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When they wrapped, Zach gathered the photos and stood. “I’ve asked Roy and Ford to meet me at the site.”
“I’ll go with you,” Danny said. “Then I need to find a hotel. This place”—he glanced around, sly—“is a little too cozy for my taste.”
He squinted at Zach. “That Charger outside yours?”
A rare smile creased Zach’s face. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”
“You should see my baby,” Danny said. “A 2016 Mustang GT California Special in Deep Impact Blue. Coyote V-8 engine.” He grinned. “I call herConsuela.”
Caleb rolled his eyes for the second time since Danny’s arrival.
“We’ll grab breakfast and find you a room after the ground assessment,” Zach replied.
Danny held up his phone. “You know how to reach me,” he said to Caleb. He nodded to Gia. “Ma’am.”
Caleb walked them to the door.
“Cousin.” He clasped Zach’s forearm—a warrior’s gesture. “Ahéhee.”
“You’re welcome,shil na’aash—my cousin.” Zach held his stare.
Something passed between them. Respect. A flicker of the bond they’d once shared as boys.
A new one forming now, as men.
Outside, the snow continued to melt away. The next few days promised unseasonably warm February sun. Zach would have to contend with the glare on his sniper scope, but at least the wind wouldn’t be a factor.
Caleb waited until the vehicles disappeared down the road before shutting the door.
“That bastard’s bringing his Miami weather with him,” he muttered, low enough that Gia couldn’t hear.
She still sat on the couch, forearms on her thighs, her hair a glossy curtain veiling her face.
But he knew exactly what she was thinking.
“You’re scared.”
“I’d be a fool not to be.”
He nodded.True.
“The thing is…” Her gaze lifted. “I’m not afraid for myself so much as for Jennie.”
Her eyes glistened in the light. “And for you. Vincente will know we’ve been together the moment he sees us. He doesn’t like anyone touching what’s his.”
His jaw flexed, rage coiling tight beneath his skin.
“You’re not his. And if I have to kill him to prove it, I will.” He already planned to.
Gia flinched.
Caleb stalked to the sofa. Lifted her to her feet. Folded her into his arms.
She shuddered. “I should have gone to the DEA right away.” Her voice was muffled against his shirt. “None of this would’ve happened if I’d just done the right thing.”
He smoothed a hand along her back, anchoring her. Soaking in the feel of her in his arms.
Everything in him centered on this—keeping Gia safe. Making sure she could live her life without fear.