Page 256 of Duty and Desire

Abby jerked and sat back.What?“You will?”

“Sure. I’m trying to get that plant back to operation, and I could use an assistant. You’re hired.” Tabitha smiled. “I don’t suppose you have any sort of connection with the manager at the First Pine Bank in town, do you?”

Noah sat back,not sure he liked the new developments taking place. “She is not helping you rob a bank,” he snapped.

Abby laughed instantly, the sound melodious. Soft and soothing and sweet. “You’re funny.”

Funny? Nobody had ever called him funny. Or anything nice, really. He gave the demoness a hard glare that promised retribution if she got Abby into danger.

Tabi cocked her head. “You making a claim, male?”

“No,” he gritted out.

“Fine,” Tabi murmured. “No, we’re not robbing the bank. Work on your sense of humor.” Delight and challenge filled her dark eyes. “In fact, let’s start with you today, Noah. You seem angrier than necessary.”

Oh, the little shit.

The shrink leaned forward. “You actually do, Noah. Let’s talk. What is making you angry?”

He forced a smile to curve his lips to keep from throwing his shoe at the demoness. “Well?—”

His words caught in his throat when Benny dodged into the room, his shoulders barely clearing the door frame. The massive vampire looked around, spotted Mariana, and shoved betweentwo chairs to hand over an envelope to her. “You look like you’re in charge.”

She stared at him, her mouth open.

Yeah, most humans reacted the same way to Benjamin Reese. Noah stood. “Benny? What the hell?”

Ivar stood, his entire body on full alert and nearly vibrating. “We going?”

“Yep. Found the woman and you need to take her before they do.” Benny turned toward Noah. “Thanks for the help, but we’ve had a development, and the Viking has to get to work.”

Mariana sputtered. “Wait a minute.” She opened the envelope and quickly read. “Charges were dropped against you, and you’re free to go, Ivar?” She looked up, her gaze bewildered.

Noah pushed a snarl down. “I don’t suppose I have papers?”

Benny blanched. “No.” He leaned in. “Ivar said you might want to stay. Something about a chick with problems.” He whispered it low enough only the immortals in the room could hear.

Tabitha chuckled. “Oh, this is cute.”

Noah grabbed Benny’s arm. “I’m going to kill you for this, Ben.”

Mariana clapped her hands sharply. “Noah. That is exactly the type of language and action we wish to avoid here. You know that.”

Oh, Noah really was going to kill Benny.

Amusement filled Benny’s eyes, the asshole, and he quickly backed away. “My guys are still looking for information for you. Nothing yet.”

“I have something,” Raine murmured, his body still oddly relaxed in the wooden chair. “But I want information in return.”

Benny clapped him on the arm. “I know. I left you a treat in your truck.”

Wonderful. Hopefully it wasn’t a bomb.

Ivar turned and held out a hand. “Thank you, friend. Happy hunting.”

Noah shook it, oddly sorry to see the Viking go. “Ditto. I hope you find what you need.”

Ivar nodded at the other occupants and then strolled after Benny. The air lightened in their wake.