Page 55 of Rafe’s Future

“They’re screwing with you,” Apollo added with unconcealed contempt.

“Yes.” Rafe nodded. “They are.”

The murderous prick may have started the deadly game of cat and mouse. But what they didn’t know⁠—

I always win.

CHAPTER TEN

An hour later . . .

“I’m ready.” Lena entered the private space Rafe called the “situation room”. Shifting her duffle bag’s wide nylon strap a bit higher on her shoulder, she walked over to where the sexy Brit stood.

At the table, he zipped his black bag shut and turned to her. “Grab an extra weapon.” He gestured to the open safe across the room. “Or two.” Rafe gave a slight shrug of his broad shoulders.

The bag’s strap slid down her arm as she set it on the floor and headed that way. Lena stopped directly in front of the impressive selection, giving herself a moment to appreciate its beauty.

“Is it wrong that I’m a little turned on right now?”

The man’s deep chuckle made her heart swell.

“You haven’t changed a bit.” Rafe’s accent was as enticing as ever. “Still making jokes at a time when most people would be out of their minds with worry.”

“Worrying’s a waste of time.” She reached for one of the mounted pistols.

Holding the Glock 43, she considered its smaller, single-stack design. The 9mm weapon would be easier to conceal than her Glock 19.

Don’t mind if I do.

Lena checked the chamber and mag before sliding the gun into the back waistband of her pants. Next, she reached for an EK50 Short Clip KA-BAR, securing the five-inch fixed blade and its sheath to her hip.

Grabbing two boxes of Federal Premium HT bullets from a small shelf within the safe, she went back to where she’d left her bag and placed the ammo inside. She pulled the zipper shut, hoisted the strap over her shoulder once more, and stood.

“Okay, now, I’m ready.” Lena looked up at Rafe.

Rafe turned his ruggedly handsome face her way. “You have everything you need?” He glanced at her bag. “Could be a while before we come back.”

With another professional killer on their tails, it was only a matter of time. The brazen jerk would eventually make a real move. Something more than a warning shot or stalkerish picture.

Next time he shoots, it’ll be to kill.

It’s why Rafe devised the next step in their plan. They’d come back here, making it seem as if they were settling in for the night. In reality, they would be leaving again soon. By the time their would-be killer figured out they weren’t home, she and Rafe would be safe and secure at a different location.

Where that was, Lena still had no idea. But she trusted him, so it didn’t really matter.

“I’m good.” She smacked her palm against her slung bag. “Extra clothes, basic toiletries, a few snacks, plenty of weapons, and⁠—”

“A partridge in a pear tree?”

Her lips curved. “Something like that. What about you? You ready to roll?”

“Almost.” Rafe left his bag on the table and turned his attention to the computers lining the wall.

When he started typing, she dropped her bag onto the table and went to where he stood. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure this place is ready in case our guy drops by for a visit.”

“What kind of explosives did you use?”