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Ruth could only nod.

Noah, however, let his thoughts stray for a moment, imagining her in a formal dress—then imagining her without it. He shook his head imperceptibly, banishing the image.Focus, man. This isn’t the time.

Sensing her nerves, he softened his tone. “Relax, Ruth. We’ll make it work. You’re not alone in this.”

Her breathing slowed. “Thank you all.” She clutched her keys tightly, glancing at the three men.

“I’ll follow you home.” Noah stood.

“I’m fine, really. I don’t think he’s stupid enough to follow me home.”

Noah tilted his head, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “Humor me, Ruth. It’s not about him being stupid. It’s about me being careful.”

She sighed but nodded, her shoulders sagging.

He added, “Besides, I’ve got to head out after this. Meeting a confidential informant. So, I’ll be in the neighborhood.”

* * *

They left Brad’s office,Noah walking her to her SUV before following her in his unassuming department-issued sedan. Ruth was surprised at how much comfort she felt knowing he was behind her, his presence a silent reassurance.

When they reached the condominium complex, Noah stepped out and walked her up the front steps, his sharp eyes scanning the quiet suburban street. “Do you always wear heels in the snow?” He stared at her feet.

“Um, I ran out of my office. I forgot to change back into my boots.” She sniffed.

He stopped her at the door. “Give me a minute.”

Before Ruth could protest, Noah took her keys, unlocked the door and stepped inside, methodically checking the condominium. Ruth watched him move, his every motion smooth and purposeful, like a man who had done this countless times. His presence filled her home in a way that was oddly comforting.

When he returned to the entryway, he nodded. “All clear.”

Ruth exhaled, relieved and a little embarrassed at how safe he made her feel. As she stepped closer, she hesitated, then leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. His skin was warm under her lips, and she caught a faint trace of his cologne—woodsy with a hint of spice, like cedar and sandalwood mingled with something darker, deeper. It lingered in the air between them, a subtle reminder of his strength and mystery.

“Thank you,” she said softly, stepping back.

Noah’s expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite name. “Anytime.” He tipped his head slightly before heading back to his car.

Eight

Noah parked in the crowded lot of the city’s largest mall, blending seamlessly into the crowd of post-holiday shoppers. The informant had chosen the location for its anonymity, a congested space where secrets could be exchanged unnoticed among the throng. Noah weaved through the bustling crowd, his sharp eyes scanning for his contact.

He found the man near the food court, sitting casually with a cup of coffee. Darren Vance, one of Maxim Fairchild’s bodyguards, looked as ordinary as anyone else in his jeans and leather jacket. But Noah knew better. Darren was a man who had heard things most people couldn’t imagine, all under the employ of the infamous Maxim Fairchild, CEO of Verdant Horizons, and a titan in the city’s underworld.

That was how Fairchild worked. No one person in his employ knew enough to sink him.

Darren glanced up, his face hard and impassive. “You’re late.”

“Traffic,” Noah said smoothly, sliding into the seat across from him. “What’s Fairchild up to?” He passed him an envelope. Cash for his information.

Darren’s jaw tightened as he leaned in, speaking just loud enough for Noah to hear. “Fairchild’s pissed. He knows about you guys finding Robert Hilton. That is a whole other story. You were never supposed to find pieces, but the mulcher crapped out. He wanted to know who Hilton talked to. Someone dropped your name. Now he’s looking for something to leverage you with.”

“Any idea who dropped my name?”

Darren shrugged.

Noah didn’t flinch, keeping his expression neutral. “What else?” He wondered where the guys who didn’t mulch Hilton were deposited.

Darren hesitated, glancing around before lowering his voice further. “He’s skipping town in a couple of hours. Heading to Disney World.”