Page 65 of Seduction in Spades

When the door closes behind him, I sink to the couch again. If the guys who broke into my home weren’t the ones giving Trey trouble, and weren’t the ones who hit on me last night then who the hell are they, and why did they mutilate my pillow?

I’m nowhere closer to any answers when Nora texts me an hour later. Earlier, I moved my duffle to Trey’s room and changed into leggings and a loose shirt. There’s no need to change again to hang out with her.

She taps on the door, and I unlock it to let her in.

“Sorry it took so long. The call took forever to get wrapped up.”

“No worries. I’m just moping about in my gilded cage.”

“Been there. Done that. I brought us lunch.” She holds up a bag and sets it on the counter and gives me a hug. “Since your stay wasn’t planned, I doubt the guys have the kitchen stocked for you.”

Nora unloads the grocery bag, setting a baguette, an array of cheeses, meats, and olives on the counter.

“To be honest, I haven’t looked.”

“You’ll get through this.” She gives me another hug and returns to arranging the charcuterie board. “You’re safe here. It’s Fort Knox. Trust me. Daisy and I tried to sneak away a few times, so Drake had Nolan up the security.”

At the sound of her name, Daisy wags her little tail. I crouch in front of her and scratch behind her ears.

“In that case, there’s no hope for me, is there?”

“With four over-protective big brothers? Not a chance.”

“Trey’s two and a half years younger than me.” And Nolan isnothinglike a brother to me, but I don’t correct her.

“Bigger in size, not in age. You’re as strong headed as I am, so I get how hard this is.”

“I can’t lose my job. If I don’t show up on Monday morning or the day after, it won’t be good.”

Nora tops off a bowl with green olives. “Trust them, okay?”

“I’m trying.”

***

“That’s bullshit.” Islam my fist on the conference table and rise to my feet. I can’t sit on my ass and listen to Martin Donahue tell me he doesn’t think his brother is after Trey and Avery. “Why the fuck would they break into her apartment and leave that kind of message?”

Martin loosens his tie and unbuttons his suit coat. “I’m still inquiring. As you know, Micky doesn’t privy me with information. I purposely avoid him and his people. There isn’t anyone on his team I trust and the feeling’s mutual.”

“Who’s your intel?” Trey asks, just as wound up as I am.

“Friend of Owen’s. They don’t walk on the same side of the track, but they’ve been friends since they were in diapers.”

“I don’t like it.” I rest my hands on the table, keeping my steely gaze locked on him.

“Owen hasn’t done anything to prove himself untrustworthy, but second and third hand information is not a comfort to us, Martin.” Drake leans casually against the back of his chair at the head of the table.

Drake’s the one who knows Owen the best. He helped Martin’s son get a loan for his new bar, and we’ve all frequented it. He’s likable, both Martin and Owen, but that doesn’t mean I trust them with Avery’s life.

“I don’t blame you for being skeptical.” At least Martin has the decency to look remorseful. “My brother has caused you and your loved ones nothing but pain. I promise Owen looks up to and respects you, Drake. Family is more than blood to us, as is evident with the ties we cut from my brother.”

I have no reason not to trust Owen. He’s a good guy but more of a Drake worshiper. He doesn’t owe Trey anything. Avery’s life isn’t as meaningful to him as it is to the rest of us.

Before I can speak my concerns, Trey steps in. “What are his weak spots? People, buildings, Achilles heel?”

I should be the one leading the interrogation. I’m the one with the training. I’ve taken down bigger criminals and terrorists than Micky Donahue. If my cock wasn’t controlling my brain, I’d be more focused.

Maybe Avery has been right all along. Getting tangled up with someone, letting the emotions interfere with sex, does cause you to lose focus.

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