Page 10

S he’s in. My heart knocks against my ribs and my pulse leaps. I’m not sure why I’m so excited to have Hunter join our team for this heist, but I can’t deny it—I’m fucking thrilled.

“You’ll fly our plane,” Addie continues, “and, of course, be well-compensated.”

“We have a plane?” I ask. This is news to me.

“We do now, thanks to The Man.”

Nice. One of these days, I’m going to find out the identity of our mystery benefactor.

Addie returns her attention to Hunter. “Ryland told me you crashed your own plane to help his team?” Hunter nods, and Addie’s voice softens when she says, “Thank you for being so instrumental in helping them take down The Agency.”

Hunter looks a little surprised and touched by Addie’s gratitude. “You’re welcome. They’re a great group. Like family.”

“I understand that only too well,” Addie murmurs, looking around at our crew.

Even though we tease each other mercilessly, she’s right.

This little ring of thieves has become extremely important to me.

I’d do anything for any one of them. I’m lucky enough to still have my big family back in the Midwest. I might not see them as often as I’d like, but I know they’re there. Not everyone sitting here can say that.

Hunter confided in me about her parents dying, and honestly, I can relate. Angel was like a mom to me. Losing a mother figure is hard as hell whether she’s your blood or not.

“Keep helping us out,” Addie continues smoothly, “and you’ll be able to buy yourself a new plane in no time at all.”

When Hunter doesn’t comment, Addie merely smiles. “That’s enough for tonight. I’m sure you and Knox are exhausted. Rest up as best as you can. We’ll leave for Spain by nine, if that works for you?”

“That’s fine,” Hunter says, and everyone stands up.

“Good.”

Hunter turns her attention to me. “Can you recommend a nearby hotel?”

“You can stay with me,” Brighton offers cheerfully.

I shoot Hunter a look as a surge of disappointment fills me. I was just about to make the same offer. But, it’s probably just as well. Having Hunter in my house and all to myself would be far too tempting. A complication I don’t need right now.

At least that’s what I try to convince myself. Because I don’t bring women home. Most of my hookups happen somewhere exotic, halfway across the world, before or after a heist. The idea of bringing a woman into my house, my private domain, feels too much like a relationship.

“Thanks,” Hunter says.

“You’re going to need to borrow some clothes, too. I think you and Addie are more the same size, though,” Brighton comments.

“I’ll bring you some things,” Addie tells Hunter.

Yes, Hunter is definitely shaped more like Addie than Brighton.

I take a moment to admire her tall, lithe figure with curves in all the right places.

She hasn’t taken her bomber jacket off since we met, but her fitted tank top beneath has caught my attention a few different times.

Or, if I’m being completely honest, it’s the perfect swell of her round assets that’s snagged my interest. Her cup runneth over.

Those breasts look to be a very generous size C, and my palms are itching to confirm my estimation.

A woman’s body is an amazing creation. One I could explore and worship for hours on end. And Hunter’s rack is calling to me like a siren.

Yeah, it’s best she goes to Brighton’s place tonight. The last thing I want to do is make Hunter uncomfortable and pull out of the heist. First and foremost, we need a pilot. And, yeah, my dick has needs, too, but he’s going to have to wait.

You hear that, buddy?

As we all walk out of A-Squared, I hang back, eyes glued to Hunter’s ass. Apparently, my dick didn’t get the memo and has no intention of laying low.

“See something you like?” Ryder asks in a low, amused voice.

I pull my attention up and slant him a look. “No idea what you’re talking about.”

“Liar,” he responds easily.

Yeah, okay, maybe I am in serious denial.

But I have to be. This is a job, and the job comes first. I can’t screw things up because I’m thinking with the wrong head.

A lot is on the line, so I need to keep things professional with Miss Hunter “Pyro” McGrath.

Even if I am picturing her naked more often than not.

Gritting my teeth, trying to ignore this growing attraction, I tell myself there’s nothing special about Hunter.

Maybe I just need to get laid. Sure, I like her feistiness and how strong she is.

There’s a fierce intelligence behind her brown eyes that makes me want to learn more about her.

And the fact that she doesn’t look at me and giggle and bat her eyelashes is refreshing.

I also have a feeling she’d be a wildcat in the sack—all raw and passionate—but only after I’ve earned her trust.

I can tell trust isn’t something she hands over easily, though. Luckily, I enjoy a good challenge, and I think this russet-haired beauty will give me a run for my money.

