Page 17 of Seek Me Darling

“Shame you two missed yesterday,” Thorn says, nodding toward Kayla and Jaxon. “You would’ve witnessed Seanna wipe the floor with Bodhi.”

Bodhi snorts, crossing his arms loosely. “Funny. I remember things differently.”

“Selective memory,” Thorn counters lazily. “It’s okay, Bodhi. We still respect you.”

Jaxon smirks, interest lighting his dark eyes. “What happened? You two finally get shown up?”

I laugh softly, leaning back against the wall. “Bodhi gave me a decent run—managed to tire me out just enough for Thorn to swoop in afterward and claim victory.”

Bodhi grins faintly, clearly enjoying my subtle compliment. “See? Told you she’d admit it eventually.”

Thorn rolls his eyes, scoffing good-naturedly. “A win’s still a win. Don’t let him downplay it—I pinned her fair and square.”

“After I did most of the heavy lifting,” Bodhi interjects with dry amusement. “You barely had to break a sweat.”

Kayla laughs warmly, shaking her head in mock disappointment. “And here I thought missing out meant missing drama. Turns out it was just the usual testosterone-fueled circus.”

“You’re jealous,” Thorn counters immediately, eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s okay to admit it.”

Kayla snorts, eyeing him skeptically. “Of your ego, Thorn? Not likely.”

Jaxon chuckles, nudging Thorn’s shoulder. “Careful, Thorn—Kayla fights dirty. You’ll end up losing next.”

“I’d pay to watch that,” Bodhi mutters with a sly grin.

“You know,” Kayla drawls, her green eyes dancing with humor, “I might take you all up on that challenge. Maybe tomorrow.”

I shake my head, amused. “You’re all impossible.”

Thorn steps forward, his grin cocky. “So what’s the op? Want backup? I could wear something tight, too. I’d volunteer my exceptional services.”

“Exceptional?” Bodhi asks, his voice incredulous. “Now you’re just lying to her face.”

I laugh. “Appreciate the enthusiasm, boys. But the DEA team’s already in place. This one? It’s personal.”

Jaxon leans in, voice sly. “One day, you’ll slip and tell us who you’re after.”

I lift my brow. “If I do, check the skies. Pigs will be flying.”

Kayla shrugs. “Can’t blame us for being curious. You certainly look ready to take someone down.”

Bodhi glances briefly at me. “I doubt whoever it is stands a chance.”

“Careful, Bodhi,” I tease lightly. “Keep flattering me and you’ll give me an ego as big as Thorn’s.”

Kayla chuckles, elbowing Bodhi lightly. “Impossible. There isn’t enough room in this building for another ego of that size.”

Thorn rolls his eyes good-naturedly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m feeling very attacked right now.”

“Poor baby,” Kayla says dryly. “You’ll survive.”

Laughing, I take a step back, prepared to leave. “Behave yourselves.”

Kayla smirks mischievously. “We make no promises.”

I offer a final amused wave, leaving their comfortable, teasing banter behind as I slip outside into the crisp night, the air electric with tension. I inhale deeply, the weight of the evening settling across my shoulders.

Cruz is the kind of man who confuses wealth with power and power with untouchability. That’s the fun part. He won’t see me coming until I’m already slicing through his empire.

---