Page 32 of SEAL by Fate

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PHANTOM ROLLED HIS finger around the rim of the glass as he stared at the pretty blonde sitting across from him. “I said make contact with him, not invite him here,” he growled. “That was dangerous.”

The blonde crossed her legs, then uncrossed them showing off the crotch of the panties. “He asked to use the phone. I didn’t want to seem suspicious.”

Phantom tugged on his cuff. “And you don’t think it was suspicious that you show up out of thin air at the accident?” He snapped up a groomed brow. “Or that you have your freak show out for anyone to see.” He jutted a chin toward her suitcase.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard you complain about my freak.” She snorted. “You should be thanking me. I bet in your wildest dreams you didn’t think you’d be so close to the very man who wants to put you behind bars for life. He didn’t even have a clue that you were within his reach. Those acting lessons I took paid off. He fell for every word.”

“Where did the big tits come into play?” He shook his head in irritation.

“My big tits always play a role. They should because they cost enough.”

The gray-haired man tapped his fingers on the table, a sheen of sweat on his brow. “It was risky. Carlisle is smart.”

“Oh? I thought that’s what this was all about. To see how far you can press your luck,” she slurred. “You didn’t tell me he was a sweet bit of eye candy. A cross between the Terminator and Jason Momoa.”

“I think you’re trying to push my buttons. Do you realize how long I’ve planned this? How many nights I’ve lain awake waiting to seek my revenge. It has almost come full circle.”

“I guess the weather is something you can’t control because you certainly didn’t expect another snow storm.” She twirled a wisp of her hair around her finger and let it drop. “It’s coming down again.”

He caught the sarcasm in her tone.

“There’s still time.” He grinned. “When one door closes another door opens, and the change of plan could be better than I thought possible. Everything is falling into place like pieces to a puzzle.”

“I don’t understand. He was here. Why didn’t you just off him while you had the chance?”

“Because killing him softly wouldn’t be as fun as making him feel pain. And although you were amazing, darling, the next time you decide to take a detour from my plan, you might not be so lucky.”

She shifted uncomfortably. “Why can’t we get on the snow mobile and get out of this place?” She shook her foot in restless energy. “I hate it here. I’m more of a beach type, not an ice queen. We’ve dunked so much money into this plan of yours, money we could use on an island and strawberry mojitos. You say the man is smart, don’t you think he’s going to figure this all out?”

“In due time, darling. In due time we’ll move on. My mission is incomplete, and Phantom never leaves things incomplete.”

“You do realize if we left the country like we discussed you’d be home free. None of the Hawks will find you in Bali. I’m starting to think you enjoy this cat and mouse game too much.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re losing your focus in all this revenge bullshit.”

“The man shot me,” he seethed. “If he hadn’t thwarted my plans that day all of this would have been my ticket to glory.” He pressed his hands together and looked at her over the tips. “How I see things, Carlisle exchanged his puny life to save several strangers that day, he just doesn’t realize his fate yet.”

She rolled her eyes. “This is getting old. Let’s just get the hell away from all this.”

“I can see why you think running is right. You have nothing. No values to speak of. I am a warrior and have committed myself to showing the world—”

“I know. I know.” She gave her head a frustrated shake. “You’re on a mission. Blah-blah-blah.” Getting up, she took her empty glass with her and filled it to the rim with more Scotch. “You’ve made promises that you keep putting off. Maybe I should consider taking a trip alone.”

“We’re dedicated to this assignment, Natasha. Or Dory. Whatever I should call you at the moment. I’ll not tolerate bickering or renegotiation at this point.” His jaw hardened. “Your bullshit is making me lose my focus. I can’t even get the fucking number that Carlisle dialed. Everything is encrypted these days.”

“This isn’t bickering. This is only me stating facts. You’re joy in playing with explosives, and people, is getting tiresome. Can’t you move on to something else? Try a hobby like sailing or painting? Or threesomes. I don’t mind sharing. Anything but this shit.”

Phantom smirked. “I think you’ve been popping too many pills. By the way, I heard your snide remark to the lawman about my choice of coffee and my lack of understanding of your “pipes”. You certainly showed your unworldliness. Why didn’t you tell him that you lasted as a barista for all of five minutes? Or that you worked as a stripper to pay for those acting lessons you keep raving on about? Honey, if you were any good, you’d be somewhere else besides supplying me with pussy demand.”

“Fuck you.” She threw her glass, aiming for his head, but he ducked and the glass shattered against the wall. Scotch splattered him and the floor.

His lips tightened into a firm line, then he pushed his chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the wood. He took three long strides across the room. Once he was upon her he reached out and grabbed her around the neck, pressing her against the edge of the counter. Her eyes widened, but she recovered and tilted her chin, keeping her gaze steady with his. “I once found it possible to overlook your behavior because this is delicious.” He reached down and cupped the mound between her legs. “But so help me, bitch. I’ll strangle you and throw you into the nearest trash can to rot. Don’t forget who you’re dealing with.”

“Of course not. How could I forget that you believe you’re a God? Or that you thrive on seducing sweet innocents like S—”

He smacked her so hard that her head knocked back and hit the corner of the cabinet. “Don’t say her name!” he whispered.

The slight tremble in her bottom lip was the only sign that she knew how dangerous he could be when he was pushed.

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