Live Wire (Ramsey Security #2)

Scratching my chest again, I admit, "I worry I might miss something because I'm focused on him."

"These cult people are middle aged douches. I can't imagine they'll be so sly that we need to play this job like we're hunting the Da Vinci Code."

"And if I fuck up and he dies?"

"You'll feel guilty. I'm sure it won't be the first time that's happened. We all have regrets."

"I don't."

"You're a little bit of a sociopath, aren't you?"

I glare at her. "I wasn't raised to regret anything."

"And you just did everything your mother told you?"

"Yes."

"I rebelled," Minka says in a cocky tone.

"Your mother is a lying thieving bitch, but I doubt she'd sell you into slavery or hack off your limbs to make a point."

"No, probably not. How'd you know that about my mom?"

"Everywhere you go, you talk and talk. Did you not realize people you weren't talking to could also hear you?"

Minka frowns. "No, I guess it didn't."

We study one another. I'm ready to leave when Minka suddenly smiles.

"Your mom sounds like a monster."

"You seem surprised. I assumed she was a notorious monster."

"Yes, but many professionals are monsters with their work but decent with their families."

"Name one."

"Dolores Manny. She was an ice cold contractor who doted on her two kids."

Sighing, I stand up. "Yes but she originally had three children."

"Oh," Minka mutters. "I always knew there was something off about that bitch."

"I'm done bonding."

"For forever or just for today?"

"For today."

"Yes, friendship with women is exhausting." Minka stands up and pats me on the head. "We did good with the bonding though."

Slapping away her hand, I step back. "Thank you for talking with me. I've never had a friend to gossip with. I appreciate your help."

"Was this gossiping?"

"I don't know but don't touch my head again."

Spinning around, I walk out of the room with Minka stomping behind me. She keeps reaching for my head, and I keep dodging her attempts. We join Troy outside as he installs cameras to search the sky for the possible drones. Doing my job can't keep my mind off Brad, and I even feel him thinking about me. I suspect he feels me thinking about him too.





13


Brad

Twisting in the Wind

Saskia is playing games, though her hot and cold routine doesn't surprise me. The night before in bed, she tried squirming away. Every time she attempted to escape, I wrapped her into my arms and forced her to stay where she really wanted to be. In bed, I was in charge.

Now the sun is up, and she's playing the dominant role again. Saskia's escape with Minka makes me smile. I'm under her skin. I feel just as intoxicated by her, leaving me fearless. Meanwhile, she hides away and gossips.

"Are you packed?" Mom asks, handing me a glass of orange juice.

Nodding, I say nothing. She senses something is different and wants to know what. As much as I love my mom, no way in hell do I plan to tell her about last night. She'll crap all over my good mood.

"I'll double check," I say, leaving the kitchen before Mom begins asking more questions.

I skip the bag check and walk outside to where Troy is working. He glances at me, says nothing, and returns to work.

Thinking about Saskia, I imagine writing songs dedicated to her beauty and strength. I might even write a few about a demon woman ensnaring her victims with her dark hypnotic eyes. My studio is calling to me, but I refuse to hide away for the rest of the day. Instead, I keep watch like a man rather than playing in my hiding place like a child.

Saskia appears outside. Startled to see me, she considers turning around. Saskia jerks to a stop before standing unsure for a long time. Watching her struggle between cold and hot, I nearly laugh at her indecision.

"Want orange juice?" I ask when she stares at me, seemingly unable to speak.

"No."

"You look beautiful this morning."

"Thank you. We need to talk."

"About what?" I ask, reaching out to caress her cheek.

"I enjoyed last night."

"I know you did," I say, giving her a grin.

Saskia narrows her eyes, hoping to intimidate me. When my smile doesn't relent, her glare does.

"I'm on an assignment though. I need to focus on keeping your family safe during the trip, so I'm asking for space."

"Because I distract you."

"Yes."

I step closer and smile wider. "Because last night was fucking brilliant."

Saskia narrows her eyes again. "Yes."

"So you're asking me to keep my hands to myself until we get back from New York City, correct?"

"Yes."

"Once we're back, my hands are free to roam again?"

"We'll see. I might lose interest in you."

Grinning, I shove my hands into my jean pockets. "Won't happen. Not after one night. Maybe after a few really long, productive nights, you might begin to lose interest. Doubtful though."

"I'm done talking to you now."

"Okay, but I'm keeping your panties. I might even frame them."

A frustrated Saskia turns away until I wrap my arms around her from behind.

"You seem tense. I might be able to help with that," I whisper in her ear. "You know, when we return."