STEEL

SENTINEL SECURITY #4

ANNA HACKETT

Steel

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2023 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Mayhem Cover Creations

Cover image by Wander Aguiar

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-922414-74-8

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-922414-75-5

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

CONTENTS

What readers are saying about Anna’s romances

Anna Hackett Box Set

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

Preview: Excalibur

Preview: Norcross Security

Also by Anna Hackett

About the Author

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANNA’S ROMANCES

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CHAPTER ONE

“You’re a scary man, Mr. Hawke.”

Killian Hawke lifted his glass of bourbon and drank the last of it. It was one of his favorites. The Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old. “I’m just sitting here enjoying the last of our excellent meal and even better bourbon, Robert.”

Killian’s potential client, Robert Hawthorne—the wealthy owner of HT Industries smiled—cradling his own glass.

“And yet, my son fidgeted through the entire meal, and has now escaped to the bar. He kept looking at you like he expected you to leap across the table and take him down.”

They were sitting in the Per Se restaurant, one of New York’s best, but a little stuffy for Killian’s taste. He flicked a look at the bar, where Andy Hawthorne sat, waiting for the bartender to pour him another cocktail.

“I’m sorry he felt that way. He seems—”

“Lazy, entitled, and just out to have a good time and spend my money.” Robert sighed. “He skates along, doing the bare minimum at HT. I worry about when I’m gone.”

Robert’s concerns summed up Killian’s thoughts on Andy, as well. The man didn’t appear interested in work, and every time Killian had looked at him, he’d twitched and had another drink.

Killian didn’t have time for lazy people who didn’t take responsibility. Responsibility was the cornerstone of his life.

For as far back as he could remember, he’d taken care of his mother and sister. Then, he’d joined the CIA. Being a CIA agent meant you had to take extreme responsibility for everything. On a mission, it was vital to ensure success. Vital in order to survive.

Killian now ran his own business, Sentinel Security. His clients depended on him and his team for top-notch security, and his employees depended on him for their livelihoods.

He couldn’t ever be as frivolous as Andy Hawthorne. He had too many people depending on him. He’d never had the safety net of a wealthy father.

“I’m sorry, Robert.”

The older man waved his hand. “It’s not your fault.” He shot Killian a small smile. “I wish I had a son like you, then I wouldn’t have to worry. Loyalty, hard work ethic, trustworthiness. Your traits are ones that aren’t always appreciated by the young.”

Killian’s grip tightened on his glass. He hadn’t been anyone’s son in a long time. His father had left when he was young, and his mother hadn’t coped well afterward. She’d suffered, grieved, and checked out, which meant Killian had needed to run the house and care for his younger sister. Mentally, he shook off the past. He knew there was no point dwelling.

For a second, he missed Saskia. Not too long ago, his sister had fallen in love and moved across the country to San Francisco. He missed their lunch dates, and the occasional late-evening phone calls.

She was happy, that was the important thing.

And if Camden Morgan ever made her unhappy, Killian would kill him and make sure no one ever found him.

That thought cheered Killian up.

“I can’t help you with your son, but I can help your business with cybersecurity,” Killian said.

“Good.” Robert nodded. “Everything you’ve outlined is exactly what we need. We can’t afford another attack. Bloody criminal hackers. Let’s sign the paperwork.” The man glanced at the bar, then sighed. Killian followed his gaze and noted that Andy was chatting up a voluptuous blonde.

“Luckily, I have a young daughter who’s demonstrating that she has a sharp brain and likes to work,” Robert said. “I think I’d better get her trained up.”

“I’ll have my assistant send the contract over, and set up a date for our team to start.” Killian stood, and slipped into his suit jacket. “Thanks for dinner, Robert.”

The man nodded. “I’ll be in touch.”

Killian strode across the restaurant. It was late, and he just wanted to get home. Maybe he’d have another bourbon and go over a few emails. His inbox was always overflowing with things to deal with.

His mind turned to a certain red-haired CIA agent who was currently missing. Two days, and no one had heard from Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden.

Killian’s fingers curled into a fist, his gut tight. Devyn could take care of herself. She’d proven it many times before.

So why the hell hadn’t she checked in? Another deep-cover agent, Shade, had given Killian the heads-up. If Shade was worried, something was wrong.

The thought of Devyn being hurt, or worse…

Killian’s mouth flattened. Fuck it. He’d clear his work schedule for a few days, and go and find her.

As he neared the front door, he felt a brush at his side. He whirled and caught the wrist of a small, curvy brunette in a tight, gray dress. She was slipping something in his pocket.

She smiled. “Hi.”

Killian opened the note. It was a phone number.

“I’ve been watching you all evening,” she said. “I’m in town for a few days, if you’re interested in spending some time together.”

He folded the note and handed it back to her. “I’m not, but thanks.”

Her nose wrinkled in disappointment, but she nodded.

As he headed out of the restaurant, his mind wasn’t on a curvy brunette. Instead, he thought of red hair, the color of a violent sunset, and a long, athletic body with just enough curves to tempt a man.

He blew out a breath and walked outside. Spring had hit New York City, fighting back the last dregs of winter.

The valet driver saw him and grinned. “I’ll be right back, sir.”

“Thanks.”

A few moments later, his red Aston Martin DBS Zagato pulled up with a throaty purr. He tipped the man and took his key. The sound of tires screeching caught his ears.

His head whipped up.

A silver Porsche Taycan sped down the street. Behind it, a red Chevy Camaro was giving chase.

Killian moved toward the street, frowning.

The Taycan sped up, then executed a perfect, one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn, tires squealing. The car rocked, as it stopped in the center of the street.

What the fuck?

A woman got out.

Killian stiffened. She wore fitted, black pants, a white tank, and a beige, fitted jacket over it. Her russet-red hair was up in a ponytail.

She stalked down the center of the street toward the oncoming Camaro with a blank, composed face.

Then she lifted her arm, aiming a handgun at the speeding car.

She fired.

Fuck. Killian scowled. Screams and shouts broke out behind him.

Bullets hit the windscreen of the Camaro and it swerved, but kept coming.

The redhead didn’t move. The little idiot.

Killian reached under his jacket and pulled out his SIG Sauer. He braced, aimed, and shot out the front tire of the Camaro.

It swerved wildly, dodging around the woman.

She turned her head and met his gaze.

He had a second to take in the brilliant-green eyes before men got out of the Camaro.

Killian watched as one pulled out an AR-15 rifle.

Fucking hell.

“Take cover!” he roared.

The redhead sprinted toward Killian. He leaped into his car and started the engine.

Gunfire ripped through the night. The passenger side door wrenched open.

The woman returned fire, then dived in.

“Go, go!” she cried.

Killian slammed his foot on the accelerator, and peeled away. The twin turbo V12 engine was powerful and fast. He sped down the street, and quickly turned a corner.

“What trouble have you gotten yourself into now?” Killian asked.

Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden twisted around, looking back behind them. “We’ve lost them.” She sank back in her seat.

“Well?” he prompted. He wasn’t going to tell her he was fucking relieved to see her. He scanned her body. No obvious blood, that he could see.

She turned her head to glance at him. One of her eyes was swollen and bruised. She also had the shadow of a bruise on the side of her jaw.

Anger punched through him. He reached out and ran his fingers along her jaw line.

“Who did it?” he asked icily.

“I don’t know.”

“You’re on an active mission?”

“No.”

Killian stroked her jaw again. Her skin was so smooth. He shifted his thumb, feathering it over her cheek. Her eyelids flickered.

He pulled his hand back.

If she wasn’t on a CIA mission, then what the hell had just happened? “Shade left me a message and said you didn’t check in yesterday.”

“You two been worrying about me?” she asked.

Whoever had hurt her, Killian would kill them, unless Devyn got to them first.

“Start at the beginning, Devyn.”

“Someone tried to kill me.” She looked at him. “And they’re planning to kill you next.”

DEVYN HAYDEN HAD NEVER MET a man like Killian “Steel” Hawke.

He’d made a name for himself at the CIA, as a skilled, driven agent who always got the job done. He’d become a legend. Now, he was the wealthy owner of a private security firm, and if anything, his reputation had grown.

She also knew he was deadly, organized, and precise, and did she mention deadly?

He handled the powerful car with ridiculous ease. His long, strong body was clad in a designer suit that made him look hot as hell, but didn’t fool her for one second. The man was a predator. His chiseled, hawkish face made a woman’s eyes want to linger, but the dark gaze made most people flinch.

Devyn shifted in her seat. Not that her eyes lingered. After years of working as a spy, she was immune to handsome men.

So why is your skin still tingling from his touch?

She was not listening to her inner bitch today. She was always judgy as hell.

“I had a few days of leave. I came to New York for some shopping.”

“Shopping?” he said, as if she’d said she was coming to go pole dancing.

“I do shop, Hawke.”

“For guns and knives?”

“Ha. No, clothes. Anyway, two assholes jumped me on Fifth Avenue.”

“Jumped you?”

She was not admitting to being distracted by a couple and their small child. The way the man had held the pretty toddler snug in the curve of his arm, and how he had his other arm wrapped securely around his wife. They’d all been smiling and happy.

She’d never had a family life like that. She’d grown up in a dirty trailer, with no father, and a mean, alcoholic mother. And there’d been no kind grandmother, or well-meaning neighbor to look after her, either.

Devyn had fought hard to survive, to scrape by until she could escape. She’d left that trailer, and that skinny, redheaded girl far behind. She’d been determined to make something of herself.

“Devyn?”

Killian’s voice brought her back to the present.

Damn, she knew better than to zone out, or let her guard down. Look what happened while she was staring at some cute family.

“Right, two guys jumped me, dragged me into an alley. Not amateurs either. Based on the accents, I’d say they were Eastern European, and ex-military.”

“Mercenaries.”

She nodded. “Well-trained ones. They got a lucky hit in. Tied me up and tossed me in the trunk of a car. They drove me to a basement apartment not far from Central Park. There was a scuffle, and I got a lovely hit to the head—” she waved a hand at her face “—and lost consciousness. I came to hours later, locked in a closet. I decided not to stay.” It had taken a bit of time to get the ropes loose, escape the closet, then pick the lock on the bedroom she’d been kept in. Then she’d “borrowed” a car from her kidnappers.

Killian made a sound. “Are they still alive?”

“One is,” she replied. “Mostly.”

His long fingers clenched on the wheel of his sexy car. The car suited him, of course. Hmm, she wondered if he’d let her drive it. She’d liked that sweet Porsche.

“So, who were they?” he asked.

“They wouldn’t say. They said they were supposed to incapacitate and keep me contained until whoever was paying them turned up.” She smoothed a hand down her ponytail. “They said I was on this guy’s kill list.”

“Kill list?” Killian’s brows drew together.

“That’s what they said. I don’t actually think they knew the identity of whoever was paying them.” She gently probed the bruise on her cheek. It wasn’t bad. “I feel so special being on an assassin’s hit list. One of the men did say it was helpful that I came to New York, because the next target is here. After some persuasion, they told me Killian Hawke was next.”

He grunted and didn’t look concerned, although the man had a hell of a poker face.

“I came looking for you to warn you. Unfortunately, some of them followed me.”

“We need to get you somewhere safe, and get those bruises checked out.”

Devyn made a sound. “This is nothing.” She’d lost count of all the injuries she’d sustained from missions.

His dark gaze sliced her way like a laser. “You’ll get checked.”

She grinned. “Hawke, you aren’t my boss, or my man, so I don’t take orders from you.”

“I’m guessing you don’t always follow your boss’ orders, either. But too bad, because what I say goes.”

She crossed her arms. “That alpha dog mentality might work with your employees, but not me.”

“We’ll see,” he said darkly.

His tone made her want to shiver, but she fought it back. The CIA had trained her well not to show her emotion.

“After you get checked, we’ll find out who wants us dead,” Killian said.

She laughed. “Steel and Hellfire? The list of people who wants us dead will be a very long one.”

But a smidgen of worry crept in. Who else might be on that list?

“For now, we’ll head back to Sentinel Security headquarters,” he said.

She knew about his big, converted warehouse in Chelsea. He’d spent a small fortune renovating an old, brick cargo warehouse to house Sentinel Security. The bottom levels were all large, arched doorways and windows, while Killian’s architects had added a modern glass-and-steel addition to the top, along with several, green-filled terraces. She’d studied pictures of it.

Devyn had just wanted to warn Hawke. Their relationship was competitive and…well, she wasn’t exactly sure what else, but they rubbed sparks off each other. Hot, fiery ones. Still, she didn’t want him hurt, and she knew he could look after himself.

She wasn’t a good team player. She was used to working alone. She preferred it.

She’d been alone all her life, and she had no plans to team up with anyone.

No, she’d track down this assassin on her own and make him regret his life choices.

The car slowed, and Killian frowned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“The engine is sluggish.”

“Maybe it needs a service.”

He shot her a look. “All my cars are well taken care of.”

“How many cars do you have?”

“A few.”

Devyn didn’t own a car. She wasn’t ever home in Washington D.C. long enough, and when she was there, she just took the Metro. When she had a mission, she just acquired what she needed.

She stroked the leather seat beneath her. “This one is a beauty.”

“It should be. It’s one of only nineteen made.”

Wow. “How much did it cost?”

“A lot.”

“Boys and their toys.”

But now she heard a funny clunking noise come from the engine. She guessed even expensive cars had engine problems.

“Something’s wrong,” Killian said.

“I can hear that.”

“No. The car was recently serviced. It drove perfectly to the restaurant.”

Her pulse spiked. “Get out. Now!”

He slammed on the brakes, and they threw the doors open.

Devyn leaped out just as the car exploded.

Fucking fuck!

She hit the ground, her arms over her head. She felt heat wash over her and smelled smoke.

Killian.

God, had he made it out? Her heart lodged in her throat.

She rolled over and sat up. “Killian!”

She couldn’t see him. She staggered to her feet.

The gorgeous car was a flaming ruin. She took a step, and dizziness washed over her.

Dammit, where was he? He couldn’t be hurt. He was Killian fucking Hawke.

Then, a big shadow rounded the car. His muscular form was illuminated by the flames.

Devyn released a shaky breath.

He was okay.

He stalked toward her like a hunter on the prowl, and she couldn’t look away.

CHAPTER TWO

When Killian saw Devyn, standing and alive, his gut clenched.

He strode to her and cupped her cheeks. “Are you all right?”

“I think so.” She looked at the burning car. “Sorry about your fancy car.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He took her elbow. “But whoever blew it up does.”

She glanced up at him. “You have that dark, menacing tone down pat. I never want you as an enemy, Hawke.”

Despite the circumstances, Killian found himself wanting to smile. “We should—”

The sound of a speeding vehicle made him swivel his head.

A white van raced toward them.

“What now?” Devyn grumbled.

They both stepped backward, and he realized that she was limping.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I bumped my knee. Damn, I dropped my Glock in the car.”

The van skidded to a stop. Killian put a hand on his holstered weapon.

A man jumped out of the passenger side, and the back doors flew open. Two other men leaped out.

They were all wearing black balaclavas.

Killian’s mind went cool. Battle mode. Instantly, he was assessing and evaluating.

“Don’t move!” One man lifted a gun. “Don’t fucking move.”

Devyn had been right. These guys sounded Romanian.

She looked at Killian, and raised a brow.

He almost wanted to smile again. Did nothing intimidate this woman?

Killian drew his SIG out in a quick, smooth sweep, and shot the gunman in the arm.

The man cried out, his weapon clattering to the road. Killian kicked it under the van.

With a low sound, the other two attackers charged him.

Killian whirled, blocked a punch, and then kicked the second man. The first man landed a punch to Killian’s side, and he used the momentum to pull the man close, then slammed his elbow into the man’s face.

Cartilage crunched, and Killian swept the man’s legs out from under him and dropped him to the ground.

“You’ll pay for that.” The other attacker lifted his fists.

“No, I won’t,” Killian said. “Because you made a strategic error.”

Even with a balaclava on, Killian could tell the man was frowning.

“You decided I was the biggest threat, and you ignored her.”

Devyn attacked.

She swung a hard chop to the man’s back. He stumbled, and she kicked him. He dropped to his knees, and she wrapped an arm around his neck from behind. As she pulled back in a choke hold, the man tried to grab her.

She pulled harder, and his face turned purple, a moment later, he collapsed.

Devyn straightened, and Killian stepped over to her. He gripped her arm. “Nice work.”

She smiled. “Thanks.”

His gaze dropped to her lips.

She stilled. “Killian—”

Suddenly, two more men leaped out of the van.

Fuck.

Killian spun, but it was too late. Both attackers were holding crackling stun guns. One rammed his into Killian’s side. He juddered, pain racing through him. He gritted his teeth.

He saw Devyn leap at the other man, the sounds of thuds.

Then the stun gun was gone from his side. Killian dropped to one knee, fighting to stay conscious. He heard Devyn cry out.

No. Dammit. He lifted his head.

He saw a man hit her in the back with the stun gun.

Her body shook and collapsed.

The men whirled, and one stunned Killian again.

Blackness engulfed him like a dark blanket, but with small pinpricks of light breaking through. He drifted in and out of consciousness.

Through the haze, he watched as he was tossed in the back of the van. Devyn was tossed beside him.

She was still out.

He dragged in air, trying to fight off the effects of the stun gun. He’d had intense training to withstand all kinds of torture and pain.

His hands were jerked behind his back and fastened with a zip tie.

“The asshole shot me!” a man whined.

A boot kicked Killian and he grunted.

“Hey, careful. We have to deliver them alive to get paid. Be grateful he didn’t shoot you in the head.”

“The woman’s a looker,” another voice said.

Killian tensed as a man crouched beside Devyn. He fingered her hair, then zip tied her hands too.

“Hurry the fuck up,” a voice said from the front of the van.

The man moved off.

Killian stared at Devyn’s face, the bruising on it. He drew in a breath, pulling in her scent. Tonight it was something fresh and floral. The thing he’d realized with Devyn was that she smelled different every time. One day, citrus and spice, another woody and musky, then something floral and sweet.

The fuckers would pay for touching her.

He knew if there was ever a woman who could take care of herself, it was Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden, but he didn’t care.

He’d take care of her, whether she liked it or not.

From the first moment he’d met her, she’d been cocky, mouthy, and confident.

She’d been a challenge he’d fought hard to ignore.

They hadn’t had too much interaction while he’d still been at the CIA. She’d been younger, making a name for herself.

Since he’d left to start Sentinel Security, he’d bumped into her here and there.

She was still cocky, mouthy, and confident.

But it was getting harder to ignore her.

“I’ll get you out of here, Red. I promise.”

Unconsciousness tugged at him again, and pulled him under.

DEVYN WOKE UP AND FROZE.

She kept her eyes closed, assessing the situation. She was in a moving vehicle, her body ached, and a big male body was pressed up against her back.

She didn’t dare breathe.

She realized he wasn’t hurting her. In fact, he was keeping her from rolling around in the back of the van. Protecting her.

God, Killian Hawke couldn’t help himself. He protected everyone. She suspected it was in his bone marrow. Hell, it was in his DNA.

Well, Devyn didn’t need protection. She’d vowed as a teenager that she’d be strong and smart, and never be anyone’s prey again.

But for a tiny second, she let herself stay there, pressed up against sexy, dangerous Killian Hawke.

The van turned a corner, pushing her into him even more.

“I know you’re awake,” he murmured.

“Just getting my bearings.”

“We’re in a van. Our hosts have to deliver us to someone.”

“I came to warn you, and led them straight to you.” She was disgusted with herself.

He pressed against her, his breath warm on her ear, and she fought back a shiver.

No man made her shiver.

“The bomb was already in my car, Red. You warned me, and saved my life.”

She wanted to shiver again. “Red is a very unoriginal nickname, Hawke.”

“Suits you, though.”

“So, what’s the plan?” she asked.

“Escape.”

She made a sound. “Hawke.”

“Wait until we stop. Play dead. Then take them down and escape.”

“Simple. Doable. Shame that your hands are tied behind your back.”

“I’ll manage, and luckily for us, yours are tied in front of you.”

Devyn grinned. “And I’m feeling a strong need to kick some ass.”

“I’m planning to enjoy the show.”

She felt a tingle in her belly. For the most part, she had to keep her work secret. Most everyday people she interacted with had no idea what she did for a living, what she was capable of.

No one ever talked about her skills, or clearly relished watching her do her thing.

Okay, now a little shiver really did run through her.

“The van’s slowing,” Killian said.

She heard murmurs from the guys up front. She stayed relaxed. They had to wait for the right moment.

The van stopped.

“Give them hell, Red,” Killian whispered.

The back doors opened, and they were unceremoniously yanked out of the vehicle.

As one of the abductors manhandled her, Devyn took a second to take in where they were.

Bulky warehouses surrounded them. Most were dark, but one nearby had the dull glow of lights inside, shining through dirty windows.

She heard a long, mournful horn. A ship. Clearly, they were near the water.

She stayed limp, forcing the thug to hold her up.

“What the fuck?” Killian said in a slurred voice, like he was dazed.

There were four guys, the one Killian had shot was still in the van. The driver was missing, and still a threat.

She lifted her head and met Killian’s gaze.

He gave her a small nod.

Then he charged, ramming his shoulder into one man, and slamming him into the side of the warehouse.

Even with his hands tied, he had perfect balance. Killian spun and sent a hard kick into the gut of another kidnapper.

Devyn kicked the man beside her, and he staggered. She followed through with a hard knee between his legs.

The guy froze and made a strangled sound, then dropped to his knees. Devyn rammed her knee into his face, knocking him out cold.

She turned and saw the final man fumbling for a weapon.

“Uh-uh.” She launched at him, ramming her bound arms up, and caught his chin. His head snapped back. She jumped, and landed a solid kick to his chest.

He took two steps backward, then doubled over with a groan, and Devyn brought her hands down, slamming them between his shoulder blades.

He dropped to the dirty pavement. She turned to watch Killian land a final kick to the last opponent.

A smile curled her lips, her blood pumped through her veins. There was nothing better than watching a man fight well.

He lifted his head, and something moved through his dark eyes.

She felt the answering spike of heat in her belly.

Oh, God.

There was a noise. A man climbed out of the van, clutching his bleeding arm.

When he saw them, then his downed compatriots, he slowly raised his hands into the air. Then he turned and ran.

“Let’s go.” Killian brushed past Devyn.

She nodded, and moved into a jog.

There were lots of shadows between the warehouses. The perfect place to disappear.

“Where are we?” she asked.

“My guess is Brooklyn. Let’s put some distance between us and our new friends, cut the zip ties, then call my team.”

They slid between two warehouses.

“There should be tools in one of these buildings,” she said.

A door appeared out of the gloom, with a small window set in the middle of it. She peered inside. “This one should do.”

“It’s locked,” he said, jiggling the handle.

Devyn smiled. “So?” She crouched down and fiddled with her shoe, pulling a small, metal wire out of a hiding spot along the sole.

Even with her hands tied, it only took her twenty seconds to pick the lock.

The inside of the warehouse was dark, but they couldn’t risk turning on a light. She waited for her eyes to adjust. In the gloom, she discerned a small workshop, and the hulking shadows of parked trucks.

Devyn scanned the tools hanging on the wall, and grabbed a packing knife and opened the blade. “You first.”

Killian turned and gave her his back.

“You trust me not to cut you, Hawke?”

“Yes. If you want to hurt me, you’ll come at me head on.”

She blinked. She didn’t have close friends. Not when she’d been growing up, and not now. No one had wanted to be friends with the poor trash from the trailer park. A few tried, before their parents had put a stop to it.

And the nature of her work necessitated no friends. It was easier that way.

But it seemed Killian Hawke knew more about her than she liked. She cut through the plastic, freeing him.

He turned, rubbing his wrists, and took the knife.

A second later, her ties were off. Then he rubbed her wrists, checking her over.

Devyn’s chest went tight. No one took care of her. Her fellow agent, Shade, checked in occasionally, but if she was hurt, she took care of herself.

“All right, let’s look for a phone,” Killian said.

“Let’s check—” In the distance, she heard the sounds of shouts and dogs barking.

Her muscles tensed.

Killian went to the door, listening. He cursed. “They’re looking for us.”

“Shit.”

“Let’s move.”

She turned and headed out the door. He was right behind her. They slipped outside and took off at a run.

“They had dogs handy?” she said.

“Whoever wants us dead is prepared.”

“And knows us. He knew we were likely to escape.”

A second later, Devyn heard the thump thump of rotors in the air. A helicopter swept overhead, a searchlight sweeping the ground.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said.

“Come on, Hellfire,” Killian said. “I’ve no plans to get abducted for a second time tonight.”

She lifted her chin. “Try to keep up, Steel.”

CHAPTER THREE

Running around a dark, industrial area wasn’t how he’d planned to finish his night.

Killian ran, Devyn keeping pace beside him. They reached the end of one large warehouse, and they both pressed their backs to the wall.

He could hear the dogs yipping in the distance.

The helicopter flew close. Dammit. Who the hell was after them? Who had these kind of resources?

“We need to cross this open area, then head past those dumpsters toward the next row of buildings,” he said.

Devyn nodded.

Killian readied himself. “I’ll go f—”

Devyn took off running.

With a low growl, he followed. He watched her leap a puddle of water. She was well-balanced, in full control of her body. He could tell she kept ruthlessly fit.

They neared the next row of warehouses, and the helo suddenly swung around. The searchlight swept close by.

Fuck.

Killian saw Devyn slow down, her pale jacket like a beacon in the darkness. The searchlight swung back.

He put on a burst of speed. He rammed into the back of her, spinning and thrusting her against the wall of the building.

He shielded her as the light moved past, just a foot away.

He hoped to hell his dark suit blended into the shadows.

The helo flew on without pausing.

Killian released a breath, and found himself face-to-face with Devyn.

“Okay?” he murmured.

She nodded.

The excited yips of the dogs cut through the night. Fucking hell. They were louder. Getting closer.

“Move,” Killian ordered.

She ran between two warehouses. “We need to wreck the scent trail.”

He scanned the buildings. He saw a sign on one. Textile storage. That didn’t sound promising.

He looked over at the other one. Brunney Chemical.

“Red, look.” He pointed.

“Chemicals could mask the scent. Let’s do it.”

She quickly picked the lock, and they slipped inside.

This building was mostly dark as well, but there was some low, security lighting on. It illuminated large vats in the center of the space, and rows of drums stacked against the walls.

Best of all, was the sharp, astringent, chemical smell filling the air.

Devyn hurried over to a bench. She grabbed a bottle of clear fluid, read the label. She set it down, then picked up another one. Then she opened it and sprinkled some on the floor.

The chemical scent increased.

“Let’s find a place to hide,” he said.

They skirted the large vats. There were several storage rooms off to the side, but no good places to conceal themselves.

Suddenly, the clang of the door echoed through the warehouse.

“Scent leads in here,” a man’s voice said. A dog barked.

“Ugh, chemicals,” another voice said. “That’ll make it hard to find them.”

“Search the place.”

Fuck. They needed a hiding spot. Now.

“Killian.” Devyn pointed to another room.

There was a cupboard at the back of it, partly obscured by drums.

“Go,” he said.

They climbed over the drums, Devyn sprinkling more chemical behind them.

Killian opened the cupboard door. It was tight and cramped inside, but there’d be just enough room for the two of them to squeeze in at the bottom.

“In here, Red.” Killian climbed in and sat down. There was less room than he’d thought, but he’d been in smaller, more uncomfortable, places plenty of times before.

Devyn didn’t hesitate. She climbed in on top of him, and pulled the door closed, trapping them in the pitch darkness.

Jesus. Killian hadn’t quite thought this through.

She shifted, straddling him, her hands pressed to his chest.

“This is cozy,” she whispered, laughter in her voice.

“Cozy is one word for it.” He stifled a groan.

She moved again and Killian gripped her hips.

“For the love of God, keep still.” He kept his voice almost soundless.

He felt the puff of her breath on his cheek, and her fingers dug into his chest.

“Lying on top of Killian Hawke was not what I guessed I’d be doing tonight.”

He made a low sound. “But the shootout, abduction, and car bomb were?”

“It has been a busy night.”

Then he heard a noise. Footsteps.

They both froze.

Killian kept his breathing steady.

“The scent definitely led to this warehouse,” a voice said. “The dogs have lost it now.”

“Too many fucking chemicals in here.”

“We need to keep looking.”

“They aren’t here. They probably passed through—”

The voices drifted off. Killian heard the sounds of things clunking and being dragged around.

He flexed his fingers on her hips. They stayed quiet, waiting.

And never had something been so hard for Killian.

Devyn was pressed against him, the faint scent of her wrapping around him. That floral undertone, with a hint of something tropical. Coconuts. It made him think of moonlit beaches, hot murmurs, and fucking to the sounds of the waves.

His cock throbbed.

Fucking hell. If he got hard, she wouldn’t miss it. His erection would jab her right between the legs.

His control was usually better than this, dammit.

“Killian.” Her breath on his cheek again. He was excruciatingly aware of that delicious mouth was only an inch from his.

“Yes?”

“I think they’ve gone.”

He realized the warehouse was silent.

“Let’s check it out,” he said.

She cracked open the cupboard door, then climbed off him, but not before he felt every part of her. He stayed there for a second, his eyes closed. He took a deep breath and followed her.

They moved silently through the space, listening for their pursuers.

The warehouse was deathly silent.

Killian spotted an office. “This way.”

In the messy office, he circled the desk and picked up the phone. He dialed quickly.

“Killian, this had better be you,” a sharp, female voice said.

“It’s me.”

A harsh expulsion of air. “Thank God. Nick and Bram are out at the ruin of your car trying to find out what the hell happened,” Jet “Hex” Adler said. “You had us worried, boss man.” She raised her voice. “He’s okay.”

Killian heard voices in the background.

“Hex, I need pickup. For myself, and Hellfire.”

“Wait, Devyn’s with you?”

“Long story. It’ll be a hot pickup. We have a helicopter in the air, and dogs on the ground. And I’m not exactly sure where we are.”

He heard tapping.

“I’m tracing the call.”

Hex loved her computers. She could do anything with tech, which was why Killian had lured her away from the CIA and paid her a lot of money to run the tech side of Sentinel Security.

“You’re in Brooklyn, Kill. Head south of your current location. You’ll come out on the road near the warehouses. Nick and Bram are on the way.”

“Thanks, Hex.”

“Just get back here in one piece. We like you in one piece.”

He set the phone down. “My people are on the way.”

“Great,” Devyn said.

They crept out of the warehouse. The helo was gone, but he could still hear the dogs in the distance.

He and Devyn moved swiftly through the shadows. They reached a chain-link fence, and he watched her climb over it with ease. Killian gripped the wire and followed.

As they reached the road, a dark-gray Mercedes SUV pulled up.

Two big men sat in the front. Nick “Wolf” Garrick was behind the wheel. A scowling Bram “Excalibur” O’Donovan was filling up the passenger seat.

“Busy night?” Nick asked.

Killian held the back door open for Devyn. “You could say that.” He climbed in behind her. “Let’s go, before the people after us decide to join the party.”

NICE.

As Devyn walked into the Sentinel Security office, she had to admit, she liked the modern-industrial vibe. Hawke had hired a killer design team to deck the place out. She eyed the giant green wall filled with plants.

She knew there were apartments on the upper levels, along with offices that select companies rented out. Companies that wanted secure premises guarded by Sentinel Security.

There were also several floors for Sentinel Security’s main cyber security and corporate security teams.

But these lower levels were for his main team—all former military and international law enforcement—who took care of the more challenging cases.

She glanced down at herself. Ugh. Her white tank had seen better days. It was smeared with… She wasn’t exactly sure what. She looked up at Killian. He was rumpled, but not looking too worse for wear, considering their night.

There was the sound of footsteps on the polished concrete floor. A woman half walked, half ran toward them.

“Devyn. Oh, my God. Are you okay?”

Devyn’s friend Gabbi hurried over to her, concern written all over her pretty face.

“I’m fine, Gabbi.”

Her friend hugged her hard. Gabbi had been a CIA analyst, and she and Devyn had struck up a friendship. The brunette was nice. Truly nice, with no agenda. Devyn had found her a refreshing change from most of the people she interacted with. Devyn didn’t have many people like that in her life.

A man appeared out of an arched doorway. He was tall, dark, and handsome, with a loose-hipped stride and his sexy, Italian heritage stamped all over him. He was also the reason Gabbi had left the CIA.

Gabbi had done very well for herself. Matteo “Hades” Mancini had stolen her friend away, and the pair were ridiculously in love.

At first, Devyn had worried the sexy member of Sentinel Security had been stringing Gabbi along, but now she knew the man adored her friend. Would die for her.

Devyn flicked another glance at Killian and found him watching her.

She cleared her throat and patted Gabbi’s back. Then Gabbi’s gaze zeroed in on Devyn’s face.

“God. You need ice. I hope nothing’s broken.”

“She’ll get checked out,” Killian declared.

Devyn rolled her eyes. “She’ll make her own judgment calls.”

From nearby, Nick “Wolf” Garrick made a funny sound. She skewered the bearded man with a look. The former Navy SEAL and CIA agent just grinned at her.

“Is everyone alive and in one piece?” Hex appeared. The small woman had black hair that brushed her shoulders and was tipped with vibrant pink. She held a tablet in her hand. “You two look terrible.”

“Thanks,” Devyn said.

“Nice to see you, Devyn.”

“You too, Hex.”

“It’s been an interesting night,” Killian said.

“Starting with someone blowing up your six-million-dollar car,” Nick said.

Devyn gasped. “Six million? Jeez, Hawke. I hope you have good insurance.”

He waved a hand, and didn’t look too concerned. “Better the car than us. Okay, everyone in the command center. We’ll go over what happened once. Where’s Hadley?”

“Probably couldn’t drag herself away from her billionaire.” Hex rolled her eyes.

“I’m here.”

