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My thoughts have no effect on my dick. It’s a solid steel pipe refusing to forfeit.
After conceding to a lost cause, I step out of the shower to dry off. A new dilemma sprouts. I typically go to bed in my boxer briefs. Walking out to Opal with tented underwear could scare her off.
Should I throw on a shirt or jeans? Going to bed in street clothes isn’t exactly comfortable, but I’ll do it to put her at ease. That’s all that matters to me—that Opal feels safe in my presence.
There’s a soft knock on the bathroom door, and I answer it. Opal’s mouth drops open. Her bright eyes travel up my body, homing in on my chest.
Maybe I will get lucky tonight. I clear my throat to get her attention, giving her a wink to see if she’s game.
Opal’s eyes widen. Flushing, she thrusts out her fist to hand me my cell. “Your phone was buzzing. I—I wasn’t sure if it was important.”
My shoulders sag. All hope of Opal initiating sex deflates like my ego.
“Thanks, Gorgeous,” I say, taking my cell. Atlas called. It must be important.
Prez answers on the first ring. “Sorry to interrupt, but I took a last-minute recon job for tomorrow. We can handle it without you if you choose to stay behind with Opal. Or you can join us. I’m leaving it entirely up to you.”
The idea of Atlas going on an assignment without me chaps my hide. We’ve gone into every battle together since our SEAL days. Things haven’t changed since retiring from the Navy and working as mercenaries. We’re partners in every mission.
I glance at Opal, debating. Leaving her alone is not an option. “Only recon? No security involved?”
“It’s all low-key reconnaissance.”
“How many men are needed for the job?”
“Chase and Ziggy will handle cyber intel. Eagle and Stage will scout the territory. Brass and I will be the muscle if need be. I’ve already told the crew we’re sticking around Utah ‘till the job is done.”
“Does that mean I can use the other half of the crew?”
Atlas doesn’t respond right away. “I’m sensing you need to get Opal out of town. Is there an immediate threat?”
“I don’t know enough on the subject to determine if there is.”
“It can’t be the strip club owner. We handled him. He won’t be coming for us.”
“It’s an unknown source.”
“Understood. Take half the crew and head back home in the morning. Best turn on the charm. Get her to confide in you, brother. The less we know, the greater the threat. Help her see reason.”
“Will do.” I disconnect, staring at the beauty in front of me.
So much for getting my dick wet. Right now, I need answers.
CHAPTERSEVEN
GAUGE
Opal sits cross-legged on the bed, sipping her champagne. She appears calm. Time to address my concerns.
“Can I sit with you?”
She smiles, patting the bed beside her. If I didn’t require information from her, I’d consider that an opening to speed things along. But alas, this is not the time to schmooze her.
I plant my butt next to her, switching over to my business demeanor. “Opal, we need to get some things out of the way before we can move forward. We’re just getting to know each other, but please understand that your safety comes first. I get that this may be difficult discussing—tell me as much as you are comfortable sharing—but who are you running from?”
Opal stiffens, her slender fingers clench around the stem of the champagne flute. “Why?”
“The more I know, the better I’ll be at protecting you.”
