Page 5 of Code Name: Grit

“Admittedly, I like that much better. However, don’t think for a minute that a term of endearment will soften me up and make me go along with your protective edicts.”

He smiled and shook his head.

“What?”

“You’re so fucking smart. It blows me away.”

I cocked my head. “If terms of endearment don’t work, try gratuitous compliments?”

“Nothing gratuitous about it. If you’d been by my side in the investigation of ‘our’ family, it probably would’ve taken me half the time to bring them down.”

“So let me do it now. Let’s not waste time and allow the Belcastros to move straight into the void left by Vincent’s convictions. Wouldn’t you rather do this in half the time too?”

“I’d prefer it if we could do it in a tenth. Think you’re up for that?”

“Up for what?” Grit asked, approaching us.

“Taking down the Belcastros in a fraction of the time it took me to bring down Vincent,” said Dante.

“Since Luminous will be working with me, I can almost guarantee it,” said Grit.

“If the two of you would stop talking about me like I’m not standing right beside you, I’d appreciate it. Oh, and I’ve decided I prefer Lumi.”

Grit’s head cocked, and he leaned closer. “Me too.”

Dante’s hand connected with Grit’s chest. “Back off, asshole. You’re about to go undercover together.”

“Funny you should saytogether.”

“Why?” I asked.

“I talked it over with Admiral, and we think it would be best if we were a couple.”

I gasped. “An undercover couple?”

“Atticus suggested a scenario that will give us access to multiple Belcastro operations,” he explained. “A married couple who own a consulting firm with expertise in everything from restaurant fraud prevention to shipping security. Perfect for moving between their different enterprises.” When he wriggled his eyebrows, I couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re too old for her. No one would buy that you’re together.”

“How old are you?” Grit asked me unnecessarily, given he was equally aware of my age as I was of his.

“There’s eight years between us,” I responded.

Grit smirked and turned to Dante. “What’s the age difference between you and Lark?”

“Six.”

“Yeah, well, I look at least two years younger than you do.”

“Gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I have actual work to get done.” I looked between them. “It’s becoming more and more apparent why it took you so long to take down Vincent,” I said, winking before walking away.

“Brat would’ve been a far better code name for you,” Dante muttered behind me.

I rolled my eyes but smiled, knowing his words carried more affection than irritation. I hadn’t gotten far when Grit caught up with me.

“If we’re doing this,” he said, falling into step beside me, “you should train with me. Basic combat techniques, defensivemaneuvers. Your analytical skills are exceptional, but fieldwork requires different capabilities.”

I raised a brow. “You don’t think I can handle myself?”