Hadley “Striker” Lockwood was tall, elegant with brown hair streaked with gold, and a crisp British accent. Devyn knew the woman was former MI6 before she joined Sentinel Security. Despite having just climbed out of bed, the brunette still looked stylish.

She scanned Killian and Devyn. “You two look terrible. And that’s no way to treat an Armani suit, Killian.”

“Tell that to the guys who kidnapped us.” He scanned his people. “Apparently, myself and Devyn are on some assassin’s kill list.”

Sharp gasps filled the air.

He met Devyn’s gaze. “Why don’t you explain?”

She raised a brow. Usually, powerful men didn’t cede the floor. She gave them all a run down from when she’d first been snatched, with Killian adding to the story once he entered the picture.

“Fuck,” Bram—a big Irishman with dark red hair—muttered. From what she knew, the man was former Irish special forces and military intelligence, and unstoppable in a fight.

Nick crossed his muscular arms over his chest. “Who the hell is crazy enough to come after you two?”

“We need to find out,” Killian said.

“And need to find out if Steel and I are the only ones on the list,” Devyn said. Worry niggled at her. She had plenty of colleagues in the industry. They needed to be warned. She needed to call Shade.

“Hadley, Devyn needs to clean up and needs some fresh clothes,” Killian said. “And please call Daniel.”

Devyn frowned. “Who’s Daniel?”

“Our doctor,” Hadley told her.

“I’m fine,” Devyn growled. “Does he ever listen?”

Hadley’s lips quirked. “Yes, but he does what he thinks is best anyway.”

With a dark look at her, Killian strode to his office. Nick and Bram followed him.

“Devyn.” Matteo sent her a charming megawatt smile. She had to admit it was a good one. “Relax, clean up. You’re not in this alone.”

Gabbi had a smile on her face, clearly happy that Devyn was there. Devyn managed a nod. Alone was where she did her best work.

“Come on.” Hadley took Devyn’s arm.

She found herself ushered into a lovely apartment a few levels up. It had Hadley stamped all over it. There were stylish touches, elegant rugs, flowers in vases, and some really nice artwork. It softened the brick, warehouse vibe.

“The guest bathroom’s through there.” The elegant brunette pointed, then eyed Devyn up and down. “We’re about the same size. I’ll find you something to wear.”

Since Devyn would sell her soul for a hot shower, she decided to go along with the plan for now.

About fifteen minutes later, she had to admit the shower and the clean clothes—leggings, fitted T-shirt, and a soft, gray sweater—made her feel better.

She brushed her damp hair and parted it.

The mirror showed that the bruising around her eye looked nasty, but it would heal. The bruises always healed.

“And I will find you, asshole.” She didn’t take kindly to being attacked. She wasn’t letting whoever this assassin was hurt Killian, either.

Devyn didn’t let herself examine the violent need to protect the most dangerous man she knew too closely.

He always left her feeling a little twitchy.

She walked out into Hadley’s lovely living room. There was a gorgeous, moody painting on the wall that Devyn instantly envied. She had an apartment in Washington D.C. that was mostly empty. She did own a couch. She also had several more hidey holes—with clothes, cash, weapons, and fake IDs—dotted around the world.

She gave a sigh. Her life was not conducive to making a home, or collecting art.

She moved toward the kitchen, and stopped.

Hadley was busy kissing a shirtless man. He sure was a delicious hunk of manhood, with a lean waist, and muscled chest. The guy had a possessive arm around the woman, and held her like she was his most precious possession.

When they sensed her, they broke the kiss and looked up.

Devyn knew who he was—Bennett Knightley. The British billionaire owner of Secura, a company that supplied gear like tactical vests and uniforms to military operations around the world. He was also former British special forces—SAS. His hair was mussed from sleep.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Devyn said.

“Nonsense.” Hadley smiled, looking well kissed. “Devyn, you remember Bennett Knightley?”

“We weren’t properly introduced.” It’d been in the middle of an operation at a wedding outside London. There’d been gunmen, hired mercenaries, and a rogue arms dealer involved.

“A pleasure to meet you without the flying bullets, and Hadley being kidnapped,” Bennett said with a smile.

There was a knock at the door, and Hadley bustled over to answer.

She let in a sleepy-looking man carrying a black bag. He had a trim build, straight, black hair that was sticking up, and wore gray sweatpants, a black T-shirt, and no shoes. One of his socks was red, and the other was blue with yellow rubber ducks all over it. His shirt was also inside out.

“Who’s bleeding?” the man asked, yawning.

“Daniel, you need to check out Devyn here.” Hadley waved. “She took a blow to the face, she was in an explosion, and she was abducted. Twice.”

“I’m fine,” Devyn said.

The doctor headed her way. “I’ve heard it before. Treating badasses is my specialty. Now sit.”

With a sigh, Devyn did as she was told and sat on Hadley’s stylish couch. She felt uneasy. All these people looking out for her. She wasn’t used to it.

Daniel checked her swollen eye, made a clucking sound. “That’ll throb tomorrow.”

It already was, but she wouldn’t admit it.

“Nothing broken. What else are you hiding from me?” the doctor asked.

She fought the urge to fidget. “Nothing. Scout’s honor.”

He snorted. “You weren’t a scout. I can already tell you don’t play well as part of a team.”

Damn. She was usually better at putting on a persona. She wasn’t used to being read so easily.

And he was right, she hadn’t been a scout. There hadn’t been money for activities like that when she was a kid.

“Devyn and the boss man were abducted,” Hadley said. “We’re trying to find out by whom.”

Daniel’s dark brows winged up. “Someone was dumb enough to go after Killian?”

“Yes,” Hadley said. “And whoever they are, they’re planning to kill Devyn and Killian.”

“What?” The doctor goggled.

“So, finish up, doc,” Devyn said. “Because I’m keen to find the asshole.”

“We’re all going to find him,” Hadley said. “Together.”

“Right,” Devyn said.

Daniel eyed her skeptically. Then he rubbed some cream on the swelling around her eye. “I don’t suppose there’s any point in telling you to take it easy.”

She stood. “Not really.”

The man rolled his eyes and closed his bag. “Badasses.”

After Hadley saw the doctor out, then kissed her scrumptious billionaire again, she and Devyn headed to the elevator back to the Sentinel Security office.

“You scored with that man.” Devyn wasn’t envious of Bennett, but of the pair’s obvious connection.

“I know.” Hadley’s smile was a little dreamy. “He loves me. And I trust him to have my back.”

Envy felt like acid in Devyn’s chest.

“It’s hard to let a man so close.” Hadley’s gaze was piercing. “It required trust, taking some risks.”

Devyn swallowed and made a non-committal sound.

Hadley walked her straight to Killian’s office. It was set apart from the others. They entered through a brick archway. There was an assistant’s desk—currently empty—and a doorway into a spacious office.

“I’ll see you later,” Hadley said.

Devyn walked into the office. One wall was brick, the other, smooth concrete. His desk was sleek, and made of rich wood. The concrete wall held a large canvas of an abstract painting. It was mostly white with shades of blue, gray, and gold. She realized it gave the impression of blue, misty mountains.

Killian had showered and changed out of his dirty suit. He was wearing black jeans and a black Henley.

Oh, shit. Her hormones roared to life. She’d never seen him in such casual clothes before. His dark hair was damp. She wanted to touch him. She’d sell her soul to touch him.

No, Devyn. Don’t pat the tiger. It will leave you scratched up and bleeding.

She realized he was looking at her, his gaze on her face. “Are you okay?”

She nodded.

“We need to get to work and find out who wants us dead and why.”

“I’ll make some calls.” Her fellow CIA agents might have some intel. Plus, she wanted to get a warning to Shade, and update her boss. Not that O’Reilly got involved in her missions. He mainly wanted to know when things were all wrapped up.

“For now, you stay here,” Killian said.

That sounded an awful lot like an order. “Hawke, you don’t get to give me orders. I go wherever the hell I want.”

He scowled. “Here you’re safe and secure.”

“Nothing in my life is safe or secure.” It was how she liked it, mostly. She wasn’t cut out for handsome boyfriends and cozy homes and artwork. The tough, smart girl from a trailer in nowhere Alabama thrived on risk.

Devyn knew her job was important. Her work mattered.

She couldn’t do it locked away like Rapunzel.

Killian glared at her. “Someone is trying to kill you. Do you have a death wish?”

“No, but finding this guy requires me to do my job, not hide.”

Killian strode to her, his face like thunder. “You have no sense of self preservation.”

“You know what my job entails. What I signed up for. You did it yourself for years.”

He touched her battered cheek. Despite his anger, the caress was gentle, and her heart thumped.

“I hate seeing these bruises on you,” he murmured.

God. Her chest was so damn tight. “It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last.” She met his gaze. “Bruises fade.”

He drew in a breath. “You smell like berries.”

She blinked. “It’s from whatever the body wash Hadley had in her guest bathroom.”

“Let me keep you safe. We’ll work together to find our would-be assassin.”

“I’ll think about it.”

His eyes flashed. “I’ll lock you up if I have to.”

Devyn hissed, all the warmth twisting to anger. She’d been locked up as a kid, in a dark, musty closet. No one locked her up anymore. “You can try, Hawke. I’ll scratch your eyes out.”

He scraped a hand through his hair, in a very un-Killian-like move.

“I just want to keep you breathing, Red.”

Don’t weaken. Don’t melt. “Then let’s do what we need to do.”

He nodded.

Devyn felt too many emotions knocking around inside her like a pinball machine. Too many things she wanted and couldn’t have. She pasted on a smile. “I’m going to grab a coffee. Caffeine helps with everything.”

Then she escaped his office.

She couldn’t stay here. Killian Hawke short-circuited her brain. He made her want things she wasn’t built for.

Things a woman like her never got.

She slipped past the kitchenette with the coffee machine and kept going.

CHAPTER FOUR

Killian took a minute to scrape his control together.

It seemed Devyn had what it took to shred his legendary cool to nothing. She was unlike any other woman he knew. Smart, tough, reckless, strong, clever. Beautiful, but not the clone-like beauty he saw in the magazines, movies, and social media.

With her sharp features, green eyes, and her red hair, she was unique. Special. One-of-a-kind.

He dragged in a deep breath.

His life kept him busy. He had a thriving business. He had his clients, his people, his sister. He had responsibilities. For a long time, he’d never thought he’d find, or have, a woman in his life. Maybe he believed that a relationship would just add to his already busy workload.

But fighting with Devyn, knowing she had his back as they escaped their abductors, had helped him, not added to his workload. He’d trusted she’d do her bit while they escaped.

He liked having a partner. Having a smart, skilled, impressive woman not just at his side, but at his back.

Yes, he liked it a lot.

He strode toward Hex’s domain. He needed to get to work and find out who’d painted a target on them.

Nick, Hadley, Bram, Gabbi, and Hex stood in the command center.

“All right, let’s do what we can to find out who blew my car up.”

“I’m already accessing CCTV in the area,” Hex said.

“We’ll question the valet drivers in the morning,” Nick added.

“And everyone needs to get some sleep.” It was already late, and while they were used to working crazy hours, they needed to get some rest where they could. Then Killian stiffened. “Where’s Devyn?”

“I think she went to get a coffee,” Hadley said. “I’ll check.”

Killian put his hands in his pockets and looked at the floor. He already knew.

Hadley returned, frowning. “She’s not in the kitchen.”

He lifted his head. “She’s gone.”

“What?” Hex frowned. “My sensors didn’t go off. She couldn’t have gotten out without me knowing.”

“She got out.”

“No way.” Hex tapped madly on her tablet. “My system is too good.”

Killian rubbed the back of his neck. “The little idiot. Someone’s hunting her, and now she’s out there alone.” And he’d have no idea if she was okay or not.

Fuck.

Hex cursed. “She hacked the system and got into the elevator, then avoided every one of my cameras.” Reluctant admiration filled her voice. “She is good.”

“She is.” For now, he needed to shove his worry aside. Devyn wouldn’t thank him for it. “Can you ID any of the men who took us?”

“Working on it,” Hex said. “The van that picked you up had stolen plates. I’m running the leases on all the warehouses in that area you escaped from in Brooklyn. Don’t worry, boss man. Something will pop.”

He nodded. Then his cell phone pinged.

He pulled it out and saw a message from an unknown number. He swiped the screen.

Sorry. I don’t like being locked up.

Killian drew in a breath. At least she was safe. He tried to reply to the number, but it was disconnected already.

Then his cell phone rang, and his pulse jumped. But it was his sister’s name on the screen.

He headed to his office, lifting a hand to the others as they left to find their beds.

“It’s late, Saskia.”

His sister blew out a breath. “Even later for you.”

“You know I keep strange hours. How’s your ballet school coming along?” Saskia had retired from ballet and had decided to teach dance.

“Fine, but I am not calling to talk about my school. I’m calling to talk about you, big brother.”

“Me?”

“About the fact that you’re in danger.” There was a sharp edge to her voice.

Frowning, he dropped into his chair. “Saskia—”

“Cam found out. Vander heard something.”

Saskia’s man, Camden Morgan, worked for Norcross Security, which was owned by Vander Norcross. Of course, Vander would’ve heard something. The man might live in San Francisco, but he kept his finger on the pulse of just about everything.

“I’m fine.”

“Someone is trying to kill you. That is not fine.”

“I don’t want you to worry.”

His sister made an annoyed sound. “Of course, you don’t. You’ve always been the perfect big brother, taking care of everything.”

His hand tightened on the phone. “Once, I didn’t.”

“Killian.” Her voice softened. “That wasn’t your fault.”

He’d been off on a deep-cover CIA mission for months. In that time, his mother had overdosed and died, leaving a teenaged Saskia alone. When he’d come back, he’d found her scraping by, all alone, living in a shitty apartment. His guilt had been huge.

“You’ve always taken care of me,” his sister said. “I love you, and I want you safe.”

“Don’t worry, I’m going to find whoever is behind this.”

“I will worry about you. You take the weight of the world on your shoulders. Who takes care of you when it all gets too much?”

“I promise you that everything will be all right.”

She gave a long sigh. “Okay. I love you, big brother. Stay safe.”

“I love you too, Saskia. Tell Morgan I said hi.”

She giggled. “You didn’t even choke saying that.”

“Don’t push it. That man puts his hands on my baby sister.”

“And she likes it.”

Killian winced.

“Bye, Killian.”

He set the phone down on his desk and stared out the window. His office was silent. He usually liked the quiet and the darkness, and spent a lot of time here working.

He rubbed his face. Now, it seemed very empty.

Who takes care of you when it gets too much?

No one.

He rose. He needed some sleep, and to stop thinking about a certain, infuriating redhead.

WOW, this place was a dump.

Devyn opened the padlock, then pushed the door open. It let out an unhappy, metallic screech.

The small garage was in a back alley in Queens, and was one of her hidey holes. She closed the door, and turned on the light—a depressing, single bulb that washed the ugly, stained, concrete floor in a dull glow.

It was a far cry from Killian’s fancy office, or Hadley’s pretty apartment.

Devyn winced in pain. She was starting to ache.

You could’ve stayed at the nice, converted warehouse, Devyn.

She didn’t belong there. Killian had a team, and they all worked well together, liked each other. They were more than a team, they were a family.

You don’t belong, girlie. You’ve been a worthless piece of shit from the day I pushed you out.

Devyn pinched the bridge of her nose. Ugh. She was not going to think of her mother. Not that the woman really deserved the title.

Moving through the small space, she moved to the big, black lockboxes sitting against the far wall. She pressed a palm to the high-tech lock. It let out a low beep and she opened the box. Inside, weapons were nestled in foam, along with a laptop, cell phones, and wads of cash.

She quickly checked the handguns, then pulled out an untraceable cell phone. She dialed a number from memory.

The line beeped. Of course, he wouldn’t answer.

“Hey. Shit is flying. I’m on someone’s kill list and so is Steel. I’ve got no idea if this asshole has more names on his list.” She paused. “Watch your back.”

She ended the call. Cain “Shade” Cavanaugh was the closest thing she had to a partner. Sometimes, they worked on missions together.

She trusted him, although he was fanatical about seeing a mission through to the end. Maybe a part of her did wonder if he’d sacrifice her for the job, for the greater good, if the mission required it.

God, she was in a mood tonight.

She pulled out the laptop. She opened and tapped on the keyboard, pulling up some programs, and set some searches running. Her abductors were definitely mercenaries out of eastern Europe. She needed to find out who they were, and better yet, who hired them.

It always paid to follow the money. She worked until the screen started to blur.

She fished around in one of the other lockboxes. She found some painkillers and cracked open a bottle of water. She swallowed the pills down. Then she pulled out a sleeping bag. She needed some sleep, then she would make a plan.

God, it was cold in this dirty garage. What a life.

She curled up, the aloneness she usually liked curling around her, taunting her.

Useless, girlie. No one wants you. You’ve always been useless, and you always will be. No one will ever want you.

Devyn squeezed her eyes closed. Thanks, Ma. Her mother’s voice only ever found its way into her head when Devyn was tired or hurt.

She sighed. She wondered if Killian was tucked up in a big, comfortable bed.

Heat filled her belly. Did he sleep naked?

No, he’d at least wear boxer shorts or briefs. Ready to leap into action.

He’d kept his cool on their little adventure. Did he ever let that fierce control loose?

There was heat in him, she was sure of it. He’d need it to be driven to build a successful business like Sentinel Security, and to be a brilliant CIA operative. She’d love to see that heat in all its glory, feel the burn.

Devyn rolled over, calling herself a few names. Stop thinking about Killian Hawke.

But his image dominated. His sharp features, fiercely intelligent gaze, strong hands, and hard body.

She closed her eyes and imagined him peeling his suit off, his shirt. Devyn’s chest hitched. He’d be every fantasy she’d ever had.

I want to touch you, Devyn.

The deep voice in her head made her shiver.

Do it, Killian. Whatever you want.

As the little daydream turned X-rated, she slid a hand inside her panties. She was already wet. She stroked, then found her clit and rubbed.

In her head, it was Killian’s hand stroking her flesh, his fingers plunging inside her.

“Oh, shit,” she gasped.

Sweet release hit. All her muscles stiffened, then relaxed. She lay there, enjoying the weakening waves of pleasure.

Killian Hawke would never, ever know how many times he’d been the one to make her come.

Relaxed, Devyn finally drifted off to sleep, until the beep of the laptop woke her.

She snapped to alertness, as she’d been trained to do. It could often mean the difference between life or death on a mission.

She leaned over to the laptop, and looked at the screen, wiping sleep out of her eyes.

When she saw what her search had unearthed, she tensed.

She’d discovered who owned the bank account that had paid for the mercenaries who’d snatched them.

Devyn scrambled up, glancing at her watch. She’d slept for two hours. Not long enough, but it would have to do.

Time to go.

SOMEONE WAS IN HIS BEDROOM.

Killian opened his eyes.

It was still dark. His body clock told him he’d only slept for a few hours.

He listened, reaching for the Glock he kept close, even when he was alone in his secure apartment. He had a small collection of handguns, and he swapped them out often. He never wanted to get too used to one particular weapon.

Who the fuck had the skills to bypass his security and break into his private domain?

Then he smelled the faint scent of berries, and his muscles tightened.

He sensed movement by the bed, and sprung.

She put up a fight, and she was good, but he was bigger and had the element of surprise.

Killian pinned Devyn facedown on his bed, then lowered his body over hers. She bucked once, then relaxed.

“What the fuck, Hawke?”

“You broke into my place, Devyn. I think that’s supposed to be my line. How the hell did you get in?”

“Trade secrets. I’m a spy, remember?” She sounded smug.

He lowered his head, his lips brushing her ear. “I’m not sure I can let you get away with it.”

He heard her breath hitch. She shifted, and it made him even more conscious of her curved ass pressed against him.

Lifting a hand, he ran his fingers over her ponytail. He didn’t let himself think, he tugged the tie out and ran his fingers through the silky tresses.

“Damn, you have gorgeous hair, Devyn.”

“Get off me.” Her voice turned husky.

“I don’t think that’s what you want.” He pushed her hair to the side.

“Hawke.” She let out a sharp breath. “This is something that you and I have spent a lot of time ignoring.”

True. Both of them had danced around their attraction for a long time, neither willing to cross the line.

It was easy to do when they were both busy with their work. Easy when both of them had their own demons to wrangle.

But tonight, they’d almost been killed. They were in danger.

And now, he knew what she felt like under him.

“Killian?” she murmured.

He heard the faint edge to her voice, her erratic breathing.

He affected this vibrant, tough woman. It was like a drug in his blood to know that.

“I know.” He pressed his mouth to her shoulder. Her sweater had slid off to one side and he let his lips travel over her skin.

She let out a small moan.

He wished it wasn’t dark so that he could see her.

But the light would shatter the connection and let reality intrude.

“You smell good. Like delicious berries. It always drives me crazy the way you smell different every time I see you.”

“Hawke.” She arched her head so he had better access.

“Call me Killian, Devyn. Here, in my bedroom, and whenever you’re in my bed, you call me Killian.”

He felt her pulse fluttering in her neck.

“I could get off you, and you could tell me why you came back.” He lifted a little, and gripped her sweater and T-shirt and pushed them up, uncovering her back.

Her swift intake of air made her jerk. He ran a hand up her spine, then dropped kisses to each bump.

She squirmed beneath him.

“Or I can stay here a little longer,” he murmured.

“Fuck,” she whispered shakily.

Temptation twisted through him, and he moved his mouth to her neck. “Jesus, I’ve imagined you here so many times. You can’t imagine how many times I’ve imagined touching you, kissing you, taking you—” He bit down.

Devyn cried out, and he felt her gripping the covers.

“We shouldn’t do this,” she said breathlessly.

There was so much emotion loaded in her words. Not for the first time, he wondered what Devyn’s demons were, what exactly had forged her into the wary woman she was.

“Shh.” His hands drifted down her body, gripped her hips. “I’m just going to explore, not fuck you.”

She shuddered out a breath.

“I need a full night and day for that. With no interruptions, so I can give it my full focus.”

“God.”

He hooked his fingers in the waistband of her leggings and pulled them and her panties down, leaving them around her thighs.

“Hawke… Killian, I—”

“I’ve got you, Devyn. I’m just exploring.” His hands ran over her buttocks. They were perfect, smooth curves.

She made a husky sound.

“Now, Red, are you with me?” Please be with me. He wasn’t sure he had the strength to pull away.

He waited, his heart beating hard.

“I’m with you.” A quiet whisper.

Thank God.

CHAPTER FIVE

Oh God.

Devyn drew in a sharp, unsteady breath. As Killian’s hand shaped her ass, desire—hot and jagged—filled her. Her entire body felt like liquid, everything inside her ready to burst.

This was not what she’d planned when she’d snuck in here.

Really? You snuck up on a man like Killian Hawke in bed and you didn’t secretly hope for this?

Damn, her inner bitch was judgy and on point.

His hands moved lower, sliding over her skin, leaving a trail of electric tingles. Her pulse raced.

She was pinned under the man, at his mercy.

It was a place she’d never let herself be before. She’d never wanted to be here, vulnerable like this, until she’d first set eyes on Killian.

“Stop thinking so hard, Red.” His voice was a silky drawl. His hand moved into her hair, tugged. “I’ve got you.”

His hands slid between her legs.

Devyn made a choked sound, and pressed into the mattress.

She’d never let desire take over. Never trusted anyone enough.

Those strong fingers stroked, and she bit her lip.

“Soft, swollen, and so wet,” he murmured.

Every caress, each firm stroke, made her want to whimper. It ramped up what was inside her. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.

Finally. Finally, Killian was touching her.

He made a low, masculine sound. “I can smell you, Devyn. So damn good.” He slid a finger inside her.

Her hands twisted in the sheets. Sheets that smelled like him.

“Christ, you’re tight.” He worked another finger inside her, and she felt the stretch.

With a hoarse sound, she pushed back on those clever fingers.

“There’s my hungry, demanding Red.” His mouth traveled over her back as his fingers plunged inside her. She wished she could see him. See his face.

But as he kept murmuring to her, she heard the need in his voice.

And she was an expert at picturing Killian’s face.

Killian Hawke was all dangerous power, with a way of moving, a way of scanning the room with his dark gaze, that made a woman instantly think of sex.

And know in that second just how devastatingly well he’d do it.

Killian thrust his fingers deep and Devyn cried out.

He found a rhythm, while his other hand moved up to grip the back of her neck.

“Do you have any idea how hard I am right now?” It was a dark, furious whisper.

Every nerve ending was alive, every press of his fingers sent a sizzle of electricity through her belly. “Killian—”

“Yes, say my name just like that.” His thumb found her clit.

She cried out, flailing under him.

“Take the pleasure I give you, Devyn.” His teeth raked over her shoulder blades. “Come for me.”

Suddenly, she felt a shot of fear. He had too much control. She’d vowed never to be under anyone’s control ever again.

She couldn’t afford to lose pieces of herself. Not when she was already Swiss cheese.

Suddenly, he nudged her legs wider apart, and pressed one knee to the bed between hers.

“I’ve got you, baby. You don’t have to be afraid. I’m right here.”

He worked her clit, driving her higher. Her skin was flushed, her breasts full, her hard nipples rubbing on the sheets.

He kept working her. Then she felt his mouth on her shoulder.

“Come for me, Devyn. Now.”

She couldn’t hold back, even if she’d wanted to.

Her release crashed into her, waves of pleasure taking her under. She couldn’t breathe, all she could do was drown in the sensation.

She bucked wildly against his body, crying out. He kept stroking between her legs, then sank his teeth into her skin.

God. God.

Her eyes went wide as pleasure poured through her. For the first time, she felt taken, but at the same time, protected.

She blinked. Protected? Emotions twisted through her. She was never protected. Not even as a child, and especially not in her line of work. She did the protecting. She took care of herself.

Killian finally moved and pulled her shirt and sweater down. A second later, he pulled her panties and leggings back up over her butt.

She swallowed, her brain still not quite able to compute what had just happened. Slow, liquid warmth filled her belly. Her body wasn’t going to let her forget a thing.

Devyn rolled over, just as Killian turned on the bedside lamp.

She froze. He stood beside the bed in a pair of soft navy-blue pajama pants and no shirt.

Her mouth went dry. He was unsurprisingly hot. His chest and abs were all carved muscle covered in bronze skin. Not the heavy muscle of a weightlifter. He was leaner. A man who could fight and move fast.

Something else was hard. She couldn’t drag her gaze off what was tenting his loose pants.

“Red?”

She jerked her gaze up.

That face. Sharp, hawkish. He’d always made her think of a sharp blade.

She shook her head, trying to get her sluggish brain working.

He leaned over her, then caught her chin and kissed her.

It wasn’t hard or aggressive. No, Killian’s kiss was slow, thorough, and devastating. She couldn’t stop herself sliding a hand into his thick hair and kissing him back. Their tongues stroked. She heard a needy sound and realized that she’d made it.

Her body was on fire and her belly throbbed. She felt so empty.

She jerked back. “We can’t be a thing.” She had no idea how to be with someone. How to belong to someone.

The idea flat out terrified her.

He straightened. “I don’t do things.”

Oh. Of course, he didn’t. She pulled in a breath and felt a jolt of pain. He probably had all kinds of polished, elegant women throwing themselves at him. He could have his pick.

He could finger her to a magnificent orgasm, then brush her off like she was lint on his fancy suit.

Isn’t that what you want?

God, she really hated her inner bitch.

“Right.” She scooted to the edge of the bed, careful not to get too close to him. She forced herself to act cool. Like letting a man pin her down and make her come was a common occurrence.

“I found a name,” she said.

Killian’s face changed, sharpened. “The assassin?”

“I don’t know. I can’t think why this guy would opt for a career change at his age. I traced the payment from him to our mercs’ bank account.”

“Who?” Killian demanded.

“Rolf Caddock.”

Killian frowned. “He’s an arms manufacturer.”

She nodded. “Rich, reclusive. Has some massive government contracts providing weapons to the US military.”

“But he’s not all aboveboard,” Killian continued. “I know he sells to other…interested parties, for the right price.”

She nodded. “I know. The CIA keeps an eye on him. After an assassination attempt about ten years ago, he became a recluse. Never comes out of his fancy penthouse.”

“So why is he paying mercenaries to abduct and kill us?”

“That’s the million-dollar question.”

Killian nodded. “Let’s find the answer.”

KILLIAN POURED HIMSELF A COFFEE. He was down in his office, and it was early. After their late night, no one else was in yet. He poured a second mug, and headed to the command center.

Devyn was sitting on top of the long table in front of the large interactive screen. She was in profile, looking at the data popping up on the screen.

His hands clenched on the mugs. She was so striking. Not beautiful in the classic sense, but her high cheekbones and full lips caught the eye. It wasn’t just her looks, it was the strength and confidence she exuded.

He remembered the first day he’d met her.

He’d still been at the CIA then, and attending a training session run by a CIA veteran, Elijah Duffy. She’d been new, and he’d been beaten up from a rough mission that had left him with a bullet wound and twelve stitches. He’d been stuck helping Duffy with training until he was mission fit again.

He’d seen her red hair first. Like a slash of color across the gray.

Then those intelligent, green eyes had met his, challenging him without saying a word.

He’d wanted her then.

He ignored her and avoided her. He’d been getting close to burnout. He’d been adding more scars with each mission, and he’d known his time was almost up. He’d known he had to get out, or get chewed up, or killed.

Then Saskia had needed him.

He’d left the CIA, and had been busy building his business. He realized now that they were all excuses.

Devyn turned her head, and grass-green eyes met his.

And he was transported back to his bedroom. His fingers inside her incredibly tight pussy, her sweet cries echoing in his ears, that delectable body moving under his.

Shit. He was getting hard again. Hell, he hadn’t stopped being hard.

He handed her one of the coffees. “Black. One sugar.”

Her lips twitched. “Exactly how I like it. And you have yours black.” She sipped, watching him over the rim of the mug. “But I happen to know you have a secret weakness for white chocolate mochas that you rarely indulge.”

“You’re good, Red.”

“No, I’m brilliant.”

She was. He wanted to know everything about her. Uncover her secrets, find all the sensitive spots on her body, discover what sounds she made when she was happy, sad, aroused. He wanted to learn what foods she liked and didn’t like. What movies and sports she watched.

In short, he wanted to know her soul.

Wanted to claim her.

Killian had known the instant he’d seen that brash, cocky young agent years ago that she’d change his life.

He’d given her time to have her career at the CIA.

But now someone was trying to kill her, and that was unacceptable.

Now that he’d touched her, made her come, he wanted her in his bed. Every damn night.

“Hawke?”

He blinked. “Let’s see what else we have on Caddock.”

“And work out how to break into his penthouse to question him. The guy has top-notch security.” She read the data on the screen, sipping her coffee.

Killian let his gaze run over her.

I’m going to keep you safe.

And then I’m going to keep you.

He knew fighting an unknown assassin out to kill them would be a hundred times easier to handle than capturing Devyn’s heart.

He fought back a smile. Luckily, he was a man who enjoyed a challenge. A man who went after everything he wanted in life with everything he had.

Hex wandered in, a little blearily, her black-and-pink hair askew. Her eyes narrowed. “Did you two touch my computer?”

“I pulled up some information,” he said. “And technically, it’s my computer.”

Hex made a harrumphing sound and shoved an elbow into his side, then headed for her workstation.

The hacker spotted Devyn and paused. “You came back.”

“Yep.”

“Is that coffee?” There was a faint wheedling undertone to Hex’s voice.

Devyn held her mug out, and Hex took it and gulped.

“Mmm. Coffee.” She finished it off and looked at the screen, then looked at both of them. “Caddock?”

“I did some digging,” Devyn said. “His bank account was used to pay the mercenaries who nabbed Killian and me.”

“What? I didn’t find that.” Hex tapped wildly on the keyboard.

She looked part panicked and part annoyed that she’d missed it.

Killian moved closer to Devyn, and she eyed him warily.

There was the sound of stomping feet, and Bram came in next. He was wearing jeans and a black, button-down shirt.

“Morning,” he rumbled.

Killian gave the man a chin lift.

Since Nick, Matteo, and Hadley had all found their other halves, they usually took a little longer to appear.

His gaze shifted to Devyn. He got it. He’d prefer to keep her in his bed a little longer too.

“Fuck.” Hex crossed her arms. “You’re right. It was buried deep, but a bank account linked to Rolf Caddock was used to pay the mercenaries.”

“Caddock?” Mimicking Hex, Bram crossed his brawny arms as well. “Guy who manufactures weapons?”

“That’s him,” Killian said. “Lots of government contracts, and a few shady ones, as well. We need to have a chat with him.”

“The guy is reclusive with a big, freaking R,” Hex said. “He stays in his penthouse in a fancy building on the High Line. Has a fleet of ex-military security, and has everything brought to him.”

“We could go in as potential arms buyers?” Devyn suggested.

Hex shook her head. “He vets new clients for weeks before he sees them.” She lifted her tablet, swiped, and her brow creased. “Even if I set up rock-solid identities for you and the boss man, it would take forever to get to him.”

“So we break in?” Devyn looked at Killian.

“Possibly,” he replied.

An image of Caddock’s building flashed up on the screen. The striking, curved apartment building hung over the elevated park of the High Line. It was dominated by long balconies, curving shapes, and glass.

“You can access it from the High Line,” Hex said. “Climb up to the penthouse.”

Killian studied the building. It was doable.

“Getting inside will be trickier.” Hex wrinkled her nose. “He has a very good security system, bulletproof glass, and sensors everywhere.”

Bram whistled.

“We need him to come out on his rooftop terrace, or disarm the system from inside,” Hex said.

Devyn pushed off the table and walked closer to the screen. Killian could practically see her brain working.

“Weaknesses?” Devyn turned her head and smiled. “I mean the man, not the system.”

“We’re more fallible?” Killian asked.

“Oh, definitely.”

“I feel insulted,” said Bram, amused.

“Wait, I found something.” Hex grinned. “Caddock likes beautiful women.”

“That hardly makes him unique,” Bram said.