Maybe once the job is complete I can convince her to accept that dinner.

We stop walking and everyone says goodbye, turning toward their cars. I run a hand through my hair, lost in my thoughts. I still can’t believe she turned me down earlier. A frown screws my face up as I think back, trying to remember the last woman who told me no.

I can’t. Because they all say yes.

Hell, I’m known as The Charmer for a reason. Am I losing my touch?

“Goodnight, Knox.”

My attention shifts back to Hunter, who gives me a small smile, and my stomach does a strange tumble.

I’ve never had a woman give me butterflies before.

For a long moment, we simply stare at each other.

Words stick in my throat. Finally, I force a nod then watch as she heads over to Brighton’s fancy-schmancy black Porsche and slides into the passenger seat.

It occurs to me that I’ve never been without words before.

What the fuck is happening to me?

The engine roars to life and, from the corner of my eye, I notice Addie walk up beside me.

“C’mon, loverboy, I’ll give you a ride home.”

Ignoring that comment, I walk over to her black Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, toss my bag in the back and slip into the passenger seat. Lost in my thoughts, I’m trying to come to terms with being shot down.

“Is there something I should know?” Addie asks.

“What? No. I’m fine.” I give her one of my easy, self-assured smiles and spin my keys around my index finger as though I don’t have a care in the world.

“Hmm.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You seem…distracted.”

“Nope. I’ve got my eyes on the prize,” I assure her.

“And what prize are you referring to?”

“The emerald,” I state flatly.

“Just checking.” She smirks. “C’mon, Knox, it’s me. I can tell you’re interested in her. And, for the record, I approve. Although, I don’t think she’s quite as into you.”

“Fuck, Addie.” I give her a pained expression and pretend to clutch my heart. “You’re brutal.”

“Just being honest. Because if you really want a shot with Hunter McGrath, you’re going to have to actually pursue her. Gasp! Shocking concept, I know.”

“You can be such a downer,” I grumble.

“I know,” she says pleasantly. “But women shouldn’t always just fall at your feet. It’s always been too easy for you. I’m actually excited to see this play out.”

“Sadist,” I sulk.

“I’m ready to finally see a woman challenge you and make you earn it. To bring you to your pretty knees.”

If things go right, Hunter will be the one on her knees. Of course, I don’t dare say that to Addie, but, damn, the tantalizing image fills my mind in beautiful technicolor.

“God, Knox, get your head out of the gutter.”

She knows me too well. “Who? Moi?”

Addie shakes her head, pulling the car into my driveway. Braking to a stop, she moves the stick shift into neutral and turns to face me. “All teasing aside, Mom would want you to be happy.”

“She’d want you to be happy, too.”

“I am happy.” She pastes on the brightest, fakest smile I’ve ever seen.

“You’re so full of it.” I open my door then hesitate. “Since we’re prying into each other’s personal business, what’s up with Detective Vaughn?”

The briefest flash of emotion flickers across her face, gone before I can attempt to decipher it. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh.” I don’t believe her, but it’s a discussion for another time. Grabbing my bag out of the back, I say, “See you in the morning, Boss.”

I shut the door and head up the walkway. My mind is all over the place, and that’s not a good thing. Especially when we’re on the verge of a job and focus is key.

But how do I focus when all I’m envisioning is long, reddish-brown hair dragging over my bare chest as Hunter kisses her way down my naked body?

“Fuck,” I grumble, unlocking my front door. This isn’t good. In my line of work, distractions can be a prison sentence. Or a death sentence.

Doing my best to push Hunter out of my mind, I step into my dark house, shutting and locking the door. My place isn’t extravagant and wouldn’t garner any special attention. It’s lowkey, located in a nice, quiet suburb, and comfortable.

And now I’m depressed.

With a low curse, I drop my bag, walk into the kitchen and flip on the light. Addie said she doesn’t think Hunter is into me. Yeah, that’s not gonna work. I need to get that little sparrow on board before she flies off again and leaves me.

Coming home after a job and being by myself to unwind is something I typically look forward to. For some reason, it’s not quite as comforting as usual. It seems extra quiet, and a bit lonely. Like something, or someone, is missing.

“Dammit,” I swear to no one. As if to emphasize its utter emptiness, the house seems to echo my curse back to me.

I have a big problem, and her name is Hunter “Pyro” McGrath.

My stomach growls and I stomp over to the fridge and fling it open. Reaching in, I grab a bag of chips and a package of chocolate chip cookies. I need comfort food.