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New York City

October 29

M iles surveyed the vast space from the open fire door at the front of the room. In six hours, the team had converted the empty floor below Miles’s loft into a makeshift HQ. Bishop Security had a New York office, an office Miles would soon be running, but this op was off the books, so the team did what they did best and adapted.

Twitch and Chat had taken over a corner cordoned off with thick construction plastic and created a state-of-the-art cyber security center. Long temporary tables were scattered throughout. Ren and Finn stood at one, unloading equipment and organizing it.

Despite the efficiency with which they worked and the confidence Miles had in the plan, he was feeling out of sorts. Maybe it was the sudden influx of people in his private space. He couldn’t put his finger on it.

“Hey, man.” Steady brushed by Miles with a cardboard box filled with packaged air mattresses tucked under one arm. He handed Miles a black garment bag with the logo of the masks of comedy and tragedy above the words “Crupp’s Costumes.”

“Any problems?” Miles asked.

“Nah, I handed your list to Maury like you told me. He took care of everything. Nice guy.”

Miles unzipped the bag, nodding his approval at the contents. “Thanks, Steady.”

“Any time, bro.”

A golden blonde head appeared beside him.

“I’m going to enjoy seeing you like this,” Clara said, peering at the costume shop purchases.

Everything burning and swirling inside Miles settled. It was like a warm blanket wrapping around shivering shoulders. He clasped Clara’s nape and turned her to face him. “Maybe I’ll hang onto it.”

Clara stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear. “And maybe I’ll buy a costume of my own.”

With a hand on her ass, Miles pulled her flush with his body. “Go upstairs, get undressed, and sit on the end of my bed.”

Miles felt Clara’s body soften and shiver. She leaned back, those hypnotic blue eyes of hers reflecting her arousal. “Yes, Miles.”

When Miles was satisfied everyone was occupied, he slipped out, hot on Clara’s heels.