“He has his security scout for women for him, and bring them back to the penthouse. His preferences run toward unique, exotic creatures.” Hex made an annoyed sound. “So clichéd. His security team are often at the Apothecary Bar next door to his building. It’s very exclusive.”

Devyn held out her arms. “Then we have our way in.”

Killian frowned. “What?”

“I need a dress,” she said. “A killer one.”

Hex nodded. “Hadley can help. That woman loves to shop and is a goddess at finding the right outfit.”

“No,” Killian said. He knew exactly what she had planned.

“Yes.” Devyn just smiled, a stubborn, fiery glint in her eyes.

Bram grunted.

“Fuck.” Killian looked at the ceiling.

CHAPTER SIX

Makeup. Check.

Earrings. Check.

Killer, emerald-green dress. Check.

And sexy black heels to make a man think dark, sexy thoughts. Check. Check.

The heels were for Caddock.

But Devyn knew who she was really wearing them for.

She stalked out of Hadley’s guest room. Hadley and Gabbi were waiting for her. Devyn put some swing into her step. She’d need it to attract Caddock’s attention.

Gabbi looked up and in her mouth dropped open. “Oh, wow.”

Hadley turned and her eyes widened. “No way he will be able to resist you.”

Devyn pushed her hair over one shoulder. She’d left it loose and done it in gentle waves. “That’s the plan.”

Hadley cocked a brow. “I’m not talking about Caddock.”

Devyn lifted her chin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Gabbi smiled. “Yes, you do. I love the earrings.”

They were a dangle made up of emeralds and diamonds. They went perfectly with the green-satin dress that shimmered in the light. The dress really didn’t need much embellishment. It fit like a glove, and had tiny spaghetti straps that crisscrossed at her bare back. The neckline dipped low enough to show off more than enough cleavage.

Oh, and it had a long slit up one side that showed a lot of leg. It was riding the line between classy and sexy.

She glanced out the window. The sun was setting and night was rolling over New York.

It was time to snare the man out to kill her and Killian.

She followed the women down to the office. She heard the murmur of men’s voices.

They turned a corner.

Oh, boy. Killian was talking with Nick, Matteo, and Bram. They sure made a picture.

Nick, tough and bearded. Matteo, gorgeous and sexy. Bram, muscular and surly. And Killian, now dressed in a dark gray suit, looked handsome and hot. He shifted, and she watched the way his suit pants hugged his thighs.

He turned his head and his gaze collided with hers.

He looked down, his gaze trailing down her body. He took his time before his gaze moved back up.

Heat filled his dark eyes, and that set off a hot, needy feeling in her belly.

Get it together, Devyn.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Ready.” He held out a palm. “Communicator.”

She studied the small, almost transparent patch. “Nice.” She reached for it.

He lifted his hand, and pushed her hair back, then pressed the small patch behind her ear.

God. His dark cologne surrounded her. His warm fingers felt hot on her skin, and she couldn’t stop her pulse from skipping.

Dammit. A part of her hated how much he affected her.

No, you don’t.

She sniffed. Quiet, you.

“You smell like sandalwood and sin,” he murmured.

She swallowed. “A perfume Hadley gave me.”

“I like it on you,” Killian told her. “I’ll be armed.”

Devyn smiled. “I don’t have room for a weapon in this dress, but I’m still dangerous.”

“Oh, I know.”

Hex tapped on her table. “So, it turns out that Caddock owns the bar. It’s filled with artwork from his private collection. He’s a bit of a collector. Your cover is as an art gallery owner, Delia Haye.”

“Roger that,” Devyn replied. What she knew about art could be written on a napkin, but she knew how to improvise.

Killian took her arm. “Hex, if we need you, we’ll be in touch.”

Hex saluted. “Good luck.”

The rest of his team all nodded.

He led Devyn down to the parking level, then to another fancy car.

This one had similar, sleek lines to the one that had been blown up, but had a slightly more futuristic edge to it.

“Oh, I like this one even better. Is this one of only nineteen in the world too?”

He opened the door for her. “No, this is a Ferrari Unica. This is one of one. It’s custom-built.”

Her mouth dropped open as she slid inside the car. “How rich are you?”

“I do all right.” He circled the car and climbed in. He started the engine with a powerful roar.

They drove out of the garage. They weren’t going far, just a few blocks.

Soon, Killian parked and led her into a building beside Caddock’s.

“The bar is off the lobby,” he said.

“I’ve got this.”

“If anything worries you, tell me.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“Devyn—”

She gripped his bicep. “Not my first rodeo, Steel.”

“I know.” He lowered his head. “But no one gets to kill you.”

“Except you?”

He cupped her cheek and her heart skittered.

“I’ll kill for you. You don’t realize it yet, but you’re on a very short list of people I’ll do anything to protect.”

She sucked in a breath. “I don’t need protection.”

“It doesn’t matter. You’ve got it.” He stepped back. “Go. Do your bit while I scale Caddock’s building.”

Her stomach contracted to a point. “You’re going to scale that building in your fancy suit?”

His teeth flashed in the dim light. “A clever spy told me that you don’t give up your secrets.”

“I could make you tell me,” she murmured.

“You probably could.” Then he turned and strode down the street.

Devyn straightened, letting her persona for the evening fall over her, and all the churning inside her that Killian stirred up settle. When she looked back, Killian was gone like he’d been swallowed by the night.

Right, time to make an impact.

She stalked into the building, her heels clicking on the marble floor.

When she strode into the dimly lit bar, she found it decorated in what she called rich. Expensive fabrics, gold trim, a long, marble bar. It was mostly filled with businessmen in rumpled suits either unwinding after a busy day or conducting after-hours work.

Devyn headed for the bar, and hitched herself up on a stool, ensuring her legs were on display.

When the bartender headed her way, she ordered a martini, then proceeded to look like she wasn’t studying the people in the bar.

Really, she’d already clocked everyone in the room, from the tired businessman at the end of the bar, a raucous group of young men who looked like they worked hard and partied harder, a flirting couple at the back, to the pair of guys in suits at a small, round table nearby.

Caddock’s men.

The bartender returned with her drink, and she shot him a smile of thanks and slid some money across the bar.

She took a tiny sip of her drink, swiveling just enough that the men had a perfect view of her.

She wondered how Killian was getting on. She fiddled with the stem of her glass. He’d better not slip and break his very fine neck.

She snorted. This was Killian Hawke she was talking about.

Glass in hand, she climbed off the stool and wandered over to study some of the artwork. She fiddled with her hair.

“Hex, help me out with the artwork,” she murmured. “I’m looking at the north wall.”

“Right. The place has a Georgia O’Keeffe, a Cecily Brown, and a John Singer Sargent painting, as well as some more recent, up-and-coming artists,” Hex said.

“I’m looking at a big splash of color.”

“Ah, it’s by Neil Kerman,” Hex told her.

Devyn actually liked it.

“His use of color, texture, and pattern is all done to generate emotions, feelings, and moods. He likes to create dynamic and vivacious works of art.”

Devyn swallowed a snort. Hex sounded like a textbook. Come on, take the bait.

“You like art?”

She turned. Right on time. It was one of Caddock’s men.

She smiled. “I love art. I run a little gallery in the city.” She looked back at the painting. “I love Kerman. His use of vibrant color is a beautiful expression of emotion.” She cocked her head. “Do you like his work?”

The man shrugged a shoulder. “My boss does. That’s his painting. He owns this place.”

Devyn let her eyes widen. “Wow. I see a Georgia O’Keeffe over there. Impressive.”

“What’s your name?” the man asked.

She hesitated.

“I’m safe. I promise. My boss would like to meet you. The bartender here can vouch for him. He’d just like a drink and conversation only. He’s just very security-conscious, and doesn’t like to be in public spaces.”

Devyn pretended to ponder. “I don’t know…”

“His place is next door, and he has a very large art collection. Text a friend, and tell them where you’ll be.”

She made herself look tempted. “All right then.” She texted a message to Killian.

Bait taken. Don’t slip.

“I’m Delia, by the way. Delia Haye.”

She knew they’d run her and find a carefully put together background that Hex had whipped up.

The security guy nodded.

“One drink, some art, and I’ll meet your boss.”

Oh, and take you down, and ask your boss some questions.

KILLIAN STROLLED along the High Line. The elevated greenway, built on an old, elevated railway line, was one of his favorite spaces in New York City.

Thankfully, it closed at seven at night, so it was now blissfully empty.

He paused and looked up at Caddock’s building. The building had a cool design and, thanks to all the architectural touches, it meant that he could scale the building quite easily.

He pulled off his backpack. In the shadows, he slipped off his suit jacket, shoes, and pants. Underneath, he wore a thin, high-tech climbing suit that hugged his body like glue. He pulled on climbing gloves and shoes.

He looked up, listening to Devyn in his ear. She was chatting with Caddock’s men as they stood in the elevator heading up to Caddock’s penthouse.

She could pour on the charm when it suited her. But he knew it wasn’t the real Devyn Hayden. No, she was a little caustic, sharp-tongued, and worked hard to never let her Southern accent slip out.

She was still running from her past, even if she couldn’t admit it.

Killian glanced around at the building’s balconies. It was clear.

He climbed up, gripped the wall, and heaved himself upward. He focused on climbing up to the first balcony.

As he moved upward, he listened to Devyn greeting Caddock.

“It’s a real pleasure, Ms. Haye. You’re very beautiful, and knowledgeable about art. My perfect woman.”

Devyn’s throaty laugh came through the line. “Please, call me Delia.”

“Delia. Come. I have a Mary Cassatt I think you’ll like to see.”

Killian tuned out the conversation and focused on the climb. The sooner he got to the roof, the better.

He listened to the admiration in Caddock’s voice and wanted to hit the man. It was clear he liked what he saw.

Killian blew out a breath.

He’d never been possessive over a woman before. They came and went quickly—one, because he preferred fewer complications, and two, he’d never wanted to keep a woman around long.

But he wanted to keep Devyn.

His hand slipped. He pressed his body to the wall before he slid downward, and muttered a curse.

Focus, Hawke.

He kept climbing. He passed several wide balconies, spying residents inside. None of them aware he was sneaking past. Soon, he neared the top.

Then he heard Devyn say, “Oh, you have a rooftop terrace. The view must be amazing.”

“It is. Would you like to see it? I have a Paige Bradley sculpture up there too.”

“Oh, yes, please. I fell in love with her sculpture, Expansion. Just stunning.”

Killian picked up speed. He passed along a balcony, and saw a laughing couple inside. He was careful to stick to the shadows. He passed the next balcony and looked into Caddock’s penthouse. Two bored-looking guards stood in the living area.

Then Killian pulled himself onto the rooftop terrace. He crouched in the shadows by some hedged plants, and set his pack down.

The terrace contained a small plunge pool, and some elegant outdoor furniture.

A second later, Devyn and Caddock strode out of an elevator, both cradling drinks. Caddock was a stocky man in his sixties, with pure gray hair and a neat goatee. He wore dark-rimmed glasses.

Caddock sipped his drink, but missed Devyn tipping some of hers into a potted plant.

Killian smiled. Damn, she was good.

“This is a gorgeous space,” Devyn said. “I could live out here.”

“Here’s the sculpture,” Caddock said.

It was an interesting sculpture of a kneeling woman, her bronze body covered in cracks that glowed with light.

Devyn sat on the edge of a lounger. “It’s stunning.”

Caddock sat beside her. “You’re stunning.”

“Don’t waste your charm on me, Rolf.”

“Why not?” the older man asked.

She moved quick as a flash. She had a knife—that she’d clearly picked up from inside his penthouse—pressed to Caddock’s throat.

“Because it really is wasted on me.”

The older man sucked in a sharp breath. “What the hell is this?”

Killian rose and prowled out of the shadows. Devyn’s gaze flicked his way, widened slightly as her eyes ran over the climbing suit.

Caddock’s gaze locked on his face, and he paled. “Steel.”

“Hello, Rolf.”

The man’s gaze shifted to Devyn briefly. She pressed the knife a little harder to his skin.

The arms manufacturer made a sound. “She’s yours, I take it.”

Killian met Devyn’s green gaze. “Yes, she is.”

Devyn snorted. “Because a woman has to be owned by a man. My name is Hellfire, Caddock, and I belong to no one.”

The man stiffened. “I’ve heard of you.”

“Good.” She rose and moved beside Killian. “We have some questions for you.”

Caddock rubbed his neck. “This is not how I hoped our evening would progress.”

No, he’d probably imagined rolling around in a bed with Devyn. Killian pressed a hand to her shoulder, and sent the man a hard stare.

Caddock swallowed, then inclined his head.

Devyn shifted. “You paid for mercenaries recently. Hired out of Europe.”

Now the man cursed. “I knew that would come back to bite me.” He cursed again. “It was a favor to a…friend is a strong word. Associate. I owed him a marker. I had no details on the job, all I did was transfer the funds to a bank account as requested.”

Killian stared at him impassively. It never made sense that it would be Caddock who tried to kill them. The man wasn’t going to leave his penthouse to become an assassin.

“The mercenaries were hired to attack us, and take us to an assassin.” Killian’s voice was ice cold.

Caddock winced. “Who the hell would be that insane?” He gave a harsh laugh. “They must’ve known you’d come after them. Hell, you’ve just cut through my heavy security like it wasn’t even there.”

“Who asked you for the favor, Rolf?” Killian asked.

Caddock’s face twisted. “You know that talking is never a good idea in our business.”

“I wasn’t asking, Caddock.” Killian kept his voice soft.

Devyn moved, just the smallest inch, the knife still in her hand.

Caddock eyed her warily. “I’m starting to think she’s as dangerous as you Steel.”

“She is,” Killian said.

Killian felt her watching him.

“Fine,” Caddock said. “It was Reyes. Juan Reyes.”

Killian stilled. Juan Reyes was a drug kingpin. And he wasn’t the leader of some small, crappy cartel, no, he ran it like a business out of his headquarters in the Bahamas.

Surely, he wasn’t going into the assassination business, either. The man liked the finer things in life: fast cars, his sprawling, island estate, an extensive jewelry collection to rival the crown jewels.

“That’s it?” Devyn said.

“It’s all I know.” Caddock spread his hands. “If I’d known what the payment was for, I would’ve refused. I hope there will be no blowback?”

Killian waited a beat, then nodded. “Stay off my radar, Caddock. Or I’ll let Hellfire come back here with her knife.” He looked at Devyn. “Let’s go.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Striding back into the Sentinel Security office, Devyn’s brain ticked over what they’d learned.

They now had more questions. More players. And they were still no closer to finding the assassin out to kill them.

She checked her phone. Nothing from Shade.

You’d better not be dead, Cain.

“Reyes isn’t our assassin,” she said.

“I doubt it.”

Killian was back in his suit, but the image of him in that tight-fitting climbing outfit was burned into her retinas. It had clung to every toned muscle, every ridge of his abs, and those thighs.

She felt a tug in her belly. She’d never realized that she had a thing for a man’s thighs before.

“You’re back.” Hex leaned back in her chair, drinking a huge soda. Bram was with her. The man was scowling, and Devyn wondered if he ever smiled.

“I pulled up everything I could find on Juan Reyes,” Hex said.

On the screen was the image of a sprawling, white mansion nestled on a cliff top above a beautiful beach. It was surrounded by dense palm trees.

“This is his estate in the Bahamas. It’s called Elysium. Bought and paid for by his drug empire.” Hex waved the soda cup. “Mostly cocaine funneled out of Columbia and into the States and Europe. He has a reputation for following through on deals, not killing people, and providing a high-quality product.”

Devyn snorted. “A drug kingpin with business etiquette.”

“There are far worse criminals than Reyes,” Killian said.

She turned. “You know him?”

“We’ve crossed paths once or twice. I can’t see him being inclined to kill us. Turning assassin is not a career move I see him taking.”

“But he asked Caddock to pay the mercenaries,” Devyn said.

Killian inclined his head. “And that, I want an answer for.”

“Well…” Hex spun her chair around. “You’re in luck.”

Killian crossed his arms. “Go on.”

“Reyes is having a party at his estate in the Bahamas,” she said. “People are flying in from everywhere.”

“A party?” Devyn said.

“It’s huge. He does it every few years. It goes on for a few days. There are beach parties, entertainment, dinners. It’s to thank his best customers…and to lure in new ones.”

“So, it’s full of criminals,” Devyn said.

“It’s a mixed crowd,” Hex replied. “He owns a few legitimate businesses too, so some of the attendees aren’t criminals.”

Killian was staring at the screen, his brow creased. “It’ll be easy for us to sneak in.”

“Should be,” Hex agreed. “There are some fancy invites with security measures built in, but I should be able to get my hands on one, or a good duplicate.”

“Hex, get the jet fueled,” he ordered.

She saluted. “On it.”

“You want back up?” Bram asked.

Devyn glanced at him. “You do talk.”

The big man shot Devyn a look.

“I think Devyn and I can handle this, Bram” Killian said. “We’ll fly directly to the Bahamas on the jet. Hex, we’ll need a base of operations close to Reyes’ estate.”

“I’ll find you somewhere,” the tech guru said.

“Good.” He glanced at Devyn. “Get packed.”

She saluted him too, and he gave her a dry look.

“I think backup is a good idea,” Bram said again.

Devyn eyed the Irishman. He was tense. She suspected Bram just wanted some action.

“Just call her,” Hex muttered.

“Who?” Killian asked with a frown.

Hex arched a brow. “Whoever has Bram wound this tight.”

“Nobody,” Bram clipped out.

“I hope it isn’t Pam upstairs in reception.” Hex wrinkled her nose. “I know she has a thing for you, but she simpers for the men and is rude to all the women. I don’t like her.”

“There’s nobody.” He turned and strode out.

Hex shook her head. “I’ll have to get Wolf and Hades to get him drunk, and get whatever is bothering him out of him.”

“He can drink both of them under the table,” Killian said.

“I’m sure they’ll work out something.”

Devyn saw that Hex was worried about Bram. A prickle niggled at her gut. They were a tight team. They cared about each other, and had each other’s backs.

She stared blindly at the screen, wondering how that felt.

A hand touched her lower back. “Red? You okay?”

She nodded at Killian. “Yes. I know we don’t have answers, but at least we have a lead.”

“You did good work tonight. Caddock never saw you coming.”

She fluttered her eyelashes. “Don’t make me blush.”

He lowered his voice. “I could.”

Her heart thumped hard. Damn this man for making her feel like a giddy teenager. “Back up, Hawke, I have a trip to pack for.”

He ran his hand up her back to the base of her neck. His fingers brushed her pulse point. No doubt he felt it racing.

She lifted her chin. She wouldn’t cower or be embarrassed.

“We can’t keep dancing around this,” he said quietly. “And I know you aren’t a coward.”

She thought he was going to push it more, but he stepped back, and she let out a small breath.

“The jet will be ready in the morning,” Hex called out. “Ric will be waiting for you.”

“Ric?” Devyn asked.

“My pilot. Thanks, Hex.” Killian met Devyn’s gaze. “We have a small guest apartment. Use it and get some sleep.”

She watched him go. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. He was like a magnet.

Hex fanned her face. “God, you two generate more heat than a nuclear reactor.”

“We do not.”

“Oh, you’re going to lie to yourself, now?” The former hacker reached for a bag of chocolate-covered peanuts and popped some in her mouth.

“He’s…” Devyn didn’t have the words.

“He sure is.” Hex held out the bag of peanuts.

Devyn took a handful. “I’m not cut out for relationships. My job doesn’t allow it.” Hell, the truth was she had no experience.

“No one is an expert in relationships.” The woman’s nose wrinkled. “Listen to me, like I know what I’m talking about. Hell, it’s been so long since a man has had his hands on me, I almost forgot what it feels like.”

Devyn took some more nuts. She noted that Hex’s eyes were different colors—one blue eye and one green. They zeroed in on Devyn.

“Have you been letting the boss man get his hands on you?”

Devyn gave the woman a sweet smile. “Do you really think I’ll answer that? You guys gossip more than old ladies around here.”

Hex sighed. “It was worth a try. Look, Killian doesn’t trust easily. Even with us…he’s still the boss. If anyone can handle him, it’s you. It’s not just you taking a risk, Devyn. Now, go get some sleep. Otherwise, he’ll call down here asking if you’ve gone to bed.”

Devyn ate the last peanut, her belly swirling.

Did she want to handle Killian?

Did she want to let some other woman handle him?

Her hands clenched.

Mission first, Devyn. Stay alive first.

AS HE BOARDED the Sentinel Security jet, Killian was conscious of Devyn behind him. Today she smelled like vanilla and it was driving him crazy.

She let out a low whistle. “Nice. This is the way to travel.”

He took a second to look at the sleek interior of the jet, with its large, cream leather seats and wood accents. “Take a seat, get settled.”

She was wearing jeans and a fitted, white T-shirt. He tried not to notice the way it hugged her breasts.

Killian had a quick word with his pilot, Ric. When he returned, she was in a seat, with her laptop resting on the small table. He saw her pick up her phone and frown.

“Everything all right?” he asked.

As he sat down across from her, the plane’s engines started.

“I left a message for Shade. Told him that I was okay and what was going on. I warned him to watch his back. He hasn’t returned my call.”

“Is he in the country?”

“I have no idea. I mean, it can take him a few days to call me back. It’s not unusual.” She jiggled her foot. “I’m just worried that this assassin isn’t just targeting you and me.”

It was clear that she cared for the spy. Killian considered Cain a friend. They’d been on several missions together.

But now an ugly feeling gripped his gut. “Shade can look after himself.”

“Oh, I know. He’d kick my ass if he knew I was worried. Or he’d try.”

Killian shifted his legs, brushing hers. “How close are the two of you?”

He obviously did a bad job of not letting what he was feeling leak into his tone.

Her head jerked up. “What are you really asking, Hawke?”

“I’m just wondering how close you are.”

She crossed her legs. “Wondering if Cain and I fuck?”

His hands gripped the armrests. The plastic creaked.

“Asking if maybe we have a friends-with-benefits thing going on?” she said.

The plane started to taxi. Killian got control of his boiling emotions.

“Are you asking if I sneak into his bed?” she continued. “If I’ve seen him naked, or touched—”

Killian moved fast. Before she’d finished, he opened her seatbelt and yanked her onto his lap, forcing her to straddle him, her knees in the back of the plush seat.

“You’re pushing it,” he growled.

Raw possessive need throbbed inside him. She was his. He didn’t want to hear about her with any other man. He gripped her chin. “You drive me fucking crazy.”

“Good.” She pressed her tongue to her lip, her gaze on his mouth. “You do the same to me. Any time I look at you, my good sense goes out the window.”

“I want an answer.”

“I’m not fucking, nor have I ever fucked, Cain. He’s a friend.”

Killian closed the gap between them and kissed her.

It wasn’t sweet or gentle. It was hard, possessive, his tongue delving deep. Of course, this was Devyn, so she kissed him back just as hard. Her hand slid into his hair, her gorgeous body undulating against his.

“Fuck,” he muttered.

“I’ve never gained membership to the mile-high club.”

He groaned, all kinds of images skating through his head. “And you won’t today. When I have you, it’ll be in a bed, for a very long time. You’ll feel me for days. You’ll miss my cock inside you and crave more.”

Her hot gaze met his, color in her cheeks. “I never thought you’d talk dirty.” She blew out a breath. “I’m so turned on right now.”

Killian groaned.

A cell phone started ringing. The jet had satellite Wi-Fi and all calls were relayed through it.

“That’s mine.” She started to rise. “It might be Cain.”

Killian clamped a hand on her hip. He gave her one last quick kiss. “When I finally slide my cock inside you, Devyn, it’ll be when I know you’re safe.”

She met his gaze. A little startled. “I’ve never been safe.”

“You’ll explain that to me, as well.” He wanted every one of her secrets.

When she looked away, which was very un-Devyn-like, he vowed that one day she would happily tell him her secrets. The ones that still hurt her, so he could goddamn crush them for her.

Devyn shifted back into her seat, grabbed her phone, and redid her belt. “Gabbi. Sorry, we left early, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye. Apparently, you were still rolling around in bed with your Italian stud.” Devyn grinned. “Yeah, yeah, rub it in, you bitch.”

Killian heard the deep affection in her voice. Devyn cared for Gabbi. She liked to pretend she was a tough loner, but she cared. She was worried about Cain, happy that Gabbi had fallen in love with a good man.

Killian steepled his hands, watching her as she talked with her friend.

Devyn didn’t let people in easily, but she was loyal. He’d investigated her, which he knew would piss her off. He knew her bank balance and the results of her last medical.

He knew she’d grown up in a trailer in Alabama, raised by an alcoholic, single mother, with a string of deadbeat boyfriends. Three days before her eighteenth birthday, she’d left that trailer and never looked back.

Killian was realizing that whatever had happened in that trailer, it hadn’t been good. But Devyn had remade herself. Forged a life for herself. She was strong, clever, loyal.

His hands flexed.

He needed her soon, or he’d lose all his sanity.

She was still talking, but glanced his way.

Soon.

After she finished her call, Killian got them some food and drinks from the small galley kitchen.

“You have Diet Coke on here?” she called out.

“Yes.” He pulled one out of the small fridge.

“Thank God.”

He had some calls of his own to make, followed by emails that couldn’t wait any longer. There was always more work to keep Sentinel Security running the way he liked it.

He handed her the soda and a sandwich, then they both got to work. As he answered emails, he had to admit, it was nice to glance over the top of his laptop and see her sitting there, long legs tucked up beneath her.

Finally, Ric came on over the intercom to say that they’d be landing at Nassau soon.

Killian looked out the window. Below, azure waters sparkled around the curve of New Providence Island.

“Ready?” he asked.

A smile curved her mouth. “I’m always ready, Hawke. Let’s find our asshole assassin.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

With the wind in her hair and the sun on her face, it was easy to forget that she was on a mission.

They were in another sexy Ferrari. It’d been waiting for them at the airport. This one was a silver-gray convertible. Clearly Killian had a thing for Ferraris.

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye.

His hands rested on the wheel, handling the powerful car easily. The man did everything easily.

He’d been a brilliant agent, was now a successful businessman, and from what she could tell, a good boss, and a loyal friend and brother.

She admired the heck out of all of that, but she also wanted to shake him up a bit. Mess him up, and rattle that rock-solid control.

They were driving along the ocean’s edge. The crystal-blue waters were stunning. She dragged in a deep breath of sea air.

“You like the ocean?”

“Who doesn’t?” She fidgeted a little, then laughed quietly. “Not that I’ve actually been on a beach vacation. I’m always working.”

He looked her way, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses. “We’ll have to remedy that.”

God. She felt a rush of damp between her legs at the idea of a naked Killian Hawke on a private beach. Jesus, Devyn. How about you focus on catching the assassin, first?

“After this mission, I’ll have another mission.” She looked out the side at the blue of the ocean. There were always more bad guys to catch.

He didn’t comment, but she could sense his attention on her.

Finally, Killian slowed the car. “The place that Hex rented for us is down here. Reyes’ estate is just a few miles down the road.” He turned onto a narrow, one-lane road lined by palm trees.

The road curved, forming a circle in front of the villa.

Devyn blinked.

Killian shut off the engine, and muttered under his breath.

The place was beautiful and romantic.

The U-shaped house was one story, with pure-white walls, and a gray roof. It sat nestled amongst the palm trees, with bougainvillea in vivid purple in bloom everywhere.

She slid out of the car. Gauzy, white curtains billowed in the windows. “Hex picked us an interesting base of operations.” Devyn headed up the steps.

Waves lapped in a soothing rhythm on a beach nearby. She pushed open the front door.

The inside had a beachy, Hamptons vibe. Pale-wood floors, white couches, and more gauzy curtains. The doors onto the back deck were open, showing off a stunning view of the blue water. More tropical flowers were in bloom by the railing.

Devyn walked out, looking down at the pristine white beach. It begged you to take a dip and lie out in the sun. There was a long jetty spearing into the ocean, with a covered cabana with more gauzy curtains blowing in the breeze at the end of it.

The place was gorgeous. The kind of place you went to on a honeymoon. She really wished she was on vacation.

“Hex is fired,” Killian said.

Devyn smiled at his disgruntled tone. Yes, Hex was clearly trying to play matchmaker.

“She did say the place had a fully equipped gym,” he said. “And the kitchen has been stocked with food. She should also have sent through the detailed intel on Reyes and his estate.”

Good. They needed to be prepared. The more information they had, the less chance of anything going wrong when they went after Reyes.

“We have a full day to prepare for Reyes’ party tomorrow,” she said. “We’ll be ready.”

Killian nodded. “I’ll bring the bags in. Hex arranged for someone to drop off our party invite later. It’s specially coded with security features. She said her guy got an original and has made a duplicate for us.”

“Will it stand up to scrutiny?”

“We won’t know until we try to get in.”

Devyn grinned. “Luckily, I like to live dangerously.”

“I know.” He gave her a long look, then headed out for their bags.

She blew out a breath, and turned back to the ocean. Her hands curled on the railing.

She’d never, ever wanted someone like this. She closed her eyes. She craved Killian Hawke.

“You’re not ruled by your desires, Devyn.” She vowed never ever to be like her mother, with her endless string of deadbeat, loser boyfriends.

Marla Hayden hadn’t known how to exist without a man. She’d believed any worth she had was due to sex and her looks.

Devyn forced the ugly feelings away, and turned to explore the house.

She half expected to find only one bedroom, but Hex hadn’t quite gone that far. There were four bedrooms, all airy, with modern, four-poster beds hung with white curtains. The place was beautiful. It had a beachy vibe with a touch of romance.

She shook her head. She needed to work. Work was what kept her centered and focused.

She headed back into the living area, and set up her laptop on a long, wooden table by the open deck doors.

Killian returned with their bags, and disappeared toward the bedrooms.

“Hex has sent the schematics for Elysium,” she told him.

He nodded. “Then let’s get to work.”

THE NEXT MORNING, Killian ran along the beach as the sun rose.

He’d worked up a sweat. He’d needed the workout to knock out the cobwebs from his head, after a night where he hadn’t gotten much sleep.

Knowing Devyn was right next door, lying in a large four-poster bed…

With a growl, he picked up speed, feet pounding on the sand.

Yesterday, they’d prepped for tonight’s mission. She was so easy to work with. He liked her sharp mind, the way she thought, and she gelled well with him.

He blew out a breath. He’d damn well keep his hands to himself until after the mission.

Running faster, he was soon covered in sweat and breathing heavily. When the villa came into view, he slowed to a walk, sucking in air.

That’s when he caught sight of someone in the ocean, swimming laps parallel to the shore.

Devyn cut through the water with clean moves. It was obvious that she liked to swim.

Then she stopped, and headed for the shore. The waves lapped at her body, and she lifted her arms, pushing her wet hair back from her face. Then she headed toward him.

As she emerged from the water, it uncovered a small, turquoise string bikini on her fit, lean body.

Fuck.

“Are you serious?” he growled.

“Hawke, this place is too beautiful not to have a James Bond moment.”

He was fighting not to get hard. His running shorts would conceal nothing.

“Okay there?” She walked past him, heading toward the house, giving him a clear view of her perfect, turquoise-clad ass.

“You’re asking for a spanking,” he said.

Devyn gripped the railing and looked back. Her eyes were a little wide, but he saw curiosity in them.

Damn. His cock lengthened. “Never been spanked, Red?”

“No.”

He stepped closer. She smelled like salt and the sea. “I’d make you like it.”

She blew out a breath. “I believe it. Now, I’m off to shower.” She glanced at his sweaty running gear. “You’d better shower, as well. I’ll meet you in the gym.” Her smile had a teasing edge to it. “Looks like you have some more steam to work off.” Her gaze lingered on his erection.

Then she climbed the steps and disappeared into the house.

Fuck. He wouldn’t make it. He’d eventually crack, pin her to the wall, and fuck her hard.

Soon, Hawke. Soon.

Inside, he checked his phone. The villa had decent security, including perimeter sensors. He knew that was really why Hex had selected it, not just because it was romantic.

In his bedroom, he headed for the shower. The bathroom was all natural-stone tiles, with a large rain shower, and a picture window framing the beautiful greenery in the gardens.

Killian stripped his clothes off and stepped under the spray.

He needed to find his control. He’d never had any trouble before. In his head, he pictured Devyn in that small, turquoise bikini, the hint of her smile, the glint of challenge in her eyes.

He closed his eyes, and his hand circled his cock.

In his head, Devyn untied her bikini top. Killian stroked harder, fighting back a groan. She’d have beautiful breasts. He wanted to touch them, taste them, see what color her nipples were.

Next, she untied the bikini bottoms. She was perfect. A woman designed just for him.

He pressed his forehead to the cool tile, a rough sound escaping him. He squeezed his cock, pleasure digging hard into his gut.

The thought of touching Devyn again, finally thrusting his cock inside her… He was sure she was the one woman who could handle him, challenge him, meet him every step of the way.

Groaning, he stroked faster. Pleasure was growing like fire in his veins.

His strokes turned rough, furious. He sucked in air. The scalding-hot orgasm hit, and he spurted his release onto the tiles, his knees almost buckling.

Fucking hell.

He stood there, panting, waiting for his system to cool down. He flicked the shower to cold, and gritted his teeth. “Focus on the damn mission.”

Eventually, he shut the water off, dried himself, and pulled on some clean workout gear.

He headed for the gym, feeling a little more in control.

Until he stepped into the light-filled room. A bank of curved windows gave a great view of the ocean, and the space was filled with several pieces of workout equipment, and a large mat resting on the floor in the center.

But all he could see was Devyn.

She was attacking a heavy bag hanging from the ceiling.

Kick. Kick. Punch. Punch. Chop.

Small expulsions of breath escaped with each powerful blow. She moved well—fit, athletic, strong. His gaze traveled over her. She wore black leggings, and a tiny, black sports top that left her lightly toned abs bare.

The little control he’d found in the shower went up in a puff of smoke.

