Page 70 of F*ck Steal Kill

“That’s my fault, sir. I stepped in when things got loud and crazy outside to ensure no one attempted to breach Miss Savage’s room,” Theo said from behind.

My father turned, his gaze calculating as he took in my bodyguard. He couldn’t say anything to Theo, so he nodded and stomped out of the closet.

“Good. See that she doesn’t reek of it. Her husband might not be as forgiving.”

The door slammed a second later, and I dropped my shoulders. Theo gave me a look but kept his words to himself, shutting the door so I could change to meet my husband—oh joy. There was no point hoping the one he picked wouldn’t be the most despicable.

I didn’t care, though. Soon I’d be free. And that was the best feeling in the world.

Borrowing some of Lukas’s hope, I decided to be a hopeful Savage instead of a hopeless one.

Just a few more days. I could hold out for a few more days.

CHAPTER 25

HOLLAND

I had to give it to Grady; everything had moved quickly and seamlessly once we had a plan. We’d been in Lundy, the town closest to the main base, for less than twenty-four hours, and Joy and Lacey already had interviews with Savage Garden. Since Max was on surveillance, Quentin the muscle, and Grady extraction, it allowed them both to go inside.

I didn’t argue about them being selected. I knew it would be a lost cause based on how the guys had responded to the idea of me undercover as a stripper. Besides, I was glad they got to be together—being in pairs felt safer.

Max was occupied on his computer back at the motel, attempting to access cameras and security systems to give us an advantage. Quentin was surveying the local scene to learn what he could from the local bars. He blended the best and liked to work independently, thus leaving me with Grady.

Things with us had shifted so much that I almost didn’t know how to act around him now. Long gone was the animosity and vitriol he’d spat at me a week ago. In its place were respect and a brewing attraction neither of us had spoken of out loud since Q had proposed the four of us be in some quad-ship.

“Anything?” he asked, shifting in his seat. We’d been quiet for the past hour as we watched a few places Viper visited. The information they had on the Savage’s operations was extensive, or at least at the outpost level. There was little to nothing on the main place, which sucked when it was where we needed to break into.

“Nothing interesting,” I sighed, dropping the binoculars.

“Take a break; the camera will pick up anything we miss. Max has a program to sort through the feed later.”

Nodding, I stepped away from the window I’d been vigil at and propped myself against the desk, the lone piece of furniture in the vacant office we’d snuck into.

My legs brushed against his, heat searing me from the brief contact. The fire had been simmering for so long there was no doubt that if we gave into the heat, it would burn bright. The question was whether or not we’d catch the whole world ablaze with us.

Grady didn’t pull away, leaving his leg pressed into mine, and I looked up, meeting his eyes.

“So, you get the boring jobs, Boss?”

He snorted, shaking his head. “I thought we were co-bosses?”

One side of his mouth lifted, immediately sending flutters to my chest. I felt like a schoolgirl with a crush and wasn’t sure how to handle that response. I liked it better when we were at odds with one another. That was easy.

“Don’t let it go to your head. It was an honorary title out of respect. We both know I’m the real boss here,” I teased, shifting so his leg fell between mine.

Leaning forward, I braced my hands on the desk chair and watched as he reacted. Grady’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his blue eyes darkening as lust overtook them, and a tiny bead of sweat appeared on his brow. I didn’t know if that was from me or the humidity of the room, but I enjoyed it all the same.

“I’d like to argue, but we both know you’re right. You’re amazing, mi chispa.”

The term and admittance knocked me off balance, my body tensing at the uncharted territory. So naturally, I had to throw some snark at it.

“Did you just call me chives? I’m not something you can dip your chip in.”

Grady chuckled, leaning forward and bringing our faces only a millimeter apart, his breath fanning me as he spoke.

“There’s something else I’d like to dip in you, mi chispa.”

He licked his lips, his tongue grazing mine in the process. I wanted to suck in a breath or back away, but I couldn’t do either, or I’d lose the upper hand.

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