Page 75 of Dangerous Obsession

“Yeah, but—”

“We’re trained for this kind of thing. And if you’re there, I’ll be distracted and worried about you, and that could keep me from doing my job effectively.” He lifted her hand and held it to his chest. “Please, Ineedyou to stay here and be safe. Okay?”

Viking was proficient at focusing and blocking out any and all outside distractions. This was the first time he was in love with one of the distractions.

“You’re right. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize anyone’s safety.” Her forehead dropped to the center of his chest. “I just hate feeling so helpless.”

“You arefarfrom helpless.” He brushed his fingers through her curls. “This is just one of those things that has to be handled by professionals.”

“Hey, guys.” Cole strolled over and glanced at his phone. “Sorry to interrupt, but Sammy got the location and sent me the coordinates.”

“Holy shit, that was fast. She’s amazing.” Calliope popped a chocolate-covered donut hole into her mouth. She ate pretty much whatever she wanted and could put away enough food for a man twice her size. Yet somehow, she managed to maintain her weight and elite level of fitness.

“She remembered seeing the property transfer on the county appraiser’s website when she was digging into Barnum’s life. All she had to do was pull up the location.” He looked at Viking. “I’ve got my gear in the car. I assume you’ve got yours with you, too.”

“It’s in the office.”

“Let’s kit up.” Cole draped his arm over Dulce’s shoulder and started toward the back of the boutique.

“Yes!” Calliope did a fist pump, and her long, blond pigtails bobbed up and down as she practically bounced behind them. “Finally.”

Elite operators like the ones who worked for OSI knew how important training was. But it didn’t take long for them to become antsy and start jonesing for the thrill of an op. And his team had been out of the rotation since the mission in Colombia. Warriors like them lived for moments like this, when they could get their hands dirty and apply all of their skills and training.

“Let me talk to Deborah.” Eddie hurried past them and headed to the employee break room.

Viking threaded his fingers through Marigold’s and followed.

“What’s up?” Sebastian stepped out of the office as they walked by.

Hanna was sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Carter, who was kicking and cooing on a baby play mat. She stood, picked him up, and walked over next to her husband.

Cole filled them in on the latest developments as Viking grabbed his rifle bag, tactical vest, and duffle from behind Marigold’s desk.

“What do you need from me?” Sebastian asked.

Cole reached out and caressed his massive hand over his son’s head. “If you don’t mind, I’d feel better if Dulce and Carter were with you.”

“Marigold, too,” Dulce said.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Sebastian lifted his phone from his shirt pocket. “I’ll contact my head of security and let him know what’s going on.”

The Houldcrofts’ walled and gated estate was just outside of DC. Their massive home was positioned at the back of a large piece of wooded property that was very well-protected by a private security firm. Marigold would be safe there.

“What about Nicky?” Marigold lifted the kitten from where she was curled up sleeping on the play mat.

“We’ll take her with us! My grandson loves that little orange fluffball.” Hanna brushed her nose across Carter’s. “Don’t you? You just wuv pwaying wif dat baby kitty. Yes, you do.”

Hanna Houldcroft was a powerful woman in her own right. She was tenacious about her causes and could make senators and Congressmen quake in her presence. Watching her talk baby-talk to her grandson was such a contrast and an endearing sight to behold.

“Once Carter’s baby seat is moved to Sebastian’s car, there won’t be enough room for all of us and Nicky’s carrier. Besides, I need to finish a couple of things here.” Marigold stroked the kitten’s back. “It’ll only take me about thirty minutes, maybe a tiny bit longer. I’ll take your truck and go straight to their place as soon as I’m done. That way, it won’t be sitting in the parking lot all night.” She tilted her chin up at him. “Assuming you’re okay with me driving your truck.”

“Of course, I’m okay with you driving it.” His truck had bulletproof windows, a boosted turbo engine for quick escape, and a GPS beacon that sent an alert to the command center with the press of a button on the dash. “But I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you being here alone.”

“I won’t be alone—Nicky will be with me.” She snuffled her nose against the side of the kitten’s face. “Besides, Cliff told me to leave in an hour, and it would take me another hour to get there. And let’s face it, he thinks I’ll do exactly as I’m told—like a good little girl.” She had a point. Barnum had no clue how strong she’d become over the past few years. “I promise, I’ll go straight to Sebastian and Hanna’s the second I’m done here.”

Viking looked from Sebastian to Cole, and they both gave him a sort ofyour callkind of look. So, no help there.

Marigold was right. Cliff was nowhere near the boutique, and the team would be at the cabin by the time she was supposed to leave here. Plus, the store’s security system was foolproof. He thought about how important her freedom and independence were to her. The last thing he wanted to do was take those things away from her just because he was feeling overprotective.

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