Page 25 of Tabitha

We travel down to mansion row the next morning, and my sour mood has only gotten worse. Bast contacted our client. Much to my consternation, control of the ops has shifted over to the girl. While finding McNeil is still a priority, we are now her support team.

The whole case is a clusterfuck.

Even before we pull into the cul-de-sac, I notice that we’re being watched, and I can’t help but grouse, “This is such a bad idea.”

Bast heaves a sigh, having heard it all at least a dozen times already this morning.

“Cheer up, Gage.” River leans forward between the seats, the sniper barely able to keep still. “We’ve run into a dead end. We need fresh eyes.”

Rocky, the traitor, woofs in agreement, and I push the dog’s head off my shoulder.

I look out the window and roll my eyes. “You just want to get into her pants.”

When Rocky growls, I slowly glance over my shoulder to find both dog and man glaring at me. River snarls at me through clenched teeth, “Don’t talk about her that way.”

Well, fuck—River is already infatuated with the girl.

I wilt against the seat, beyond weary, and run a hand down my face. No matter what I say, he’ll only dig his feet in further. I glance at Bast, seeking backup, but the big bastard only shakes his head.

As much as I want to protest, I relent.

River has been on edge for weeks, long before we even took this case, and I’m not sure how much more he can take before he cracks. Maybe his infatuation with the girl will work in our favor. It might keep him stable and distract the girl at the same time.

In the meantime, we’ll be able to continue our search and find McNeil without her interference.

As we pull up in front of her mansion, I’m in a much better frame of mind.

And since it’s before six in the morning, I get the added pleasure of ousting her out of bed early. I get out of the truck, heading toward the house with a skip to my steps. Of course, Bast notices the change, his amber eyes easily able to read me after all the years we’ve worked together. Instead of saying anything, he just shakes his head.

I scowl at his back—either he thinks it’s a good idea, or he knows something I don’t.

With Bast, one can never be too sure.

Just when Bast raises a hand to knock, Rocky gives a sharp bark, then takes off around the back of the house. I glance at the others, then we head around the side of the building together. As we turn the corner, I stop dead.

Whatever I’m expecting, it’s not to find Tabitha facing off against her boy toy. From the look of them, they’ve been at it for some time, both of them covered in a light layer of sweat. Though she might be slim, her muscles are toned in a way no gym can duplicate. Whoever Tabitha is, she knows how to take care of herself and won’t hesitate to go in for the kill if you piss her off.

Pierce doesn’t take it easy on her, either, not pulling his punches. I’m fighting against the urge to go over there and rip him away from her, wanting to beat him to a pulp to see how he likes it. Only one thing that stops me—I’m unable to turn away from watching her fight.

She’s a vicious little thing, giving as good as she gets. When she takes a nasty blow to the ribs, she just smiles and goes after him twice as hard. She’s relentless, completely undaunted by facing off against a bigger man.

I want to say that she loves the bloodlust of battle, but what could a little thing like her know about battle and blood and loss?

I cross my arms, hating that I’m unable to look away. Pierce is wearing simple workout clothing, while Tabitha is dressed in a sports bra and spandex shorts. The outfit is nothing fancy, but her clothing clings to her curves in a way that should be illegal.

Pierce spots us first, and the little hellcat takes immediate advantage of the distraction. She grabs his arms, twists, and easily flips him over her shoulder.

“Fuck,” River mutters, never taking his eyes away from the girl. “I think I’m in love.”

I roll my eyes, but I have to admit, if only to myself, that she is captivating.

I quickly cut off that line of thought.

I refuse to be swayed by her, no matter how attractive I might find her.

* * *

TABITHA

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