Page 34 of Island Holiday

“Good news,” Sonya replied immediately.

“Probably wasn’t a tripwire hidden in the financials.”

“Hooray,” she deadpanned. Frowning, she set her laptop aside. “So, what’s the bad news? How did I screw it up?” She curled her legs under her on the couch, making herself smaller. He hated that it was her first instinct. She was smart, independent, bold, and determined. All those characteristics made her shine. “Was it in Brookwell?”

“No.”

“Oh, God!” Her hands curled into fists and her eyes went wide. “Did I expose Jess?”

“No.” He sat down on the opposite end of the couch, ready to pull her out of hiding mode. “Jess doesn’t work in the field,” he reminded her.

“But Jess was right there that day I followed Zimmer to the marina.”

Connor shook his head. “Best I can tell, the Brookwell trip was a trap to prove that you being in his vicinity wasn’t a coincidence. Someone was following you in Myrtle Beach.”

She chewed on her lip. “I guess that lines up. I spoke with one of the testers before her flight home.” She pushed her hands into her hair. “I’ve been so foolish.”

“I disagree,” he argued. “You’re motivated. Smart. And braver than most people.”

“You have to say that,” she muttered.

“Because we slept together?” He laughed. “Hardly.” Her mouth parted in shock and he stifled another laugh. “You wouldn’t have slept with me if I was that kind of easy pushover.”

“You sound sure of yourself.”

“I’m sure ofyou.” He held his ground, willing her to uncoil and come closer to him. “You followed your gut, put yourself out there.”

“And I’d likely be dead or kidnapped by now without you.”

He suppressed a shudder. His money was on dead. Keeping her alive wouldn’t eliminate the risk she posed to the operation. “You’re right here. With me.” The words were meant to reassure himself as much as comfort her. “And we can finish this.”

“How?” She looked miserable. “Zimmer has all the leverage. Those girls don’t even realize they’re in trouble.”

Connor shared her fears that this wouldn’t work out well. “But we do. Morning Acquisitions has property nearby. The gym they visited is only a short drive away. I’ve already asked fora protector to go in and scope it out. We’ll find the girls and Zimmer too. All while you and I stay under the radar.”

“Which means what, exactly?”

“We have the edge.”

She rolled her eyes, clearly not buying into his encouragement.

“Sonya, I’ve got facial rec programs running for all three students plus Zimmer. You’ve got something similar running on his financial activity.”

She grimaced. “Only effective if he uses the accounts I’m monitoring.”

Connor was confident enough for both of them. “From what I’ve seen the man’s arrogant. Believes he’s untouchable. And laying low, keeping you out of sight, only convinces them that they’ve scared you off.”

She twisted her fingers together. “I’ll have to take your word.”

He couldn’t stand it anymore, he had to touch her. Reaching out, he took her hands in his, soothing the tension away with slow, even strokes over her palms and one by one along her slender, elegant fingers. “Do that. Take my word.” And anything else. He’d give his all for her. Whatever she asked of him, he would do. Whatever resources he had—tangible or intangible—he would share.

The idea should give him pause, but it didn’t. Every minute spent with her only convinced him she was the one. Maybe because he saw in her a kindred spirit. She’d come through hell and kept right on going and growing. Getting stronger with every challenge, embracing the opportunities that came her way.

On a sigh, she relaxed and scooted across the couch, closer to him. “I appreciate your patience, Connor.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

With one hand still linked in his, she dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling. “What do you think is really going on here?”

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