She had pale skin to go with the red hair. He wanted to lick it, wanted to tug that Lycra off her, and pin her down on the mats. He wanted his face between her legs.

His cock hardened again, and he sucked in a breath.

She pulled back, bouncing on her feet, her arms raised in a fighting stance. She smiled. “Ready to fight, Hawke?”

“Fight?”

“Spar.” She hopped from one foot to the other. “Whoever pins the other first can do whatever they want to the other.” There was mischief in her gaze.

The little hellcat knew exactly what she was doing to him.

“You’re not afraid are you, Steel? Maybe becoming a rich businessman has made you soft, so—”

Killian attacked. He lunged across the mat, arm swinging.

She blocked it.

He’d never use his full power against her, but he heard her grunt. He smiled. He still had to make it a challenge. Make her work for it.

She looked up at him. “I bet there are hardened criminals who’d piss their pants if you smiled at them like that.”

They circled each other.

“Are you afraid of me?” he asked quietly.

Her chin lifted. “No.”

“You should be.”

He attacked again.

They whirled around the mats in a flurry of hits and kicks.

Damn, watching her move was intoxicating. His second of distraction cost him. She ducked under his arm, and jabbed a hit to his kidney.

Killian grunted, then spun. She was grinning.

Careful, Red. Don’t get too cocky. He launched a combo of kicks and hits at her. She ducked and weaved and blocked.

Then he left her the tiniest opening, dropping his left arm.

Of course, she took it.

She spun in and grabbed his arm, bent her legs, and used a judo move to throw him. He slammed down on the mat.

He grunted. A second later, she did exactly what he’d hoped she’d do and straddled him. Her hands pushed his arms flat to the mat. Her face was flushed, and she was grinning.

“I’ve got—”

Killian flipped her. He pinned her down, his hips pressing into the cradle of hers, his hands pinning her arms.

Her smile morphed into a scowl. “You planned that, dammit!”

“I laid the trap, and you didn’t just walk into it, you jumped into it.”

She pouted.

He leaned closer. God, now she smelled of citrusy lemon and lime mixed with a touch of healthy sweat that got to him. “I guess that means I win. I get to do whatever I want.”

She licked her lips. She didn’t look so confident now. There was the tiniest flash of vulnerability in her eyes before she hid it.

His gut tightened. He liked that. He was just as entranced by that as he was by her confidence.

“A deal’s a deal,” she said. “Whatever you want.”

He lowered his head, need pounding through him. He brushed his lips against hers. “I want to taste you.”

“So do it.”

He kissed her. It was Devyn, so she threw herself into it. Their tongues tangled, her body pushed up into his. His throbbing cock pressed against her belly.

Then Killian lifted his head. “Sweet, but that’s not where I want to taste you.”

Her eyes flared, lips parting. “Killian—”

He pushed back to kneel between her legs. “Whatever I want, Devyn. You’re all mine, now.”

CHAPTER NINE

Oh, God. Her heart was pounding like a drum to a wild beat.

Killian looked like a dark god. One who’d just won the battle and was ready to claim his prize.

Her belly was alive with flutters. She wasn’t used to feeling like this, so out of control.

So at someone else’s mercy.

He ran a finger over her belly. It was like being hit by electricity. She sucked in a breath.

He smiled.

That smile didn’t scare her. Okay, maybe a little bit, not that she’d ever admit it to him. But as she watched him touch her, an intense, hungry look in his eye, she realized that for all his strength and scariness, he’d never use it against her.

He’d help protect her weaknesses.

Then he hooked his fingers in the waistband of her leggings.

Devyn’s chest hitched. He met her gaze, and stayed locked on hers as he dragged her leggings and panties down her legs. She shifted her hips, then she was practically naked before him.

“Gorgeous.” He knelt between her legs, then groaned. “Of course, you’re waxed bare.” His hand smoothed up her thighs.

God. It was hard to breathe. She was spread out for Killian Hawke in nothing but a sports bra. Her skin prickled with sensation. She was already so wet.

He stroked her folds. A tiny cry escaped her. He teased her, his touch hot, possessive.

She already knew he wouldn’t be an easy lover. He’d be bossy, demanding.

Her belly coiled.

He shifted and lowered his head, then his hands slid under her ass. He lifted her to his mouth and his stubble brushed her inner thigh.

Shit. Her breathing turned harsh. He licked her and she jolted. His tongue stroked her, lapping at her pussy. Her hands pressed into the mat.

She moaned, and the pleasure was intense, like flames washing through her.

He made a hungry sound, feasting on her.

Devyn stared at his dark head between her thighs. God. God. Killian was licking her pussy. It felt so good. She moaned again and arched up. She’d never felt anything like this before. She couldn’t think through the pleasure. She couldn’t breathe.

“Damn… Killian.”

“You taste so good, Devyn. I could stay right here forever.” Between the lap of his tongue, the scratch of his stubble, and his sexy voice, she was about to explode.

He pushed a finger inside her, and she bit her lip, more sounds escaping. “Make me come. Please.”

“Oh, I will, Red. Don’t worry.”

He added a second finger.

His hungry licks never stopped. His teeth scraped her clit, and all of her muscles wound tighter. She twisted, but he held her still. The long dragging licks of his tongue pushed her closer to the edge.

He was relentless.

Of course, he was.

The climax hit her fast and hard. He kept his grip tight, his fingers sinking into her flesh, mouth still owning her.

She rocked into his face helplessly, crying out his name.

Then she slumped back on the mats. Both of them were breathing heavily.

She felt too lazy, or just unable to move, so she just stayed where she was. She stared up into that sharp face, into that dark, penetrating gaze. Her belly did a flip-flop.

He was looking at her like he owned her. Like he could see so deep inside her. A place she’d never shown anyone before.

She felt a flush of panic. She let her gaze drop to the impressive erection straining his shorts.

Oh. Heat flared, coiling in her belly. She reached for him.

“No.” He caught her wrist. “Not yet.”

“I never pegged you for a tease, Killian.”

He leaned over her, and her heart skipped a beat. “Oh, you’ll get it soon enough, but not right before we break into a drug lord’s compound.”

“Killian…” A part of her told her to run. To escape. This man would consume her until there was nothing left.

Another part of her screamed at her to be brave.

He rubbed a thumb over her lips. “Soon, Red. I promise. Now—” he rose in a lithe move “—I’ll take another cold shower, and we’ll go over the plan for tonight again.”

Devyn released a breath. “Yes, boss.”

His eyes flashed. “Don’t give me any more ideas than I already have.”

He sauntered out, moving silently.

She flopped back on the mat. God, she was in so much trouble.

She’d always known Killian “Steel” Hawke was a dangerous man. She closed her eyes and pressed a hand over her still racing heart.

Now, she knew just how dangerous he really was.

She opened her eyes, staring blindly at the ceiling. She could still feel the touch of his fingers, her thighs were still sensitive from the stubble burn. He’d marked her, in more ways than one.

But he’d looked at her with pure need. Her chest tightened.

Killian protected the people he considered his. He ruled his little domain with ruthless precision.

And he wanted her.

She shivered. Was she strong enough to take him on?

KILLIAN PULLED ON HIS JACKET. He was wearing a cream-linen suit over a white shirt that was open at the throat, in deference to the balmy evening air.

He glanced at the hallway, waiting for Devyn.

They’d drive to Reyes’ estate, blend into the guests, then scout around. They’d need to confirm the guard numbers and Reyes’ location. Due to the tight security at the gates, word was that he was pretty relaxed inside the grounds.

Good. It meant that when they nabbed him for a little chat, there’d be no lurking bodyguard to cause any trouble.

Killian considered again if Reyes was their assassin. He didn’t think so. Reyes’ drug empire kept him busy and rich.

So who the hell was after them?

Who the hell was crazy enough, with big enough balls, to risk it?

He glanced at the hallway again. Where was she?

“Time to go, Red.”

He could still taste her. His gut tightened. The image of a half-naked Devyn spread out for him, her sweet, slick pussy on display, her spicy honey taste on his lips…

That memory would never fade. His hands flexed. He needed to fuck her soon, or he’d lose his mind.

He heard the click of heels and looked up.

And experienced a sensation he hadn’t felt before.

His heart lodged in his throat.

Her long dress was silver—like it was made of crushed platinum. It was covered in tiny sequins that glimmered. She wore silver sandals on her feet, with strings that wrapped up her slim calves. Her red hair was loose, looking like a rain of fire. She’d done something to her face—her eyes were dark, her cheekbones highlighted, her lips a bold red.

He stared at her.

“Well?” She held out her arms and spun.

The minx was tormenting him. The dress draped her body, and had tiny strings that wrapped around her neck, showcasing her gorgeous breasts. Her beautiful back was bare and there was no way she was wearing a bra. The long, slinky skirt had a high split.

“You look stunning.”

Faint color appeared in her cheeks. “Thanks.”

“What are you wearing under it?” he asked.

She shot him a saucy look. “My perfume.”

He growled. “No panties?”

She winked at him, clearly not understanding that she was baiting a hungry tiger.

She smoothed her hair. “I think—”

Killian crossed the room in two long strides. He grabbed her, spun her, and pressed her against the wall.

She gasped. “Hawke.”

Unsurprisingly, she smelled like sex and sin. Her scent tonight was warm and spicy.

“Do you truly know how beautiful you are?” He bunched the skirt of her dress in his hand.

“People tell me I’m beautiful all the time. It doesn’t mean anything. I didn’t do anything special to be born like this.”

He moved the fabric up and slid his hand underneath. He found the smooth skin of her thigh, heard her breath hitch. “I’m not just talking about what you look like, Devyn.” He found the knife strapped to her thigh. God. That made him hard.

“It’s ceramic,” she said. “If the guards have metal detectors, they won’t pick it up.”

His hand moved higher. She wasn’t lying. She wasn’t wearing any panties.

He stroked her folds, flicked his thumb over her clit—gratified when she jolted—then pulled his hand free.

He spun her to face him. He liked seeing her cheeks flushed. Knew that the hardened spy Hellfire didn’t blush for anyone but him.

“I have something for you.” He grabbed the box that was resting on the table.

She arched a brow.

He opened it to show the slim chain, and the deep-red jewel-and-platinum pendant hanging from it.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured.

“It’s called the Devil’s Heart. It’s a rare ruby. Reyes has a thing for jewelry, and he’ll recognize it.”

Her eyes flickered. “Oh. Right. For the mission. Of course.”

He caught her chin. “And I knew it would look beautiful on you.” He didn’t tell her that he’d bought it for her a long time ago.

She swallowed, just staring at him.

Killian lifted the necklace and turned her, sliding it around her neck. The pendant nestled in her cleavage.

“Stay safe tonight, Red.”

She met his gaze. “I will, because I know I can trust my partner.”

Partner. Oh yes, Killian liked that. “Then let’s get this mission underway.”

He led her out to the Ferrari Portofino M and opened the door for her.

“Oh, and Steel?” She paused half in the convertible.

He cocked his head.

“You stay safe too, or I won’t be happy.” There was a hard glint in her eye, then she slid into the sports car.

With a shake of his head, Killian closed the door. When had anyone worried about him going on a mission?

Sure, his Sentinel Security team, especially Hex and Hadley, liked to fuss. And Saskia worried.

But they all knew he could handle himself.

Devyn knew that, too, but she’d just looked at him like there’d be hell to pay if he got hurt.

He smiled, then shook his head.

Time to focus on the mission. On Reyes.

It was a short drive to Elysium. Other expensive cars were heading up to the huge house.

It was all white and sprawling. The main part of the house was lit up, making it look like a palace. The immaculate grounds were dotted with lights, and a large, lagoon-style fountain sat in front of the house.

It didn’t have the laid-back, romantic charm of their villa. The house was a bold and ostentatious display of wealth.

They pulled up and he handed the keys to the young Bahamian valet.

The man smiled widely. “Nice car, sir.” Then the man’s gaze flicked to Devyn. “Very nice.”

Killian took her arm, and they walked into the house with the other guests.

As they neared the security guards checking invites, he hoped to hell their invite worked.

“Evening,” one suit-clad guard murmured.

“Evening.” Killian held out the invite.

The man scanned it and nodded. “Enjoy the party.” He also shot an appreciative look at Devyn’s legs.

Killian pulled her close and they walked into the house.

“So many people,” she murmured.

Yes, there were lots of people just arriving, and many already inside. The champagne and cocktails were flowing freely, music was playing. The living room had huge, double-story ceilings, and opened onto a large, stone terrace.

He kept Devyn close as they headed that way. After a scan of the party, he catalogued several wealthy drug distributors, some businessmen with less-than-legal ties, a few Mafia kingpins and even a few celebrities.

He and Devyn stepped outside, the air filled with the scent of the ocean. They paused at the carved railing. The beach below was a stunning curve of sand, with gently crashing waves. Tiki torches were everywhere—in the lush gardens, along the path down to the beach, in rows on the sand. They illuminated all the guests enjoying Reyes’ hospitality.

“And they say crime doesn’t pay.” Devyn leaned back against the railing.

The sea breeze tugged playfully at her hair and her dress. The dress molded against her lean body, giving him a lovely view.

“Did you see Reyes anywhere?” she asked.

Killian scanned the party again. He noted some stony, silent security guards at the edge of the room. Noted all their positions. “No.”

“Maybe he’s down at the beach?”

Killian saw a man eyeing Devyn hungrily. He shot the man a look, then ran a hand down her back, pausing to toy with her shoulder blade.

She looked up at him, then spotted her admirer. Her smile widened and she leaned into Killian.

“Why don’t you just brand me the property of Killian Hawke?”

“Good idea.” He cupped her ass.

She snorted, then kissed the underside of his jaw.

Damn, she was getting so far under his skin he’d never get her out.

Deep, masculine laughter boomed over the party.

Killian lifted his head. A man in white pants and a blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up appeared, greeting several guests. He had dark, curly hair threaded with gray, dark eyes, and a gray goatee.

“We just found Reyes,” Killian murmured.

CHAPTER TEN

Devyn pulled her attention off Killian with great difficulty.

The man was wrecking her concentration.

She focused on Reyes. He was laughing with some of his guests. Hmm, he was attractive, in a silver fox kind of way. His teeth were white against tanned, brown skin, and he had a trim, lean body.

“Ready to put our plan into action?” she asked, fingering the pendant.

“Yes. Get him alone, then we’ll take him into an empty room, and question him.” Killian leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. Desire nipped at her belly. “Don’t let him touch what’s mine.”

At the possessive tone, her heart did a weird throb. “I don’t belong to you.”

Killian just raised a dark brow.

With a huff, she shoved past him. Arrogant alpha male.

You want to be his. You love it.

God, her inner bitch was mean tonight.

Devyn forced herself to focus, to fall into her character. She strolled across the room, putting some swing in her hips. She walked past Reyes, not looking at him.

But she saw his head lift out of the corner of her eye. Felt him watching her.

And she felt Killian’s hot stare boring between her shoulder blades. She stopped a server with a smile, and took a fruity-looking cocktail with an umbrella in it off the tray.

“Thank you.” She sipped. Mmm, delicious. She scanned the party.

There was no sign of Killian now. But he was here, somewhere, staying out of sight.

A tiger hiding in the long grass.

“Good evening,” a faintly accented voice said.

Devyn turned to face Reyes.

“Hello,” she replied.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Juan Reyes.” His smile was wide and friendly.

“Delia.”

“Are you enjoying my party, Delia?”

Her eyes widened and she kept her tone light and flirty. “Your party? I didn’t realize. Oh, it’s wonderful. You have a truly beautiful home, Mr. Reyes.”

“Call me Juan, and I’ll call you Delia. Who are you here with?”

“My date.” She let her mouth droop. “Um, he’s…he’s had a little too much to drink. I needed to get away from him.”

Reyes’ eyes darkened. “Did he hurt you?”

A drug dealer with some morals. “No. But I don’t think I’ll be looking for a third date.”

Reyes’ gaze dropped to her pendant. “Did he give you that?”

“Yes. It’s so pretty.” She sighed, stroking the gem. “I guess I’m going to have to give it back to him. “

“I wouldn’t. It’s a beautiful ruby and it suits you. And if he’s stupid enough to let a woman like you slip through his fingers, he deserves to lose both you and the jewel.”

Devyn flushed for him. “You don’t know me. I could be a total bitch, or boring, or a liar.”

He offered her his arm. “Then let’s get to know each other. Shall we take a walk, Delia?”

“That sounds great.” She set her drink on the table, then slid her arm through his. “I’d love to see more of your beautiful home.”

He smiled. “It will be my pleasure.”

Oh, no, it is definitely all my pleasure.

They wandered for a little. They stopped to take in the view of the ocean, and chatted about various parts of his home. He was well spoken and intelligent. Shame he was a criminal.

Devyn had seen the suffering drugs caused. There was no way she could condone what this man did.

“I have a display of jewelry here if you’d like to see it,” he said.

She smiled at him. “I hope that’s not a line.”

He patted her arm. “I promise, I’m a gentleman.”

Right. A gentleman who ran drugs and was in league with an assassin.

“Lead the way,” she said.

He led her down the long hallway. Everything in the house was white or cream, with touches of dark wood. The floor was a milky marble.

The sound of the party dimmed. He stopped at a door, and opened the lock with a code on the pin pad.

Shit, she hoped Killian could get through that.

The door whispered open, and inside, the room was illuminated by gentle light.

There were several glass display cases.

“Oh, wow.” She walked to the closest one. There were several sets of earrings resting on black velvet, a sparkling, diamond bracelet, and a strand of black pearls. They were really stunning. Another case held delicate, glittering tiaras.

“I enjoy indulging my passion for unique, beautiful jewelry,” he said.

She turned. “I suppose that’s easy to do when you rake in millions of dollars a year from selling cocaine.” Her breathy, flirty tone was gone, replaced with a cool, matter-of-fact voice.

Reyes stilled, eyeing her carefully. “Who are you?”

“A woman looking for answers.”

He lunged at her.

Devyn punched him in the gut, and followed through with the knee. He bent over, groaning.

She whipped her knife out of the sheath on her thigh and pressed it to his throat. He was still hunched over, sucking in air.

“Now we can have a nice little chat.”

“I’ll kill you,” he said darkly. “You won’t leave here alive.”

“Now, now, Reyes.” Killian appeared from the shadows. “There will be no killing.”

Reyes jerked. “Steel.”

“I’d say it’s nice to see you, but that would be a lie. We have some questions for you.” Killian grabbed a chair from near the wall and dragged it over. “Sit.”

Reyes swallowed, considering his options.

“I wouldn’t risk it,” Killian said silkily. “I assume you’ve heard of Hellfire?”

Reyes flinched, shot Devyn a look, then dropped into the chair. “I figured you’d visit eventually. I told him that he was insane to target you.”

“Who?” Killian demanded. “We know an assassin is out to kill us. I want to know who the fuck it is.”

Reyes sighed. “He’s just started out. I owed him a few favors and he wanted money to pay for mercenaries.”

“And Caddock owed you a favor,” Devyn guessed. “So, you passed it on.”

“Yes. I’d hoped having Caddock pay would leave me out of things.” Reyes’ gaze flicked between the two of them. “Clearly that didn’t work.”

“Name.” Killian demanded. “I’m going to put our would-be assassin out of business.”

“Not would-be,” Reyes said. “He’s already killed.”

Devyn’s belly contracted. “What?”

“The man is driven and ruthless. Perhaps a little insane. He’s planning to make a name for himself as an exclusive contract killer, who can take down the best. Has a list of the top ten intelligence agents around the world, and he’s planning to kill all of you.”

A cold sensation swept through Devyn, followed by a wave of fury. “Who else is on the list?” Her tone was like a whip.

Reyes shifted on the chair. “I don’t know the entire list, but I know he’s already attacked an agent from Mossad, another from MI6, and one from the CIA—”

“Who?” she snapped. “Who from the CIA?”

“Shade. I never even knew the man was real. I thought he was just made up to scare people. From what I heard, the attack didn’t go as planned. They didn’t find a body, and couldn’t confirm the kill.”

Killian’s face was set like stone, but contained energy pumped off him.

“Who is the assassin?” he said quietly.

Reyes ran a hand through his hair. “Elijah Duffy.”

“No,” Devyn said. “Elijah Duffy is a retired CIA agent. A patriot. He’s dedicated to his country.”

“He had a heart attack at fifty from stress,” Reyes said “The CIA refused to pay him out for his years of service, and left him with huge medical bills. He decided to use his skills to make himself wealthy. He’s a dangerous man, Hellfire. Do not underestimate him.”

THE NEXT MORNING, Killian sat on his jet as they headed back to New York. He was working to try and accept that one of their own was out to kill them.

A man Killian had always respected. Admired.

Devyn looked just as unhappy. She was curled up in the seat across from him, her arms wrapped around her knees, staring out the window. She had dark circles under her eyes. It’d been a sleepless night for both of them.

He knew she’d been in touch with her boss at the CIA. O’Reilly had given her carte-blanche to do whatever necessary to bring Duffy in.

He also knew she was worried about Shade.

Killian blew out a breath. He wasn’t counting the man out. He was tough.

The evening before, Killian had sent information to Hex and asked her to pull up everything they had on Elijah Duffy. To tear his life apart.

Elijah fucking Duffy.

Killian still couldn’t quite accept it. He knew Eli. He hadn’t had a lot to do with the older man over the last few years, but he’d been a hard worker, good at his job. He’d trained and mentored new agents. He’d supported the team that had brought down Bin Laden.

He was a patriot.

But now, he’d turned into a killer?

Killian’s laptop chimed and he leaned forward. “Hex, what have you got for me?”

His tech guru’s face was set in grim lines. “Not good news, boss man. I confirmed that an MI6 agent was killed in a car accident a week ago. The car caught fire on impact, but an autopsy showed he had a bullet wound to the skull.”

“Dammit,” Devyn murmured.

“Mossad also lost their best agent,” Hex continued.

Killian sucked in a breath. “Aahron Levitt?”

“Yes. Sorry, Kill, I know he was a friend of yours.”

Throat tight, Killian looked at the floor. Levitt had been a hell of an agent and a good man. Devyn moved into the seat beside him and squeezed his thigh.

He sent her a look, and pressed his hand over hers.

“What happened?” he asked Hex.

“Apparently, he stumbled out of a bar and fell off a balcony.”

Fuck. There was no way Aahron Levitt would have fallen off a fucking balcony. He would’ve hated dying that way. He’d been a talented, intelligent man, and now he was gone.

“Autopsy showed he was poisoned,” Hex said quietly.

“That’s it?” Devyn asked, voice tense.

Hex fidgeted. “Yes, I couldn’t find anything on Shade. Have you heard from him?”

Devyn shook her head.

Hex bit her bottom lip, then she set her shoulders back. “I’ll find him. He’s too annoying to be dead.”

“And Eli Duffy?” Killian asked.

Hex blew out a breath, ruffling her pink and black hair. “Eli Duffy went missing four months ago. He just walked away. His house was still filled with his things. There’s been no CCTV footage of him anywhere.”

“He’s trying to avoid it,” Devyn said. “He hadn’t been in field ops for the last decade, but he trained new recruits at Langley. When he was in his prime, he was good.”

“Reyes was right,” Hex said. “Duffy had huge medical bills, and the CIA denied him a payout after his heart attack. It was his sister who reported him missing and I spoke to her. She said he’d been bitter, withdrawn. Angry. He felt betrayed by the country he dedicated so much to.”

“And he’s left no trail?” Devyn asked. “Credit cards? Bank account? Passport?”

Hex shook her head, looking frustrated.

“He might’ve been setting this up for a while,” Killian murmured. “He’d have an alias, and funds stashed somewhere.”

“His sister said that recently he was more focused. He said he had a good work opportunity, and he was sure that it would pay off.”

“Right.” Devyn snorted. “Becoming an assassin.”

“We need to find him, Hex,” Killian ordered.

“I’m on it, boss man. I’m doing everything I can to track him down.”

If anyone could find the man, it would be Hex.

“Ping Remi to help,” Killian said. “And Ace at Norcross Security.” Their allies could help.

Hex nodded. “We don’t want you assassinated, so I’ll take any help I can get.”

Remi was a former hacker who’d worked for Sentinel Security. Since she’d married tech billionaire Maverick Rivera, she’d retired. And Ace Oliveira was a former NSA Red Team hacker that Vander Norcross had recruited. His skills were on par with Hex’s and the pair worked well together.

“You two be careful,” Hex said. “See you when you get back here.”

“Thanks, Hex.” Killian touched the keyboard.

He saw Devyn tapping on her phone.

“I’ve messaged Cain again,” she said.

“Anything?”

“No.” Lines bracketed her mouth. “It’s not like him to take this long to answer when I say it’s urgent.”

Killian curled a hand around the back of her neck. “Cain is very hard to kill.”

A faint flicker of amusement on her face. “I know.” But she frowned. “Killian, we need to try and guess who else might be on that list. They need to be warned.”

He nodded. “Okay, who else?”

For a while, they debated the names of some of the best intelligence operatives across the globe. They made a list, then both broke off their discussion to message and email the ones they knew, or send messages to intermediaries.

Devyn went to the galley and got a Diet Coke, then paced the aisle of the jet.

“How could Duffy do this? Kill people he knows. People he trained. People trying to help their countries.”

“It sounds like his heart attack, and his treatment by the CIA, broke him.”

Devyn sighed. “It’s not an easy job sometimes.”

“It’s not.”

“Is that why you left?” she asked.

He met her gaze. “Yes. For a while, I thrived on it. But each mission was leaving me a little more dented on the inside. Besides, my sister needed me.”

“And you’d do anything for your family.”

He grabbed Devyn’s hand. “I’d do anything for those I consider mine.”

He saw her swallow. “And who looks after you?”

He frowned. “What?”

She stepped closer, setting her Diet Coke down on the small table by the window. “Who looks after Killian Hawke when things get tough?”

“I do.”

“You deserve someone to watch your back, Killian. Or just someone to be there in the dark of night, when the nightmares are the worst.”

He tumbled her into his lap. “You want to be that person?”

Before she could respond, there was a loud clunk and the plane dipped. They were both tossed against the seat.

What the fuck?

There were more weird clunking noises.

“Is that…the engine?” Devyn said.

Killian reached over and touched the intercom. “Ric?”

“We have a problem with the engine, Killian. We still have power, but something is wrong. Buckle up. I’m going to find somewhere to land.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Devyn stood against the wall in the aircraft hangar at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport watching Killian and his pilot poke around in the jet’s engine.

She slid her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. Could Duffy have sabotaged Killian’s jet? Were they supposed to have crashed?

She wasn’t sure. Duffy was trying to make a name for himself as an assassin. He’d want to get up close and personal to kill them.

Finally, Killian headed over.

“Anything?” she asked.

He shook his head. “There’s some wear on the lines. Could be normal.”

“You don’t think so?”

“No. I don’t.” He took her arm. “Ric will stay with the jet and oversee the repairs. I messaged Hex, and she’s arranged commercial flights home for us.” He pulled out a baseball cap. “Here’s your disguise.”

The navy cap had Aerocom Aviation written on the front of it.

Her lips quirked and she pulled it on, tugging her ponytail out the back. “Is your disguise a fancy Armani suit?”

“It’s Brioni.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to change. I’ll be back.”

He disappeared back into the jet.

Devyn needed to distract herself from thinking about Killian taking his clothes off. He’d touched her, had his hands and mouth all over her, but she hadn’t gotten the chance to explore that hard body of his yet.

She pulled out her phone.

Still nothing from Shade.

Come on, Cain. The thought of losing the irreverent, tough spy left her chest feeling filled with rocks.

Footsteps made her look up.

A pure jolt of desire hit her. How could one man possess so much delicious hotness?

He had on well-worn jeans that fit him just right, and a navy-blue Henley that clung to his chest. The top two buttons were undone, showing a triangle of bronze skin at his neck. She wanted to put her mouth right there.

“Ready?” he asked.

She nodded.

He held out a SIG for her. “Conceal that.”

She checked the weapon, then slid it into the waistband of her jeans at the small of her back. “How do we get through airport security?”

She watched him conceal his own handgun.

“We don’t. I’ve arranged for a staff member to meet us and see us through the terminal. Ric will drop us at the SkyTrain, and we’ll take it over to the domestic terminal to get our flight.”

She nodded. Then they could get back to New York and start hunting down Eli Duffy.

Ric drove them in a white truck, also marked Aerocom Aviation, to the SkyTrain station at the Georgia International Convention Center.

She glanced up at the SkyTrain, running up high on an elevated track.

They followed the signs for the SkyTrain station, heading up in an elevator.

“You’ll stay at the Sentinel Security warehouse in New York,” Killian said.

They joined the people waiting on the platform for the next train.

“Was that a question?” she asked.

“Not really.”

“You’re clearly too used to being king of your little world, Hawke.”

He turned toward her. “Devyn—”

There was something in his voice. A plea.

She met his dark gaze and sighed. “I’ll stay.”

She saw pleasure and relief bleed into his eyes.

“So I can keep you safe,” she said.

His lips turned up. “Deal.”

The automated train arrived, and they waited for the people to disembark, then they shuffled aboard with the other passengers.

They settled into a spot by the window, and Devyn saw a nearby woman eyeing Killian with admiration.

As the train started to move, Devyn caught the woman’s gaze and sent her a hard look. The woman quickly looked away.

A warm hand pressed to her lower back, just above her gun. He toyed with the hem of her T-shirt.

“I like you staking a claim,” he murmured.

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

The train doors closed.

A baby started crying at the other end of the train car, and she looked that way. A dad was jiggling the distraught little girl.

Then Devyn’s gaze fell on a man staring right at her. He quickly looked away.

She frowned. She felt a faint tingle, her instincts whispering at her. The guy wasn’t tall, but he was wide. Had a shaved head and he looked fit.

She half turned. “Guy the end of the train car. About five foot nine, black shirt, shaved head.” She smiled like she was telling a happy story. “He’s watching us.”

Killian muttered a low curse. “Maybe that was what the sabotage of the jet was supposed to do. Land us right here in the middle of a trap.” He paused. “He’s murmuring something.”

Devyn hissed. “Earpiece.”

Fuck. She looked around. The SkyTrain wasn’t packed, but it was full enough. There were kids on here.

Killian took her arm, and shuffled her closer to the end of the train car.

The man watched them, then he nodded.

He whipped out a large handgun.

Oh, fuck.

Devyn spun, dropped low, and then launched at the man.

The gun went off, bullets hitting the ceiling.

The screams in the enclosed space were deafening. Devyn tackled him, and they slammed into the floor. He bucked, but Killian appeared and kicked him in the head.

Then Killian helped her up. More shouts, and she turned to see another gunman approaching from the center of the carriage. He was pushing through the pandemonium.

Damn. How many were there?

“Come on.” Killian swiveled to the window at the end of the train car.

There was a small red sign for a fire extinguisher. He ripped open the door and grabbed the extinguisher. Then he whirled and rammed it against the window. Glass smashed. He hammered at it two more times.

“Go,” he barked.

She nodded. If they got out of the train, then hopefully no innocent people would get hurt.

She gripped the window and climbed out.

Wind tugged at her hair. Fucking Duffy had laid a trap for them. Disabled the jet, forced them to land here, and had attackers waiting.

These assholes would want them alive. So Duffy could have the honor of killing them.

She pulled herself up the side of the train. It wasn’t moving too fast, but damn, it was a long drop to the ground.

She gritted her teeth and hauled herself onto the roof of the train.

A second later, Killian pulled himself up behind her.

“Come on,” he shouted into the wind.

They stood, found their balance, and walked toward the front of the train. She could see the next station approaching in the distance.

Gunfire.

Bullets whizzed past. Shit.

“Down!” Killian yelled.

She dropped to her belly. He spun on one knee, drawing his SIG.

Two men had followed them up on top of the carriage. Killian fired on them.

Both attackers ducked.

Devyn pulled her gun and fired, too.

Killian’s next shot caught one man in the arm. He jerked, spun, then lost his balance and toppled off the train. The wind snatched away his scream.

Devyn fired again at the other man, and he dropped to the roof, his arms outspread.

The train slowed, then a second later, it pulled into the next station.

“Come on.” Killian grabbed her hand. As soon as the station doors opened, they leaped down, landing with a bend of their knees.

She heard panicked passengers inside the train. Her blood was pumping, her adrenaline high.

They both tucked their guns away, and Killian pulled her toward the crowd of people waiting in the station. She yanked off her hat, and tossed it in the nearest trash can.

“They were waiting for us,” she said.

“Yes.”

Intensity radiated off him. He pulled her down the corridor, past some restrooms and into a maintenance area.

“Killian—”

He shoved her against the wall.

Then his mouth was on hers.

She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. He boosted her up and she wrapped her legs around his hips.

They kissed wildly as she rocked against him.

When they pulled apart, they were both panting. He rested his forehead against hers.

“They’ll be waiting for us at our gate,” she said.

“They will.”

“So, what do we do now?”

“We do what they won’t expect. We drive to New York.”

THE DRONE of the wheels on the highway was almost hypnotic. It’d been a long time since he’d driven such a long distance.

Hex had arranged the rental car so that it couldn’t be traced to Killian.

He sat comfortably in the driver’s seat of the Cadillac CT5 while Devyn was sprawled in the passenger seat, sipping on another Diet Coke.

Her low laugh echoed through the vehicle.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“You driving a Cadillac.” She grinned. “Since it’s not a Ferrari, or an Aston Martin, or something else fast and expensive, it’s a wonder you don’t implode.”

“It’s a good, solid American car. And most importantly, it blends in.”

Killian planned to get them to New York without being attacked, or someone trying to kill them again.

“Just imagine we’re on a family vacation,” he said.

She snorted. “I’ve never been on a family vacation.”

Shit. He knew that. What he’d read of her childhood, she’d been lucky to make it to school every day. “You grew up in Alabama.”

Her head swiveled and she was silent for a moment. “Of course, you investigated me.”

“I own a security company. I investigate everyone.”

