Page 61 of Midnight’s Captive (Stroke of Midnight #2)

Over coffee and pointed digs, Taryn and Portia hammered out a deal.

Ash would get his freedom, along with papers—real and electronic—that outlined his release to protect him from any overzealous Tremaine security personnel.

Hope was free as well, although Portia didn’t seem concerned about losing her, only her well-being.

In return, Ash was banned from the Tremaine network unless he was specifically working on a contracted project. He and Portia would arrange any consulting projects. He’d be paid an hourly rate for any consulting work and would solely be responsible for choosing projects and determining his hours. One of the projects he would work on—for free—was Portia’s secret project. The one where he was supposed to identify himself.

After spending time with Portia, Taryn discovered she liked the other woman, icy prickles and all.

“Why are you doing this?” Portia asked as Taryn stood.

“Doing what?”

“Why are you so invested in Ash’s freedom? Why put all this effort in for one hacker? Do you want him to work for you?”

No way would Taryn share her true feelings with Portia Tremaine, especially not before she shared them with Ash. “I care about him.”

Portia blinked. Blinked again. A soft look crossed her face but it was gone before Taryn could be sure she really saw it. “Oh. I should have fought harder then.”

Taryn laughed. “I can see why he likes you.”

“Ash does?”

“Yes.” No matter what happened next, she deserved the truth about that. Taryn sensed that she didn’t get close to many people. She’d lost her husband tragically and then her best friend had hooked up with her hated illegitimate sister. It was like a soap opera.

“Why?” Portia asked.

“Why does he like you?”

She nodded.

Portia’s question was one Taryn had asked herself. “I don’t know. He just does.”

“But I kept his sister captive.”

“Yeah, that would make it very difficult for me,” Taryn admitted. “If you really want to know, you’ll have to ask him.”

“Did you take her?” Portia asked suddenly.

Did Taryn detect a note of concern in her voice? “Not the first time. I’m the one who got her back from the hacker collective.”

“Is she safe?”

“Yes. She is.”

“I’m glad.”

They’d concluded their negotiations, but there was something else. “Ash said there was a possible cure for brain burn in the network.”

“Yes, he mentioned that in passing,” Portia admitted quietly.

Taryn nodded. “Apparently your father decided that there wasn’t enough value in the idea and shelved it. I’d like the cure as well.”

“What’s it worth to you?” Portia asked.

“Knowing I helped a woman trapped in a coma get her life back.” Her voice carried a bite. Shouldn’t that be enough?

Apparently, Portia got the message. “Fine. If he doesn’t have it already, he can copy it from the system. I would also like it sent to me, so I have the data available.”

“Fine.” Taryn extended her hand. Portia stood and didn’t hesitate to shake Taryn’s cyberarm.

Portia rose another notch in Taryn’s estimation. She knew Portia was un-modded, but she hadn’t known how she reacted around enhanced people.

“It was a pleasure doing business with you,” Taryn said. Sure, it was half sarcastic, but it was also half true. Portia Tremaine was a savvy businesswoman. Taryn had held her own and rescued the man she loved.

Portia’s smile reminded her of a shark. “Until next time,” she said.

“Can you please have Ash waiting for me in the lobby?”

With a regal nod, Portia agreed. She escorted Taryn all the way to the elevator.