Page 42 of The Merciless King

“Good afternoon,” Agent Scott says, a government office in the background. “Hey Connor.”

“Hey,” he replies, and it’s clear from the smile in his voice the two are friendly. Even close. “Thanks for helping us out here.”

“This is how we’d said we’d work together, so I was pleased to hear from you. If it gets your guy into the Baldassare crime family and saves lives, then it benefits us all,” Scott says. “So, tell me what you have so far.”

Mack walks him through our draft plan and after we make a few changes, the agent gives us a few names I can use as references.

Men who will confirm I am who I say I am.

Braxton Rossi. Independent contractor. A middleman who answers to no one but deals with the wealthiest and most dangerous people on the planet.

Not a US Marine, son, and brother.

“This is incredibly risky for these contacts. It goes without saying that their names can never be shared outside this circle,” Scott presses.

A chill runs through me as the reality of what I’m doing sinks in. This isn’t just about Amy anymore. I’m running a government approved operation.

A one-man black op.

As a Marine, I had a team around me. This time I won’t have tanks or a chopper ready to pick me up should shit go down. The Dark Kings are proving to be the support I needed and with contacts in high places.

Thank fuck I reached out to Connor Barrett.

It may save my life and Amy’s.

“We are well aware, Agent. We were undercover for six years, remember?” Nathan says.

“Braxton wasn’t,” Scott says. “These men’s lives are at risk if anyone finds out they are agents.”

“I understand, sir.”

“Good. I’ve only had approval to do this because of the benefits of unearthing a potential trafficking ring, and you’re a Marine working with Connor. But it’s off the books.”

“Understood,” I say, then glance at Connor, who nods back at me.

“Right. Let’s start putting this in motion,” Decker says, climbing off the sofa as we end the call.

By six that night, I’m revving the engine of the Ferrari and pulling out into the streets of Manhattan to go deep undercover.

I’m excited.

I’m nervous.

But the most surprising thing is, I’m looking forward to having Gianna wrapped in my arms and my mouth on hers again.

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