Page 29 of Absolution

“I heard you were available.” Kenner’s fingers tightened around the device. “But look, if you don’t want the job, then…”

“No!” Collins interrupted, apparently eager to continue negotiations. “I want it. Thanks for the offer.”

“Fine.” Kenner was growing tired of the conversation. His initial desire to hear Collins’ woeful tone was fading, replaced by the urge to go back into the pool room and give his blonde another once-over. “I’m pleased to hear it.”

“Do you know where Bowman is?” Collins’ tone was suddenly tentative.

“Yes.” Tracking Bowman had been simple. Facial and automatic license plate recognition made that part easy in this day and age. “I can send you the details.”

“When do you want it done?” Collins asked.

“Soon.” Kenner’s answer was intentionally vague. “I’ll give you access to any hardware you need with virtual impunity.”

What more did Collins need to hear? He’d worked for Kenner before. He understood the terms and conditions.

“I’ll do it.”

“Good man.” Kenner smiled as he headed back to the house. Collins might have failed in his first mission, butat least he’d always been compliant. Those were the sorts of people Kenner liked to keep around him. “I’ll send you Bowman’s location, and we’ll work out the details in the next few days.”

Kenner had somewhere else he wanted to be in the meantime—back between the blonde’s legs.

“I can talk for longer now?” Collins offered.

“How sweet.” Kenner’s focus flitted to his most recent lover, who was currently sprawled out in a tiny bikini on his lounger. “But no can do. I have plans.”

“Understood.” Collins sounded deflated. “I’ll wait for your call.”

“Good idea.” Kenner hit the button to end the call and opened the French door to step inside.

Eyeing the blonde’s curves, his cock stirred.

“Get that bikini off,” he growled. “I’m hungry, and your pussy is on the menu.”

She giggled at his approach, tugging her bikini top away as he shrugged off his robe.

Kenner had contacted Collins to resolve his Bowman problem, and he was pleased Collins was prepared to play ball. Once Bowman had been dealt with, he could turn his attention to Bennett, who was another thorn in his side, then, ultimately, Collins himself. The irritating collection of men had troubled him long enough.

Chapter Eleven

Blooms

Ella

“Welcome home, Miss Bennett.” Tucker’s lips grazed over her temple as the elevator chimed their arrival back at Tucker’s apartment. Their journey back to his place had been uneventful, and while she’d loved seeing her mum, she found she was glad to be back there.

“Thank you, sir.” Her eyes fluttered closed as his kisses trailed to her ear lobe. “I’m exhausted after my first jaunt from my new ‘home.’”

Tucker smirked. “I’m happy to take you to bed.”

“Definitely.” She couldn’t believe how well the meeting with her mum had gone, but the three hours they’d spent at Osbourne’s was probably the longest amount of time she and Tucker had gone without fucking since they’d arrived. Apart from when they’d slept, of course. “But I wish you hadn’t brought that thing in here with us.”

She motioned to the vile-looking weapon Tucker had insisted on bringing from the Lamborghini’s trunk. Slung over his right shoulder, it was no real threat to her, but her belly still lurched at its unwelcome proximity.

“I can’t leave it in the car indefinitely, little girl.” He ushered her out of the doors as they slid open. “It’s much safer to have it here with us.”

“Is it?” She frowned, recalling where the gun had come from as he locked the elevator unit with his fingerprint. “I’d be happier if we didn’t have it at all.”

“I understand.” He reached for her hand and squeezed her fingers gently. “And I promise to lock it away in my safe. It won’t hurt you, Ella.”

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