Page 40 of Red Fury

“Nope, she’s still dead.” Shadow sighs. “I can’t believe we have to be back at the airport tomorrow morning,” she mutters, running a hand through her hair. “Although it is the break we’ve been waiting for.”

“At least it’s just a quick trip.” I lean back over the engine, checking my work. The connection looks solid, but there might be another issue. “Everything okay? You seem more stressed than usual.”

“Everything’s fine,” she says quickly.

I don’t believe her, but I can see from her expression that she’s not going to elaborate. “Try it again.”

This time, the engine turns over and catches, purring to life with a smooth idle. Shadow’s face lights up with genuine relief and pleasure, and the sight of her smile does something dangerous to my chest.

“Thank you,” she says, moving to close the hood. “I really appreciate this.”

“No problem.” I wipe my hands clean on the rag. “Glad I could help.” I try to hand her the cloth but she shakes her head.

“You keep it.” She gives me this smile.

“Gee, thanks.” I smile back. “You’re too kind.”

Shadow laughs as she secures the hood and moves toward the driver’s door, buckling her seatbelt. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Instead of stepping back, I lean down to her open window, not quite getting into her personal space but coming close enough to catch her scent again.

I stifle a groan. She smells that damned good.

“I meant what I said before. If you need to shift again before we go home, I’m here if you need me, and I swear I won’t let things go as far as they did last time. I won’t let anything happen at all. You have my word.”

Her cheeks flush pink, but she maintains her composure. “Everything’s fine. I’m going home in a few days, and I’m feeling great. The one shift did the trick. I’m good, but thanks for offering.”

“As long as you’re sure.” I straighten up, stepping back from the car. “Drive safe.”

She gives me a small nod, then puts the car in reverse and backs out of the parking space. I watch her taillights disappear around the corner before heading to my own vehicle.

As I get in behind the wheel of the SUV, I can’t shake the feeling that she’s not being entirely honest with me. It feels likeshe’s keeping something from me, but I guess I can’t blame her since we are on opposite sides.

The truth is, I meant what I said about being there if she needs to shift again. But the other truth – the one I’m trying not to acknowledge – is that I also meant what I’d told her about fucking and getting each other out of our systems. The attraction between us is only getting stronger, and the more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore… At least for me, it is.

At the same time, maybe not going there is the smarter choice. The more I get to know Shadow, the more I find myself trusting her, and that’s dangerous territory for someone in my position.

I start the engine and pull out of the parking garage, trying to focus on tomorrow’s mission instead of the taste of candy that still lingers in my mind.

Tomorrow, we’ll hopefully get some answers about what the Mainland government is really planning. I have to pray that Shadow shares all the intel with me. I’m not sure she will. I can’t trust her even though I burn to be able to do just that.

13

Fury

The Rosewood Grande Hotel towers above us as our convoy pulls up to the impressive entrance. Downtown Chicago is bustling with mid-morning traffic. I step out of the armored SUV, automatically scanning the area as I’ve been trained to do. Heat hits me hard after being in the air-conditioned vehicle.

“Impressive place,” Jake comments, adjusting his earpiece as he takes position near the hotel’s ornate entrance. “Built in 1873, and apparently, survived the Great Chicago Fire.”

I nod, though I’m more focused on the tactical aspects of the location than its history. This particular hotel is a smart choice for a high-security meeting with its multiple entrances and exits, together with established security protocols.

“Alpha Team, sound off,” comes Thompson’s voice through my earpiece.

“Bravo One, lobby secured,” responds Peterson from inside.

“Bravo Two, rear entrance clear,” adds Williams.

“Charlie One, perimeter check complete,” I report, falling into the established protocol.