She had a strange look on her face, her body stiff.

He reached out, squeezed her knee. “High-level details on your past only. That’s it. I know there was no father, and you were raised by your mother.”

Devyn gave a harsh laugh. “I raised myself. My mother never did a thing.”

His hand flexed on the wheel.

She went quiet.

Killian decided to share first. “My father left us when I was young. Just walked out, leaving my mom with Saskia and me.”

Devyn stared out the window. “I don’t think my mother actually knew who my father was.” She looked back at Killian, a hollow look in her eyes. “She had a string of guys. She lived off them since she had an aversion to working. She was beautiful, early on, before the drinking and smoking withered it.” Her voice lowered. “I look like her, except her hair was brown. I must have gotten the red hair from whoever contributed to the rest of my DNA.”

“She was abusive?” Killian suddenly wanted to track the woman down.

“A few slaps here and there. Most of the time she ignored me, or yelled at me. She had a sharp tongue, especially when I hit my teens and her men started paying more attention to me.”

Now Killian’s teeth clicked together. A beautiful teenage girl, turning into a stunning woman. “Did any of them—?”

“No. I got good at evading and hiding.” She let out another harsh laugh. “Ma took to locking me in the closet when her friends would visit.”

“Jesus.”

“It wasn’t a pretty upbringing, Killian. No Ferraris, that’s for sure. We had a dirty trailer, shitty clothes, and I was lucky if there was food in the cupboard. A few ladies in town used to take pity on me, and give me bags of hand-me-downs. I was determined to escape that hellhole. To be more than that skinny, poor, worthless little redhead.”

He grabbed her hand. “Not worthless, even if she made you feel that way. You’re remarkable, Devyn. And I don’t just mean because you’re a talented operative. You survived. You got out, and made a better life for yourself helping your country, keeping others safe. And you did it all by yourself.”

She just stared at him.

“And I know about Fighting Chance.”

She jerked. “Damn, keeping any secrets from you is impossible.”

Fighting Chance was a D.C. charity helping girls from impoverished families get educated. They paid for books, tutoring, clothes, and anything the girls needed to get through school. Devyn was a huge, silent benefactor.

“I know you have other secrets, Devyn.” He lowered his voice. “I want you to share them with me. I want them all.”

Her chest hitched. “I don’t need saving or protecting, Killian. You live to ensure everyone in your life is shielded.” She glanced back at the road.

“So?” he said.

She leaned over. “So, I know you took over running your household after your father left, and your mother fell apart. I know you practically raised your sister.”

“I did what anyone would’ve done.”

“No, anyone else wouldn’t have done that.” She pressed a hand to his thigh. “You don’t have to protect me, Killian.”

He felt her touch everywhere. “I’m still going to.”

She smiled. “I know, but I’ll be busy protecting you back.”

His chest felt tight. Then she stroked his thigh and pulled her hand away.

And she left him as hard as a rock. Dammit.

Then her phone beeped. She pulled it out quickly and let out a noisy breath. Her face lit up. “It’s from Shade.”

Thank God. Killian had been starting to worry about the man.

“He’s asking if I’m safe.” She tapped on the screen. “He’s okay. Hell. He was attacked, but survived. He says he’s holed up somewhere. Told me to stick with you.” She rolled her eyes.

“Not because he doesn’t think you can’t keep yourself safe, because he knows that together, we can take Duffy down,” Killian said.

“Hell, yeah. Duffy is going to regret his career change.” She tapped in a reply, then sighed. “It didn’t go through. He’s already ditched the phone.”

“He’ll be fine.”

She nodded. “I just wish I knew where he was, and how badly he’s hurt.”

They drove on, crossing through into South Carolina.

“We’ll have to stop somewhere for the night,” Killian told her.

“Out of the way motel?”

“No, I know a place in Virginia. It’s safe.”

They stopped at a truck stop for food and supplies. Killian learned Devyn had a serious Diet Coke addiction.

“I’m worried they’ll stop making it,” she said. “Coke Zero Sugar is everywhere.” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s not the same.”

“If you want it, I’ll make sure you can always get it,” he said.

She laughed. “You going to give me everything I want, Hawke?”

He glanced at her. “Yes.”

Her laughter died. “You mean that, don’t you?”

He raised a brow. “I see that scares you.”

“I don’t scare easily.”

“Good.” Then he glanced in the rearview mirror.

“Problem?” she asked carefully.

“Maybe. There’s been a white Chevy SUV tailing us for a while. They haven’t raised any red flags, but they’re still there.”

And he wasn’t taking any chances.

He watched the car carefully. Devyn reached down to the floor and pulled out her SIG.

She sat there, alert and ready.

The perfect partner.

Killian slowed a little. A moment later, the white SUV overtook them. They were both tense as it pulled alongside them.

Then Devyn let out a low chuckle.

There were a man and woman in the front, and three kids in the backseat. One was small and in a car seat. The back of the vehicle was filled with suitcases, toys, and other paraphernalia he imagined you needed for kids.

One little boy had his face pressed to the window and waved at them.

Devyn waved back. She smiled at Killian. “I think we’re safe.”

He smiled back.

Safe for now. But Duffy wouldn’t give up easily.

You’re not getting Devyn.

Killian would make sure of it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The sun was setting when Killian pulled up in front of the cabin.

“This is yours?” Devyn studied the rustic wooden structure that was perched on the edge of the mountainside.

“Yes.” He shut off the car. “I bought it a few years ago. It’s owned by a company with no links to me, so we’re safe.”

The place was remote. They’d driven way off the highway. They were in Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

“I had plans to come down here for getaways,” Killian said.

“Never happened?” A part of her was viciously happy that he hadn’t brought a parade of women down here.

“No. There never seems to be the time.” He led the way down a wooden walkway and unlocked the front door. She heard the beep of a security system, and he disengaged it.

The air caught in her chest. “Killian, this is beautiful.”

It wasn’t huge. There was a small living room and kitchen area, with the bedroom off to the side, and an office nook right by the front door, with a small desk and navy-blue armchair.

She wandered in, noting the smooth wood walls and ceiling. River rock formed the fireplace, as well as the backsplash in the kitchen. A cozy, gray-blue couch sat on a warm, cream rug in front of the fireplace.

But she walked straight past those things to the large, glass doors. Outside, the curved, wooden deck was almost as big as the cabin. In one part, a large tree trunk grew up through a specially-cut hole, branches spreading overhead.

Solid, outdoor furniture was situated to take in the stunning view.

The tree-covered mountains and valleys were coated in gold and orange by the setting sun. It was majestic and took her breath away.

“You should get down here more often,” she said.

“Maybe I will.”

She turned her head. He was looking at her.

“I’m going to let Hex know we made it,” he said. “Then I’ll bring the groceries in.”

They’d stopped at a grocery store before they’d arrived to get some food. She nodded, opened the slider, and stepped onto the deck.

As she wandered to the railing, the scent of the trees hit her. She breathed deeply.

She spent a lot of time in cities, or in some rather inhospitable places. Feeling safe, cozy, and comfortable wasn’t a familiar sensation.

Nor was the tension of knowing she and the most fascinating man she knew were alone in an isolated, gorgeous cabin.

She gripped the wooden railing. She realized the deck and most of the cabin sat cantilevered off the side of the mountain. It made the whole thing feel like a treehouse.

The sliding door whispered open behind her.

“Hex is sending through everything she’s found on Duffy,” Killian said. “If we comb through it, we might find some clues on how to track him down.”

Devyn nodded. “I just can’t understand how he could do this.” She sighed.

“You knew him?”

“Not well. He seemed like a good guy. Knowledgeable, experienced. I’ll contact a few colleagues at the CIA who knew him better. Someone might know something that could help.” She wrinkled her nose. “I hate just waiting.”

His lips quirked, and he leaned against the railing. “Me too.”

“I hate waiting for him to make the move. I prefer to be on the offense.”

“Duffy will make a mistake, or we’ll find a clue to where he is. We’re not letting him get away with this, or the murder of good agents.”

His tone was filled with sharp promise.

She realized she wasn’t alone on this mission. She didn’t have to shoulder all the responsibility, or fight alone, or plan alone. Her throat tightened, and uncharacteristic emotion swelled in her chest.

God. She tried never to overanalyze, to never stop long enough for sticky emotions to catch her.

But anytime she was near this man, she felt them pressing on her.

Her belly twisted tightly. She knew he could have so much power over her.

That was something she’d avoided since she’d escaped her mother.

She felt like she was standing on the railing beside her, balanced over the long, dangerous drop.

Would she pull herself back? Would she slip over the edge? Or was she going to jump?

“Now,” Killian said. “We’re safe here. You go and shower, or soak in the tub.”

She laughed. “Do I look like a soak-in-the-tub kind of woman?”

He eyed her. “Maybe not. I’m going to cook you some dinner. All you’ve had today is Diet Coke, chips, and a chocolate bar.”

“A home-cooked meal sounds—” Her voice hitched, horrifying her. Her eyes prickled.

He was taking care of her. No one did that.

“Are you crying?” he asked cautiously.

“No.”

“You are.”

“I don’t cry, Hawke.” Her tight throat made her words thick. “It’s not what you think.”

“If you give me that garbage about happy tears, I’m not buying it. Saskia’s tried that on me before.”

Devyn laughed, but it was a little watery. “The great Steel thrown into a panic at a woman’s tears.”

His big hands cupped her face, and he ran his thumbs along her cheekbones. “I don’t want you upset.”

“I’m not. I’m…just not used to someone being there for me.”

His dark gaze never left her face. “Better get used to it. I’m not planning to stop.”

“God, Killian, I’m a bad bet. You know people in our business are.”

He made an angry sound.

“But me especially,” she continued. “My mother hated me. I was just a nuisance, an inconvenience for her.”

Now his face darkened.

Devyn gripped his wrists. “She told me every day that I was worthless.”

“She lied. No doubt she was jealous of the beautiful, smart child that she knew would be better than her.”

“Killian, no one cooked me dinner, or worried if I was tired.”

He growled. “Well, that’s changing.”

She gripped him harder, trying to make him understand. “You deserve some sweet, accomplished woman. One who’ll make a nice home for you—”

He growled again. “Devyn.”

“I’m trying to warn you,” she whispered again. “If you’re mine, I’ll never give you up. If you’re mine, I’ll fight anyone who tries to take you away.” And if you get tired of me and leave me, it would shatter me.

He stepped closer, their bodies pressed together.

“Warning acknowledged,” he said. “But Devyn, it’s a warning I don’t need.”

Her heart swelled.

Mine, her inner bitch whispered. This man is mine.

KILLIAN COULDN’T TAKE his eyes off Devyn.

Did she realize how badly she was hiding her desire?

He pulled her closer. “And you’re mine, Devyn Hayden. You’re safe with me.”

He nipped at her lips. “I want to learn every inch of you, memorize it. I want you to give me every one of your secrets.”

People lied all the time. He knew people fought hard to hide their scars and weaknesses. But this woman, he wanted her laid bare for him alone.

Her smile was sultry. “Make me.”

He lifted her off her feet, his mouth closing over hers.

She wrapped around him, kissing him back. Heat rushed through him, and he slid his hands under her ass.

She rubbed against him. “Put your hands on me, dammit.”

“They are.” He spun, took two steps, and pressed her against the wall of the cabin.

Her hands slid into his hair, her mouth attacking his. She tasted like spice and heat and woman.

His woman.

He squeezed her ass and she undulated against his painfully hard cock.

“Don’t stop, Killian. Don’t stop kissing me, touching me.”

“Never. You’re mine now.” He managed to get the sliding door open and carried her inside.

She unwrapped her legs and he set her down.

Devyn backed up, desire on her face. “I ache, Killian. I feel hot everywhere. I want you so much it hurts.” She pulled her T-shirt over her head.

A simple, black bra hugged her breasts. She was strong and toned. His cock throbbed.

He grabbed the back of his Henley and pulled it off.

Her gaze ran hungrily over his chest, lingering on his old scars. Next, she unsnapped her jeans and pushed them down.

He’d seen her mostly naked before, but the impact of her still made him growl. “Underwear gone. Now.”

It only took her seconds to unclip her bra and shimmy her panties down her legs.

Killian strode to her, then yanked her against him. Her naked breasts pressed to his chest, and she moaned, rubbing against him. Her nipples were hard points.

He claimed her mouth, thrusting his tongue inside.

He was sure that her taste was designed just for him. One he’d never get enough of.

“I want you naked,” she breathed. “I want you thrusting inside me.”

He cupped her ass and groaned. Then he lifted her off her feet.

“Killian…” She bit his earlobe, rubbing her hot core against his abs.

He carried her across the living room, then kicked open the door to the bedroom.

Like the main part of the cabin, the walls and ceiling were smooth wood. There was a large bed facing the deck and the view, covered in cream-colored linens.

He tossed her onto the bed. She pressed a palm to her belly, her legs shifting restlessly.

If he didn’t have her soon, he wouldn’t survive.

“You’re mine now.” His voice held a deep edge. He wanted to make sure she knew.

“No,” she murmured. “You’re mine.”

Killian wasted no time ditching the last of his clothes. He stood beside the bed, watching her fingers trace circles on her flat belly. Her gaze moved down over his naked body, settled on his hard cock and her lips parted.

“Oh.”

He cocked his head. He hadn’t expected a hint of nerves from oh-so-tough Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden.

He leaned over her, taking her all in. God, he loved that toned body, loved the flush of color in her cheeks, and the raw need in her eyes.

She shivered.

“Cold?” he asked.

“No.”

Killian knelt on the bed, and stroked his hands over her pale skin.

Fucking gorgeous. He played with one pink nipple until she gasped. He leaned over, and sucked the other one into his mouth.

She writhed. He let his hand drift down her body, dip into her navel and trace her hipbone.

She reached for him. “Killian, please.”

“What do you want, Devyn?”

“You. Just you. Inside me.”

He stroked between her legs. She was so wet, so turned on. He found her clit and strummed. He watched her face and every reaction to work out what she liked most, how much pressure was best.

She arched. “No, I want you to come inside me. Killian, please.”

He wanted that more than anything. Armed terrorists could break in and he wouldn’t stop.

He sank his fingers inside her and she cried out, her voice husky. Damn, she was tight.

“I’m not using a condom unless you want it,” he said. “I already know your last physical results, and that you have a contraceptive implant.” It was in his report on her. “I’m clean.” He’d never put her at risk.

She nodded, her eyes glazed with desire. “Nothing between us.”

He leaned over her, smoothing his hands up her thighs. Then he circled his throbbing, leaking cock with one hand. She watched as he pumped it, her lips parting.

“Wait,” she said breathlessly.

He froze.

“First, I have one of those secrets to share.” She licked her lips and looked nervous. Something he never saw from her.

“You can tell me anything.”

“Okay.” She blew out a breath, green gaze on his. “Well…I haven’t done this before.”

Killian froze. “What?”

“Don’t sound so shocked.” Her lips curled. “I’m not saying I’m some shy, retiring innocent, Killian.” She rose up and kissed him, trapped his bottom lip between her teeth. “I’ve kissed and touched plenty of—”

He growled. “I don’t want to hear about anyone else.” He cupped the side of her head. “You’ve never let anyone inside you?”

It shouldn’t matter. But it made him feel like a caveman. His entire body was tense, his heart pounding with need. To be the first man she let in. The only man to slide inside. Hell. He fought back the urge to come.

“No,” she murmured. “I’ve never trusted anyone enough.” She pushed her cheek into his palm. “I’ve never wanted anyone enough. I never wanted to be my mother.”

“Red.” He stroked her skin.

She kissed him again. “Don’t be gentle, Killian. I want you. I want you inside me. So don’t stop now.”

Desire was a spike in his gut. She was his. He’d be the first. The first man she trusted, the first to slide inside her, the first to give her pleasure.

And if he had any say, he’d be the last as well.

“I’m not stopping, Devyn.”

“Good.” She blew out a breath. “Because if you don’t fuck me right now, I’ll—”

Killian nudged her legs apart and cupped her pussy.

She moaned. “Killian.”

“I want you to say my name just like that when I slide my cock inside you.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ineed this.

I need this man.

Devyn’s heart was thumping hard, desire like hot liquid moving through her.

Killian knelt between her legs, looming over her. His hard muscled chest gleamed, the muscles of his stomach were tight, that long, thick cock rising up. Oh, boy.

He stroked her folds, sending shivers through her.

“Hurry up,” she breathed.

“Have to make sure you’re ready.”

God. “I’m ready! I promise.”

“Always so impatient.” He gripped her hips and dragged her closer. Her heart hit her ribs, her belly tight.

He lifted her legs to his shoulders, leaning over her. Then he reached between their bodies, and she felt the head of that thick cock rub against her. He teased her clit, making her belly coil.

Devyn moaned, rocking her hips.

Killian’s breathing was harsh. “We’ll go slow.”

“We will not.”

“Devyn.”

“If you don’t—”

He pushed inside her, not fast, but not slow either.

She gripped his sides. Oh. She felt the stretch, the burn, the inexorable way his thickness filled her.

It was everything she’d imagined and more. “Killian.”

“You all right, Red?” His voice was strained.

“Yes. More.” The sting started to ease. She wanted more of him. “I want all of you, Killian.”

He planted his hands on the bed, then eased his cock out of her, then thrust back in.

Oh. My. God.

Devyn cried out, tilting her hips, trying to take more of him.

His next thrust was harder, and every slide of his cock felt like a possession.

He pulled her legs down and around his hips, and she crossed her ankles behind his back. Every hard thrust sent electricity skating over her nerve endings. Pleasure filled her, hot and relentless.

“Yes. So good.” She turned her head and bit his arm, her breathing turning to pants.

Killian groaned, his control gone. He fucked her harder, their bodies slapping together.

Pressure was building. She never wanted this to end. Killian inside her. Joined. Connected.

His powerful, lean body caged hers, and he slipped his hand between them. When he found her clit, it was all over.

Devyn screamed his name. Wave after wave of intense pleasure washed through her. Her body shook, and she scraped her nails on his skin.

“Fuck, Devyn.” He let out a rugged groan, then thrust deep one last time.

His body tensed over hers and she felt his warmth fill her.

He dropped to the bed, pulling her against him. They stayed locked together, arms around each other.

“Okay?” he asked against her ear.

“So much better than okay.” She moved her hand over his slick skin. “Can we do it again soon?”

He made an amused sound, but didn’t let her go. “Later. You’ll be sore.”

“Well, if that cock of yours wasn’t quite so big.”

He pinched her ass.

Pfft. She’d broken bones, taken a beating, ruptured her spleen. What they’d just done hadn’t hurt her. She’d liked the burn.

“A soak in the bath will help,” he said.

She wrinkled her nose. “I told you, I don’t do baths.”

Killian rose, then scooped her up into his arms. “You do today.”

She felt a trickle of his release on her thigh and bit her lip. She liked it. She wrapped her arm around his neck and let him take care of her.

“Besides, I’ll join you in the bath,” he said.

That perked her up. “All right.”

After a long, lazy soak in the big tub by the window, they dried off and headed to the kitchen. Devyn’s stomach was rumbling.

As promised, Killian cooked for her. He pan-seared some salmon, and added green beans and rice.

For a woman who ate on the run most of the time, this was heaven. Her mouth watered.

And it didn’t hurt that the chef was only wearing loose-fitting, black sweatpants, and no shirt. He was even more tempting than the food.

He brought the plates to the table. Devyn had settled there, with her laptop open and papers spread. She was busy picking apart Eli Duffy’s life.

So far, she hadn’t found anything useful. She ate her meal, enjoying the fresh flavors. “Not bad, Hawke.”

A faint smile crossed his face. “I’m self-taught. Often, I had to cook for myself and Saskia as kids, when our mother wasn’t well.”

He hadn’t had an easy childhood either. It had helped him hone his protective instincts. Maybe too much.

“My mother never cooked,” Devyn said. “I don’t think she could, or wanted to.” She’d been too busy drinking with whoever the latest man was. “I lived off cheese sandwiches.”

An unhappy look appeared on Killian’s face.

She grabbed his hand. “It’s the past. I survived it. I don’t look back.”

“No one cooked for you?”

She heard the icy anger. There was the alpha protector. “My uncle made hotdogs when he’d visit. But he used to worry me more than my mother’s parade of men.”

Killian muttered a curse.

Devyn ran her fingers up his arm. “He didn’t hurt me. He was a perv. He always leered, talked to my breasts, and when Ma was out of the room, he’d offer me money if I gave him a blowjob.”

Killian went rigid.

She smoothed a hand over his chest. “Don’t worry, he never touched me. I made sure I was never alone with him for long.”

One of Killian’s hands slid into her hair. “Everything you tell me makes me admire you more.”

She blinked. She’d never expected her rough, poor upbringing would make anyone proud. Especially not a man like Killian.

Her chest was rock tight, throat thick.

Uh-oh. No.

She was falling for him.

Her inner bitch snorted. Like you know what love is.

“Finish your dinner.” He nudged her plate. “Then let’s go over the Duffy intel. “

“Then we’ll fuck again?” she asked.

He looked at her, heat in his eyes. “You’ll be sore.”

“I don’t care.”

“I do.”

She smiled, eating more of her salmon. She’d bring him around.

LYING AWAKE THE NEXT MORNING, with the first blush of dawn’s light coloring the mountains outside, Killian realized he’d kill for this.

To wake up curled around Devyn Hayden every morning. His hand was cupped possessively around one firm breast, his knee resting between her legs.

She’d done everything she could to coax him to make love to her again, but he’d known she was tender. He’d finally pinned her to the bed, and got his mouth between her thighs and on that sweet pussy. She’d moaned for him then.

But the woman was inexhaustible and relentless. She’d then spent hours exploring his body. She apparently really liked his chest and his thighs, showing her appreciation in great detail. She’d traced every scar with her lips, asking him about them. Then she’d very enthusiastically sucked his cock.

Even now, desire hardened his gut, remembering that mouth stretched around his cock, the fire in her eyes.

No, she wasn’t a shy, retiring virgin.

Not that she was a virgin anymore.

His fingers tightened on her, and she murmured in her sleep.

You’re mine now, Devyn Hayden. I’m not letting you slip away back into the shadows.

The emotions in him shocked him. He hadn’t realized he could feel like this.

Killian slipped from the bed and pulled on his sweatpants. He quietly crossed the room, slid open the door to the deck, and headed outside.

He sat on one of the large Adirondack chairs, the morning air cool on his bare skin, and watched the sun slowly paint the mountains and sky in various colors.

He needed to work to get his possessive need under control. He knew if he held Devyn too tightly, gave into the urge to lock her away, he’d lose her.

He gripped the arms of the chair.

Not happening.

He didn’t hear her, but he smelled her—warm female and the faint scent of lavender oil they’d used in their bath.

She ran a hand along his shoulders, then stepped in front of him. She was even more stunning than the view. She was wrapped in a soft, blue-gray blanket off the bed, her hair loose. The swelling around her eye was finally gone and the bruising not as noticeable. There was bruising on her neck from his mouth. He liked that he’d marked her.

Shit. He needed to get the Neanderthal inside him under control somehow.

She straddled him, and that’s when he realized she was naked under the blanket.

“Devyn.”

“I want you inside me again, Killian Hawke.” There was a determined look on her face. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”

He settled his hands on her hips, her skin warm under his palms. He kept the blanket pulled around her.

He saw the flash of a grin on her face. “Plus, I want to be on top.”

He slid a hand down between the sleek thighs. She made a needy, husky sound.

“I ache right there,” she whispered.

“Here?” He slid his fingers inside her, felt her thigh muscles tense. “You’ll feel me when I slide back in here.”

She rocked against his hand. “Good.”

Damn, this woman.

She reached down and pushed the waistband of his sweats out of the way. She took his cock in hand and stroked. “But first, I’d better make sure you’re ready.”

Killian gritted his teeth, felt every muscle strain.

She slithered off him, dropping to her knees. “Fuck.”

She gave a low throaty laugh and licked the head of his cock.

“Imagined you like this so many damn times,” he gritted out.

“Really?” She licked along his length.

“Yes. You on your knees in front of me. My cock in your mouth.”

She made a humming sound and sucked the tip of him into her mouth.

Killian gripped the armrests. She widened her mouth and took him deeper. The muscles in his gut tensed. He slid his hand into her hair and clenched.

With a moan, she took him to the back of her throat. Then she bobbed, the suction of her mouth sweet torture.

“Devyn,” he groaned, thrusting into her mouth.

She sucked deeply, then lifted her head. There was a hungry, needy look on her face. He hauled her back onto his lap.

She lifted her hips, her thighs spread wide. She sank down on his hard cock, inch by inch. She made a sexy sound.

“So deep. I don’t think you can go any deeper.” Her gaze met his. “So deep inside me.”

He wanted to be in her damn soul. “You’re so fucking tight. Now, move.”

He got another sexy grin, then she lifted her hips and drove down.

Fuck. Pleasure built fast. He slid his hands around to cup her ass.

She found a rhythm, moving fast and hard, riding him. Then she locked her lips to his, kissing him with hungry desperation.

The blanket fell away, but she didn’t seem to feel the cold.

“Touch your clit, Red,” he ordered.

Her lips parted against his. She lifted a hand to his mouth, and he sucked her fingers inside, then he felt her hand between them.

“Yes. Oh, God, yes.” She threw her head back.

Killian looked down, watching her stroke her clit, watching his cock spearing inside her. He couldn’t stop from lifting his hips to meet her thrusts. He felt her thighs spasm.

Then she let out a sharp cry, her pussy clamping hard on his cock.

He watched her come apart. Fuck. It was the best damn thing he’d ever seen.

Killian pushed to his feet. She let out a surprised whimper and clung to him.

He strode into the cabin, into the living room. The bedroom was too far away. He reached the couch, laid her down on it, and knelt between her legs. He drove back inside her.

“Killian!”

“You’ll come again.” Their bodies smacked together. “You’ll come on my cock again, Devyn.”

“Yes. Don’t stop.”

He hammered into her, then felt a second climax take her. He felt her nails rake across his shoulders.

Killian’s own release rushed closer.

“Come, Killian. God, you’re beautiful like this. Come inside me.”

“Christ,” he bit out.

“Wait, come on my stomach. Mark me.”

With a roar, he pulled out, then started spilling on her taut stomach. His body jerked, pleasure rocketing through him. With a groan, he painted her skin.

He caught the back of the couch and watched Devyn run her fingers through his come. She smiled.

“I like seeing you lose it,” she said.

“Only for you.” He leaned over and kissed her.

But he didn’t miss the flash of vulnerability on her face. Things shifted inside him. She was his to protect. His to love.

But he’d have to ease her into it. Show her how.

“Shower?” he murmured.

“Mmm.” She dragged her mouth back to his.

He knew that real life would intrude soon. An assassin was hunting them and that was something they couldn’t ignore. As much as he wished they could stay here, locked in his cabin forever, they couldn’t.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Devyn stirred. She realized she’d dozed off during the drive. New York City stared back at her through the car window.

They were almost back at Sentinel Security.

She rubbed her face. It was no surprise why she was tired. She hadn’t gotten much sleep last night.

Her lips twitched. Not that she had any regrets.

Being with Killian… It was the best moment of her life.

“Nice nap?”

She glanced at him in the driver’s seat. She’d offered to drive, but the man was a control freak and had turned her down.

“Yes,” she replied.

“We’re almost back at the warehouse. We’ll check in, and see if Hex has anything new for us. Then you can cook me dinner.”

Devyn snorted. “Don’t get your hopes up too high. I’m a takeout kind of gal.”

“What’s your favorite food?”

“Once I found this little street stall in Cairo that had the best falafel wrapped in pita bread—”

“With tahini sauce.”

“Yes.” She smiled at him. “I love falafel.”

“I’ve eaten my fair share.”

“I love to try the local food wherever I end up.”

“Me too.” He reached over and grabbed her hand, and pulled it to rest on his thigh. “I know a great little Egyptian restaurant, right here in the city. It’s not fancy, but the food is really good.”

She gripped his thigh. “Are you asking me out on a date, Hawke?”

“No. We’re way past dating, Red. After this is done, and Duffy is rotting at some CIA black site, you’re in my bed. I’m not letting you go.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She’d seen so many men come and go through her mother’s life. They’d all seemed keen at the beginning, then they got tired and left, leaving Marla Hayden a little more hardened.

Devyn understood now, how giving too much to someone gave them the power to hurt you.

“You know, they don’t let men go around dragging women back to the caves anymore.”

His teeth flashed. “Who’s going to stop me?”

She rolled her eyes, but it was true. Who the hell would stop Killian “Steel” Hawke? The fact of the matter was that even she didn’t want to stop him.

But a sense of unease washed over her.

Eli Duffy was trying to murder Killian.

And the man wouldn’t play fair. It was hard to fight someone you didn’t see coming.

She swallowed. It didn’t matter. Devyn wouldn’t let Duffy hurt Killian.

The Sentinel Security warehouse came into view. They drove down a ramp under the building and parked. She followed Killian to the elevator.

She felt a few twinges in places where she wasn’t used to feeling twinges. She smiled. She wanted more.

After a short elevator ride, they stepped into the office. “I’m looking forward to seeing your apartment.”

He arched a brow.

She pressed her hands to his chest, and nipped his lips. “And your bed.”

He gripped her hip. “You have to be tender.”

“I told you I don’t care.”

He squeezed her hip. “I do.”

She kissed him. “But don’t you want to fuck me in your bed, Killian?”

He growled and took her mouth. She leaned into him, moaning. Then she hooked a leg around his hip, and he gripped her thigh.

“Phew, you guys are hot.”

Hex’s voice made them pull back.

The hacker stood there, fanning her face and grinning. Her hair today was up in two round buns on either side of her head. “I see you two had a good time in the Bahamas.”

“Hello, Hex.” Killian was cool as a cucumber.

“Boss man.”

“Anything new while we were on the road?” he asked.

The woman waved them through to the command center. “I put a new program into play. We had a decent facial recognition system, but I’ve been tweaking it behind-the-scenes. Remi helped me.”

“Remi?” Devyn asked.

“She used to work for Sentinel Security,” Hex said. “Top-notch hacker. She left when she married Maverick Rivera.”

“The tech billionaire?” Devyn said.

“Yes, she’s busy off being crazy in love. Can’t blame her. The man is gorgeous. In a tall, dark, and grumpy kind of way.”

“Hex,” Killian said.

“Right, I digress. New program. It doesn’t just check CCTV and existing law enforcement databases. We’ll run through all social media. It’ll analyze the photos. If Duffy’s caught in the background of a selfie, we’ll nab him.” Hex fiddled with her hair. “And I might’ve tapped a few CCTV systems I don’t technically have permission for.”

Killian’s gaze narrowed.

Hex spread her arms wide. “We don’t want you dead, Kill. We need to find this guy.”

“I’m not planning on dying. All right, you get a hit, you tell me.”

Hex nodded.

“Have you heard from Shade?” Devyn asked.

Hex’s face soured. “A very brief message.” She didn’t do a good job of hiding the hint of relief in her bi-colored eyes. “At least he’s alive.”

“His message to me was short, too,” Devyn said. “It’s not like him.”

Hex stiffened. “You think something’s wrong?”

“Maybe. Can you find him?”

Now a slow smile bloomed on Hex’s face. “Yes, I can find him.”

Devyn nodded. “Good.”

“We’ll be in my apartment,” Killian said. “Let me know as soon as Duffy surfaces.”

If Duffy surfaced. The man was career CIA. He knew all the tricks of the trade.

He wouldn’t make this easy.

Damn him for betraying them and all he’d stood for.

Killian took her hand.

“We’ll find him,” he murmured, not a bit of doubt on his handsome face.

She nodded. “We will.”

KILLIAN HAD Devyn on her stomach, her cheek pressed to his sheet, and her swollen lips parted.

He thrust into her from behind, pounding her into his bed as he listened to every one of her breathy cries.

She was right, he liked fucking her in his bed.

His Hellfire finally in his bed.

He gripped the back of her neck, keeping his thrusts steady. She pushed into his hand.

Devyn never took the easy path, and never would, but Killian vowed he’d make her life a little easier, a little sweeter.

He’d do his best to keep her safe, spoil her, love her.

He bent over her. “All my life, I’ve worked hard, taking care of others, shielding my sister, fighting for my country.”

“Killian,” she breathed.

“I always thought I’d get something in return. Something special. That I’d earn a reward as payback for my sacrifice.”

She looked back at him, her lips parted and her eyes wide.

“I’d given up believing in that a long time ago.” He thrust deep, filling her. He watched her eyelashes flutter. “Now I believe,” he murmured. “You’re it, Red. My something special.”

“God, Killian.” Her face flooded with emotion. “I never believed I deserved anything special.”

Damn her fucking mother. His hand tightened on Devyn’s neck.

“I’m falling for you,” she whispered.

“Which freaks you out.”

She laughed. “Yes, but I’m not an idiot. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me, Killian. I’m not going to fuck this up. Or at least, I’ll try not to.”

He pulled out of her tight body and rolled her over. He slid back inside and watched every flicker of emotion on her face. He took her mouth. The kiss was deep, hot, and she poured everything into it.

“I’ll help you,” he said. “We won’t fuck this up.”

She gripped his shoulders. “I’m not usually a good team player.”

“That’s okay, Red, you only have to play with me.” He bit her lip. “Just follow my orders.”

She laughed. “You wish.”

God, he loved her laugh. Loved her.

She must’ve read it in his face, because her eyes widened. “Do not use the L word, Hawke. I’m still adjusting to all of this. You need to ease me into it.”

Now he laughed. He wasn’t sure he’d ever laughed while he’d been inside a woman before.

He knew there’d be so many firsts with Devyn.

“Now—” she lifted her hips “—will you please finish fucking me?”

“As you wish.”

He picked up the pace. Soon her cries echoed in his ears as he poured himself inside her.

He pinned her to the bed, too wrecked to move.

Then she pushed at his shoulder. “I’m hungry.”

