Page 84 of Rescuing Rebel

I break the kiss, holding her face in my hands, looking into her eyes, knowing that I have to be strong for both of us.

“I have work to do.” My voice remains gentle but firm.

“And what is that?”

Desire rises within me to answer her, but caution remains. She used me once. Whatever her motives, I won’t let it happen again.

“Do you trust me?”

“I do.” She nods, her eyes filled with a determination that matches my own.

We step away from each other, a silent pact sealed.

The door closes behind me with a soft click, and I’m back in Haven’s cold, sterile world. Only this time, I carry her warmth, her strength, and her love with me.

I make my way down the twisting hallways of Haven, the kiss still lingering on my lips, Rebel’s warmth still wrapped around me, but I push those emotions aside. This mission is far from over, and time is running out.

My footsteps lead me to the control room, where my team is entrenched, eyes glued to monitors, earphones in place. The air hangs thick with tension, the silence broken only by the occasional murmur of voices and the clacking of keys. We are all aware of the stakes, the eyes of Kaufman ever-watchful, ever-judging.

“Updates.” My voice cuts through the silence. I need to focus, to be present, but my mind is elsewhere, a part of me still in that room with Rebel.

Hank answers, his face drawn but determined. “We’ve created enough noise and false leads. They think we’re chasing a mole, just as planned.”

I absorb the information. “Jeb, status on Mitzy’s code?”

“Inserted and dormant,” Jeb responds. “No signs of detection. Once activated, it should cripple Haven’s security systems.”

“Good. And escape routes?” I turn to Blake.

“Taken care of. Guards’ rotation schedules are mapped. Escape routes identified. We’ll be ghosts.” A hint of mischief flashes in his eyes.

“Cyber security?” I look to Stitch.

“Firewalls are down. Haven’s mainframe is under control.” A spark of excitement flashes in her eyes.

Walt chimes in, “Secondary systems are also in our hands.”

“Gabe, anything to add?”

“All quiet on the western front,” Gabe replies, his expression serious. “We’re ready.”

I can’t help my thoughts from drifting back to Rebel and the pain she carries. I’m about ready to share with my team when the door to the control room bursts open. Kaufman strides in, his presence like a dark storm cloud, his eyes sharp, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. His gaze locks onto mine with challenge and threats. He knows something. Senses something.

But he’s not sure what it is.

“I’m getting pressure from my clients. How soon until your team is done?”

I hold his gaze, refusing to back down. “If this were easy, you wouldn’t have hired us, but if you want…” I gesture toward Stitch, knowing Kaufman will snub her. “Love, show him what we’ve found so far.”

“Sure, boss.” She opens several screens. “It’s tech-heavy, but I’m sure I can break it down so he can understand.” Without waiting for his response, she launches into a rapid-fire, tech-heavy explanation of various encryption algorithms and computer coding that makes my head hurt.

Before she gets too far, Kaufman raises a dismissive hand. “Don’t bother me with the details. I want to know whether I proceed with the auction as planned or push it back?”

We’re running on borrowed time, and Kaufman’s demands are only escalating. I wish we had more time, but we’ll make do with the time we have.

“We’ll be done in a week at most.” I glance at Stitch and wait for her to confirm.

Ignoring Stitch completely, Kaufman studies me for a long time before turning to leave. The door slams shut, and we’re left in silence, the tension lingering, the threat hanging heavy in the air.

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