Page 271 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

Thom chuckled. “You’re driving, little girl. Take Daddy for a ride.”

She let loose of the controls, flashed him a seven, and said, “Meow.”

“That’s enough of that,” he teased.

Setting up a standard search pattern, she confirmed that there appeared to be no further resistance that was not contained within the fortress. Avery flew over the compound and they watched as the Wild Mustang team made a full-on assault. The skirmish was brief but decisive.

The only hitch was when Fariq’s guard, led by Christian, came up behind the assault team. Things might have gone badly but for two things. The first was that Christian was on their side and had a small clutch of men loyal to him. The second was when those still loyal to Fariq tried to trap Noah, Croft, and the others, only to watch in open-mouthed shock as Avery brought the chopper up from sea level and allowed them to get a good look at the weaponry she was already locking on them.

She and Thom watched as Fariq’s remaining men laid down their weapons and surrendered to the Wild Mustang team. At Noah’s signal, Avery landed the chopper.

“You stay put,” Thom said as he unbuckled, leaning across the controls to kiss her. Cupping the back of her helmet, he pulled her close, long enough to share a smile before exiting the cockpit.

Avery watched him sprint across the courtyard, high-fiving Noah as he went. Croft fell in behind him as they entered the main keep of the ancient castle. All of the remaining men surrendered. They were frisked, placed in restraints and allowed to sit. Avery watched as Christian was frisked and after deeming him safe, Noah sent Christian to the chopper.

“Permission to come aboard,” he said, stopping at the door into the passenger compartment door.

“Granted. It’s a good thing you’re Finn’s brother and Thom is convinced you’re one of the good guys. Otherwise I’d take you up and drop you into the middle of the ocean.”

“I did apologize to your da…”

“My colleague,” Avery snapped.

Christian smiled. “Funny, I don’t generally spank my colleagues.”

All right, now she really was going to drop him in the middle of the ocean. “I sincerely doubt you’re up to the task.”

“Ouch,” he said mildly. “I’m beginning to think we might have got off on the wrong foot, but when this all started, I thought we got on well.”

Folding her arms, she glared. “You felt me up and pinched my nipple, then drugged and tied me to a chair, and kidnapped the man I love.”

The door on the passenger side of the cockpit opened and Thom stuck his head in, assessing the situation. “Problem?”

“Your little girl isn’t as understanding about what happened as you were,” said Christian.

“Avery,” Thom said, stressing her name, “was the one you violated. If I were you, I’d watch how you deal with her. It isn’t that Noah, Croft, John, Mac, or I aren’t more than willing to kick your ass, it’s just that we know Avery not only could, but would prefer to do it herself. That being said, you might want to tread carefully with the rest of us. You’re getting a pass because of Finn, but you’re only getting one… there won’t be a second.”

Shaking his head, Christian slumped back into his seat. He rubbed his head, then his face, and for the first time Avery caught a glimpse of his exhaustion under the sarcastic mask.

“I was way out of line,” he finally sighed. “I’ve been under for so long, I’ve forgotten how to behave around civilized people. I am truly sorry that anything I felt I had to do caused any of you any distress and am very grateful that all of you have been there for Finn.”

The man looked absolutely broken.

“It can’t have been easy…” started Avery.

“I try to tell myself that nobody forced me and that I could have walked away. Markoff has tried to pull me out a couple of times. I just kept thinking that I could make a difference… that I could destroy Fariq’s operation and the world might be a little safer.” He chuckled; it was a bitter and weary sound. “Who knew all we had to do was get a prototype helicopter into the right woman’s hands. You, Ms. Jackson, are one helluva pilot, and I salute your courage and skill.”

“You want him to ride back with Noah and the boys?” asked Thom gently.

“Nah, but if he gets out of line again, I’m feeding him to the sharks.” She turned back to Christian. “Buckle up, buttercup.”

“She’s one helluva pilot, but she prefers roller coasters to merry-go-rounds,” Thom warned him, getting in beside her.

“Mustang Sally, Ark One. Markoff is here, get Finn’s wedding gift back to Arizona.”

“Roger, Ark One. Package secured. See you at home.” With that, Avery engaged the engines and lifted off, smoothly heading out over the ocean.

“Far be it from me to tell you how to do your jobs,” Christian started to say, but cut off with a yelp when she took the helicopter into another steep dive. Thom hid a smirk while putting his headset back on, but Christian was too busy grabbing his chair. “Holy shit!”

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