Page 210 of Darling Wildfire
“No, I’ll send a mission brief. I need them in the air ASAP.”
“Consider it done,” Theo said. “I’ll text you the ETA shortly.”
We ended the call, and I stared at the screen, suddenly thinking of Kaelin. This was going to further delay extracting her from the Warren.
I dialed a number and ran a hand over my face as I listened to it ring.
The line clicked. “Cooper.”
“It’s North.”
“What’s up, brother?”
I bristled at the casual tone he used like we were friends but pushed it aside.
“I want to make an offer on Kaelin,” I said.
There was silence on the other end of the line.
“She’s not for sale,” Cooper said.
My jaw clenched. “I believe you said you had a business deal you wanted to discuss. I’m willing to negotiate terms that include Kaelin in the contract.”
“Kraven, she’s not for sale,” he insisted. “Do you know how much money she’s already made me?”
“Come on, everyone has a number,” I pressed.
Silence again.
“Afraid I can’t do that.”
“I’ll double what she’s made you.”
I heard Cooper’s incredulous huff. “Why do you want her so badly? Her pussy is great, don’t get me wrong, but she’s only a woman—a commodity. One that’s making me a shit ton of money—did I mention that?”
He’d fucked her. I clenched the phone so hard I was afraid I’d snap it.
“Just name the price, Cooper,” I said tightly.
This was not a shining example of my negotiation skills, but I couldn’t back track now. I didn’t have the time nor the patience. Cooper didn’t speak for several long moments and finally he chuckled.
“Forget about her, Kraven,” he said. “I told you she wasn’t yours and I meant it. Don’t call me again unless it’s to really talk business.”
The line clicked dead, and I nearly threw the phone across the yard. I didn’t have time to deal with Cooper or spend the time I needed to successfully break into a place like the Warren and steal her. That was no small operation. Cursing viciously under my breath I walked back inside. The minute I could head back to the states, I would get her back.
I just hoped she could hold on for long enough.
106
KAELIN
Vetticus’ men dragged me into a room with a bank of monitors along one wall.
The screens showed the game and all the angles of the action. Demetrius and several other men in rich looking suits stood on one side of the room watching a larger monitor with localized action and running bets on the side.
“Escort these men out,” Vetticus snapped.
The guards led the men out, all except Demetrius. He lingered, his face carefully blank.
