Page 1 of Evil Beautiful

CHAPTER ONE

Gideon

Resting my ass on the edge of my desk I crossed my ankles, pushed one side of the jacket back and slipped a hand into my pants pocket while staring sightlessly at the glittering ocean beyond the glass wall of my office. I listened with mounting concern and a good bit of impatience as the phone on the other end rang and rang. It didn’t go to voicemail as that function had specifically been disabled for safety reasons.

The longer it rang the more concerned I became.

It rang for several minutes and I was about to cut the call when Mitch finally answered.

“Yes?”

That one word was enough to let me know all was not well with the man who was both employee and a friend. I instantly transformed into the cover personality we had agreed upon before he went undercover.

“Mitch, buddy! We missed you at the club last night. And you, my friend, missed some epic spankable pussy. I waited for you like we arranged but you didn’t show. Where were you?”

“Jimmy, shit, I’m sorry man. I was snowed under at work and it completely slipped my mind. And now I’m pissed because it sounds like I missed a great time.” His slightly pissed off voice came through clearly.

“Let me tell you, there was this gorgeous brunette who would have been perfect for you. Sweet as can be with eyes that said she’s looking for a Daddy. Unfortunately for you, she went home with Rico and he’s taking her in hand…if you know what I mean.” I waited for him to respond, hoping he would give me more than the basics he had up to now.

Frowning down at the tips of my shoes I waited for him to respond.

“Damn. Bloody Rico, he’s always the first in the door to claim the available women. You know me so well, I do like a biddable woman to play with and if she has long hair so much the better.”

I gave an amused snort.

“Well, she did have a friend who looked like she might be what you’re looking for. We’ve arranged another get together at the club next week Thursday at nine and Rico said his new toy will be bringing a couple of friends along. Come on, buddy, leave work early for once and live a little. What do you say? Will you be joining us?”

I was a bit uneasy as I waited to hear the answer to my question.

“I’ll see if I can move a couple of things around to free up some time. You say she’ll bring some friends…so I take it there will be options available, right? I’ve been out of circulation for a few weeks and will definitely need to release some accumulated tension. Unfortunately it might be too harsh for a newbie to handle. How sure are you these ladies will be into my kind of play?”

Still looking down at my feet I twisted the foot resting on top of the other from side to side as we chatted. The only sign that I wasn’t as relaxed as my pose indicated.

“I can assure you Rico has done his homework. His little toy was only too happy to give him a list of friends who would be interested in joining the group. I hope you can make some time to play because everyone is going to be there. Even Kevin and Deke are coming into town for this one.”

I could hear mumbles in the background as he half covered the speaker and spoke to whoever was with him and had been listening to our call. It took a few seconds before he came back and by the very slight difference in his tone of voice it was obvious whoever had been listening had fallen for our bullshit and had finally stepped into the trap we had set. After Thursday he would be deep in my pocket and only his death would free him from my hold. If he pissed me off I would kill him. Easy.

“I think I’ll be able to make it. Let me sort out a few things this side and I’ll text you with an update. If I can make it I will be bringing a friend along. I’ll text to let you know if we’re on for Thursday.” He gave a loud sigh. “Damn, the boss is looking for me. I’ll get back to you before Thursday.”

The call abruptly ended and I blew my breath out slowly as I finally relaxed.

“Thank fuck.” I said softly.

Mitch was still breathing and very soon we would be closer to apprehending the hag who had been making our lives a misery for more years than I cared to remember.

Our plan had to work. It just had to.

Our man couldn’t stay undercover with those bastards much longer. He’s been undercover too long as it is and there had been too many close calls.

Winifred was far too wily and dangerous for us to keep tempting fate. Sooner or later his luck was going to run out, he would disappear and end up as shark bait.

I was still thinking about Mitch while staring unseeingly at the sun glittering on the blue-green ocean when a knock on my door pulled me back to the present. Swallowing an irritated grunt I looked towards the closed door.

“Come in.”

The door was slowly pushed open and I frowned when I saw Dominick’s sister standing on the threshold. The look in her eyes was part bravado and part wary.

“Pixie? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

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