The crisp, morning air should have invigorated her, but she couldn’t shake the sleep from her eyes. The four hours in bed had been spent tossing and turning, her mind consumed by her newest target.
Dakota Luck.
That man took up way too much head space. Rather than push out the thoughts, she let them rattle around until they seeped into her soul. She was good at her job because she became one with her target, and she was prepared to do it again.
That was always how she worked a case, and this one was no different. Except for the fact that she’d kissed him. But that hot-as-hell smooch was nothing when compared to all the other things shewantedto do. The moment he stepped out of that vehicle, her brain had shorted. Dakota Luck was gorgeous, loaded with testosterone, and a total alpha.
But she’d fallen for all that macho shit once before, only to be gutted when the relationship ended. She promised herself ‘never again’ and she had meant it.
She had been working her newest gig for a whopping week and all she’d been able to confirm were two things. Dakota Luck was a cocky bastard and a damn good kisser.
As far as heractualassignment, she had gleaned nothing. While she hated taking the nightclub’s GM spot under false pretenses, she needed to get close to Dakota, and The Dungeon provided her the perfect opportunity, no questions asked.
A car door closed, plucking her from her thoughts. A middle-aged woman opened the back door and a mutt hopped out.No fucking way. What’s she doing here?
Special Agent in Charge, Patricia Stearns, managed theentireD.C. office of the FBI. Had word gotten back to the SAC that Providence was not okay with this assignment?
After leashing the pooch, Patricia and her pet walked into the park, and over to the bench. “Can I join you?”
“Sure.”
As the woman eased down, the dog approached, tail wagging, and Providence stroked its soft fur.
“Did Lou call in sick so he could sneak off to the links?” Providence asked.
Patricia chuckled. “I wanted to speak with you myself.”
Maybe there was more to the wealthy playboy than Providence had thought.
“How’d your first week go?” Patricia asked.
“Aside from the fact that I know absolutely nothing about managing a kink club, I’d say I did one helluva job.”
“I knew you’d be the perfect person for the case,” she said with an approving smile.
Providence returned her attention to a large oak tree a hundred feet away. Rather than dance around the subject, she said, “You asked for me because I’ve got a connection with the club owner.”
“True, but you’re smart, level-headed, and a skilled agent.”
That politically correct answer made Providence chuckle. The two women grew quiet and Providence sipped her black coffee, appreciating the robust blend that nipped at her tongue.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to speak with you before today,” Patricia said.
“No worries. I just met Luck last night.”
“What have you learned?”
“They don’t use the surveillance system and the exterior cam at the rear entrance was taken down.”
“Hmm, that’s noteworthy. What else?”
“In general, people like their kink,” Providence continued. “They hang from ropes. And they enjoy getting spanked. Pain, the great stimulant.”
Patricia chuckled.
“Members wear masks to hide their identities and call themselves Ecstasy and Midnight so no one knows who the hell they really are.”
“I need to get out more.”
