Page 16 of Matrix

That said, if I knew my sister was being held at Blackstone’s ranch, I wouldn’t sit around waiting for a warrant. I’d storm the place and kill anyone who got between my sister and me. Maybe these men feel the same way about the people they’re trying to protect. In some cases, waiting around isn’t an option. I’ve seen plenty of cases where the justice system failed to protect a victim. They’ve probably seen it happen too, which is why they don’t rely on the law to make things right.

“I want her wired up,” Scar tells Matrix before turning to me. “Get all the info you can from Vale, and don’t you dare try to signal him. I’ve got no problem making both of you disappear.”

“Got it.”

As the afternoon hours crawl by, I do my best to stay busy. Worrying about the meeting is pointless. Whatever happens, happens. I have very little control over this situation anymore. The minute my cover was blown, I became the club’s property. My life is in their hands. I just have to play along until I figure out what to do next. Ultimately, I want to find my sister, but that will require multiple steps that can’t happen until everyone calms down. Right now, I’m caught between the FBI and Underground Vengeance. I’ve got to play both sides without letting either know that the only side I’m on is my sister’s.

After lunch, Matrix helps me clean the kitchen, which is really sweet of him. He could have sat on his ass and watched me work, but he didn’t. He chipped in instead. Although he presents himself as a badass, and he is one, he’s also got a softer side. I’ve seen it peek through from time to time. I can’t help but wonder if that’s how he is in bed. When he’s naked and vulnerable, does that sweetness come out, or is he still the big, scary biker who takes complete control of his partner’s pleasure?

A shiver of desire shimmies through my traitorous body. These random flashes of lust drive me crazy. I shouldn’t feel like this. The only emotion I should be experiencing is fear. I’m in a terrible situation, stuck between a bunch of bikers who won’t hesitate to kill me and an agency I’ve sworn to be loyal to. I’m screwed either way.

Matrix mercifully allows me to shower in the bathroom connected to his room. I could probably squeeze through the window, but escape is the farthest thing from my mind right now. I need to figure out how to get as much information as I can about the traffickers from last night without revealing the fact that I’ve been compromised. SAC Vale has been with the agency for over twenty years. He’s sharp and can read people very well. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pull this off.

As I walk out of the bathroom wearing only a towel, Matrix’s gaze locks with mine. Warmth pools low in my body, and tendrils of longing wrap around my belly. There’s something raw and demanding in his eyes, yet he doesn’t say a word. He simply watches me. It feels like a challenge, so instead of grabbing my clothes and retreating into the bathroom, I tighten my towel around my chest. I reach for a pair of panties and step into them. Sliding them up my thighs, I can’t help but notice the hunger in Matrix’s eyes. He’s a man, so, of course, a half-naked woman turns him on, but I get the feeling there’s more to it. Things have always been this way between us. There’s this indescribable tension both repelling and attracting us. It’s a huge distraction. I wish I knew what to do about it, but I don’t.

The temptation to do a reverse striptease overcomes me. For a second, I’m sure I’ll give in to the need to torment my warden. Then the sensation passes, and I finish dressing. There’s no time for stupid games. My life depends on my ability to keep the truth about my situation from my SAC. I can’t think about anything beyond this meeting. It’s literally a matter of life or death.

“Ready?” Matrix asks gruffly.

“Let’s go.”

Since side roads are nearly impassible during the winter, we take one of the club’s winterized trucks. I drive until we’re a mile away from the campground. Pulling to the side of the road, I turn to face Matrix. “Here’s your stop.”

“We tested the wire earlier, so we know it works. We’ll be listening. Reaper and Talon will have sniper rifles pointed directly at you and SAC Vale. Don’t fuck this up.” He hesitates. It looks like he wants to say something else, but he doesn’t. After getting out of the truck, he silently closes the door.

My hands clench around the steering wheel. The sun’s setting over the mountains, casting long shadows through the trees. The MC guys already did recon on this area of the forest. They know there aren’t any agents hidden here, but there are some up ahead. Those men also have rifles. I’m surrounded by people who won’t hesitate to shoot. The stakes couldn’t be any higher, but I’ve got this. I’m a damn good agent. Being undercover requires a whole hell of a lot of lying. What’s one more lie in a sea of them?

As soon as I pull into the campground, I spot SAC Vale’s truck. I pull up beside it. He motions for me to get in, so I do.

“I was worried when you didn’t check in last night. What happened?” he asks without preamble.

“I came here to the rendezvous point for the bust. The trade went down as expected, but you guys weren’t here. I didn’t have any backup. What the hell happened?” My anger is genuine. Without Matrix’s help last night, I wouldn’t have been able to escape those men.

“We called it off at the last minute. I sent the kill code.”

“Nothing came through on my phone.”

“I sent an email.”

“Seriously? I didn’t bring my damn laptop with me. There’s no service in the middle of the forest. I needed to know well beforehand.”

“It should have reached you before you left the clubhouse.”

“Well, it didn’t. I almost died.”

“Tell me what happened.”

I go through the details while leaving out Matrix’s involvement. When I’m done, SAC Vale stares at me intently. “I can’t believe you escaped.”

“Me either.” I’m exasperated, and it’s not an act.

“You didn’t run into anyone else? No one from the MC?”

“No. They didn’t know I left last night. I had to sneak into my room this morning. I almost didn’t make it back before breakfast.”

“Do they suspect anything?”

“No. They still think I’m a stupid club girl.”

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