He grunted. He was learning that Devyn was always hungry. “You ate a huge burger for dinner.” They’d made them together.

“That was hours ago. I have a fast metabolism.”

“Fine, I’ll get you food.”

She smacked a kiss to his shoulder. “My hero.”

“Then we’ll go over the Duffy intel.”

She sat up, her red hair a tangled mess. “You’re on. That asshole’s days are numbered.”

After pulling on sweatpants, Killian found some pâté and crackers. When he returned to the bedroom, he found Devyn in one of his white T-shirts, sitting cross-legged on the bed, reading on a tablet.

God, she looked sexy.

“Anything?” He set the plate down on the bed and sat down beside her.

“No.” She leaned back on the pillows. “Duffy isn’t stupid. He was a good agent, Killian.”

“I don’t care.” He put some pâté on a cracker and handed it to her. “I will stop him.”

“We’ll stop him. Remember, we’re a team now.” She eyed the cracker. “Pâté? Do I look like a pâté kind of girl? I grew up in a trailer.”

“You’ll like it.”

She took the serving and bit into it, chewed, then made a sound of appreciation. He liked hearing her make those kinds of sounds.

Killian leaned back on the pillows, and picked up his own tablet.

They worked side-by-side. He discovered that Devyn made little noises as she read things over. It was cute as hell. He ran a hand down her hair. She shot him an absent smile.

He looked again at Duffy’s last movements.

He’d been in Israel when Aahron was killed. There was no doubt he was responsible. Sorrow moved through Killian.

Devyn ran her foot along his calf. She was chewing on the end of a pen. She liked touching him. Half the time, he didn’t think she realized she was doing it.

He hid his smile.

Then her tablet pinged.

“A message from Hex,” she said. “Damn, she’s good. She tracked down Cain. That man is near impossible to find when he doesn’t want to be found.” She swiped the screen.

“Where is he?” Killian asked.

She tilted the tablet and he saw Hex’s face pop up on the screen. “It wasn’t easy, but I tracked him to a cabin in the desert in New Mexico.”

“He hates the desert,” Devyn said.

“He’s laying low.” Hex’s smile was smug. “He was rather surprised when I hacked his laptop and video called him.” Worry filled her face. “He’s hurt, Devyn. Really beaten up.”

“Shit,” Devyn said. “How bad?”

“He pulled the alpha male card, and refused to say, but I found the local doctor who patched him up. He has a few broken ribs, a minor concussion, lacerations, and bruising. Duffy knocked his car off the road.”

“That fucker is going down,” Devyn mumbled.

Killian leaned in. “Does Shade need assistance?”

“I’ve asked the doctor to go back again tomorrow. And I sent a delivery of food.”

“He’ll heal.” Devyn nodded her head. “He’s had worse injuries than that, and he’s a tough bastard.”

Killian saw the stricken look on Hex’s face before she hid it. “Worse than this?” Hex shook her head. “Sounds like the man has a rock for a brain, so he must be hard to hurt.”

Devyn smiled. “Thanks for finding him, Hex.”

An alarm beeped, and Hex swiveled. “Wait! Wait. I got a hit on Duffy.”

Killian sat up. “Where?”

“A social media image. In LA. He was in caught the background of a shot at LAX.”

“LA?” Killian frowned. “There’s no one we guessed on his kill list living in California.”

Devyn scowled. “What the hell is he up to?”

“I don’t think LA is his final destination.” Hex was tapping madly. “Oh, fuck.” She looked back at them. “Killian, Duffy got on a flight under an assumed name.”

“To where?” he demanded.

“San Francisco,” Hex replied.

Killian’s heart stopped. “Saskia.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Devyn sat beside Killian on the couch in his living area as he video called San Francisco.

She felt the tension pumping off him. He was terrified for his sister.

He’d tried to call Saskia several times, but she hadn’t answered.

Devyn hoped she was okay. A part of her was envious that she didn’t have a brother like Killian growing up—a loving, protective one.

Not that she felt brotherly toward Killian, at all. No, other emotions clogged inside her. Ones she was too cowardly to name.

She scanned his apartment. She loved it. The arched windows, the brick walls, the sleek simple furnishings. It encapsulated his personality, but it was also his private space, with little personal touches. She glanced at the book on the coffee table, the framed bourbon posters on the wall, a picture of him and Saskia resting on a side table.

She spied several collectibles resting on the bookshelves. More books, a small wooden carving, a set of brass binoculars. And then her gaze fell on an earring with a sparkling green stone.

Her belly turned over. It was green onyx. She knew that, because it was her earring. She’d lost it months ago.

She turned to look at him.

The call connected.

The man whose image appeared on the screen made her pause. She’d never met him in person, but she knew who he was.

Vander Norcross.

He was dark-haired, with a handsome face and dark gaze, and he radiated a dangerous intensity.

“Killian.” His voice was deep.

“Vander. I need you to go to Saskia and Morgan’s place. Secure her. She’s in danger. I’ve tried to call her, but she isn’t answering.”

“She’s safe. It’s date night. She’s out with Cam, and his brothers decided to tag along, too. They aren’t alone.” Vander’s rugged face sharpened. “What’s going on? Is it this assassin that’s after you?”

Killian nodded. “It’s a rogue CIA agent. He decided to turn assassin, and he’s targeting known intelligence operatives to make a name for himself.”

Vander cursed. “Fucking hell.”

“He’s already taken out an MI6 and a Mossad agent.”

Vander cursed. “Name?”

“Elijah Duffy. I’ll send you what we have on him. We spotted him in LA, and he was heading to San Francisco. I think he’s going to target Saskia—”

“To lure you out,” Vander finished.

A muscle ticked in Killian’s jaw. He was so tense. Devyn pressed a hand to his back, and heard him draw in a deep breath.

“Protect her until I get there, Vander.”

“Don’t worry,” Vander said. “We’ve got this, Killian. And there’s no way Camden Morgan will let anything happen to his woman.”

Killian did a pretty good job of hiding his wince.

Devyn hid her smile. She guessed that overprotective big brothers didn’t like knowing that their little sister was in some man’s bed.

But she also saw relief.

Killian trusted Norcross and Morgan to protect his sister.

“I’ll be on the jet as soon as I can. I’m taking Duffy down.”

Vander nodded. “Whatever help you need, you have it.”

“Thanks, Vander. See you soon.”

The screen blinked off.

“So, let’s pack,” she said.

“Duffy is not touching my sister.” Killian gripped Devyn’s chin. “And he’s not touching you.”

She stared him straight in the eye. “And he’s not touching you, either.” She leaned in to kiss him, pouring everything into it that she was too afraid to say out loud.

“Pack,” he said. “I’ll call Bram to come with us. He’s the only one without an active case right now.”

Devyn nodded.

They didn’t waste time. Before too long, Killian was driving them to Teterboro Airport in a Sentinel Security SUV. She sat in the back seat, a silent Bram in the passenger seat.

Ric met them at the jet. Apparently, the pilot wasn’t leaving anything to chance, and hadn’t left the jet alone since the tampering in the Bahamas.

Devyn got out and slung her bag over her shoulder. “Let’s go hunting.”

Killian met her gaze and nodded.

SHE DOZED ON THE JET, but she was aware that Killian didn’t. He went over the information on Duffy again and again.

When they landed in San Francisco, she felt the growing intensity radiating off him. Killian was going to end this, one way or another.

And Devyn would have his back the entire time.

When they exited the jet, Vander Norcross was waiting for them. The man wore a dark-blue suit, and was leaning against a black BMW X6. He had sunglasses on his face, guarding against the morning sunlight.

“Vander.” Killian shook hands with the man. “This is Bram O’Donovan, one of mine, and Devyn Hayden. CIA.”

“Hellfire,” Norcross said.

She gave him a nod.

Norcross pushed his glasses up on top of his head. There was a dark look in his deep-blue eyes.

Oh, fuck. She unconsciously shifted closer to Killian.

Killian stiffened. “Duffy attacked.”

“Saskia is fine,” Vander said.

“Fuck,” Killian bit out. His entire body was vibrating with contained fury. “Tell me.”

“The fucker attacked as Cam and Saskia left the restaurant. Four mercenaries. Cam fought back.” Vander’s lips quirked at the edges. “And Duffy didn’t know about Cam’s military background, or that he and Saskia were eating out with his brothers.”

Killian had told Devyn all three brothers were former military. “So, the three Morgan brothers took the mercs out?”

Now, Vander smiled fully. “No. Ryder Morgan’s woman did. Siv works for me. She’s former Norwegian Special Forces. She was pissed, and out to make a point. The Morgan brothers enjoyed watching her do it.”

Devyn’s eyebrows winged up. This Siv sounded like a woman Devyn would like.

Vander looked back at Killian. “Saskia is fine.”

“She could’ve been hurt, or killed.” Killian’s hands flexed, his tone dark.

On the other side of Killian, she saw Bram tense, like he was waiting for a bomb to go off.

Crap.

Devyn didn’t stop to think. She stepped in front of Killian, and pressed her hands to his chest. “Killian.”

He didn’t look down, his jaw tight.

“Killian, she’s fine. Save this for Duffy.”

He pulled in a breath, still staring into the distance like he wanted to hurt someone.

Devyn cupped his cheek, pulled his head down, and kissed him. He was stiff at first, then he made a rough sound and hauled her close.

He took over the kiss. It was hard, edgy. She took it all.

She liked him when he was teasing and controlled, and she liked him like this too, on edge, forceful. Needing her.

Finally, he relaxed. He gentled the kiss, then pressed his forehead to hers.

Devyn glanced up and saw Vander Norcross watching them. She didn’t know him well, but she guessed he might be amused.

“I want Duffy dead,” Killian said.

Vander nodded, like they were talking about the weather. “Then let’s find him.”

BY THE TIME they reached the warehouse in South Beach where the Norcross Security office was located, Killian had his churning anger and fear under control.

If he lost Saskia…

She’s fine. He kept reminding himself of that. But he’d failed her once. And last year, when she’d been abducted by a wealthy, Russian businessman, he’d just about lost his mind.

He felt the brush of fingers at his back. He turned to look at Devyn, and she winked at him.

The hard, angry thing inside him eased a little. He took her hand and squeezed.

They headed up the stairs from the lower-level parking area. Norcross Security was a smaller outfit, and Vander usually stuck to local jobs, with an emphasis on private investigation. His warehouse was smaller than the Sentinel Security headquarters, and had a far more industrial vibe.

At the top of the stairs, a small crowd waited for them. Killian’s gaze went straight to Saskia, standing in Camden Morgan’s arms. She had the tall, willowy build of a dancer, with long, black hair.

As soon as she saw him, she broke away and ran to him.

Just like she’d done as a little girl when she’d needed reassurance. He hugged her hard, and pressed his chin to the top of her head.

“I’m perfectly okay,” she said.

“I know.” For a second, he wondered where the little girl who’d needed him to braid her hair for school, or put a Band-Aid on her skinned knees, or help her find her ballet shoes, had gone.

Saskia pulled back. “You have death in your eyes.” Then her gaze flicked to Bram, and her face hardened before she looked away.

Funny. Saskia had always liked Bram.

Then Saskia saw Devyn and her eyes widened. “You’re Devyn.”

Devyn nodded.

“So, you two haven’t killed each other yet?” his sister asked.

Devyn’s lips tilted. “Not yet. Maybe after we catch this assassin, we’ll see.” She shot Killian an amused look.

Saskia saw it, and read between the lines. Her eyes widened a little.

Vander stepped forward. “Hex is hooked in with Ace.”

“This Oliveira is Norcross’ version of Hex?” Devyn asked.

Killian nodded. “We need to find Duffy. He’s holed up somewhere.”

“Did you get anything off the mercenaries?” Devyn asked.

“Not yet,” Vander replied. “We have the men in our holding cells. Two are still unconscious.” Vander looked at a tall, fit blonde standing nearby.

“Oops.” The woman smiled, and didn’t look very sorry.

“Siv was…thorough.” Vander looked around. “Okay, let me introduce you to everybody.” He ran through his team members who were present. Killian knew most of the Norcross Security team were former Ghost Ops, like Vander. The best of the best of the special forces. That included his brother Rhys, his best friend, Saxon Buchanan, and his head bodyguard, Rome Nash.

Cam was also former Ghost Ops, and hadn’t been out long. Killian nodded at the man, who nodded back. Cam’s brother stood beside him. Ryder Morgan was a combat medic and Siv’s boyfriend. He wasn’t a full-time Norcross Security employee, but was on call to patch them up when required.

“This is Bram O’Donovan, who works with Sentinel Security,” Killian said.

Bram nodded wordlessly.

“And helping me on this is Devyn Hayden. She’s CIA.”

Saskia’s gaze narrowed on Devyn. “You’re a target too, aren’t you?”

Devyn shrugged. “It’ll take a lot more than Eli Duffy to take me down.”

“Okay, Rhys will help you track Duffy,” Vander said. “The rest of my team are on active investigations. I’ll call them in once we find him.”

Killian gave Saskia another hug. “You need to stay safe until we hunt this guy down.”

“I know.” She patted his chest. “Cam’s already done the macho, overprotective speech. I’m going to stay here at the Norcross office today, and then I’ll go to one of Vander’s safe houses with Rome tonight.”

The tall, black man nodded. “I’ll keep her safe.”

“Thanks, Rome,” Killian said.

“Killian, you need to be careful, too,” his sister added.

“I’m good at my job, Saskia.”

“I know.” She smiled. “But I love you, and I’m your sister. It’s my job to worry about you.” She glanced at Devyn who was talking with Rhys.

Killian frowned. The youngest Norcross brother was good-looking, with an easy charm and a wide smile. Even though Killian knew Rhys had his own woman, Killian didn’t like seeing him so close to Devyn.

“And I see my unflappable brother finally met his match.” Saskia smiled.

“Maybe,” he said. “Devyn is kind of like water—always moving, and hard to hold in your hand.”

His sister’s smile faded. “Be careful.”

He kissed her nose. “I’m in love with her, so the time for careful is long gone.”

She grabbed his hands. “Then convince her to stay in place with you, convince her that’s the better option.”

“First, I need to get both you and her safe.”

Saskia’s smile came back. “From what I hear, that woman doesn’t need a protector.”

“She’s got one anyway.”

After Saskia headed off with Rome to settle in one of the other offices, Killian and Devyn got settled in Ace’s computer room. The space was dominated by a wall of screens.

“Don’t touch anything,” Ace warned them as they entered. He had a tall, rangy body, and long, dark hair pulled back in a stubby ponytail. His Brazilian heritage had gifted him a handsome face and deep brown eyes.

The computer guru gave Killian a chin lift. “Hawke.”

“Oliveira. How’s your baby?”

The man’s smile was wide and happy. “She’s awesome.”

“Don’t get him started or he’ll pull out the pictures,” Vander said.

“My baby girl is cute as hell,” Ace said.

“She is,” Vander agreed, “but we have a rogue assassin to catch.”

The tech man’s face turned serious. “Then let’s get to work.”

“Hex hooked you into her new facial recognition system?” Killian asked.

Ace nodded. “If Duffy shows his face, we’ll nail him.”

“The mercenaries are still our best bet to find him,” Devyn said.

“The ones who are conscious said they never saw who hired them,” Rhys said. “It was all done via email and phone. These guys are ex-military out of Tampa. Not the sharpest tools in the shed.”

“They give you anything else useful?” Killian asked.

“Just that whoever paid them wanted to take Saskia alive,” Vander said.

“Bait,” Killian growled.

“One other thing, they said the client mentioned a second team,” Vander said. “Not from the same outfit. International.”

Devyn crossed her arms. “Can you track any mercenary groups coming into San Francisco?”

“Already on it,” Ace said. “Nothing yet.”

Killian frowned. “If they’re any good, they’ll come in separately, or fly somewhere close and drive in.” He looked at one of the screens on the wall with a map of San Francisco on it. “Any ideas where Duffy could hide?”

“It’s a big city,” Devyn murmured.

“Luckily cockroaches never stay hidden,” Killian said. “As soon as he darts out, we’ll stomp on him.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Devyn flicked through probable images that might contain Duffy. They were all low-probability hits on the facial recognition.

She hoped she might find something. Anything.

They’d checked for any incoming mercenaries entering the city, but had found nothing there.

Hex’s fancy facial recognition hadn’t found anything either.

Devyn looked at the pictures again.

Nada.

Killian was in Vander’s office. They’d been busy questioning the mercenaries in the holding cell, but hadn’t gotten anything else.

“Fuck.” She sank back in her chair.

“Patience, vermelha. These things take time,” Ace drawled.

She didn’t mind him calling her red in Portuguese, as long as he didn’t call her red in English.

Only Killian called her that.

“I want a lead,” she said.

He nodded. “You’re a woman of action, I get it.”

“Duffy isn’t stupid, and he has skills. The longer he’s out there…”

The greater the chance he could attack Killian.

“We’ll get him. Besides, your man is a scary motherfucker. Never thought I’d meet someone to match Vander’s level of scary motherfuckerness.”

She snorted. “That’s not a word.”

“It should be.”

“Ugh.” She pushed to her feet. She figured that Vander had a gym here, somewhere. Or maybe she’d drag Killian off somewhere for a quickie. She smiled at the thought.

Then she saw Saskia standing in the doorway. Killian’s sister was watching her steadily.

Devyn suddenly felt itchy.

Ace eyed them, then he straightened. “Um, I’m going to get…”

“A coffee,” Saskia suggested.

“Right. Coffee.” He winked at Devyn.

“Are you all right, Saskia?” Devyn asked.

It was easy to tell the woman was a ballerina. She moved with an elegant, graceful stride. She wandered over to a desk and twirled. “I’m fine. I wasn’t ever in danger, even if Killian thinks I was.”

“He loves you, and the man can’t help but protect. He worries about everyone else but himself.”

“Exactly. He does. He’s always taken on too much responsibility.” Saskia pushed a strand of her dark hair back behind her ear. “I don’t want this crazy person to hurt him.”

Devyn’s brow creased. “I won’t let that happen.” Her tone was fierce.

Saskia cocked her head, smiled. “He said the same thing about you.”

Devyn shrugged, uncomfortable under the woman’s intense perusal. “We have each other’s backs.”

The other woman nodded. “You do. Actually, I came in here to threaten you.”

Devyn blinked. “Threaten me?”

“My brother is in love with you.”

Devyn felt like Saskia had shoved barbed wire down her throat. “We don’t use the L word.” God, was that panicky voice hers? “He promised.”

Saskia’s face softened. “He knows you well.”

“Better than anyone else ever has.”

“And I don’t need to threaten you, because you love him, too.”

Devyn opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

Saskia’s smile widened. “I was worried you’d hurt him.” She moved closer, then hugged Devyn. “But now I know you won’t.”

“Thanks?” Devyn wheezed.

“I always worried he wouldn’t find the right woman. That he’d find someone needy, who’d crave his protection, who’d just take from him. I always wanted him to find someone who could keep up with him, and protect him in return. I’m glad he found you.” Saskia lowered her voice. “Both of you stay safe.”

All Devyn could manage was a nod.

Saskia headed out with a wave. Devyn blew out a breath.

Ace’s computer started beeping. She hurried over to it.

“Don’t touch that.” Ace raced back in.

A second later, Bram, Killian, Vander, and Rhys strode in.

“What have we got?” Vander asked.

“Working on it.” Ace stared at the screen of his computer, fingers a blur on the keyboard.

Killian came to Devyn and ran a hand down her back.

“Okay, we got a ping.” Ace smiled. “Three mercenaries came into San Francisco Airport yesterday from Colombia.”

The pictures on the screen showed three hard-eyed men.

“There’ll be more,” Killian said.

“These guys are bad news.” Ace said. “They work for a Colombian outfit with a bad, violent rep. Equis.”

Vander cursed. “I’ve crossed paths with them before. Outfit is named after the equis snake, which is the deadliest in Colombia. They’re highly venomous and aggressive.”

Devyn’s nose wrinkled. “Can we track the mercs?”

“They didn’t rent a car.” Ace tapped his screen. “I’ve put them into Hex’s facial recognition system. Hopefully we’ll pick up—”

A beep.

“Already?” Devyn prompted.

“Got them!” Another image popped up.

It showed one of the men talking with a man. They were standing in a park, the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Devyn hissed. The other man was Eli Duffy.

Ace tapped. “They’re at Chrissy Field.”

His computer beeped again.

Another image appeared. This one showed another one of the mercs, also standing with Duffy. They were standing in front of some sort of factory. Silos and tanks rose up, linked by metal walkways.

Ace cursed. “This one’s at the Cemex concrete plant at Pier 92, by the Bay.”

Another beep.

Frowning, Devyn glanced at Killian. His face was hard, blank.

“Damn, another hit.” Ace leaned forward. The third image showed the third mercenary with Duffy at what looked like a shopping mall. “Stonestown Galleria, out by San Francisco State University.”

“Duffy can’t be at all these locations right now,” Devyn said.

“No,” Killian clipped. “He’s toying with us.”

“Ace, any way to tell which one is real?” Vander asked.

Ace shook his head, frustration on his face. “Fucker must be decent with a computer. As far as I can tell, they’re all real and all happened one minute ago.”

“We have to check them all out,” Vander said.

Devyn pressed her lips together. Fucking Duffy.

Ace zoomed out the map of the city. Lines appeared between all three locations. It formed an almost perfect triangle.

He was splitting them up and sending them on a wild goose chase all over the city.

“Bram and Devyn, you take the concrete plant,” Killian said. “Rhys and I will head to the Galleria.”

“And I’ll take Cam to check out Chrissy Field,” Vander finished.

Devyn bit her lip. She wanted to stay with Killian.

He met her gaze. “We both know how Duffy thinks. It’s best if we check out different locations.”

She nodded. “Don’t get hurt, Hawke, or I’ll be really, really pissed.”

His lips twitched. “I won’t.” He dropped a quick kiss to her lips. “Be nice to Bram.” He met the big man’s gaze. “Stay safe.”

Bram nodded.

Devyn turned to her new partner. “Okay, big guy, looks like it’s you and me.”

DEVYN WATCHED the city give way to an industrial area by the Bay. She scanned the shipyard, factories, and warehouses. This was the not-quite-so-pretty side of San Francisco. Although she saw a condo development in the distance, so she guessed eventually all this industrial area would get gentrified at some stage.

Unsurprisingly, Bram was silent in the driver’s seat. The big man drove fast, but cautiously, keeping an eye out for any company.

Devyn studied the map on her phone. “We’re almost there.”

She wondered how the others were doing. She hated knowing Duffy was playing some mind game with them.

Stay safe, Hawke. Or there’ll be hell to pay.

“There’s the plant,” Bram rumbled.

Tanks and silos rose up right by the waterfront. There was a lot of dull, gray concrete, some rusted metal. One concrete building had a color mural painted on it in vibrant red and green. She realized it was a bird, and maybe red balloons.

Ace had already told them the plant was currently closed for maintenance work. The chain-link fence around it was high, and she knew the gates were locked.

Was Duffy really here?

“This has trap written all over it,” she said.

Bram grunted and pulled over. Devyn slipped out of the vehicle, conscious of the weight of the SIG at her lower back. Part of her hoped Duffy was here. Her jaw tightened. She was more than ready to take the asshole down.

She and Bram scaled the fence. The man moved surprisingly fast and stealthily for being so tall and broad. They crossed the gravel lot and into the shadow of the plant. She eyed the giant tanks, and the metal walkways and stairs linking them.

She didn’t see anyone.

“What do you reckon?” she murmured.

Bram grunted. “I don’t like it.”

“Bram, I get the impression you don’t like anything.”

He shot her a dark look and her lips twitched.

He really was quite attractive under the grumpiness. He had a square jaw, that dark red hair, the big, muscular body. Even the bad-temper was kind of cute.

He was growing on her.

A clang of metal echoed through the plant. They both swiveled and pulled out their handguns.

Devyn raised her hand and pointed. Bram nodded.

They moved silently into the shadows. The deeper they went into the plant, the darker and more eerie the place seemed. She saw metal stairs heading up to platforms on the upper levels. She strained to hear anything else.

Where are you, asshole?

Suddenly, gunshots echoed loudly.

Devyn ducked, and saw Bram dive behind a tank. Bullets pinged off metal.

The shooter was one level up and aiming at Bram.

Hmm. Devyn’s brain raced through options. If she came up the stairs, the shooter would see her.

She jammed her gun into the back of her jeans. Then she gripped the metal frame. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a scowling Bram shaking his head at her.

She gave a mental scoff. Did he think he had to keep her safe? He’d learn.

Devyn climbed. The metal was cool under her hands, and her mind fell deep into mission mode.

Find the target. Neutralize the target.

She reached the next level and climbed silently over the railing. She set her boots down quietly on the metal mesh floor.

The shooter was ahead, his back to her, firing down at Bram.

Devyn ran and attacked.

She kicked the man, ramming him hard against the railing. He grunted, and muttered in Spanish.

As he whirled, she followed through with a kick to his arm. The gun clattered to the floor, and she heard the bone in his arm snap.

He let out a roar. Her next blows were hard and fast.

He never had a chance. He dropped to the metal floor with a groan.

She pulled zip ties out of her pocket, and bound his wrists and ankles.

There was a whisper of sound. Her head snapped up, and she saw another attacker racing up the stairs.

Shit.

The stocky man slammed into her. The air rushed out of her, and she blocked his fist, but he was a big bastard. Grappling, they whirled in a circle on the platform. He fumbled at his belt and pulled a knife.

Great.

His face was ugly, his eyes blank and hard. He slashed out and Devyn leaped back.

On his next swing, she ducked low and hammered a foot to his knee. He cursed, and swung again. This time, she felt the knife slice across her shoulder.

She ignored the sting and the feel of blood soaking into her shirt. She was fully focused on her opponent.

She heard the echo of loud footsteps hammering up the stairs, but she kept her gaze on her attacker.

“Where’s Duffy?” she demanded.

There was no glimmer of anything on the man’s face. He gave nothing away.

He charged her. She dodged, moving close to an open edge with just a chain and a warning sign dangling off it. She looked down.

Below sat a large, wide tank of a gray slurry.

Her attacker swung the knife again. She ducked, but this time he charged forward and kicked her.

Devyn teetered on the edge.

Fucking fuck.

She fell backward.

Her attacker didn’t get a chance to gloat. He was yanked viciously backward. She got a glimpse of Bram, then she was falling.

Damn, she was going to drown in cement slurry.

Killian’s face filled her head.

God, she loved him. She loved him with every fiber, every cell, everything she had.

Something grabbed her arm and she jerked to a violent halt. She slammed against the side of the platform.

Ugh.

Pain vibrated through her. She looked up into Bram’s strained face. He’d caught her with one arm. He was flat on his front, partly hanging over the edge.

“Bram—”

Then she saw movement. Another attacker rushed in and kicked Bram savagely in the side.

Bram grunted, and his hold tightened on her wrist. His attacker loomed again, a metal pole in his hand.

Oh, shit. Her gut tightened.

“Bram. Fuck.”

The man hit Bram in the back. He did it again, swinging the bar hard.

Bram’s jaw tightened, and he gritted his teeth.

“Let go,” she cried.

“No,” Bram growled.

The attacker hit him again.

“Bram!”

Dark blue eyes met hers. “Killian needs you.”

Devyn realized she had another goddamn, overprotective hero on her hands. He wouldn’t let her go. He’d hold her until the man killed him.

The pole swung again, and Bram whipped up his free arm, and partly blocked the blow. But she saw the metal hit the side of his head. His fingers bit into her skin. Blood slid down his face.

“Pull me up,” she growled.

He stared at her, blood running down his cheek. His attacker stepped back, readying for another hit.

Then Bram pulled his arm up hard, flexing his muscles.

Devyn flew up and scrambled onto the platform. She launched herself at the attacker, taking him by surprise.

Righteous anger fueled her. This asshole would’ve kept beating Bram. And the big guy would’ve taken it, never letting her go.

Because of loyalty to Killian.

Because he was a goddamn good guy.

The force of her charge knocked the man over. She rode him to the ground and ripped the metal bar from his hands. She whipped it around, then pressed it against his throat with all her weight.

He struggled, but he wasn’t as big as the last guys. He was leaner, more wiry. His boots thumped into the metal platform as he twisted.

Devyn didn’t let up. She bared her teeth and held the metal bar in place until he went still.

She rose, chest heaving, and dropped the pole. Then she spun.

Bram was still lying flat, not moving.

Dammit to hell.

She raced over to him. “Bram?”

He groaned. Jesus, his head was bleeding badly and there was blood everywhere.

“Shit.” She helped him roll over and sit. He looked dazed. “Don’t worry, big guy. I’ve got you.” She managed to heave him up. Damn, he was all solid muscle and heavy as hell.

They staggered toward the stairs.

“Stick with me,” she said. “I’ll get you back to the SUV.”

They started down the stairs. He was trying not to put all his weight on her. Still being the hero.

“Thanks for saving me,” she said.

He grunted.

She smiled. She was learning to decipher his grunts. She was pretty sure that this one meant Bram never wanted her to mention it again.

“Us redheads have to stick together,” she said.

That got her a half groan, half moan.

They reached the bottom of the stairs. It would be a slow walk back to the SUV, but she—

Gunshots.

Fuck. She pulled Bram hard to the left. They staggered between two tanks.

How many more attackers were there, dammit?

More shots pinged off the tanks. Whoever it was, they were closing in.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Bram and Devyn hobbled through the plant. They rounded a tank and she realized that they’d reached a dead end, hemmed in by tanks and equipment.

“Dammit!” she snapped.

“They herded us here,” Bram ground out.

“Well, I’m not dying today.”

That’s when Devyn noticed one tank had a heavy steel door open at the base of it. The tank was empty and there was another door open on the opposite side of the tank. Her pulse spiked. They could get through.

“Come on.” As more gunfire sounded behind them, Devyn awkwardly maneuvered Bram to the tall, narrow tank. They ducked through the doorway.

It smelled bad inside, but she leaned him against the wall and pulled the metal door closed behind them.

“Let’s keep mov—” She reached for him, just as the other door slammed closed, trapping them in darkness.

Her pulse skittered. No. No.

She shoved against the door and heard someone locking it from the other side.

“Fuck!” She hammered her fist against the metal, then she tried the other door.

Nothing.

“Trapped,” Bram said.

In the darkness, Devyn heard him slide down the wall to sit on the floor. She pulled out her cell phone and swiped. Blue light flared.

No signal. “Dammit. Fuck.” She kicked the wall. The echo rang through the tank.

“The steel walls of the tank are blocking the signal,” he said.

She shoved the phone in her pocket. “How are you holding up?”

“Fine.”

He had to be in pain. Typical man, not admitting it. Devyn slid down beside him.

“Killian will come for us,” he said. “Eventually.”

“I’m not good at sitting still.”

Bram snorted.

Her lips twitched. “So, you saved my life earlier, and took a beating for it. That means we’re besties now.”

Another snort. “You saved me back. So we’re even.”

“Nope. You can’t wriggle out of it. We’re officially BFFs.”

She checked the phone again.

Still nothing.

In the low light, Bram looked bad. His hair was matted with blood, his face smeared with it, and one eye was swollen shut.

“So, who is she?” Devyn asked.

There was a beat of silence. “Who?”

Now Devyn snorted. “The woman who’s tied you in knots. Your friends are worried about you.”

The phone screen went dark. Bram was silent, and she figured he wasn’t going to say anything.

“Her name’s Addie.” He dragged in a deep breath. “She’s beautiful, with golden hair. She’s a dancer.” He paused. “She’s so bright, warm, sweet, and way too young for me.”

Devyn shifted. “I think that’s up to her to decide.”

“You should see her dance.” Faint awe in his rough voice. “She’s like poetry.”

Devyn tried to imagine Bram going to a show. “You went to see her dance?”

“I’ve seen her a few times. I sat in the back.”

And probably never told her he was there. “What happened?”

“I should never have touched her. That’s what happened. I’m a big, rough bastard, and she deserves better.” His accent deepened. “But my control slipped.” Another long pause. “I was trying so hard to keep my hands off her.”

Devyn rolled her eyes. Idiot man. “How did that go?”

“I touched her. We spent the night together, and I couldn’t stay away. Then I had to leave the country on a job.” He let out a ragged sigh. “When I got back, she’d left her apartment, left her job at the show. Her cell phone was shut down.”

“Bram, you work in security. You can find her.”

“I think she made it clear that I’m not what she wants. She knows I work at Sentinel Security. She’s never called or tried to find me. I respected her wishes.”

“You deserve a conversation, Bram. Besides, what if something happened to her?”

“Happened?”

She sensed him sharpen. “Yeah. Maybe she had a sick relative, or she got sick.”

Bram sucked in a sharp breath, and she realized that he hadn’t thought of that.

A sudden wave of dizziness flowed over Devyn. She frowned and swallowed. “You have to talk to her.” Devyn pulled in a harsh breath.

She heard Bram’s breathing turn raspy as well.

She rubbed the knot forming in her chest. “Lungs… Burning. Getting hard to breathe.”

Bram muttered a curse, his voice deep and scratchy. “We’re in an enclosed space. Workplaces have safety precautions for workers who work in tanks like this.” He dragged in a breath. “Low oxygen and toxic gas buildup can kill.”

Her eyes were burning now. They needed to get out.

They had no time to wait for a rescue.

“Shit.” Using the wall, she pushed to her feet, breathing hard. She waited for some of the dizziness to pass. She kicked at the doors again, but they didn’t budge.

God. She wasn’t just going to sit here and wait to die.

She wanted to kiss Killian again. Feel him moving inside her again.

She checked the phone once more, her vision blurry, but she could see there was still no signal.

Bram dropped his head back against the wall with a dull clang.

“Bram, we’re getting out. You’re going to track down your Addie. And I’m dragging Killian to bed again, and getting him naked.”

There was enough light for her to see Bram wince.

“Too much information,” he growled.

She tried to smile, but it was too hard to breathe.

