“Remember the signal,” I growl.
“I know,” she whispers back, turning her full attention to the empty room.
I watch from the rafters, my position secure, my heart pounding a violent rhythm against my ribs. If anyone touches her, if anyone even looks at her wrong, I will burn this place to ash and salt the earth where they stood. Every muscle in my body is coiled tight, screaming for action, waiting for the split second I can unleash the monster.
The steel door creaks open. A man steps inside, small, weaselly, and dressed in a tailored suit. The local operator. He sees Annika immediately, his eyes raking over her with sickening interest. My hands clench, nearly snapping the grip on my suppressed rifle.
“Annika Vance,” he sneers, his voice echoing in the vast space. “You’ve caused us a great deal of trouble. Even lost one of our men to your rabid guard dog.” Pride rushes through me at the reminder of eliminating that piece of shit. “Where is the device?”
Annika stands tall, not flinching. “It’s right here. But you don’t get it until you admit what you did.”
The man laughs, a grating, brittle sound. “You think you have leverage? You’re a flower girl, sweetheart. I’ll take it off your cold, dead body.” He takes a step toward her.
That’s it. He touched the line.
“Now, Annika!”
She drops the phone and raises her hands to shield her face. That’s my cue.
I explode from the shadows, a blur of pure, beastly protection. My feet hit the ground without a sound, and I cover the distance between me and the operator in two long strides. He barely has time to register the dark shape hurtling toward him before I slam my body into his.
The collision is a spectacular act of violence. His spine cracks against the floor as I land on him, driving the air from his lungs. I don’t use a gun. I use my hands, my fists, the raw, brutal strength that is my trademark. I’m in a trance, focusing my fury on this pathetic worm threatening my flower.
Touch her and die, you fucking bastard, I think to myself before spitting on this coward’s face.
His screams are cut short as I snap his wrist, securing the data chip he was about to swallow, and then deliver a final, precise blow to his temple. The fight lasts less than five seconds. I neutralize the threat with a terrifying, final efficiency.
I don’t even look at the crumpled body. My focus is entirely on Annika.
“Annika!” I bellow, spinning toward her. She’s frozen, breathing hard, watching the carnage with wide, haunted eyes.
I scoop her up instantly. One arm is clamped under her thighs, the other locked around her waist. I haul her over my shoulder like a caveman dragging in his prize, a primal act of possession and protection. She gasps, not in fear, but surprise, as I sprint toward the nearest exit, the sound of my heavy boots echoing on the concrete.
“Kai, I’m fine! I can walk!” she protests, her fists lightly beating my back.
“I’ve got you, little flower. You just faced down a monster. Now you let your monster take care of you.”
Between hauling her out to my car, speeding all the way back, and trying to keep my own heart from beating out of my goddamn chest, I don’t have the time or ability to slow down until we are inside my actual house, not the safe house. I kick the heavy oak door shut behind us, the luxurious space a stark contrast to the grime we just left behind.
I set Annika down gently on the leather sofa, my hands flying over her body, checking for any scrape, any bruise, any hint of harm.
“I’m okay, Kai. I’m really okay. The evidence?”
I hold up the microchip secured in a plastic evidence bag. “Secured. You did it.” I kiss her forehead, my lips lingering, before pulling back. “You’re shaking,” I observe, a pit of anxiety opening up in my chest. “I’ll start the shower and make sure it’s nice and hot. Relax, little flower. I’m going to check in with the boss while you clean up. Take your time, okay?”
Turning on the water of the shower, I hold my hand under the stream until it’s the perfect temperature. I make sure there are clean towels available for my queen before stepping out to call Easton.
“The local operator is neutralized. Evidence secured. Annika is safe at my location,” I report, keeping my voice flat and professional, hiding the frantic pulse still thrumming beneath my skin.
“Good. Tell her she did well,” Easton replies, his voice calm. “I’m mobilizing Miller to clean up the mess and coordinate the first extraction. Warn the others, Kai. Tell them the Syndicate knows they’re on a list, and we’re coming for them.”
“I will. Keep Rya safe, Easton. This is on us now.” I hang up, dropping the phone onto the plush carpet. The battle may be won, but the war is just beginning.
I walk back toward my bedroom, which has an en suite bathroom. I’m about ready to strip down and take my ownshower when I hear the softest, sweetest sound in the entire universe.
“Kai,” Annika calls from the hallway, her voice both sweet and seductive.
I turn toward the hallway, my body tensing with immediate anticipation.Fuck. She’s calling me into the shower, my name a breathless plea. I know exactly what I’m walking into and I knowexactlyhow I want to praise my sweet, brave woman.
