Page 120 of Wicked and Claimed

“Sounds solid. Let me know later how it went.”

Nash nodded. “You got it. Any other developments?”

“Nothing concrete. I’ve made, um…contact with Mr. Gray’s secretary, Lia.”

Despite the grim situation, Nash smiled. “Translation: you’re seducing information from her?”

Kane winced. “I’m trying to coax her in other ways.”

“You’ve never been shy. Is she a grandma? A lesbian? A troll?”

“No. Normally, I’d be…all in, if you get my drift. But Gracelyn…”

Nash nodded in understanding. “You caught feelings?”

“It started out as a fun fling. But it’s turned into…more. Since it’s still early days, I don’t know what exactly yet, but…yeah. I’m into her. She’s not just hot, but she’s sweet. Kind. And I love me some dimples.”

Stoic lone-wolf Kane Preston shot by Cupid’s arrow? “I get it, man. Sometimes, you just fall when you least expect it.”

His fellow operative glanced out at the water like he was a million miles in the past. “It’s been alongtime, but yeah.”

“All you can do is your best. But you can’t compromise the mission.”

Kane’s long sigh said he’d already come to that conclusion. “Same goes for you. I’ll reach out if I learn anything useful.”

With that, Kane was gone.

Nash returned to the suite, ordered coffee and breakfast, then showered. Haisley was still sleeping when he stepped out for his spa appointment. Time to meet their inside help. He hoped Karliah had new intel because this mission wasn’t proceeding fast enough for his peace of mind.

When he strolled in, the spa gleamed with marble and chrome, all luxury masking its darker side.

A stunning blonde approached, her smile professional but her green eyes sharp. “Mr. King?”

“That’s me.”

“I’m Karliah. It will be my pleasure to take care of you today.” Her voice carried a hint of flirtation.

Nash played his part, raking his stare down her figure. “Lucky me. How long have you worked here?”

“I’ve been doing hair for years, but I just got to the island yesterday.” As she led him to the shampoo bowl, she chatted as if innocuously passing the time. “I’ve already met a lot of interesting people! Everyone has such exciting stories.” Her fingers worked his scalp, and it was clear that, even if she was an operative, she’d had decent training with hair. “I’ve already heard whispers about a special visitor in the next week or two. I can’t wait to find out more.”

Nash caught her meaning. Someone important was coming—someone who had the staff nervous.

“Hmm. Maybe you’d like to tell me more this evening?” he asked smoothly.

“I’d be thrilled.” She settled him into the chair and lowered it to compensate for his height before she reached for a comb.

Nash smothered a smile when she had to stand on her tiptoes. “What time does your shift end, sweetheart?”

“Six. I had no idea a big, strong man like you would be interested in beauty shop gossip,” she cooed.

“I’m not. But I’m always interested in a beautiful woman.”

She actually managed a blush as she snipped away at his hair.

The conversation lapsed, and he continued to watch her confident clips. She finished off his trim with a little hair paste, wielded the blow dryer to sweep the excess hair from his shoulders, then slipped something into his pocket as she removed the cape. “All done. I’m looking forward to seeing you this evening.”

With a salute, he left the spa and hustled into the bathroom adjacent to the gym. In the privacy of a stall, Nash unfolded the note, careful to ensure his head blocked any overhead cameras. The boss—whom everyone had dubbed Black Velvet—was coming. Karliah was trying to get more details.

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