She shook her head firmly. What was going on with her?
“All right then, let’s go,” he said, breaking out of her reverie and heading for the door.
It took twenty minutes by cab to get to the bar. None of the heat had died. If anything, it seemed to grow as they sat closely in the back seat.
They asked the cabbie to drop them off a block from the bar, and as they walked, her mind raced with thoughts of the operation ahead, yet her focus couldn’t help but drift back to the man beside her. The way his muscles tensed beneath his suit, the crisp scent of his cologne, the heat radiating from his body—it all overwhelmed her senses, urging her to acknowledge the burning desire that simmered just below the surface.
Yup, she was in bigfucking trouble.
Hawke pushed open the heavy wooden doors, and the atmosphere of the bar enveloped her like a sultry embrace. The dim lighting cast flickering shadows across the exposed brick walls, and the scent of aged whiskey and spiced perfume hung heavy in the air. A slow, seductive melody played by a live jazz band beckoned patrons to sway and dance, their bodies pressed close together, lost in the rhythm.
Penny scanned the room, taking note of the assortment of people present. There were couples entwined at the bar, sipping on rich amber liquid from cut crystal glasses, while groups of friends laughed and conversed animatedly in the plush booths.
She followed Hawke to a corner table, where they wouldn’t draw attention. As they settled into their seats, a waiter appeared, offering them a menu filled with beers and cocktails. Penny ordered an espresso martini and Hawke ordered a beer. As the waiter left to fetch their drinks, she took the opportunity to sneak glances at Hawke. His jaw clenched as he surveyed the room, his eyes sharp and focused.
When her drink was set before her, she took a sip, allowing the liquid courage to calm her nerves. She knew they had a job to do, but with Hawke so close, his presence all-consuming, she couldn’t help but feel the passion all but sizzling around them.
The truth was glaringly clear. She wouldn’t mind going a round or two with Hawke, but she could see it written all over his face since she’d first met him. He wantedmore.He wanted a girlfriend. And all this was a little too lovey-dovey for her.
Pushing all those thoughts away, her gaze flicked over to Julia, who was laughing with a group of friends at the far end of the bar. “She looks cozy.”
“She does,” Hawke said, his eyes locked on their target.
A plan formed in Penny’s mind. “Let’s pretend we’re taking selfies so I can look into her friends.”
“Good idea,” he agreed, pulling out his phone. He angled it so that Julia would be visible in the background.
“Smile,” Penny whispered, leaning in close to Hawke as they struck a casual pose for the camera. Her heart raced, acutely aware of the heat radiating from his body. She fought to keep her wits about her as she focused on the task at hand, observing Julia.
They continued their ruse, snapping pictures and occasionally sharing a laugh to maintain their cover. As they drew closer together, their fingers brushed, sending sparks of desire racing through Penny’s veins. She knew she should move away, but the magnetic pull between them was overwhelming, and she found herself inching even closer to him.
“Something’s happening,” Hawke said suddenly, his tone serious.
It took Penny a moment to realize he didn’t mean that explosive heat building hotter as each second passed.
She finally followed his gaze to see Julia slipping away from her friends, making her way to the back of the bar.
“Let’s follow,” Hawke said, rising from his chair.
“This better not come back to bite me,” Penny muttered, striding after him.
As they moved through the crowded bar, staying just far enough behind Julia to avoid detection, Penny tried to focus on the task at hand. But with every step, the memory of Hawke’s body pressed against hers lingered, leaving her breathless and longing for more.
Get. It. Together. Girl!
“Holy shit,” Penny snapped at the unfolding scene.
A handsome dark-haired man confidently approached Julia, his commanding presence parting the throng of people like the sea before him. Julia, momentarily forgotten by her friends, moved to meet him halfway, her dark curls bouncing with each determined step.
Hawke frowned. “Is that—”
“Victor Romano,” Penny breathed.
He was no stranger. He had a reputation as one of New York City’s most notorious criminals, and Julia walked straight into his open arms.
3
The warehouse was silent except for the rhythmic tapping of fingers on a keyboard. Seated in the chair next to Penny at her desk, Hawke read through the police report that she’d obtained. He finally sighed, rubbing his face. “Victor is neck-deep in some truly dangerous activities.”
