Page 110 of Shadowed Hearts: Frost
Kade passes behind me, pausing just long enough to murmur in a voice only I can hear, "The answer is no, she doesn't fall within your control. That's exactly what scares you."
He continues toward the exit without another word, leaving me alone with a fundamental truth I'm not psychologically equipped to handle, standing beside a woman who has somehowchanged from a manageable mission variable into something I cannot calculate, cannot predict, and cannot bear the thought of losing.
She's become the most critical mission factor. When did that happen?
Why does her safety matter more than mission efficiency?
For the first time in my career, I'm facing variables I cannot solve with mathematics or control through careful planning.
And that realization terrifies me more than any enemy I've ever survived.
twenty-eight
Vanessa
Itest the custom earpiece one more time, fingers barely grazing the nearly invisible device.
The sleek design sits flush against my ear, hidden completely beneath my dark hair. Much better than the bulky standard models the guys use. My modifications include better battery placement and signal strength that won't fail when I need it most.
"Stop fidgeting with your tech." Remy's voice carries amusement. "It's not going anywhere, and neither will the connection."
The limousine glides through Sacramento's rain-slicked streets, tinted windows reflecting glimmers of streetlights. My heart hammers against my ribs. First real mission—not just behind a computer screen but in the field.
Beside me, Remy adjusts his bow tie, unhurried with fluid movements. Everything I'm not at this moment.
A nervous laugh bubbles from my throat. Heat floods my cheeks as I picture Asher's reaction; jaw clenched, that muscletwitching, eyes cold with barely contained possessiveness when Kade assigned Remy as my escort.
My stomach still flips with a thrilling mixture of anxiety and the satisfaction at being the center of his attention. The same attention I'd been craving since I first started tracking him.
"Did he say anything to you after I left?" The midnight blue gown wrinkles under my palms as I smooth invisible creases.
"Didn't need to. His death glare said everything." Remy chuckles, adjusting gold cufflinks. "For what it's worth, he made me promise three different ways to keep you safe."
My fingers drum against my clutch. Inside sits a custom device that will help access the server room once we're in position. Variables flood my mind: security rotations, camera blind spots, timing needed to slip away unnoticed.
"You'll do fine, Little Hacker." Remy's voice gentles. "If anything feels wrong, use the code word. We extract immediately."
"Pineapple. I know the protocols."
"And Frost will watch every move through the security feeds. He's got eyes everywhere."
Something in my chest loosens at the reminder. Asher is out there, calculating every risk, ready to intervene if needed.
The limousine slows as we approach the gleaming entrance of the Winchester Charity Gala. Rain patters softly on the car's roof above, a soothing rhythm that somehow calms my racing thoughts while the building looms ahead, windows glowing golden against the storm-darkened sky.
The driver opens the door, and Remy turns to me with a charming smile.
"Ready to shine, partner?" He extends his arm.
Stepping into the ballroom feels like entering another world.
Crystal chandeliers scatter light in a thousand directions while women draped in jewels that could pay my rent for years glide between men in tailored tuxedos. The scent of expensive perfume mingles with the aroma of truffle canapés and aged champagne, creating an intoxicating blend of wealth and power.
Wind rattles the tall windows as rain lashes the glass with increasing intensity.
The security checkpoint looms ahead. My heart pounds, but my hand remains steady retrieving the forged invitation.
"Ms. Veronica Cruz and guest," the security guard says, scanning the QR code.
