Diamond’s smile was fleeting. “They’re more than just trucks, Sayer. They’re safe houses on wheels. Every detail is designed for one purpose: to protect and transport those who have nowhere else to turn.”
Before they could delve deeper, Diamond’s phone buzzed. Glancing at the message, her expression darkened. “Nova just confirmed a change in pickup details,” she said, her voice low. “They’ve shifted the rendezvous to a remote area in rural New York.”
Diamond’s eyes narrowed slightly thinking about the change. “I expected as much. It’s a calculated risk—moving away from the usual spots minimizes detection, but it also means our timeline is now pushed back.”
Sayer leaned forward, intensity in his gaze. “We’ll need constant communication during transit. We can’t afford any surprises out there.”
Diamond’s reply was measured and firm, “I’ve already set up a secure channel through our encrypted network. We’ll be in touch every step of the way.”
Just then, a sharp noise drew their attention. From a nearby service building, a group of ladies in mechanic’s attire emerged. Diamond tensed as one stepped forward. “This is Fifi,” she said without hesitation.
Fifi’s eyes darted around as she approached. “Diamond, we’ve intercepted chatter—a breach. It appears someone’s tiptoeing through our network trying to get information on ourbusiness.”
Diamond exchanged a glance with Sayer. The gravity of the situation crystallizing between them. The smooth, controlled environment of the facility suddenly felt charged with urgency. “We need to secure the premises and adjust our route immediately,” Diamond instructed. “And, Fifi, don’t send it out on our usual channels.”
“There’s something I should mention,” Sayer said, knowing he was about to get bitched out.
“If you’re about to tell me, Teller had us investigated by searching our systems. We know, and the system your in-house hacker tiptoed through was a diversion.”
He shouldn’t have been shocked by her words. Still, his mouth dropped open.
“Let me show you the truck and trailer,” Diamond told Sayer as Fifi walked away. Opening the side door, she stepped into the Freightliner followed by Sayer.
The interior of the truck was like walking into a tiny home. It had everything—a bathroom, full size fold down bed. A dining area and a full kitchen. It was even equipped with a Smart TV. She saw the look on Sayer’s face—complete amazement. “I’ve seen these beasts on the road and always wondered what they looked like on the inside.” She heard him say.
“We like to travel in comfort.”
Now that he knew what the interior looked like, Sayer wanted the details of how things worked while in route. “Break it down for me, sweetheart.”
Diamond leaned against the counter. “The family will be in here while we travel. When we get a few miles from the border crossing, we’ll pull over and put them in a hidden compartment in the trailer. That’s if our contact isn’t working. We try to make it as smooth as possible. If we have to hide them, once we clear the crossing and are in the states, we’ll pull over at the first rest stop if not sooner. At that point, the family will get back in here and make the rest of the trip in here.”
“What about if state patrol pulls us over for an expectation?”
“If that happens, we’ll have to stow the mom and pretend the kids are mine—ours.”
“You seem to have it all worked out.”
“It’s not my first rodeo.”
Sayer moved boxing Diamond in between his arms. “How comfy is the bed?”
“For me it’s comfy. For us, I’ve got no clue.”
“Let’s find out.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Diamond crushedher mouth to Sayer’s, tasting him like she was starving—like she’d forgotten how good he could feel.
He growled low in his throat, hands gripping her waist before lifting her effortlessly. Her legs locked around his hips like muscle memory, and he squeezed her ass, hard.“Mine,”he muttered against her lips, voice thick and possessive.
She leaned back just enough to meet his eyes.“Not yet,”she said, breathlessly. A slow smirk tugged at her mouth.“But I wouldn’t say no to the idea.”
“That’s mine in every way that counts,”he answered, and carried her the rest of the way to the bed.
He lowered her gently, letting her knees sink into the mattress, and stared for a moment—his fingers threading into her hair like he couldn’t decide whether to pull her closer or just look at her.
“I missed your mouth,”he murmured, thumbing her bottom lip.“Missed how you looked at me like I’m the only man in the damn world.”
