanks and allow him to show me where it is.
The options I’m left with aren’t much better than Gage’s shirt. I’m grateful that I at least have my favorite boots. God knows what those fuckers did with my clothes. There’s a pair of denim hotpants that are so short my ass cheeks are practically hanging out, a minidress better suited for the club, some skimpy lingerie, a silk negligee, and the only thing that is longer than mid-thigh is a pair of leather pants. With a sigh, I put those on.Feeling a little mischievous and looking for ways to irritate Ace. I spot a cool t-shirt of his, a vintage Metallica tour shirt, and put it on, tucking it into the waist of the pants. When I return down the stairs and Ace notices, he frowns but says nothing. Gage and Cash try to suppress their smirks.
I feel exhilarated at the thought of riding my Indian. Any time things get too tough, when it all seems too much, and life seems too hard, I take my bike out for a long ride, just me and the open road. It always helps to clear my mind and give me a fresh perspective. I could sure as hell use one now. Feeling almost giddy with anticipation, I can’t hold back my grin as I taunt the guys.
“Time to find out if you boys can keep up.”
There’s a wicked glint in Ace’s eyes. He’s a man who obviously likes a challenge. Gage notices it and chuckles. “Uh oh, Naomi’s brought out Ace’s competitive side…”
“Doesn’t take much,” Cash replies. From the expression on his face, he’s a man who doesn’t back down from a challenge either. “I hope you enjoy the view of my ass during the ride, Sweetheart,” he says with a wink.
I’m caught off guard by Cash’s flirtatious tone, and my cheeks flush.
“Do I really have to be the sensible one right now?” Gage sighs.
Whatever had been causing Ace to teeter toward letting go and having some fun is gone in the blink of an eye, as if Gage had lassoed him, snapping him back into place. “Stay close, Naomi. No racing, you two,” he says sternly.
I pout. “Spoilsport.”
Ace fixes me in his steely gaze. “Don’t forget there are people out there who want us dead and want to capture and do far worse than just kill you,” Ace warns, serious again.
The truth of his words hits me, and suddenly I don’t feel so excited about leaving the safety of the house. I nod somberly and follow their lead.
Outside, I feel exposed, nervously looking around, expecting an ambush at any moment.
I can’t let myself forget why I’m here. My life depends on it.
Chapter 8