“Devyn…”

“Yes.”

“Look up.”

She swiveled and nearly fell. She saw the vague outline of a square up above their heads. She blinked and realized it was the outline of a door. Light was leaking around the edge of it.

“It might be a way out,” she said.

Bram heaved himself up, using the wall for support. “Get on my shoulders.”

“You’ll fall over.”

“I won’t.” His tone was hard, resolute.

Shit. There were no other options. She faced his back and grabbed his shoulders. She jumped up. As soon as she landed on his back, they almost went down. She managed to maneuver onto his shoulders while he pressed his palms to the wall.

Finally, she settled into place.

“Don’t tell Killian about this,” Bram said. “Ever.”

She looked down at Bram’s head between her legs and grinned, despite the fact that it was getting so hard to breathe.

She reached up to the door above. Her fingers brushed the metal and she pushed. There was a low groan of metal. The door opened a few inches.

“I’ve got it!”

“Good.” Suddenly, Bram went down. He hit the side of the tank with a loud, dull thud.

Devyn gripped the edge of the doorway, hanging against the wall. “Bram? Bram!”

Shit. She pulled herself up through the small doorway.

Air. She sucked in air greedily. She lay flat on the mesh platform, waiting for her head to clear.

Bram.

She pulled herself up and stabbed at the phone.

“Devyn—”

She cut Ace off. “We need help. Now!”

She shoved the phone into her pocket, then staggered toward the stairs. She almost tripped down them.

Pausing, she scanned around. There was no sign of any more bad guys.

She reached the bottom of the tank, and spun the wheel locking the door, then wrenched the metal open.

Bram was slumped on the floor.

“Bram!”

She scrambled in and gripped him under his armpits. Then she heaved.

Damn, he was so heavy. Solid muscle weighed a ton.

She gritted her teeth, bent her knees and pulled, using the power in her legs. She dragged his bulk, inch by inch.

Finally, she got him out of the tank and collapsed beside him on the cracked concrete.

“Bram!” She felt his neck. There was a pulse, and it was strong. Thank God. But then she realized his chest was still.

He wasn’t breathing.

No. No. She rolled him flat on his back and tilted his chin back.

“Come on, big guy.” She pressed her mouth to his and breathed. She kept breathing, panic tightening her insides. “You can’t die, damn you.”

Then, he finally sucked in air.

She lifted her head an inch from his, and let out a sigh of relief. His chest heaved as he took several breaths. She watched his eyes open, then they widened at the sight of her.

“We never mention this to Killian either,” he grunted.

She grinned and sat back. “Shit, I’m glad you’re okay. You saved me. Again.”

“And you saved me back. Again.”

“Besties.” She held up a fist to him.

He rolled his eyes, but bumped his fist to hers.

Then she heard the sound of running steps. She tensed.

“Devyn!”

Killian. “Here!”

She saw him round a tank, followed by Vander and the others.

When Killian saw them, his face hardened. “Fuck.”

“We’re alive,” she said.

He scooped her up, hugging her close. “You look like hell.”

And he looked fine. She breathed him in, holding him tight. “Bram’s been beaten, he stopped breathing.”

“I’m fine,” the man in question growled, although he was still lying on the ground.

She rolled her eyes.

Ryder Morgan knelt beside Bram and started checking him out. She looked up at Killian. “Any luck at the park or Galleria?”

“No one at the park. Someone took a few shots at our SUV at the mall.”

She cursed. “He’s playing with us. Asshole.”

Killian touched the cut on her shoulder. Her shirt sleeve was soaked red.

“It’s nothing.”

“Who did it?” His voice was icy cold.

“The dead body upstairs.”

“Good.” His eyes glittered.

“Dial back the scary, Hawke, and kiss me.”

He pulled her closer, slid his hands into her hair, and pressed his mouth to hers.

KILLIAN STOOD in the medical room at Norcross Security, watching Ryder cleaning Bram’s wounds.

Killian frowned. His man was beaten up. In the SUV on the way back, Devyn had given him a detailed rundown of what they’d been through.

Including the fact that Bram had risked his life to save her.

“He has a mild concussion,” Ryder said. “The rest isn’t too bad, considering. He’ll heal up, but he needs some rest. I’ve given him a painkiller, and disinfected his wounds. I’ll monitor the concussion.”

“Thanks, Ryder.” Killian moved closer and gripped Bram’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

The big man just nodded. “I like her, even if she is a bit annoying.”

Killian smiled. “Me too.”

He left the room into a smaller interconnected one. As he closed the door, his steps slowed.

Devyn was sitting on a bunk, her blood-stained T-shirt gone. She was just wearing a black bra and was wiping blood off her arm.

“Let me.” He took the wipes from her hand. He smelled her. Today her scent was something with jasmine.

“Thanks,” she said.

The cut on her shoulder was already sealed with glue. He carefully cleaned her skin off. There was something savage twisting inside him. He was fighting to keep it in check.

Devyn had been hurt. Attacked. His mind kept giving him images of her dead. Stabbed, drowned in slurry, suffocated in a tank.

None were outcomes he could deal with.

“Hey.” She pressed a hand to his gut. “I’m okay, Hawke.”

“I know.” His voice was clipped.

She made a sound, and pulled him down to sit on the bunk beside her. Then she kissed his cheek, the tip of his nose, one eye, the other. He met her gaze.

“Totally all right,” she repeated.

He yanked her close, his hands flexing on her. He needed to touch her. Needed to know that she was warm, breathing, alive.

“You know I’m good, Killian. You don’t need to worry. And…” She fidgeted and took a deep breath. “I might be ready to discuss the L word soon.”

His heart knocked hard in his chest. He pulled her in and kissed her. The now familiar taste of her hit him. He drank her in, wanted to absorb her.

She made a hungry sound and straddled him. She cupped his face, kissing him back like they were the only two people in the world. She ground down on his lap and Killian groaned.

The door to the room flew open. “Oops, sorry to interrupt.” Ace’s amused voice. He didn’t sound sorry at all. “We got a ping on Duffy’s mercs. My office. Now.”

Killian reluctantly stood, then stroked his fingers over Devyn’s cheek. She slid off the bed, then nabbed a plain gray T-shirt off the shelf behind her. Clearly Vander kept a stash for when his people got hurt.

Together, they headed to Ace’s computer room.

An image on the screen drew Killian’s gaze straight away. It showed two of the mercenaries from the airport.

The pair was on a sidewalk. It looked like a suburban street.

This shot didn’t appear posed like the ones earlier. These men didn’t look like they knew they were on camera.

“Where?” Vander said.

“Glen Park,” Ace answered.

Vander frowned. “That’s about five miles south of the city center.”

Devyn strode toward the wall of screens, staring at the mercenaries.

“Red?” Killian asked.

She was looking at the background. There was a man standing on the street behind the two mercs. He was partially obscured.

“It’s Duffy. Look.” She pointed.

Ace zoomed in. The facial recognition grid appeared, covering the image. “It’s a match.”

“Where in Glen Park?” Vander asked.

“Chenery Street.” Ace tapped. “I’m pulling up CCTV in the area. You can’t hide from me, assholes.”

More images popped up. There were other angles of the mercenaries and Duffy. There was a video feed of them going into a house.

“That tiny building can’t house a team of mercenaries,” Killian said.

“47 Chenery Street.” Ace’s eyebrows rose. “Wait a second. That makes sense! That house is a decoy.”

“What?” Killian scowled.

“For the abandoned, hidden mansion behind it,” Ace finished.

He tapped the screen and an aerial shot appeared. Devyn sucked in a breath.

Behind the regular row of houses on the street was a large mansion set in overgrown grounds.

“Chenery House,” Ace said. “It was built by an eccentric millionaire in the 80s. Robert Pritikin. He was the guy behind the Rice-A-Roni jingle. Place is kooky as hell, and even has an indoor pool with a retractable roof. It’s been abandoned since he went into a nursing home.”

“And now Duffy’s taken it over,” Devyn said.

“Ace, get a drone over the place,” Vander ordered. “I want all the intel we can get.”

Killian crossed his arms. “That place will hold a lot of mercenaries.”

“He’ll have a lot of firepower,” Devyn added.

Killian tilted his head. “That won’t stop us.”

She smiled. “No, it won’t.”

“You want to go in?” Vander said.

“Yes,” Killian replied.

“I hope you’re not planning any illegal breaking and entering, Norcross.”

The female voice made Devyn spin.

Uh-oh. A man and a woman stood in the doorway, and both of them screamed cop. And it wasn’t just because of the badges pinned to their belts. The man was tall, ex-military, and looked an awful lot like Camden Morgan. The woman was an attractive brunette, who was staring at Vander.

“Maybe.” Vander moved toward the woman.

“Am I going to have to put you in handcuffs, Mr. Norcross?”

Devyn saw Vander smile. A full smile. She blinked and realized that she’d never seen him look so open.

“We can discuss that, Detective Norcross.” Then Vander kissed the woman.

Devyn glanced at Killian.

“His wife, Brynn,” Killian murmured.

“Now,” Brynn Norcross said. “What the hell is going on?”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Killian sat beside Devyn, watching Ace’s screens.

Night was settling over San Francisco. Cam and Rhys had headed out to Glen Park to put a drone in the air.

Tension filled the room. Brynn Norcross and Detective Hunter Morgan had stayed, both unhappy to hear that a rogue CIA agent-turned-assassin was in their city.

“The drone is up,” Ace said.

The screen filled with drone footage, sailing over rows of houses. Lights twinkled and Killian wondered about all the people in those houses, cooking dinner, bathing their kids, kissing their partners. With no idea of what was happening just blocks away.

Killian leaned forward. Beside him, Devyn rested a hand on his knee, her finger rubbing in a circle. She was watching the screen, her gaze sharp. She didn’t even realize that she was touching him, making that small claim.

He smiled to himself. Then he glanced up and saw Vander watching him. The man’s gaze flicked between them, then Vander nodded.

Yeah, Vander was a man who knew it wasn’t easy for men like them—men who’d lived a life of fighting, and doing hard things in the name of their country’s protection—to find the right woman. One tough enough to withstand the force of their love.

“Moving over Chenery House now,” Ace murmured.

The mansion came into view. It was a behemoth, and looked like something out of a James Bond movie with a large curved, glass roof on top of it. But it had a dilapidated edge to it. There were lights on inside.

A second later, he spotted the shadows patrolling the overgrown gardens. Three, four, five mercenaries. His jaw tightened.

Duffy had himself a little army.

“Upper levels,” Vander said.

Killian saw more shadows in the windows. More mercenaries.

“Switching to infrared,” Ace said. A second screen flashed up, awash in colors.

There were lots of heat signatures inside.

“He’s got a fucking army,” Ace murmured.

“Vander, you can’t cause a war in the middle of the suburbs,” Hunt said. “All those houses are full of innocent people. That place backs onto a fucking elementary school.”

Vander stayed silent.

Hunter Morgan was right. They couldn’t go in with guns blazing.

This had to be done surgically, quietly, quickly.

“He’s not going in,” Killian said.

Vander’s brows drew together. “I said we’d help. This asshole has to be stopped.”

“Duffy is our problem.” Devyn rose. “And I have CIA sanction to stop him.”

Killian rose beside her. “Devyn and I will take care of it.”

Brynn set her hands on her hips. “There are at least fifteen highly trained mercenaries in that house. They’ll be armed to the teeth. And by the sounds of things, this Duffy isn’t defenseless either.” The detective raised a brow. “Just the two of you are going to go in there?”

Devyn smiled. “Yes. It will be a nice little bit of cardio for us.”

“Devyn and I will clear a path into the house.” Killian didn’t love the idea of her in danger, but he knew how good she was, and he’d be with her every step of the way.

He wouldn’t disrespect her skills and abilities by telling her to stay behind.

“Rhys, Cam, and whoever else you can spare,” Killian said, “can come in to secure the place after we take Duffy down.”

Vander stared at him for a beat, then nodded.

“We’ll be going in quietly,” Killian said to Brynn and Hunt. “No innocents will be at risk.”

The detectives didn’t look thrilled, but nodded.

Then he met Devyn’s gaze. “Let’s get prepped.”

They got ready in the locker room off the gym in the lower level of the Norcross office. Killian pulled out the bags of gear he’d brought on the jet.

“For you.” He handed over a sleek, black two-piece suit.

She thumbed the fabric. “What’s this?”

“A prototype from the company Secura. I had to pay Bennett a small fortune for it. It’s bullet-resistant and cut-resistant fabric. Wear it under your gear.” He didn’t want to see any more cuts on her skin.

She smiled. “Thanks.”

“There are weapons in that bag.” He pointed to a duffel bag. “And Vander said to help ourselves to anything from his armory.”

“Let’s do this.” She yanked her shirt off, then unsnapped her jeans.

And just like that, Killian’s mind deviated from the mission to Devyn.

In just her underwear, she glanced at him. Her smile took on a sexy edge. “After we deal with the bad guys, Hawke. Then we can fuck like rabbits.”

He walked to her, and she held her ground, her chin up.

He kissed her. It was hungry, filled with every emotion currently roiling within him. She jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Her kiss was filled with all the things she wouldn’t say. Sinking his hands into her hair, he slowed down, taking his time to savor her.

Soon, she’d feel safe enough to tell him that she loved him.

He set her down. “Now, stop distracting me.”

She rolled her eyes, then picked up the bodysuit.

Soon, they were both ready. They had their suits underneath, and on top, were dressed in black cargo pants, and long-sleeved, black shirts. Like Killian, Devyn had a belt and holster around her waist with two handguns, and a tactical knife strapped to her thigh.

She was calm, her eyes bright. She was eager for this mission.

To end this.

They checked in on Bram, who was currently sleeping. Killian knew his man would be pissed to miss this fight.

They met Rhys, Cam, Siv, and Vander by the SUVs. They were all dressed in black as well.

Killian met Vander’s dark gaze.

“Can’t let you have all the fun, Hawke,” Vander said. “We’ll be on standby if you need us.”

“Then let’s move out,” Killian said.

It wasn’t a long drive to Glen Park. The city was cloaked in darkness, and he knew they needed to wait a little longer for everyone to be tucked up in bed.

Then they could infiltrate the mansion.

They parked several blocks away, and went in on foot.

At the neighboring school, they climbed onto the roof of a building, and studied the large mansion over the fence.

Vander handed Killian some binoculars.

He zoomed in. The large grounds were wildly overgrown. He saw several statues, almost swallowed by shrubbery, and a large, empty water fountain. He waited, then spotted several dark shadows roving the grounds.

“Ace sent the house layout to your phones,” Vander said. “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where Duffy might be inside.”

“We’ll find him.” Being the cockroach he was, he would scuttle out.

“Be careful, Killian,” Vander said. “Duffy knows he can’t go back. He’ll put everything into killing you.” Vander glanced at Devyn. “Both of you. His future depends on it.”

“I’m not easy to kill,” Devyn said.

Killian nodded. Plus, he would destroy anyone who touched her.

“Duffy wanted Hellfire and Steel,” Killian said. “And now he’s going to get them.”

SHE SLIPPED over the fence like a ghost.

Rising from a crouch, hidden by shrubbery, Devyn scanned the unkempt grounds of the mansion. Beside her, she saw a marble statue of a Greek goddess who was half swallowed by rose bushes.

Killian appeared beside her, silent and still.

“You’ve got two guards to the east,” Ace murmured in their earpieces. “And two to the west. Standard roving pattern.”

“Ladies can choose first,” Killian said.

“I’ll go west. Meet you at the front door, Hawke.”

He nodded, then touched her gloved hand before he melted into the darkness.

She looked up at the mansion.

Time to end this.

She moved through the gardens. She heard the rustle of small creatures in the bushes. Then the first guard came into view. He had his back to her, smoking a cigarette.

Sloppy.

Devyn rammed a punch into the man’s kidneys, then got him in a chokehold. She pulled back, hard, pinning him down.

He fought, but it was over fast. She was good at her job. Once he was out cold, she zip tied his wrists and ankles, then rolled him into an overgrown garden bed.

She crept on. The next merc was near the house, pacing slowly. He didn’t look like he was expecting company.

She sank into the shrubbery in a crouch, waiting for the right moment.

The man turned to pace away.

Devyn launched. It took her even less time to down this guard. Once he was trussed up, she headed for the front door.

Killian was waiting for her.

Four mercenaries down. Eleven to go.

And then Duffy. Her jaw tightened.

Killian pointed at the glass panels of the large front door, which was flanked by two huge white pots. He took out a small device and pressed it to the glass. He moved it along slowly, cutting out a perfect rectangle.

He pulled the piece of cut glass out and set it against the wall of the house, then climbed inside.

Shame it was too dark to appreciate his ass as he did that.

Later, she promised herself. Her inner bitch made no comment, so she was obviously on board with the idea.

Devyn climbed through the hole, and found herself in a large, cavernous entry. There was lots of cool, white marble with faint veining and a huge ornate chandelier overhead. An enormous, grand staircase swept to the upper level. There was no furniture, only a sense of decay.

She followed Killian around the staircase. The next room had been turned into a conservatory. It was filled with plants that were all tangled and overgrown.

The place smelled of greenery and rotting leaves. Calling it overgrown was being generous. The place was filled to bursting with vegetation. There were glass walls on either side, which she imagined flooded the place with light during the day. She guessed it must have some sort of automatic watering system for the plants to all still be alive.

Killian pointed and she nodded, following him soundlessly.

Then she heard running feet. They both froze.

A door opened and closed nearby.

“Shit,” Ace said. “I think they know the exterior guards are down. They know something’s wrong.”

Killian gave another hand signal and he moved to the left, sinking into the greenery. Devyn went right, using a large plant covered with flowers for cover.

“Herrera and Suarez didn’t respond to check in,” a deep voice said in Spanish.

“Nor did Molina or Hernandez.”

“We need to check it out.”

There were two mercs. Devyn could see the men through the leaves. They were both in cargo pants and tactical vests, and looked muscled and fit. They had handguns holstered at their sides, and rifles slung over their shoulders.

Come to mama. She felt her muscles tensing, readying for the fight.

She glanced over at Killian. He jerked his head at the mercs, pulling out his tactical knife.

With a smile, she tossed him a two fingered salute.

Things were going to get fun.

And instead of fighting alone, she had Killian at her side.

They waited until the men got closer, then moved together.

Killian took the merc closest to him, his knife flashing. Devyn charged at the other man. For a second, the world slowed. She saw a flash of surprise on the man’s face. His arm was moving, but he wasn’t fast enough.

She jabbed a blow to his throat. She hammered several hard punches into his chest. He got his arm up, but she grabbed it, yanked him closer, and rammed her elbow into his throat. He dropped to the ground, gagging.

She took a few seconds to zip tie him. Then she straightened.

Killian was waiting for her, heat and appreciation in his gaze. God, this man was perfect for her.

Suddenly, there was the sound of more running footsteps, and clipped voices.

She did a mental calculation. Nine mercenaries left.

Killian bent and took a rifle off one of the downed mercenaries. She followed suit and checked it over.

It was a Galil Córdova. An assault rifle developed for the Colombian Armed Forces. It was heavier than what she usually liked, but it would do the job.

She grabbed a spare magazine from the merc’s belt.

“Incoming,” Killian murmured. “Stay behind me. Once I’m out,” he lifted the rifle, “I’ll move behind you.”

“Got it.” She winked at him. “Let’s do this, Steel.”

His gaze was intense as he yanked her close. The quick kiss was shockingly hot. “Don’t get hurt.”

“Back at you,” she said.

Then she moved behind him and they started forward.

Four mercenaries came through the door.

Killian fired. Devyn winced, the gunfire was loud and echoing in the enclosed space.

She counted slowly and waited.

Killian’s gun cut off, and he spun left, whirling around her. Devyn moved smoothly in front, her weapon up. She fired.

They moved with perfect synchronicity. She saw the mercenaries go down. She walked forward and into the hall. When her gun clicked on empty, she spun, and Killian was there, firing on the mercs at the end of the hallway.

Devyn quickly reloaded, and when he was done, she moved in front again.

It almost felt like a choreographed dance. Like they were reading each other’s minds seamlessly. His moves were almost graceful and made her breath catch.

She fired, then stopped. “No more bad guys.”

Killian stepped up beside her, the rifle resting easily in his hands. “I count nine bodies. No more mercenaries.” He met her gaze. “Nice work, Hellfire.”

Her belly was hot and tingly. She loved seeing the admiration in his eyes. “You too. Now, shall we find Duffy?”

Killian’s face sharpened. A predator closing in on his prey. “Yes.”

“ACE, ANY SIGN OF DUFFY?” Killian murmured.

“There’s one strong heat signature in the pool room,” the man responded. “There are two entries into the room on either end.” Ace paused. “The mercenaries?”

“Incapacitated,” Killian said.

“All of them? Man, you two are good. Boa sorte, amigos.”

“Two entries.” Killian didn’t need to say more. Devyn was attuned to him like no one had ever been before.

With a nod, she headed further down the hall to the other entrance.

Killian paused beside his door, listening for any sound. Nothing.

He touched his ear. “Ready?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Go.”

Gun up, Killian shoved the door open and moved into the pool room.

The large rectangular pool glowed blue from a light in the pool. Overhead arched a curved, glass roof, that filtered in low light. Huge stained glass windows graced the back wall. The reflection of the water shimmered on the remaining walls. He scanned the dark space.

No sign of Duffy.

But he was here. Somewhere.

Now Killian needed to get the man to show himself.

“It’s over, Duffy,” Killian’s voice echoed through the space.

No response.

He couldn’t see Devyn, but he sensed her like he had a personal radar attuned to her.

“Your army has been put out of action,” Killian continued. “It’s time to end this. You don’t want your legacy to be as a terrorist, a murderer.”

“I don’t care what anyone thinks,” a deep, raspy voice said. “Only my clients. That they know I’m the best assassin in the business.”

Killian made a derisive sound. “That’s not going to happen.”

“Aahron suspected nothing when I invited him for a drink,” Duffy said conversationally.

Killian’s hands flexed. “Betraying someone doesn’t make you good, Duffy. It makes you scum. Cowardly scum. We both know you’d never have been able to take Aahron in a fair fight.”

“I don’t care about fair. My concern is my paycheck. The CIA took everything. They didn’t treat me fairly. They used me, and when I needed help, they threw me in the gutter.”

Killian heard the faint tremor in the man’s voice. He wasn’t as certain as he’d like Killian to believe.

Where was Devyn? Surely, she was getting into position.

“What happened to you was wrong,” Killian said. “But this isn’t the solution.”

“It’s too late now.” Duffy sounded resigned.

“Then you take me on,” Killian said. “Face-to-face.”

Duffy laughed. “Oh, I have a few tricks up my sleeve, Steel. For both you and Hellfire.”

Killian pressed his lips together. If the asshole was going to threaten Devyn, Killian would gut him and be done with it.

He saw a movement in the shadows beside the pool. It was too broad to be Devyn.

Killian advanced and pulled out his knife. He wanted Duffy in custody, to pay for his crimes and betrayal.

Death would be too quick.

Duffy launched himself out of the dark, knife in his hand. He swiped at Killian.

Killian bent back and dodged. He ducked and swung his own blade up. He caught Duffy, but the man’s tactical vest was too thick.

They moved in a deadly dance, every move fast and vicious. Duffy was older, but not out of shape or practice.

Then the rogue agent stepped back, and cracked open the hilt of his knife. He aimed it toward Killian’s face.

A small cloud of something hit Killian’s face. He smelled chemical and staggered back. His vision blurred and his brain turned foggy.

Fuck, it was some sort of incapacitating agent.

He dropped to his knees, wavering, then fell forward onto the tiled floor. Fucking hell. He couldn’t think, couldn’t move his body.

Duffy smiled and crouched. “It’s a new, experimental agent. Fentanyl based. Don’t worry, the effects won’t last long. Not that it will matter, because you’ll be dead once I’m done with you.”

A flash of movement.

Without a sound, Devyn attacked Duffy.

Killian tried to move again. He heard the sound of fighting.

“Ah, there you are, Hellfire. I knew if I hurt him you’d attack. You were always reckless, too eager to prove yourself.”

“Fuck you,” Devyn said. “All you are is a big, fat traitor.”

The sound of more fighting. Killian tried to move again. He had to help her.

She was his.

His to keep safe, his to protect, and his to love.

He heard the sound of clinking metal, then Devyn grunted.

“What the fuck?” she snapped.

“This dog still has a few tricks,” Duffy said.

Then there was a giant splash.

No, dammit. Killian gritted his teeth. Move. Through sheer force of will, he got his legs to shift.

Devyn needed him. He wouldn’t let anything get in his way, not even some damn chemical.

He heard water splashing and cracked open his eyes, careful not to move.

“Fucking hell she’s good,” Duffy spat, hauling himself out of the pool.

Killian saw blood. His heart rate spiked. It dripped onto the tiles—splotches of darkness on the white.

He saw Duffy had a knife lodged in his shoulder.

Where was Devyn? Killian had to end this and find her.

Duffy, still believing Killian was knocked out, kicked him.

Killian bit his tongue and stayed silent.

“The fucking paychecks to come better be worth this hassle.” Duffy touched the knife, wincing.

Killian charged up and rammed into the man. He pushed Duffy back until he slammed into the wall.

“There’ll be no paychecks, Duffy,” Killian said. “No career as an assassin. It ends here.” Killian gripped the knife and twisted.

Duffy let out a pained shout.

“You’ll be too late to save your redhead.” Duffy grimaced. “Part of me is a little sorry. I always liked her. Right now, she’s handcuffed to a drain in the bottom of the pool. Drowning.”

Killian’s heart lodged in his throat. How long had she been under? Coldness slipped over him, covering his slick, hot panic.

He yanked the knife out, and for a second, he was tempted to stab it in Duffy’s eye. A part of Killian wanted to kill him.

No. There would be no easy way out for this man.

Instead, he swiveled the knife around and jammed the hilt against the side of Duffy’s head. He followed through by ramming his elbow into Duffy’s face.

Cartilage crunched. Killian rammed the knife hilt into Duffy’s temple again. The man went limp and slid down the wall.

Killian landed a hard kick to Duffy’s knee. There was another crunch. The man wouldn’t be going anywhere fast.

Then Killian dropped the knife and spun. He saw a dark shadow at the bottom of the pool.

Devyn.

He took two steps and dived in.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Damn, her lungs were starting to burn.

Devyn yanked on the handcuffs. Her left wrist hurt, but she yanked again. She wasn’t going to drown, dammit.

But the drain plate she was handcuffed to was solid. It wasn’t budging.

Bubbles left her mouth. The urge to open her lips and breathe was getting stronger.

Was Killian okay? Her belly turned over, tight and hurting. Duffy had knocked him out with something. If Killian was still unconscious when Duffy got out of the pool, Killian would be helpless…

Pain sliced through her. She couldn’t lose him.

You’re about to die, her inner bitch complained. So what does it matter, anyway?

Devyn yanked again, her lungs burning. She was fighting not to open her mouth.

She closed her eyes. She thought of these last few days with Killian. Seeing his rare, devastating smiles, kissing him, teasing him, making love with him.

God, she was so gone for the man. She’d fought it hard, but she’d still fallen hard.

The pressure in her lungs was matched by the growing pressure in her head. She could barely think. Despair gripped her belly. She didn’t want to leave Killian.

The urge to try and breathe was overpowering.

Then she heard the splash of someone entering the water.

Had she imagined it? Her gut clenched. Was it Duffy coming back to finish her off?

She opened her eyes and saw Killian.

Everything inside her leaped. He pressed his mouth to hers and breathed.

She sucked the air into her lungs. He swam up with powerful kicks, then was back again in an instant. He breathed into her mouth again.

Yep, she really loved this man.

He swam up and came back again, his face set in hard, lethal lines. He moved down to study the drain, his powerful body hanging suspended in the water as he tugged on it. There was no movement or give. She could feel her air starting to run out again.

Then he swam up, and came back and breathed into her mouth again. He kicked to the surface once more.

This time he didn’t come back.

The seconds felt like hours.

But panic never came. Killian would get her out. She knew in her heart he’d always be there for her, always have her back.

Seconds later, he dived back into the pool.

She felt him fiddle with the handcuff on her wrist, and realized he’d found the key.

In the next instant, she was free.

Thank God.

He banded a strong arm around her and yanked her upward.

As they broke the surface, Devyn sucked in air. He hauled her to the steps.

“What took you so long, Hawke?” she teased.

His head spun, his eyes like black chips of ice.

Okay, maybe it was too soon for teasing.

“I’m okay.” She cupped his stubbled cheek. “Perfectly okay thanks to you.”

He half carried her out of the pool, water dripping on the tiles.

“Duffy?” she asked.

“Unconscious,” Killian clipped.

“Good.”

Then Killian spun her, and his mouth crashed down on hers.

God.

She felt need and desperation pumping off him. Her own desire rose up to meet his. He hoisted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They went at each other hungrily.

Devyn felt her back hit the wall. Then he set her down, ripping her pants open and shoving them down her legs. He knelt, and pulled her boots off, then her cargo pants followed.

When he stood, she fumbled for his belt, while he reached for the zipper on the bottom of her Secura suit and yanked it down.

Too many damn layers. A second later, she had his cock free.

Blood pounded through her veins. Yes. Yes. Yes. He lifted her again, pinned her to the wall, and drove his cock inside her.

God, yes. Devyn clung to him, absorbing his desire, his strength.

He thrust into her savagely, again and again. She bit his earlobe, digging her hands into his shoulders. As his big cock filled her, she moved her mouth to his neck and sank her teeth in.

On the next thrust, her body tightened painfully, and her orgasm hit in a blinding rush.

Devyn cried out, convulsing.

With a deep groan, Killian drove inside her one last time and came. She felt the warmth of his release fill her.

Their harsh breathing filled her ears, and a tinny voice. It took a second to realize it was Ace.

“Killian? Devyn? Are you fucking okay?”

Devyn touched her earpiece. “We’re fine. All threats neutralized.” She smiled at Killian. “Things got a little hard—” she tightened her leg on Killian’s hip, and he thrust forward, his cock still hard enough for her to feel him. She choked back a laugh. “But we took care of business.”

Killian’s low laugh filled her chest with warmth.

“Acknowledged,” Ace said. “Sending in the backup crew.”

“Thanks.” She touched the earpiece. “Shit. Slide out. I need to get my clothes back on.” The last thing she needed was for the Norcross Security men to see her bare ass and Killian’s come dripping down her thigh.

Killian kissed her. “I know I said I wouldn’t say the L word yet…”

She went still.

“But I love you, Devyn. I don’t want that to worry you, or stress you out—”

She touched his jaw, her belly fluttering. Shit, she, Devyn “Hellfire” Hayden, was nervous.

“I’m glad, because I…” She swallowed.

He smiled. “You can do it, Red.”

She smacked his shoulder. “I love you, Killian “Steel” Hawke.”

“Good.” He slid a hand into her hair, emotion in his dark eyes. “I feel like I’ve loved you forever, and if you let me, I’ll love you for the rest of our lives.”

Throat thick, she pressed her face to his neck. “Good line, Hawke. Good line.”

KILLIAN STOOD outside the mansion watching Ryder check Devyn over. Her hair was wet, she had a blanket wrapped around her wet clothes, and she was laughing at something the medic had said.

She was alive. Perfectly, vibrantly alive.

And his.

Police swarmed all over the place. He watched uniformed officers leading sullen, handcuffed mercenaries out the front door. The ones who were still breathing.

Ace, Rhys, Siv, and Vander appeared.

“You two left nothing,” Ace said. “Not a single bad guy for anyone else to take down. You hogged all the fun.”

“Sorry,” Killian said deadpan. “Didn’t know Norcross let your out of the computer room, Ace.”

The hacker shot him the finger, but was grinning.

Vander’s lips twitched. “You didn’t need backup after all.”

“I still appreciate the offer and your assistance.”

Vander inclined his head.

Two men in dark suits appeared. When Devyn saw them, she rose and headed over. Killian joined her.

“Hellfire,” the older man said. His blue gaze moved to Killian. “Steel.”

He nodded. “Good to see you, Sniper.” Killian and Geoff “Sniper” Miller had worked some missions together at the CIA. The man was a good agent.

“This is Leo Garcia.” Sniper nodded his head at the younger man.

Killian nodded.

The younger man blinked. “You’re Steel.” His head swiveled. “And you’re Hellfire.” There was an air of reverence in his voice.

Devyn’s lips twitched. “We aren’t Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.”

“You’d look cute with wings,” Killian told her.

She smiled. “And a bag full of teeth.”

He snorted.

Garcia straightened and cleared his throat. “Right. Nice to meet you both.”

“They’re here for Duffy,” Devyn said.

Killian looked at Vander, and the head of Norcross Security nodded. A second later, Rhys and Siv brought a shackled Duffy out of the building. He was hobbling and leaning heavily on Rhys.

His face was blank, and he didn’t say a word. He knew it was over.

As the CIA agents took him away, Killian pulled Devyn under his arm.

“A small part of me feels sorry for him.” She swallowed. “I wonder if I could’ve ever turned into that.”

“Never.” Killian nipped her lips. “You think of other people. Even when you try not to, you connect with others. You’ve kept your soul intact.”

“Killian?” a female voice said.

They both turned and saw Saskia. Cam was at her heels, as Saskia jogged toward them.

“You’re okay?” his sister asked, throwing her arms around Killian.

“We’re fine.” He hugged his sister tightly.

“The assassin?”

“In custody.”

Saskia smiled. “So Steel and Hellfire saved the day.”

“They’re action hogs,” Ace complained. “Left nothing for anyone else.”

“Of course,” Saskia said. “They’re legends.” She met Killian’s gaze. “Can you stay for a few days? I know Bram needs a couple of days before Ryder will let him travel.” She sniffed. Bram was clearly not her favorite person.

“The jet’s already fueled and waiting for us,” Killian said. “We need to get back.”

His sister’s face fell.

“But we’ll come back soon,” he promised.

