Page 24 of Bennett

Gabe’s patience had clearly run thin because he threw up a hand. “All right, enough. Laurel, stay put. The rest of you, show me the damage since you’ve already been inside.”

He turned toward the building, and Bennett, Matthew, and Carter followed.

Laurel watched them go, her annoyance still buzzing under her skin. The way Bennett’s shoulders tensed slightly before he walked inside didn’t escape her notice. Like he was bracing himself for something unpleasant from her…or maybe just trying not to snap at her for daring to question his authority.

What the hell was his problem, anyway?

And why did she care?

She was supposed to be here doing her aunt a favor, not butting heads with Mr. Dark and Broody every five minutes. Andyet, there was something about him that made her want to push his buttons just to see what he’d do.

Maybe it was his annoying need to follow the rules. Maybe it was the way he looked at her like he couldn’t quite figure her out.

Or maybe it was because, deep down, she suspected he might’ve been right to keep her from contaminating the place.

But damned if she’d admit that out loud.

If any of them thought she was going to leave, they were mistaken.

Grumbling under her breath, she twisted around and strode to the side of Carter’s open van, not because Bennett suggested it, but because the unseasonably warm April sun was getting hot.

She sat down next to a toolbox and sighed. If the handsome jerk tried to stop her again, she might have to make his life miserable.

Laurel’s annoyance started to dissipate. Somehow, the thought of getting under his skin was more satisfying than it should’ve been.

Chapter Five

Bennett stepped into the half-finished apartment, his gaze moving over the familiar mess as he forced himself to focus on the destruction and not on the irritated blonde currently pacing outside the building like she was planning to storm the place herself.

“Damn shame,” Gabe muttered, inspecting the damage with a scowl. “They’re not wrecking the place, just making sure it never gets done.”

“Agreed,” Bennett replied. “It’s all about dragging things out, making Annie bleed money until she gives up.”

“Whoever’s doing this is smart about it,” Carter said, his focus on the exposed wires dangling from the wall. “It’s like they’re waiting for progress, then they swoop in to undo it all.”

“And staying off camera while they’re at it,” Matthew added.

He nodded. “They’re careful. And if they’re this good, they’ll keep coming until they get what they want.”

Gabe’s jaw tightened. “I’ll put in a report and see what I can do to get more eyes on this place. But if these assholes are that determined, we’re going to have to catch them in the act.”

“That’s the plan,” Carter said, his voice tight with frustration. “I’ll keep working on the cameras and motion sensors. Maybe tweak the angles a bit more. Hell, I’ll install twenty if I have to.”

Bennett walked to the back bedroom and glanced out the window to find Laurel pacing just outside the building, her arms crossed and jaw tight. His chest tightened, an uncomfortable mix of admiration and dread twisting through him. She’d beentold to stay put, but the restless energy radiating off her suggested she was seconds away from barging in anyway.

“Oh, no, sweetheart.I’m here because Aunt Annie put me in charge and asked me to take a look. So, yeah, I am doing a job.”

The woman was relentless and loyal, that much was clear. This wasn’t just a renovation project for her, it was her family’s legacy. And she was ready to go to war to protect it.

An unwelcome thread of admiration twisted through him. At least Laurel stood up for the people she cared about. Unlike his own damn cousin...

Bennett shoved that thought aside and headed back to the others, concentrating instead on the problem at hand.

“Anything else I should know?” Gabe asked, his sharp gaze locking on Bennett.

“Just that whoever’s doing this isn’t planning to stop,” he replied. “If we’re going to catch them, it has to be on their next attempt.”

“Agreed.” Gabe’s gaze was flinty. “I’m calling two of my deputies in to go over the place and collect all the evidence.”