Page 47 of Coming Up Aces

“I’m thinking we go upstairs, and when Grissom opens the door, you can use your voodoo on him. Ask him where Seth is.”

Regina rubbed her hands together. “I can do that.”

Rory looked around. “We could also hire a prostitute and record her knocking on his door.”

“You are devious. Let’s save that until we know if he’s guilty of anything other than doing his job.”

When Rory’s phone lit up, she tapped the screen, then told them what Lucy had found. “He’s in 1407.”

Regina got the server’s attention. The trio downed their drinks while waiting to pay the tab, then they were out of the bar, headed to the elevators.

Chapter Sixteen

Ace

Ace forced himselfto stay awake since Conrad had remained to keep him company. If it had been anyone else, he might have asked them to leave so he could rest. And by rest he meant stare at the door, waiting for Rayna to return. “Was that Regina?” he asked the male man-spreading in a hard chair beside the bed with his arms crossed over his chest now that he’d put his phone away.

“Yes. They’re at the hotel where Grissom is staying.”

“Doing what exactly?”

“Having a drink while Lucy hacks the computers.”

Ace huffed. “How do you do it?”

“Pretend that I’m okay with my mate out playing Jane Bond with your female?”

Asher’s mouth quirked in a quasi-smile, but it was short-lived. “Yes.”

“Knowing that Sutton followed them helps, but I learned a long time ago that Gina is her own being. She’s strong and intelligent. I trust her. Does she sometimes do things I’d rather she didn’t? Yep. But I wouldn’t want a weaker female. One who couldn’t think for herself. It doesn’t mean I don’t need to protect her in here.” Con tapped his temple, then his heart. “Just like when she wanted her shot at Amos, and Ripley argued with me. I didn’t want her getting her claws bloody, but who am I to say no to a momma wanting revenge for her kids? You have to knowshe’s just as protective of you and Rayna as she is of Ripley and Glory. Yes, Rayna is a trained agent, but that doesn’t matter to Gina. Since you couldn’t go with her, Regina did so on your behalf. Besides, our Gryphons check in with each other often. If there were a problem, I’d know it.”

“But you were texting her,” Ace accused.

Conrad leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “I was getting an ETA for you, Son. You look like you’re ready to jump out of the bed and go after your mate.”

“And?” Ace hated being a whiny bitch, but damn, he wanted Rayna back where it was safe.

Con grinned. “Gina said soon. Why don’t you tell me how the two of you met.”

“I thought you already talked to Rayna about that.”

“I did, but I’d like your take on it.”

Ace knew the male was distracting him, but he launched into his side of the last few days anyway. What he didn’t share was about being demi. Not that he thought Con would judge him. He just didn’t feel it was necessary to share that when Rayna considered them mates. That was another thing he was trying to get used to besides sitting in bed, unable to help. Why hadn’t she told him he was her fated mate?

Because you needed time to get to know her. She didn’t want to put pressure on you.

Her comment about how she would be his friend if things didn’t work out now made sense. She wanted him in her life however she could get him. Rayna was going to get all of him, heart, soul, and eventually body. Too bad he’d been shot, or the body might have come sooner than later.

“Asher?” Con called his name.

“What?”

“I lost you.”

“Sorry. Just thinking about Rayna.”

Regina’s voice carried down the hallway, and Ace perked up. Rayna was first through the door, followed by Con’s mate. Rayna walked directly to his bed and sat down, tossing the mask and wig off to the side before lifting his hand to her mouth. She kissed his knuckles before placing his hand on her lap. Her mood was off.

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