Page 67 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

"Security measures for these operations must be sophisticated."

"Encrypted radio frequencies, changed daily." Viktor's smile turns knowing. "Operational security is paramount."

"Fascinating." I practically crawl into Jax's lap to whisper in his ear. "You're being such a good boy, following my lead so well."

His entire body shifts, muscles coiling. The scattered energy crystallizes into something predatory. "Careful, sweetheart." His voice carries an edge that makes me shiver. "Keep talking to me like that and I might stop being so well-behaved."

Viktor observes our deterioration with obvious amusement. "Passion in business partnerships can be useful. Provides motivation that money alone cannot buy."

"Either this is method acting or you two need to get a room. Now." Asher's deadpan delivery makes Remy laugh through the comm.

After Viktor calls it an evening, we navigate through the casino floor toward the quieter corridor areas. The second we round the corner out of sight, Jax spins and shoves me against the wall next to the elevator. His whole body cages mine, hands bracketing my face.

"Seventeen days," he pants against my mouth. "I can't—Mira, I'm going to die if I don't—"

"Security camera," I gasp, but I'm already yanking at his belt, pulling him closer.

Cole's voice cuts through sharp and urgent. "Abort. ABORT. You're in full view of—"

"Let them continue, Jesus, look at them." Remy sounds sympathetic.

"Security approaching in forty seconds." Asher's clinical now.

"I'm not observing my brother's... activities on casino surveillance." Cole's voice carries real pain. "Withdraw, NOW."

Jax lifts me against the wall, my legs wrapping around his waist as he presses closer. His scattered nervous energy has transformed into focused hunger.

"You've been driving me crazy all night, acting like you own me."

His mouth finds my throat, teeth grazing. "You want to see what happens when you push me past my limits?"

"Well, well." Viktor's voice cuts through the haze like a blade. "Young love. So passionate. So... exploitable."

We freeze, still tangled together. Viktor stands ten feet away, his knowing smile more dangerous than any weapon.

His cold eyes move between us, assessing every detail. "Enjoy your evening."

He turns and walks away, footsteps echoing down the corridor with dangerous confidence.

Cole's voice goes deadly in my ear. "He knows. He fucking knows you're not really together."

My blood runs cold. But Jax's hand finds mine, fingers interlacing, squeezing once.

"Let him know," Jax says quietly, watching Viktor disappear around the corner. "Doesn't change anything."

For the first time since he ran into me, I realize he's right.

We're not pretending anymore.

sixteen

Jax

Islam my shoulder against the container's cold steel as another wave of nausea hits. The Vernon facility stretches ahead—rows of shipping containers like tombstones in the gray dawn.

My stomach's been in knots since last night's almost-fuck in the casino corridor, her perfume still clinging to my shirt making everything worse.

"Time you saw real business, kid." Gideon grabs my elbow when I sway, steadying me through the maze of metal. "You look like hell. When's the last time you ate?"