Page 30 of Secret Mission

From across the small deck, the heartbeat in her neck is visible. It’s rioting at a pace that matches mine.

“I need to use a phone.”

Jerking off the fabric I tied around me like a skirt, I toss it aside. “You’re out of luck on that one.”

She glances at the water, cogs turning. When she turns her attention to the shoreline, gauging the distance, I am certain she’s weighing the risks of going overboard.

Fucking hell, this woman. What person in their right mind that just got rag-dolled by a croc would do that?

“I wouldn’t jump overboard if I were you. It’s murky. Who knows what's in there? Besides, I’ll just drag you back.”

“Why do I believe that?”

“Because you already know I’m a man of my word. Now, have a seat, Ally. We have a lot to talk about.”

The brave little rabbit is back, standing her ground. “Okay, I go first. Why did you undress me?”

I already explained. So, I skip that one and get to the point that’s needling me in the brain. I need to know everything about this woman. “Why have you been in hiding when your father is trying to find you?”

More resolve tightens her shoulders, but a flicker of fear dances through her eyes. “What happens between me and my father is none of your business.”

“It isnow, angel.”

That lands like a bomb between us.

“What does that mean?” Tugging the hem of the shirt, she stands ramrod straight, refusing to sit down, even though I’m trying to interrogate her, and fucking hell, trying to de-escalate her desire to jump overboard.

I do not want to go in the river after her. But fucking hell, I will. All damned day.

Irritation abrading my insides like sandpaper, I throw myself down onto the wooden bench.

“It means,everythingabout you is my business now.” That lump in my throat turns to a fiery rock filled with burning possessiveness. “When he hired us, you became our responsibility.Myresponsibility.”

“You're part of a team, though… Where are they?”

“Probably back at headquarters in Karma by now.”

A wary glance skitters to the riverbank again, and when the instant the realization that we are not heading toward town sinks in, she looks square at me. “Is that where you’re taking me?”

“Not right now.”

“Are you kidnapping me?”

Hmm. Am I?

I let her question hang in the air before I speak. “Not by my definition.”

Chapter Nine

Talk about a mind-bending conversation. I don’t even know what loop I’m in now.

But the thought of being kidnapped by the man should absolutely be terrifying.

So, why is my blood stirring like a pool of warm honey, my nipples turning into achy pebbles, and my spine crackling with zingers of energy?

“You’re…a maniac.” It’s the only word that makes sense.

“I won’t deny that.”