Mak huffed as he noted the glint of triumph in Kaal’s eyes as he tracked to his bag and back with his comm tab.
‘We’ve struck gold, brother,’ Kaal growled. ‘We’ve uncovered a web of deceit and corruption that stretched far beyond our initial suspicions, reaching into the highest echelons of power and influence. Additionally, Codex was responsible for hiring thesachemhit and for ongoing sabotage, DarkNet schemes, and cyber-attacks against Signet and Sauvage’s secure networks. We’ve repelled the incursions pretty much every time. I have proof of their illegal dealings, connections to criminal enterprises, and plans to manipulate governments for their gain.’
Mak studied the documents on the screen Kaal held out to him. Each tab was filled with damning evidence.
‘Zolan is not involved, is he?’ Mak grumbled.
‘Why’d you ask?’
‘He might have warned us about Nightshade, but I’ve often wondered if he’d been influenced by them whatsoever.’
Kaal lifted a brow but shook his head. ‘Nada, the ratbag’s clear.’
‘Good, I have no desire to ratchet our already strained rivalry. Keep him away from my woman, though,’ Mak growled. ‘I swear if I find him near my wife ever again, I’ll slit his throat.’
Kaal gave Mak a close, long look. ‘That sounded territorial asfokk. You’re starting to like her.’
Mak clenched his jaw.Nada. The reality was way more life-shattering.
He was beginning to fall in love with Saba.
He shot Kaal a warning look and ignored his insinuation. ‘Who runs Phantom Codex?’
‘Some shady guy called Deimos Vale. He’s ex-Accord, and his ship has been lurking on the edges of the flotilla, tagging along for the ride to Pegasi.’
‘I want to set my eyes on him. Also, see if we can pinpoint his weaknesses.’
Kaal arched a brow. ‘I’ll see what I can do.’
SABA
‘How is work going?’ Saba asked one evening as they sat at dinner.
Mak glanced up from his plate, his knife and fork held in a pause.
He tilted his head back and studied her for a long moment. ‘It’s afokkin’ battle every day.’
He revealed his issues with some of his legal contracts, those related to holdings owned by both the Sauvage and Signet corporations.
He outlined the challenges of managing a crew of thousands under immense pressure.
Including the constant demands of keepingTheSombraand its fleet of shipbuilders, armed skiffs, and gunships afloat.
Also, what it took to maintain security for the flotilla amid the headwinds of enemy andsachemattacks.
Saba listened as he shared his frustrations and some anecdotal incidents from the last week.
It was the most talkative he’d been with her, and she savored the moment.
As his guarded demeanor melted away to unveil a warm, witty, andfokkin’ attractive man underneath.
It was more than she could have ever asked for.
Silence fell for a beat when he ended until she reached across the table and placed her hand on his.
‘Mak, you’re a warrior with wit,’ she murmured. ‘I admire that, and the work you do.’
He narrowed his eyes and cocked a brow.
