Page 85 of Shadow Undercover

“I don’t provide service for free. I’ll tack the cost of this job onto the price of the next one.” He stared at Fernando. “Unless you want me to get rid of Freddy. That one I’ll be happy to throw in free of charge.”

“I have tasks for him to complete. He won’t be part of your assignments.”

“Too bad. Let’s go. I want to take Bree back to our hotel.” He eased her in front of him and kissed her, hard, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind what he wanted to do with her when they reached their room.

Trembling, she edged closer to Trace as they trailed behind Hugo and his men.

“Hold on, baby,” he whispered. “Just a few more minutes.”

Once they climbed into the backseat of the SUV with Fernando again at the wheel again, Trace held his gun against his thigh, never taking his gaze from the driver. With his left arm, he snugged Bridget close to his side, sharing his body heat to combat the shudders wracking her frame.

She grimaced. Adrenaline dump was the pits. This time, she didn’t have the luxury of dealing with the aftermath among friends. She could fall apart later at the hotel. Applying to be a field operative looked more unlikely by the minute. Bridget wasn’t cut out for the work but admired Trace’s ability to deal with his job requirements. His courage astounded her more with every passing hour.

By the time the entourage arrived at the hacienda, Bridget was clenching her teeth to stop them from chattering.

“She needs sugar,” Ben muttered. “But I wouldn’t trust anything served in that house.”

No kidding. With her luck, Fernando or one of his fellow ruffians would poison her.

Trace threw open the door and assisted her to the pavement. He tucked her against his side and waited for the others to walk in front of them before starting toward the courtyard and building. “You’re incredible,” he murmured.

Right. That must be why she wanted to run and hide somewhere to cry in private. Bridget blinked away the sting of tears. She refused to give Hugo ammunition to use against her or Trace.

Back in Hugo’s office, Trace seated her on the loveseat while he remained standing, his body mostly blocking her from the sight of Hugo and Fernando.

Hugo leaned back against his massive oak desk, the top polished to a bright shine. “Would you like refreshments, Mr. Rawlins?”

“No, thank you. Let’s get down to business. I have very private plans for tonight with Bree. I’d like to get to them as soon as possible.”

“I need a loyal man with your skills willing to take assignments at a moment’s notice. Your record is quite impressive, and you handle yourself well. You also follow orders, a quality I value in employees. I will, of course, expect Ms. Ramsey to occupy herself elsewhere when you’re on a job for me. Having her here was an aberration, a one-time exception.”

Trace snorted. “I don’t make a habit of taking my woman for job interviews or assignments. Your men interrupted my evening with the lady.”

Hugo inclined his head. “Point taken. What is your price per assignment?”

“Depends on the job. Anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 based on the ease of the job.”

The crime boss blanched. “There are many others in your profession who would do the job for much less.”

“You wanted the best. Quality costs. I’m worth the money.”

“I will require proof of completion.”

“Agreed.”

“You will sign a contract.”

“No. You’ll give me the details of each job. The work will be completed within 72 hours. If I’m delayed for some reason, I’ll inform you and deduct ten percent of the negotiated fee.”

Hugo’s eyebrow rose. “Interesting arrangement.”

“I haven’t reduced my fee yet.” His lip curled. “I successfully complete every job, Torino.”

“How did you go from being a decorated military sniper to a contract killer paid by the job?”

“Easy. There aren’t many jobs available in the civilian market for those with my training and certainly none that pay what I charge my clients.” He lifted one shoulder. “I’m good at the job and I enjoy the challenge.”

“You’re not bothered by shifting from hero to hired killer?”

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