Page 72 of Burning Justice

Over by the kitchen counter, Maria set her mug down. She lifted another and held it out to Kane.

“Thanks.” He kissed her, because it was a thing now. Because he could and he wanted to. “How is your hand?” He reined back the surge of attraction that was always there when she was around, and turned to the room, his hips back against the counter. He looked at her, sipping his coffee.

“I took another pill.”

The front door opened, so he didn’t get the chance to talk about her being in pain and pushing through it. He’d rather she stay and rest than go out with them to find Elias, but it was probably better he didn’t say it if she was only going to get mad at him.

Rio came in, holding the door for Raine. “We have intel.”

Raine went to a stool in the corner and sat quietly, a sick look on her face. Across the room, Tristan stared at her. The two of them were going to have to figure things out. Kane was pretty sure this had nothing to do with the beef between them and a lot more to do with the issue conflicting with a bucketful of attraction that had caught them both by surprise.

“Raine’s grandfather told us where this cabin is. The one Elias is holed up in.”

Kane rolled his shoulders, feeling the pull of the scarred skin on his back.

If things went the way he wanted them to with Maria, she would see the damage in all its glory. But maybe he didn’t care so much now. He figured everyone was damaged in their own way—whether it was visible or not. She loved him, so he didn’t have to worry about feeling weak when she knew exactly what it had felt like being captured.

She’d gone through the same thing and survived.

Maria Sanchez was the strongest person he knew.

“We need an update on Logan and a plan.” Hammer glanced at his brother. “You’re staying here.”

Mack looked irritated and relieved at the same time. Ready to take on the world and fully aware of how much fear came with putting your life on the line for the greater good.

His time would come.

“We need a map.” Dani shifted on the couch, as if to stand.

Rio shook his head. “This isn’t on any map.”

Jamie said, “Logan will be able to receive visitors as soon as y’all are done saving the world. He’s awake, but considering the fact he’s got to reassess his future as a firefighter, he isn’t happy. Now, tell me about the map. We have some intel, right?” She glanced at her brother. “You won’t be going in with no idea what you’re getting into?”

Saxon looked at Kane.

He shrugged one shoulder in response to his friend’s unspoken question.

“You guys are doing that thing again,” Maria said quietly. “Talking without words.”

“All due respect…” he began, glancing from Hammer to look at Rio.

The special agent cut him off before he could continue. “You guys aren’t doing this alone. It’ll look like you have a vendetta.” Rio folded his arms. Badge on his belt. Gun on his hip. “We’re doing this officially. With me in the lead.”

Kane nodded. “Let’s go.”

They piled into several cars, those who wanted to be part of it, while a few of the women and Mack stayed back at the base.

Kane sat in the back of the car with Maria while Hammer drove. He looked at her.

“Oh, I know that expression.” She reached over and took his hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll hang back and be safe.”

He lifted her hand and kissed it. “Thank you.”

She sighed. “I just wish I knew where my father was.”

Kane flinched. He let go of her hand and dug out his phone, sending a text to Tucker. “I’m such an idiot. I can’t believe I forgot.” He hit send. “When I saw your father at the hospital, before you escaped those guys”—he wasn’t going to say before you were tortured—“I slipped my tracker ring in his pocket.”

“I remember you telling me.” She stared at him, tears in her eyes. “But now it’s been two days.”

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