“Yes. Not only are they trying to take over—I think they’re trying to set up here. Permanently.”
Everyone nods, murmuring their agreement.
“Then let’s execute their takedown,” Dario says, his smile sharp and lethal.
Heat pools in my belly. I shouldn’t be turned on by that.
“There might be an opportunity,” Lily says suddenly, excitement in her voice.
She pulls a tablet from her bag and hands it over to me.
I study the screen—it’s security footage of the house. I hit play.
Barbra stands outside, directing movers as they carry bags and boxes inside. Her smile is smug, victorious, while security watches on with grim faces.
I keep watching as a man steps up the front steps to stand with her. He’s older, tall and broad with a thick waist and greasy hair slicked back with too much gel.
I can’t hear what he says, but Barbra beams up at him. He kisses her cheek before walking away, leaving her alone again.
“She didn’t wait long, did she?” I grumble.
Lily gives me a sad look and squeezes my hand.
“I told the men you were missing,” Max says. “But I didn’t give them anything else. We have to be careful about who knows the truth.”
I nod, handing Lily back her tablet. Then I take a deep breath.
Everyone waits for me to speak—even Keir.
But I’m exhausted. The realization hits me like a freight train.
“I’ve been awake for far too long.” My voice comes out hoarse, heavy with fatigue.
“Let’s reconvene in a few hours,” I say, glancing at the clock.
It’s just after eight in the morning. I’ve been awake for nearly twenty-four hours. My entire body feels like lead. Kaz’s warmth has my eyelids fluttering shut.
He notices and rises, lifting me in his arms without a word. I tuck my face into his neck, letting him carry me to the master bedroom.
I must be exhausted—because being in his arms feels like coming home.
And that’s crazy, right?
Inside the room, he sets me gently on the bed and squats in front of me. Through half-lidded eyes, I watch him pull off my socks, then peel down my leggings.
He inhales sharply when he sees my lacy red panties.
Next, he removes my sweater, and a quiet curse slips out when he sees the matching bralette.
His eyes lock onto mine. I give him a sleepy smile.
God, those eyes. I could stare into them forever.
I shake the thought away as he pulls back the covers and tucks me in like I’m something precious.
Satisfied that I’m cozy, he stands and turns to leave.
I reach out before I can think. My hand wraps around his.
