Page 64 of Lethal Vengeance
Disappointment flashes across his face. “I thought you would be more honest with me, but maybe it’s too soon.” He reaches up and swipes his thumb across my lips. “You should know, though. As much as I enjoy kissing you, I want more. I haven’t said anything because I know this isn’t the time.”
His thumb glides down my neck to rest at the base. “Your heart is beating so fast.” He taps up and down with the beats. “Given Raider’s willingness to tell you about Camila and his family, I’m sure he feels the same way.”
The low murmur of his voice and the warmth of his hand make me want to fall into his lips and arms.
I jerk away and slide off his lap. “I can’t think about this right now. Let’s concentrate on rescuing Raider and the rest of it.”
I’m sorry, I silently tell him.
The closeness of a moment ago shatters, but I don’t look back when I walk away.
30
QUINN
Cruz calls in three hours later. When Hugo went home for lunch, he grabbed him and took him to the abandoned restaurant Sterling found for him.
“I’ve worked on him for the past hour. Nothing yet,” he relays. “He’s old school. I can break him, but it’s going to take time.”
Frustration bleeds from every word.
Zane grunts. “Put me on speaker.”
A second later, Cruz comes back. “Are you there?”
Zane looks at us and lays a finger against his lips.
“Remind Hugo that he’s got a wife and kids at home. Maybe he’ll give you the answers we need. But if you don’t think it’s going to happen in time, silence him and get back here. That’s an order,” Zane states loudly, wanting him to hear the alternative.
“Copy,” Cruz replies quietly. “Call you back in two hours. One way or the other.” He hangs up.
“Good play,” I tell Zane.
He shrugs his big shoulders. “It may or may not work. Time will tell.”
Sterling walks up, rubbing his eyes. “Still looking through the footage. Have you heard anything from Raider’s brother?”
Zane shakes his head. “No, I called the main number, but maybe he’s already dumped it. I’ll try a couple of others.” He raises his voice. “If anyone needs me, I’ll be outside.”
Sterling turns to me. “You need to go get a dress.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not leaving until we find Raider.”
“Are you prepared to show up to the event naked? Or in fatigues?” he asks, his mouth set in a flat line.
“What if we can’t find Raider?”
“One man isn’t worth all those lives,” Sterling says hoarsely. “Even if it was my father, I wouldn’t trade one life for all. Raider would agree. The attack can’t be pushed back any further. This many men will be noticed soon. Any advantage we have will be lost.”
Zane strides up. “I left a few messages.” The tension between Sterling and me is taut with unspoken words. “What’s going on?”
Sterling turns to him. “The event tomorrow is formal. She needs the proper attire.”
I narrow my eyes at them both. “I’m not going shopping while Raider is being held hostage. If it comes down to it, I won’t…” I pause.
Would I really throw away this opportunity to save Raider? I think about it for a minute. If I don’t go, I’ll have to find another way to get to Armando because he doesn’t give second chances. It would be harder to grab him, but I have his address now.
“I won’t go.” Nausea makes sweat break out on my forehead, but I plant a stoic look on my face and wipe it off.
