Page 12 of Steel Trap
Chapter Four
A couple of hours later, Hatchet stamped the dust from his boots before entering The Wyverns’ HQ. When he realized what he’d just done, Hatchet shook his head. “Holy shit,” he grumbled. “Rogue was right. We are getting domesticated.”
The cool air inside was welcome after the journey from the city. Road grit had somehow managed to infiltrate every miniscule gap in his clothingand he needed to take another shower. The thought brought back images of Smith, on his knees, water cascading over his body as he’d sucked Hatchet’s dick. Even better was the visual of Smith’s expression when Hatchet had hoisted him against the expensive Italian tile and fucked him into wide-eyed submission. Sated was a great look on Smith—his features lost some of their usual tension andhe relaxed. There were cracks to be exploited in that rigid shell.
“How did it go?” Shelton peered over his computer screen.
“I made him see sense. Where is everyone?”
Shelton stood and stretched, knuckling the small of his back. “I didn’t realize how late it had gotten. There’s a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Why don’t you come through and I’ll catch you up?”
“Sure.” Hatchet liked Sheltonand they didn’t often get to spend time together. He followed him through the swing door into the kitchen then took a seat at the table. “We got any half and half?”
Shelton delivered a steaming mug of milky coffee before sitting down, his shoulders hunched. “Crow’s outside throwing knives. When he called Rogue, Orlando picked up.”
“The knife work makes sense then.” Rogue sipped his coffee.
“Teddy went to fetch Adrian. He had to wait until he was off duty but they should be back soon. Artie’s sleeping. He’ll swap the perimeter watch with Bull when he gets up.”
“We’ll need to relax the rotation tomorrow. Everyone’s gonna be needed for this job and I don’t want anyone heading into it tired.”
“Sure. Rogue said they’d ride overnight because the roads would be quieter. They should behere in the morning.”
“How mad was he?”
“Crow said he was fine. Orlando—not so much. He made some kind of threat to Crow’s important parts that involved a live shark and fishing bait.” Shelton shivered and his lower lip trembled. “I need those parts intact, Hatch.”
“Crow’s a big boy. He can look after himself, and besides, Orlando will probably be gunning formeonce he gets here.”
“True.”Shelton seemed a bit happier. “Not that I want you to get hurt, of course.” He got all big-eyed behind his specs.
“Good to know.”
“What is?” Crow pushed his way through the door. He draped his arms over Shelton’s shoulders and kissed the top of his head.
“That Shelton values my health almost as much as he values your balls.” Hatchet grinned as Shelton turned the color of beetroot.
Crow raiseda dark eyebrow. “How did my balls come up in conversation…no, don’t tell me. Orlando.”
Shelton giggled.
“Break out the steel underwear, Crow. Sounds like you’re gonna need it.”
Crow straddled a chair. “That’s nothing new around here. How did it go with the elusive Mr. Smith?”
“I convinced him that this plan needs to be a team effort.”
“Convinced him how?” Crow gave Hatchet the kind of lookthat could pierce armor plating. “Holy crap…you nailed him, didn’t you?”
“Woah, wait, what?” Shelton bounced on his seat. “You and Smith, huh? Finally.” Shelton held out his hand and Crow slapped a twenty onto his palm.
Hatchet sighed. “Smith’s loaded. Trap has him in a real nice set-up, but he’s still not giving me the whole story. Can you do some checking into his building, Shelton? See ifyou can trace ownership of the penthouse. Check out the employment records of the security guards. Anything you can find.”
“Sure.”
“Doesn’t have to be now,” Hatchet said. “I’m going to grab a shower then hit the sack. We’ll reconvene in the morning and get our plans in line. And, Shelton…”
“Yes?” Shelton was a picture of innocence.
