Page 98 of Scarlet Angel

“And?”

“Carried some kind of explosives. Possibly ammunition.”

“Is there a fire?”

“Damp ground. It’s not spreading. I expect authorities will be at the gate before long.”

“Don’t let them in.”

“Might not be a bad thing to let the firefighters?—”

“You said the fire’s out.”

“Explosion was in the air. Ground below is tinged but, yeah?—”

“Don’t let anyone in. Especially any first responders. You hear me?”

If they expected us to strike the drone, they could have responders on standby.

“Copy. No one enters. We’ll say?—”

“Shooting off fireworks. Or tell them you don’t know what they’re going on about. Our closest neighbors grow marijuana beneath the stables. They’re not going to call in shit, so don’t believe anyone forcing themselves inside. Hear me?”

“Yes, sir. Ash’ll be here shortly.”

I end the call. Ash took his father to a medical appointment. Bad timing.

Scarlet’s repositioned her skirt, but she’s topless, and her skin bears fresh marks of possession. Bloody hell. I want to take her again.

“What’s going on?”

If I tell her, she’ll worry. Blame herself.

“Don’t you dare,” she demands, standing, her lovely breasts on full display, shoulders arched, with fire in her eyes and her skirt falling from her hips. “Don’t play this protection game. Tell me exactly what is going on.”

“In exchange for you remaining topless?” Her slender fingers ball into fists. “Wrong thing to say?”

“I’m serious. Is it Massimo?”

“No. That bastard has plenty to worry about.” I’ve been waging a full-out war. He put a hit out on Scarlet. “You aren’t top of Massimo’s mind. I can promise you that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“It’s a different set of colleagues.”

“The syndicate?”

“They’re right full of themselves. Or at least one of them is.”

“Dorian? Your college mate?”

“Boarding school, too.” She’s losing her patience with me. I can tell from the stern press of her luscious lips. “He stopped by as a messenger.”

“They want to kill me?”

“Or me. Seems they’re not choosy. I’m going to need to get you to safety.”

“Come with me.”

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