Page 23 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

My father won’t argue with that reason; he knows how vital my data is. So as soon as I can, I’ll insist on meeting them to retrieve it. I can almost see him nod in reluctant acceptance. And the moment I step out of these guarded halls, I’ll be heading straight into whatever awaits me with Hank and Gabe.

The thought sends sparks skittering along my nerves, a temptation I can’t ignore. For the first time since we landed, I feel truly alive and present in my own skin.

“I’d love to see the both of you as well.” My fingers tremble slightly with anticipation. “Maybe next week, when things settle down a bit?”

“How about now?” Gabe’s response is immediate.

“Now? I can’t get away that soon. Security details need to becoordinated; they’ll have to sweep the meeting place ahead of time.”

“Now, luv. We’ve waited long enough. We know a great café downtown.” Hank’s words are direct and unyielding.

I stare at my phone, my heart thudding. Nothing about this is polite or casual—it’s a command laced with that undercurrent of dominance I sensed from him from the start. My cheeks warm at the memory of how he and Gabe looked at me on the plane, the subtle authority in Hank’s tone lighting every nerve in my body.

“I have to check with my security.” Another flicker of excitement sparks through me.

His reply is immediate. “No need, luv. Gabe and I can secure the spot and ensure your safety. Meet us in an hour. No arguments. And don’t be late.”

A part of me wants to push back, to remind him I’m not a child, and he can’t boss me around, but a bigger part can’t deny how much his commanding presence sends a thrill racing along my spine.

“I’m texting you the location,” Gabe murmurs, the words a soft provocation that tangles my breath. “We’rereallylooking forward to seeing you again.”

“Me too.” My cheeks blaze. “See you in an hour.”

Chapter 9

When I tellDad about meeting Hank and Gabe for coffee, his face tightens with worry. We’re in his study, where he’s been working from home since my return—or pretending to work while keeping an eye on me.

“Ally, sweetheart, are you sure that’s wise? It’s only been a few days … We need time to secure the site…”

“Dad.” I keep the frustration out of my voice. “They’re the people who rescued me. Twice. I’m sure they know how to ensure the site is safe.”

He runs a hand through his silver hair, a gesture I recognize from countless arguments about my independence. “I know, I know. But after everything?—”

“I can’t stay locked in this house forever.”

“No one’s locking you in, and it’s not forever.” He sighs, looking suddenly tired. “Just … take Harrison and the team with you?”

I want to argue, to insist I can manage a simple coffee date on my own, but I see the fear behind his eyes, the way his hands grip his desk just a little too tightly.

He may have a point, but I’m too eager to see Hank and Gabe again.

“Fine,” I concede. “But they stay at a distance. I don’t need armed guards hovering over my latte.” I almost say “date” but catch myself just in time. If my father knew this was a date withtwomen, that his daughter was even contemplating the idea of a threesome, I’d never be allowed out of the house.

I squirm a little, excitement fizzing beneath my skin at what might happen after our date. With my father’s reluctant approval, I climb into the back of an unmarked SUV with Harrison and my protective detail.

Harrison and two other security team members create a subtle perimeter as we enter the café. I feel ridiculous—like a child being chaperoned to a playdate, but then I spot Hank and Gabe at a corner booth, and my embarrassment shifts to something else entirely.

Anticipation.

They stand as I approach. Gabe’s eyes glint with amusement as he takes in my entourage. Hank tries to hide a smile but fails spectacularly.

“Brought some friends, did you?” Gabe asks, his voice warm with suppressed laughter. “Didn’t feelsafewith us?”

My cheeks heat. “Dad insisted. I know it’s ridiculous?—”

“It’s not,” Hank cuts in, but he’s grinning now too. He turns to Harrison. “Thanks, mate. We’ve got it from here.”

Harrison hesitates, glancing at me. “Miss Collins?—”

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