Page 46 of Coming Up Aces

“Did you really buy her a piano?”

“We did. You’ve heard her sing, right? That girl is destined for greatness with a voice like hers, and the way she can listen to a song a couple of times, then play it without sheet music is unbelievable.”

“Asher mentioned her singing skills, but she never sang around me. Not even when we were in chapel. She and I would sit together, but we both mouthed random words instead of singing. It was her way of thumbing her nose at whoever was leading chapel that day, and I worship my goddess, so I wasn’t interested in paying tribute to a deity I don’t believe in.”

Rory pointed across the street. “Someone’s coming out of the building.”

Rayna focused, using her Cheetah’s enhanced vision. “That’s Bill Jessup.”

“Do you know all the agents who work out of this office?” Regina asked.

“No, but I’m only searching for two, so it doesn’t really matter.”

“That makes sense. Do you enjoy your job?”

“I did for a long time. It was Vanessa who convinced me to become an agent. She and I went to college together, and when I couldn’t decide on a major, she had Seth speak to me about the agency. It was better than nothing.” Rayna shrugged one shoulder. “But I’m turning in my notice soon.”

Rory looked around Regina. “What do you want to do after you retire?”

“Love on Asher,” she admitted. “I don’t need the money. I have plenty in savings and investments, so I plan on focusing on him for the time being.”

“What about that man?” Regina pointed this time.

“That’s Grissom. Let’s go.” Rayna jumped from the top of the bleachers, landing stealthily on her feet. The other two females walked down the seats and met her at the bottom. They dumped their unfinished food in a trash can as they jogged to the car. By the time they were at the exit to the complex, Grissom was pulling out onto McCarty Avenue. Regina let him get several car lengths ahead before following. He drove across town to the ritziest hotel and parked in the lot.

Rayna was itching to follow the man. “I could use a drink,” she said to her partners in crime.

“Oh, good idea.” Regina parked a few rows over. The trio made their way inside the hotel and chose a high-top table close to the door of the bar. While waiting on their drinks, Rory texted Lucy, asking if she could hack the cameras. Regina’s phone vibrated where it was sitting on the table.

Glancing at it, she grinned. “Con is checking in.” After reading the message, Regina rolled her eyes, typed out a response, then eyed Rayna.

“What?”

“Asher is getting agitated.”

“And that makes you happy?”

The server brought their drinks, and once he walked away, Regina sipped her margarita. “Not happy, but it’s good to see him so invested in your well-being.”

“Yes but—”

“Rayna, I’ve known Asher a long time, and I’ve never seen him invested in anyone other than the Hounds and their mates and kids.”

Rayna knew the reason for that, but she wouldn’t betray his trust, even with someone he considered a mother figure. “I don’t want him agitated. Please have Con tell him we’ll be back soon. I want to talk to him about this situation.”

“Won’tthatagitate him?”

“Not when I explain what I must do. He knows it’s my job and that I’m capable.”

Regina leaned closer, placing her hand on Rayna’s wrist, and lowering her voice. “Sweetheart, take it from me. No matter how capable you are or what you have hiding inside, our males are always going to be protective. It’s in their nature. Sure, Con and Sutton didn’t stop Rory and me from coming with you, but that’s because they’ve learned it does no good to argue. Do you think Ripley wanted me getting my hands dirty when it came to Amos? No, he didn’t. He even asked his father to step in, but Con didn’t. He knew it was my right to get my pound of flesh, if you will, for what he and William did to my son and Glory. Or tried to do. Now, if I’d said I was going after Amos alone, Con would have intervened. Not by stopping me, but he’d have gone with me and had my back. Asher’s laid up and going to be a few days while he heals, and that will be what upsets him. Not that you aren’t capable, but that he can’t be there to help.”

“I get that, but Seth isn’t only my partner. He’s a good friend. My best friend’s husband. If I wait two days for Ash to get better, that’s forty-eight hours Seth might not have.”

Rory’s phone vibrated, interrupting their conversation. “Lucy was able to look at the hotel’s security feed. Grissom has been alone each time he entered the hotel.”

Rayna tapped the table. “Please ask her to get his room number.”

“What are you thinking?” Regina asked as Rory did what Rayna requested.

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