Page 22 of Blaze

“Picked up and on her way back here?” I confirmed.

Ink nodded as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “She’s been tight-lipped about the rest of the money, but Wizard says he thinks most of it is still in the bank account that’s under her new identity.”

“How much is most?” Since Courtney’s attackers had been vague when they confronted her, we didn’t have any idea how much money Sabrina had stolen.

“From tracking all the deposits and withdrawals, and factoring in what she paid us, Wizard thinks she might owe them about thirty grand.”

“Thirty? The bitch stole thirty grand from a drug kingpin?” I shouted. Sabrina was clearly off her fucking rocker.

No wonder the men were threatening Courtney. If I were a lesser man, I would have given the order for my guys to deliver Sabrina straight to the enemy for putting my woman in so much danger. But feeding Sabrina to the wolves would make me a villain too, and my soul was already black enough. I didn’t want it tarnished to the point where Courtney couldn’t see beyond the darkness to how she lit up my heart.

“She give up the name of the head of the organization?”

“No, but I found him,” Wizard announced from the doorway. “Set up a meet for tomorrow morning.”

I grunted with approval. “Good. Get what you can from Sabrina, then let me know how much we’re short, and I’ll get the money.” Luckily, my jobs and smart investments had made me a very wealthy man.

Wizard shook his head. “King specifically told me to make sure the club handled the missing money. We took her on as a client, so he’s taking responsibility.”

“Bullshit,” I argued in a bellow. “Courtney is mine. I’ll take care of it.”

Ink backed up a few steps, watching me warily.

I was a very patient man and rarely lost my temper, so I understood his hesitancy. But when it came to my woman, I’d burn the fucking world down to keep her safe.

“It’s already done,” Wizard murmured, crossing his arms over his chest. “Talked to King on the way here.”

“While he was with his old lady and newborn son?” I growled.

“He called me.”

Of course he did.

“Fine,” I snapped. “Somebody just get me the fucking money and send me a dossier on the men I’m meeting with tomorrow.”

“Check your email,” Wizard said, lifting his chin in the direction of my computer.

I nodded. “Not a word to Courtney. I’m gonna tell her after I read through the info.”

Both men agreed, then left me to do my research.

When I was familiar enough with the players to feel like I had an advantage in the game for the next day, I shut everything down and went to find Courtney.

She’d mentioned puttering around in the kitchen, but when I walked through the door into the spacious room, I wasn’t expecting the scene before me.

The large island in the center of the cooking area was currently covered with containers of treats.

Courtney was bent over the oven, giving me a fantastic view of her heart-shaped ass. Then she stood, holding a metal sheet in her mittened hands, and turned around. The smell of cinnamon and chocolate invaded my nose, and the delicious spread almost sidetracked me.

As she set the tray on the counter, she looked up and saw me. A beautiful smile lit her face, making my chest warm and my heart beat a little faster.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hey, baby.” I held out my hand and beckoned for her to come to me. “I have news.”

11

COURTNEY

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