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This vault was different from a bank’s sterile storage. Stacks of chips in vibrant colors lined the shelves, a kaleidoscope of potential fortunes. The air hung heavy with the scent of money and secrets.
Secrets, like the ones that had turned Cody into a hard man. Time had etched lines around his eyes, weathered his features, but damn if he didn’t look even more handsome. The years had added a layer of complexity to his rugged good looks, a hint of vulnerability that made him infinitely more dangerous.
This wasn’t the cocky, unflappable Cody she remembered.
This version was more like a wounded lion—still powerful and lethal, but with a new unpredictability. And more anger. So. Much. More.
Did he notice the changes in her as acutely as she cataloged the changes in him? The thought sent a flutter through her stomach, equal parts anticipation and dread.
A good thing this new Cody was easy to dislike.
She wandered the edges of the vault, fingers trailing over cool metal surfaces. “Why did you initiate contact?” Her voice echoed in the confined space. “Why lure us all the way to Croatia just to leave a message?”
“Like I said, it’s complicated.” He shoved his hands on his hips and stared her down. “Can you stand still? We need to talk.”
She arched an eyebrow. “I don’t know. Can you say anything that’s not a lie?”
He huffed, the sound oddly endearing. “Fine.” His hands made a ‘come on’ gesture. “Get it all out.”
He waited, arms crossed, clearly bracing for her anger. But Paige found herself unable to unleash the vitriol she’d stored for years. No one was listening. The team couldn’t hear her inside the vault. And yet ... she couldn’t bring herself to hurt him.
She shrugged, the motion feeling impotent. “Not in the mood. I’m here. What do you want?”
Cody’s eyes, those stormy gray eyes that had once captivated her, met hers. “I need your help.”
A laugh bubbled up, sharp and unexpected. Even though she’d figured as much, hearing him say it was ... something else entirely.
She stretched her arms, feigning boredom, but the movement bared the watch on her wrist. One more minute and Mason and Tai would be at the door in their casino security guard uniforms. Another minute for Tai to use her electronic code breaker on the lock and they’d be free.
Well, she’d be free. Cody would be their new guest.
“I’m not going to help the Consortium,” she said, her tone dripping with faux sweetness. “Sorry. Not sorry.”
“This has nothing to do with them. I need your help. Just me.” Cody fidgeted, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. He looked almost ... vulnerable.
Paige squashed the twinge of sympathy threatening to surface. Had he learned to be a great actor over all these years? She couldn’t let herself be taken in.
“Go on,” she prompted, her voice carefully neutral.
“I want out.” The words hung in the air between them. “You and your team are the only people I trust enough to help me.”
“And we’d do that because?” Paige resisted the urge to check her watch again. The team would have worked their way past the first level of security by now.
“Because I can help you save Jason Reilly,” Cody said, his eyes locking onto hers. “He’s going against the Consortium alone. Given enough time, they’ll win. I help you, then you help me.”
Paige’s mind raced, calculating. Ninety seconds.
In one fluid motion, she pulled a weapon, leveling it at his chest. “The Glock at your back, the knife in your boot, and whatever else you’re hiding,” she ordered, her voice sharp. “Drop them. All of them. Now.”
Those gorgeous eyes widened. “Don’t do this, Paige.”
She lifted her chin defiantly. “I’m not afraid of the Consortium. I’ve got my own plan.”
“Like what?” Wariness crept into his voice.
Pride swelled in her chest as she announced, “My people will be here in a second.”
Fury flashed across his face. “We don’t have a second!”