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Well, that certainly didn’t take long.Not to be arrogant, but I usually get in a lap around the room before someone hits on me.
A woman in a barely-there, slinky silver dress is eye-fucking me hard. Sometimes I grow tired of feeling like a piece of meat. Other times, I embrace it. Right now, I’m in the mood to flirt and charm and make this woman want what she can’t have. Not with me, not tonight. There’s no time to deviate from the plan. Besides, she isn’t my type.
Granted, that’s a little harsh, because I love all women. They’re fascinating creatures and I truly appreciate their complexity. When it comes to what attracts me most, however, flashy and overtly sexy isn’t it.
I tend to be drawn to a quiet confidence. I’d rather wonder what’s hidden beneath a baggy sweatshirt than have a pair of tight nipples practically poke my eyes out. Subtlety, intelligence, unpretentiousness, hair up in a messy bun—now that’s what I’m talking about.
Time to play the game, though.
As I engage Twin Peaks in scintillating conversation, Addie’s amused voice fills my ear.
“Looking good, Beckett. And who is that silver pop-tart with her tongue in your ear?”
Addie and Ryder laugh.Fuckers.Guess Ryder just tapped into the cameras which hang in every corner of the room. One of these days I’d love to see Addie or Ryder attempt what Brighton and I do. Those two have about as much charm and finesse as a prickly cactus.
“Cams looping,” Ryder states.
“How’re you doing, Linc?” Addie asks.
“A-okay,” Deck reports. “Heading down to Torres’ office now.”
“Copy that.”
We go radio silent and I decide to escape Twin Peaks and wander around the party a little more. I like to get a lay of the land, scope things out. I’m also looking for our illustrious host. Part of my job is keeping eyes on him and making sure he stays far away from his office.
“I’m in,” Deck confirms a minute later.
So far, so good. This should be a quick in and out since we aren’t dealing with a complicated safe. Intel showed it’s not a biometric lock, which is good news. Having to obtain Torres’ fingerprints or eye scan would take a lot more work. Hell, with Deck on the job, we don’t even need the safe’s code.
Nope. All Deck needs is the neodymium magnet in his pocket. The rare-earth magnet is wrapped in a scarf and far from his cell phone, which it would fry in a second. Strong yet simple. After examining the model, Deck told us safes like Torres’ use a nickel solenoid to activate the locking mechanism, typically found on the front door. All he has to do is slide the magnet around, using the scarf to maneuver it, and then—
“Got it,” Deck murmurs. There’s a soft click and he’s already closed it. “No trace of an intrusion.”
“You’re a damn super star,” Addie says.
“And what am I?” I ask, feigning hurt. “Chopped liver?”
“Oh, Knox, you know we love you. Now get the hell outta there, you two.”
I smirk and turn toward the side exit where I’m planning to escape.Easy peasy. Damn, we’re good at our jobs.
The thought barely passes through my head when an alarm sounds. Chaos erupts and armed guards rush forward, ordering guests to remain still in rapid-fire Spanish. Then several gates come crashing down, cutting me off from Linc and my way out.
Oh, shit.
“Linc? Knox? What’s going on?” Addie asks.
“I accidentally triggered something,” Deck says. “But I’m out with the emerald. Where are you, Knox?”
I do a quick sweep of the room and force myself to remain calm and logical. “In the ballroom. Security just locked it down.”
“Can you get out?” Addie asks.
“I’ll find a way. Time for Plan B, though. I’ll see you at the airport, Deck.”
At least, I hope so.
Chapter Two: Hunter