“We?” Saskia arched an eyebrow.

He pulled Devyn in front of him and wrapped his arms around her. “Yes. Devyn is in love with me so I’m keeping her.”

His redhead made a choked sound.

“And I love her,” he added.

Devyn’s face softened. “I might get used to hearing that in about fifty years.”

He kissed her nose. “I’ll have to tell you multiple times a day so you get used to it faster.”

He looked back at Saskia, who had her hands clasped in front of her, looking happy but teary.

Killian leaned over and kissed her. “We need to get going.”

“Rhys will give you a ride to the airport.” Vander stepped forward and shook Killian’s hand. “Stay out of trouble.”

“You, too.”

Vander’s lips twitched. “Unfortunately, trouble has a habit of finding me and my team.”

Killian laughed. “Ditto.”

This late at night, the drive to the airport was quick. Rhys waved them off with a smile. Ric was waiting for them.

Once they were airborne, Killian turned to Devyn. “Take a shower and warm up. There are plenty of new clothes in the closet. We keep a stash for emergencies.”

She stirred and dropped her blanket. “We should really conserve water. Care to join me?”

Killian rose and started unbuttoning his shirt. “Yes, although I doubt we’ll conserve much water.”

AS THE JET DESCENDED, Devyn woke from a nap.

Crap. Had she slept the entire flight to New York?

To be fair, they’d had a long night. Plus, her shower with Killian had been rather energetic, and included him washing her hair and giving her two magnificent orgasms.

She opened her eyes. He was sitting across from her working on his laptop. She just stared at him.

God, he was so handsome, in that sharp, dangerous way that made her pulse pound.

And he loved her.

All of her: Hellfire, Devyn, that little, skinny redhead who’d grown up in a trailer.

He looked up. “Good nap?”

“Yes.” Morning light shone through the windows. She leaned over and blinked. “Ah, Killian?”

“Yes.”

“Why does New York look like the Las Vegas Strip?” The wild assortment of buildings were like a slash of color in the desert.

“We made a detour,” he said.

She turned her head. “Oh?”

He closed his laptop and set it aside. “Yes.”

“Did you get a sudden urge to play blackjack?”

“No. We’re getting married.”

The air caught in her lungs. “What?” she wheezed.

“Married. It makes sense, Red. You’re mine. I’m yours.”

She swallowed. “Married.” She could only manage to get the one word out.

His lips quirked. “Yes. I want to claim you every way possible, Devyn. Physically. Emotionally. Legally.”

She couldn’t breathe. Emotions welled, and she knew the hot, bright one was love.

“You love me,” she whispered.

His brow creased. “Yes.”

“No one ever has before.”

He cursed. “The fact your mother didn’t love you isn’t because you’re unlovable, Devyn. The problem was hers.”

Devyn unclipped her belt and he cursed again.

“Devyn, we’re about to land.”

She jumped on his lap and kissed him.

He kissed her back, then unclipped his belt, lengthened it and pulled it around them both.

He nuzzled her. “So, you want to get married?”

“Do I have a choice?” she asked.

“No.” He nipped her lips. “I’m giving you an hour to find a dress, then we have a rooftop ceremony to attend.” His voice lowered. “Then we have twenty-four hours locked in a penthouse suite at the Bellagio.”

“Sounds good to me.” She kissed him again, sliding her hands into his thick, black hair.

Killian pulled back and lifted his hand. On his palm was a small black box.

Again, Devyn couldn’t breathe. She watched as he opened it.

The ring was a fiery red ruby set in platinum.

Beautiful.

She realized it matched the necklace he’d given her. She met his gaze. “How long have you had this?”

“A while.”

She held up her hand, and it shook a little as he slid the ring on her finger.

God. Everything inside her jittered.

She fused her mouth to his. She kept kissing him, so lost in it, she didn’t even realize they’d landed. She squirmed, her panties wet.

Killian touched the intercom. “Ric, we need a few minutes.”

He stood, lifting her into his arms and then laid her out on the couch. His big body followed her down.

Across the intercom, the pilot laughed. “Take all the time you need.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Two days later, Devyn tried not to fidget as she and Killian stepped into the elevator to the Sentinel Security office.

She looked at her ring. It glimmered under the lights.

Strong arms wrapped around her from behind. Her husband was a hard warmth at her back.

“Okay, Mrs. Hawke?” he asked.

Hell, hearing that still gave her a jolt.

“I’m wondering what your friends will think of our sudden marriage.” They hadn’t told them. The only person he’d called was Saskia. His sister had been ecstatically happy for them, but demanded a celebration in the future so she could attend.

Killian nuzzled the side of Devyn’s neck. “They’ll be happy.” He pulled back. “I have a wedding gift for you.”

She groaned. “Another gift? You already gave me the rings.” There was now a plain platinum band to join the ruby ring.

And she’d also gotten Killian a wedding band on one of the few times they’d ventured out of their hotel suite.

She smiled. The rest of their time in Las Vegas had been spent in bed. She’d gorged herself on Killian Hawke. Her new husband.

Husband. That meant she now had unlimited access to him.

For the rest of her life.

She’d never had someone who was just hers before.

He pulled some paperwork out of the inner pocket of his suit jacket. He handed it to her.

“Now I’ll need to get you another gift,” she complained. “You’re rich. You’re hard to buy for.”

He bit her ear. “I have everything I want.” He cupped her hip. “Or almost everything. Open it.”

She flicked the paperwork open and read. Then read again. She felt like a ball had lodged in the center of her chest.

She looked up at the man she loved. “Killian—”

“We’re a team now. What’s mine is yours.”

“This is too much.”

He cupped her cheeks. “It’ll never be enough.”

She stared down blindly at the words on the paper. “You’re making me half owner of Sentinel Security.”

“Yes. You’re more than qualified and you’ll be amazing. I want you here. I want us to work together. Cook together. Sleep together every night.”

She tilted her head. “And you don’t want me off on missions, far from your reach.”

“That too. I’ll never apologize for wanting to keep you safe. But you can’t say we aren’t good together. I know you love your work at the CIA—”

She gripped his wrist, and took a deep breath. “I’ll love working here too. Working with you.” She grinned. “And I have a few office fantasies we can act out.”

He laughed and kissed her. “Now I have everything I want, Mrs. Hawke.”

They were still kissing when the elevator stopped and the doors opened.

“Oh my God, you two!” Hex’s voice. “You run off to Las Vegas, where I’m guessing you’ve been having loads of sexy times, and you still can’t keep your hands off each other.”

They stepped out of the elevator. The entire crowd was waiting for them.

Nick stood with an arm around his girlfriend Lainie. Matteo and a beaming Gabbi were beside them. Hadley and Hex were smiling, Bennett looked like he was fighting a smile, and Bram was frowning. Her gaze ran over the Irishman. He had a small bandage on his temple, and he was still bruised, but he looked better.

“You just disappear after a stressful mission, and leave us to deal with everything,” Hex continued.

“Everything’s been fine,” Nick said.

Hex threw out a hand. “Hey, don’t interrupt my rant.”

“Oh, my God,” Hadley breathed. “Devyn, what’s on your finger?”

Suddenly, Devyn’s throat was dry as dust. She lifted her hand. “Well—”

Killian wrapped an arm around her. “We got married.”

Squeals and exclamations broke out. The squeals were mostly Hex.

Devyn was hugged and kissed. So was Killian.

Hadley, Hex, Gabbi, and Lainie oohed her rings and Killian’s titanium band.

Gabbi hugged Devyn hard and wouldn’t let go.

“You aren’t going back to DC?” her friend asked.

“Just to pack up my apartment and resign.” And to reassure the people who ran the Fighting Chance charity that she’d still support it, even if she didn’t call D.C. home. Devyn cleared her throat. “I’m also the new co-owner of Sentinel Security.”

That elicited more squeals and hugs.

Finally, she found herself standing next to Bram.

“Congratulations,” he said.

“Thanks. How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

He didn’t say anything else, and she rolled her eyes. “Have you found Addie yet?”

He shifted his feet. “I asked Hex today to find her.”

“Good. You deserve to know what happened. Thanks again for everything in San Francisco.”

He shrugged a shoulder. “Just doing my job.”

“Now that you’re my bestie, and I’m your boss, we need to have more heart-to-hearts.” She held out her fist.

He let out an unhappy grunt, but fist bumped her back.

“Okay, we were robbed of a wedding reception,” Hex called out. “So we’re heading to have drinks to celebrate the boss man and Devyn’s marriage right now.”

“No fancy clubs,” Nick growled. “Especially none with VR headsets.”

“There’s a new Irish pub a few blocks away,” Hex said. “It’s casual, got a good vibe, and I heard the food is awesome.” She looked at Bram. “Plus, they pride themselves on their extensive selection of Irish whiskey.”

He lifted a shoulder. “I could go for one drink.”

“I’m a Scotch man, myself,” said Bennett.

“Don’t say that,” Nick warned. “Or Bram will have you trying a bunch of Irish whiskies, and you’ll wake up tomorrow without your pants, a raging headache, and no idea of what happened.”

Everyone looked at Wolf. He scratched the back of his neck. “Or I imagine that’s what might happen.”

Lainie burst into laughter, and her man shot her an annoyed look.

Gabbi clapped her hands together. “Let’s go and celebrate.”

Devyn caught Killian’s gaze and smiled. She realized that he hadn’t just given her love and a partnership.

He’d given her friends and family too.

ON THE ROCKS WAS AN UPMARKET, modern take on an Irish pub. There was a good crowd in attendance, and the place had lots of wood, and framed photos of the Irish countryside and the whiskey-making process.

The bar was a long line of gleaming wood and behind it, Killian saw the shelves contained rows of bottles of Irish whiskey.

The servers all wore black with dark green aprons tied around their waists. They hurried around serving the customers.

One young man found them a table large enough, and soon Killian was sitting with Devyn beside him.

His wife.

She was talking with Bram on the other side of her. She laughed and smacked Bram’s arm. The big man’s lips twitched.

It seemed Devyn was working her charm on the most taciturn member of Killian’s team. They’d clearly bonded in San Francisco.

Over the last few days, some of the tension had drained out of Killian. She was safe. She had his ring on her finger. He couldn’t wait to have her at Sentinel Security every day.

He’d had an update on Duffy on the flight home. The rogue agent had disappeared into the bowels of the CIA and wouldn’t ever be a free man.

If anyone threatened Devyn again, Killian would be here, ready to take them down.

Suddenly, Devyn pulled out her phone and looked at her messages, then she grinned.

Killian gripped the back of her neck. “Okay?”

“It’s Cain.” She tilted the phone so he could see the messages.

Married? You and Steel got married? Jesus, Hayden.

Killian smiled.

She tapped back a reply.

That’s Mrs. Hawke to you.

Fucking hell. You happy?

She met Killian’s gaze, then touched the screen.

Yes.

Okay. Well, I don’t do emojis, but if I did, I’d send you an eye roll, and maybe a smiley face.

Thanks, Shade.

Tell Hawke I said congratulations, and if he hurts you, I’ll kill him.

Devyn snorted.

Aww, aren’t you sweet. Are you okay?

I’m breathing.

When she tried to reply, the message didn’t go through. Shade had already ditched the phone.

Killian squeezed her neck. “We’ll see him again soon.”

She nodded.

“Happy?” he asked.

“Yes. I keep thinking I’ll wake up and find it’s all a dream.”

“It’s real. You and me.”

She smiled at him. “Steel and Hellfire.”

Suddenly, Bram jerked to his feet, his chair scraping on the floor.

Killian followed the man’s gaze. A pretty, tall blonde who looked familiar stood near the bar, wearing an On the Rocks uniform. She was talking with one of the other servers.

“Oh, shit,” Devyn said.

“Who’s that?” Killian asked.

“I suspect that’s Addie. A dancer friend of your sister’s.”

Killian remembered now. The blonde dancer had also been snatched by the Russian businessman who’d abducted Saskia.

“She’s the reason Bram’s been extra grumpy these last few months,” Devyn murmured.

Killian’s brows drew together. “He told you this?”

“We saved each other’s lives, Killian. We’re BFFs now.”

The idea of Bram having a BFF didn’t compute.

Suddenly, Addie stepped out from behind the bar, turned her head, and caught sight of Bram.

All the color drained from her face, and she swayed a little.

Bram made a choked, inarticulate sound.

Probably because Addie’s green apron covered a small but noticeable baby bump.

Oh, hell.

Suddenly, Addie moved, running behind the bar and dashing through a doorway.

A second later, Bram strode across the bar, shouldering several people out of his way, and followed her.

“What’s going on?” Hex asked, a bewildered look on her face.

Everyone was staring after the big man.

“Well.” Devyn sipped her drink.

“I think I’ll need another whiskey,” Killian muttered.

“Bram found Addie,” Devyn said.

“Adaline Harris?” Hex frowned. “The woman who was abducted with Saskia? He asked me today to find her.”

Devyn nodded. “She’s the reason he’s been a bear lately.”

“Oh,” Hex breathed. “Bram and the pretty, blonde dancer?”

Killian sat back in his chair. He suspected Bram was going to need their help. “She looked like she was a couple of months pregnant.”

“Bloody hell,” Bennett muttered.

Hadley and Gabbi gasped. Lainie blinked while Hex goggled. Matteo and Nick traded a look.

“Oh my God,” Hex said.

The team broke into several conversations at once.

Devyn leaned in. “Never a dull moment around here.”

Killian sipped his whiskey again. “Yes.”

She took his glass and took a sip for herself.

“Do you want kids?” he asked.

She choked on the drink. “Right now?”

He gave a low chuckle and pulled his wife closer. Today, she smelled like the sea. It was always an adventure to see what scent she’d be wearing. “Not now. In the future sometime.”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “If it’s with you, yes. I’m pretty sure I’ll be a better mother than my own.”

He kissed her. “You’ll be amazing. And we’ll do it together.”

“Partners.”

“Forever. Have I told you today that I love you?”

She leaned her head on his shoulder. “Maybe, but you can never tell me enough.”

“I love you, Devyn “Hellfire” Hawke. I’ll always have your back, Red.”

“I know. And my front, and my—”

As he pulled her in for a kiss, she laughed. The sound was big, and full of happiness and love.

EPILOGUE

A few months later

Killian sat at the end of the large conference table, eyes narrowed on his potential new client. Stephen Coleman was Killian’s age and owned one of the most successful private equity firms in New York.

The conference room was atop the skyscraper Coleman owned in Midtown Manhattan, and had a top-notch view of the Empire State Building. Instead of a meeting with only Coleman and his two right-hand men—his CFO and COO, both friends he’d attended Harvard with—Coleman had brought along a small entourage. There were lawyers, an assistant, a communications advisor, and his head of security.

Killian wasn’t happy. Coleman’s business dealings had put him at odds with one of the local mafia families. He’d been receiving death threats, and wanted to enhance his security and preferably not end up dead. Hex had run background checks on those closest to Coleman, and cleared them, but the rest of this group, Killian had no idea about. There was every chance Carmine Lombardi had an enforcer undercover somewhere in Coleman’s company.

Scanning the men and women in their neat suits and pressed shirts, no one stood out.

But Killian knew that the best killers could hide in plain sight.

“Mr. Hawke, we’ve gone over your proposal.” Coleman stroked his jaw. The man looked stressed and tired. “It’s comprehensive. Are you sure everything you’ve outlined is required?”

“I know how Lombardi works, Mr. Coleman. He isn’t hesitant, and when he’s issued a threat, he always follows through.”

Coleman jerked a thumb at his CFO. “Roger here thinks you’re too expensive.”

“You get what you pay for,” Killian said. “If you want the best, and you want to stay alive, then that costs money.”

As Coleman pondered that, Killian glanced at his watch. He was due to meet Devyn for lunch at the Egyptian restaurant that had become their favorite place to eat. He smiled to himself. It was a belated birthday lunch.

Yesterday had been his birthday. She’d surprised him last night with a bottle of his favorite rare single malt Scotch whiskey, Springbank 50 Year Old 1919, and a set of black, barely-there lingerie which had included a garter belt and stockings.

He’d taken his time unwrapping her and drank his Springbank off her stomach…among other places.

Since they’d married, she’d settled into Sentinel Security seamlessly. He’d waited anxiously to see if she’d miss the CIA, but she’d shown no sign of it.

She relished her work with him, she’d bloomed in their marriage, and he loved watching her make friends with his people. She was always laughing with Hex, Hadley, and Gabbi. And much to his delight, she got on well with Saskia. They’d recently been over to San Francisco for the second time.

And shocking the hell out of him, she’d also actually become best friends with Bram. The man had needed her over the last few months.

Anyway, Killian steepled his fingers and willed Coleman to decide, one way or the other, if he wanted to contract Sentinel Security to keep him alive. Killian wanted to get on with his day. He wanted to see his wife, and perhaps coax her back to their apartment for a middle of the day quickie.

One of the entourage—a young, slick-looking lawyer—leaned forward. “I really think this is entirely unnecessary. We have good security here. There is no way anyone is going to kill Mr. Coleman.”

Killian didn’t respond. He didn’t give a shit about this guy’s opinion.

“Why don’t you take some time to think it over?” Killian suggested to Coleman. “During that time, I suggest you increase your personal security detail.” He glanced at the older head of the security. The former Marine nodded. “And at least upgrade your home security system. The one you have is subpar.”

Coleman scrubbed a hand through his brown hair. “Damn. This is a shitty situation. Tangling with the mob wasn’t something I ever intended to do.”

“Why don’t—”

The conference room door flew open.

A beautiful, fit, redheaded woman strode in. She wore tailored black pants, a silky white blouse, and a fitted black jacket on top. Her hair was up in a ponytail and her face carried a composed, deadly look. As she strode past him, he got a hint of her musky floral perfume that managed to smell both sexy and sweet.

She was also holding a black tactical knife in her hand.

Before anyone could move, she threw the knife.

It slammed into the young lawyer’s shoulder, pinning him to his chair. The man screamed—a long, piercing wail.

Killian’s wife caught his gaze and winked, before she turned back to the horrified, spluttering crowd in the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to Enzo Bianchi. First cousin twice-removed to Carmine Lombardi. He’s been busy working his way up the food chain as an enforcer for Cousin Carmine.”

Gasps broke out and Coleman paled.

Devyn smiled. “Sentinel Security got word that Enzo has been undercover here for the last two months.” She eyed the sobbing man dispassionately, then flicked a look at the still-shocked Coleman. “Sorry about the blood stains.” She swiveled to Killian. “I’ll see you for lunch, Hawke.”

Then she strode out.

Killian shifted, his cock hard, but thankfully hidden by the table. Anytime he watched her do her thing, he got hard. He was pretty sure he’d be old and hard of hearing, and she’d still make him hard.

He shot Enzo a glance. As always, she’d had Killian’s back.

He pressed his hands to the conference table. “Coleman?”

The businessman was still staring at the door. “She works for you?” He looked a little dazed.

Killian narrowed his gaze. “No, she’s my co-owner. And she’s my wife.”

“Wife?” Coleman blinked and did a bad job of hiding his disappointment. “I see.” He glanced at his bleeding almost-assassin, who his head of security was currently hauling out of the chair. Coleman nodded. “Where do I need to sign, Mr. Hawke? Clearly, the reputation of Sentinel Security isn’t exaggerated.”

Killian pulled out his tablet, the contract already on the screen. He slid it across the table.

While Coleman signed, Killian pulled out his cell phone and tapped.

Take your panties off. I want to fuck my wife before lunch.

His phone vibrated.

Ooh, goodie. I’m waiting for you in the lobby.

A second later, an image came through. Devyn’s slender finger holding a tiny scrap of black lace.

His cock throbbed again.

Have I told you today how much I love you?

Yes. But tell me again.

I love you.

I love you too, Killian.

It was turning out to be a very good day. He’d signed a new multi-million dollar security contract, he’d fuck his wife again soon, and then he’d take her out for falafel.

Everyday was an adventure with his Hellfire by his side.

I hope you enjoyed Killian and Devyn’s story!

If you want a little more of Killian and Devyn, then read the short Steel Bonus Epilogue: GET MY EPILOGUE

Sentinel Security continues with Excalibur, starring Bram “Excalibur” O’Donovan and Adaline “Addie” Harris. Read on for a preview of the first chapter.

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PREVIEW: EXCALIBUR

Addie.

It was his Addie.

Bram O’Donovan stared across the busy Irish bar, his gaze on the woman who’d haunted his dreams for months.

She is not yours, you eejit.

No. Not his. But…they’d spent ten days together. For ten days, he’d gorged himself on her.

He’d thought…

Well, it didn’t matter what he’d thought. Adaline Harris was young, blonde, beautiful, an amazing dancer, and sweet. She was too good for him.

He was an older, battered, ex-military man who would never be good enough for her. While he’d been away with work, she’d wised up.

He barely registered the sounds of the people in the bar. Addie looked up and met his gaze, and all the color drained out of her face, leaving her whiter than the sheets his ma used to have flapping outside on the line when he was a boy.

That’s when his brain registered that Addie wore the uniform of the staff at the bar—black shirt and pants, and a dark-green apron.

And that apron sat snug over a small mound of a belly that she hadn’t possessed the last time he’d seen her.

Shock rocketed through him.

Addie was pregnant.

She whirled and ran behind the bar, disappearing through a doorway.

Pregnant. It’d been several months since she’d disappeared from his life. He’d returned home to find she’d left her dance show and her apartment, and her phone had been disconnected.

That baby in her belly was his.

His friends at the table where he sat had fallen silent. Without a word, he rose and strode after Addie. He shouldered past several bargoers.

“Hey.” One man spun around, took in Bram’s size, and snapped his mouth closed.

Bram charged around the bar and through the door, ignoring a shout behind him.

Where was she?

There were several rooms off a long hallway. He heard the noise of the kitchen nearby. Then he detected the faint scent of spring flowers. It made him think of a sunny meadow. Her scent was embedded in his senses. He’d know it anywhere. He’d damn well dreamed about it over the last few months.

Addie.

He stalked to a door at the end of the hall and nudged it open.

It was filled with stacked tables, St. Patrick’s Day decorations, and racks of unused glasses.

Addie stood in the center of the space, and spun to face him.

“Addie,” he murmured.

She swallowed. “Bram, I…”

“You disappeared,” he said.

Her head jerked. Her blonde hair was up in a jumbled bun on top of her head. It always made him think of strands of golden sunshine.

She lifted her chin. “You wanted nothing to do with us.” She placed a protective hand over her belly.

His mind boiled. Nothing to do with her? Feck.

There was a baby in there. His baby.

Confusion made him cock his head. “You disappeared, Addie. I thought it was a pretty clear way of telling me you didn’t want me. A baby…” He scraped a hand through his short hair. “I had a right to know about that.”

Splotches of color appeared on her cheeks. “I called. I tried to get in touch. I left you messages.”

His brows drew together. “I didn’t get any messages.”

“I called Sentinel Security. And I went there. Twice.” The color left her cheeks again, the look in her eyes stark. “I was told to stop bothering you. I got the message, Bram.” Her voice hitched.

His gut knotted. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Just leave me alone.” She grabbed the edge of the table. Her knuckles were white. “I’ve been doing just fine on my own.”

The pain and hurt in her voice cut him. His throat was as dry as dust. He couldn’t handle the idea of her alone. “You left the show.”

“Show?” She frowned at him.

“On the Street. Where you were dancing.”

She gave a short laugh. “I’m pregnant, Bram. No one wants a pregnant dancer.”

“Addie—”

“And I was sick for a while.”

His own stomach cramped at the thought.

“I couldn’t afford my apartment anymore! I couldn’t find any work, and I was puking constantly.”

His body jerked. He hadn’t meant to, but he’d left her all alone.

“I couldn’t even pay for my phone.” She lifted her chin. “I was lucky Paddy took me on here.”

“I didn’t get your messages, sunshine.”

If it was possible, her cheeks went even paler. “Don’t call me that,” she whispered.

He’d called her that during the nights they’d spent together. Wrapped up together in her small double bed, where there had barely been enough room for him, let alone both of them. But he’d held her tight. He’d learned every inch of that beautiful dancer’s body. He’d cherished pleasing her, hearing her cries as she’d come for him.

Now there was so much pain in her pretty, blue eyes, and he was desperate to fix it.

She rubbed both hands over her belly.

“Addie, come with me. We need to talk.”

“I’m at work, I—”

“I’m not leaving you alone.” Not again. A part of Bram panicked at the thought of leaving her, worried he’d lose her.

She wasn’t disappearing from his life again.

“Bram, I think it’s best you go.” Her voice wobbled.

“No,” he growled.

Her lips pressed together. Addie was kind and good, but he knew she had an inner strength when things were important to her. She could dig her heels in.

“Bram?” His boss Killian’s voice sounded behind him.

“I think she needs some time, Bram. You both do.” That voice belonged to Devyn, Killian’s new, badass wife. For some reason, the stubborn CIA agent had claimed Bram as a friend.

He turned his head and met her gaze. The redhead nodded at him.

Bram hadn’t known Devyn long, but he knew she’d have his back. They’d saved each other’s lives on a recent mission. He released a breath and looked back at Addie, who was staring at Devyn.

“Addie?” he said.

Her head jerked back to him, a strange look on her face.

He frowned. “Sunshine?”

Her mouth opened, but then her legs collapsed, and she started to fall.

Bram had never moved so fast in his life. He lunged across the room to catch her.

ADDIE BLINKED OPEN HER EYES, fighting the grogginess in her head.

Strong arms held her, and a part of her just wanted to snuggle into them. It felt nice to be held. It was nice to lean on someone else.

She’d been alone a long time. Ever since she’d left that tiny house belonging to her parents in Hickory Ridge, Georgia. She loved her parents, even when they could be distant and unsupportive. They were always too worn down and tired, and had been her entire life. They’d both worked and had six kids to feed. Her father worked at a factory, and drank too much. Her mom worked two jobs and was always exhausted.

Addie had learned that her mother had wanted to be a singer when she’d been younger. Once, Addie had caught her mom singing as she’d folded laundry. She had a beautiful voice, and Addie had told her. But her mom had clammed up and snapped at her.

When your father put you in my belly, my life, my dream, was over. Never trust a man, Adaline. Only trust yourself.

Shirley Harris had given up her dream.

Addie had wanted more than that. More than a rundown house, threadbare clothes, and constant tiredness.

She’d wanted to make something of herself. She hadn’t been the most amazing student at school, but she’d been good at computers and dancing. She’d decided to make it as a dancer.

And secretly, she’d always wanted a man who’d love her.

Not a perfect prince. She wanted a solid, trustworthy man, who looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

Her mother had told her that she was an idiot with her head in the clouds, and bound for disappointment.

Addie was never going to believe that.

She snuggled against a hard chest. A very hard chest.

Memories stabbed at her.

Of a powerfully strong body, a rugged face, sexy red hair, and big hands touching her with desperate need.

Bram.

She could even smell him now. Leather and spice.

No. Bram had left her. Bram didn’t want her.

Pain cut at her. She’d already cried too many tears for the quiet Irishman who’d broken her heart. Bram was gone.

She opened her eyes and stared into green ones.

Bram.

Her heart squeezed. He was holding her.

“God, sunshine, are you okay?” His voice was a deep rumble with that accent she loved.

“I—” She shifted, and her head swam. She let out a low moan.

She saw panic flare in his eyes before he hid it.

No, that couldn’t be right. Bram was solid and unshakable as a rock. Nothing panicked him.

“She needs a doctor.” He rose with her in his arms. “Don’t move, Addie. Take it easy.”

Addie wasn’t small. She was tall, but he lifted her like she weighed nothing.

Then, she noticed the healing bruises on his face. They circled his eye, and there was a bandage at his temple. Her fingers reached up to touch him.

“You’re hurt,” she murmured.

“It’s nothing,” he mumbled.

It didn’t look like nothing. A part of her hated the idea of him injured.

“She needs a doctor,” he said again. “Get Daniel. I’m taking her back to the Sentinel Security warehouse.”

She realized that he was talking to the other two people in the room.

Addie tried to think. She couldn’t leave. “I’m work—”

“Shh, Addie. We’ll get you checked first.”

Her head was fuzzy, and she felt faint. She thought it best not to tell him about the wave of nausea rushing over her.

The worst of her morning sickness had passed, thank the stars, but every now and then, she did feel unsteady.

“What’s going on here?”

The deep, raspy voice belonged to her new boss. Paddy Ryan was Irish-American through and through. He took great pride in his newest Irish bar, On the Rocks. He’d taken her on when no one else would. She tried to straighten in Bram’s arms.

But Bram’s hold tightened, and she was distracted by the way his huge biceps strained against his white shirt. He gently set her down, but kept his arms around her.

“Addie fainted,” Bram said. “I’m taking her to get checked by a doctor.”

“Paddy, I’m fine,” she rushed to assure her boss.

Paddy stood in the doorway with his arms crossed. He was in his early sixties, with gray hair, and a scruffy gray beard. “You always say that, even when you’re not.”

She huffed out a breath. “That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is.” Paddy’s gaze never left Bram. “And who are you?” her boss demanded.

“We’re friends of Addie’s,” the stunning, redheaded woman said. She shot Paddy a dazzling smile.

“As far as I know, she doesn’t have any friends.” Paddy scowled. “She’s alone and pregnant.”

Again, Addie felt Bram’s arms convulse.

“We were out of the country,” Killian said. “Bram’s been looking for Addie, but she’d left her apartment, and her phone was disconnected.”

The words echoed in her head. Bram had been looking for her? That couldn’t be right.

She focused on Killian Hawke. He was dressed in an expensive, dark-blue suit but still managed to look dangerous. She’d met her friend Saskia Hawke’s brother a couple of times before. Saskia had been one of the country’s best ballerinas, but she’d recently retired to start her own school.

Saskia and Addie had become friends in the worst of circumstances—when a wealthy Russian businessman had become obsessed with Saskia and had her abducted. Of course, Addie had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and gotten snatched as well. It had been terrifying. Her throat tightened.

Thankfully, Killian loved his sister and had used his resources to rescue her, Addie, and the other women who’d been kept by Yaroslav Mikhailov. To be honest, Killian scared Addie. She knew he was ex-CIA, and now owned a private security company, Sentinel Security. That was where Bram worked.

She assumed the beautiful redhead worked at Sentinel Security, too. She wore stylish wide-legged dark-green pants and a fitted black shirt tucked into them. Addie couldn’t tuck her shirts in anymore, and the woman suddenly made her feel very dowdy. The way the redhead and Bram had looked at each other…it was clear they were close.

Addie’s stomach took an unhappy nosedive. Was this woman his girlfriend?

Suddenly Bram, who was glaring at Paddy, slid a huge palm over her belly. She gasped at the sensation. Her body remembered just how those big, scarred hands had touched her.

When she’d first found out she was pregnant, she’d dreamed of Bram touching her belly, talking to their baby. Those dreams had withered and died.

“I’m the father of the baby,” Bram said.

At this, Paddy’s face darkened. The older man was not afraid of letting his temper loose. “Then why the fuck was she alone in the first place?”

Addie held out a hand. “Paddy—”

“She was bloody desperate when she came in here. No money for rent. No one to help her.”

Another wave of dizziness hit her, and she slumped back against Bram’s chest.

He made a growling sound and pulled her closer. “She needs a doctor.” He lifted her into his arms again, without a single sign of strain, then shouldered toward the door.

“Bram, I’ll be fine.” She didn’t want to go with him. Being around him hurt too much.

A muscle in his jaw flexed. “I’m going to make sure you’re okay.” His gaze flicked to her belly, an unreadable look in his green eyes.

“We have an excellent doctor on staff,” Killian said to Paddy. “We’ll take good care of her.”

Paddy frowned, finally taking a good look at Killian. “You’re Killian Hawke.”

“I am. Bram works for me.”

The bar owner sniffed. “Then I couldn’t stop you taking her if I tried.”

Killian’s sharp face was cool and composed. “We have Adaline’s best interests at heart.”

Addie just closed her eyes. Bram had wanted nothing to do with her and the baby. He’d made that obvious.

But when she told him she’d left him messages, he’d looked so confused.

She squeezed her eyes closed harder. Her brain was too foggy to think right now.

Bram walked out of the room, holding her tight.

“I’m going to take care of you, I promise,” he said.

She wanted that to be true, but her heart was too broken to believe him.

Sentinel Security

Wolf

Hades

Striker

Steel

Excalibur

Hex

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PREVIEW: NORCROSS SECURITY

Want more action-packed romance? Then check out the men of Norcross Security.

The only man who can keep her safe is her boss’ gorgeous brother.

Museum curator Haven McKinney has sworn off men. All of them. Totally. She’s recently escaped a bad ex and started a new life for herself in San Francisco. She loves her job at the Hutton Museum, likes her new boss, and has made best friends with his feisty sister. Haven’s also desperately trying not to notice their brother: hotshot investigator Rhys Norcross. And she’s really trying not to notice his muscular body, sexy tattoos, and charming smile.

Nope, Rhys is off limits. But then Haven finds herself in the middle of a deadly situation…

Investigator Rhys Norcross is good at finding his targets. After leaving an elite Ghost Ops military team, the former Delta Force soldier thrives on his job at his brother’s security firm, Norcross Security. He’s had his eye on smart, sexy Haven for a while, but the pretty curator with her eyes full of secrets is proving far harder to chase down than he anticipated.

Luckily, Rhys never, ever gives up.

When thieves target the museum and steal a multi-million-dollar painting in a daring theft, Haven finds herself in trouble, and dangers from her past rising. Rhys vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe, and Haven finds herself risking the one thing she was trying so hard to protect—her heart.

Norcross Security

The Investigator

The Troubleshooter

The Specialist

The Bodyguard

The Hacker

The Powerbroker

The Detective

The Medic

The Protector

Also Available as Audiobooks!

ALSO BY ANNA HACKETT

Fury Brothers

Fury

Sentinel Security

Wolf

Hades

Striker

Steel

Excalibur

Hex

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Norcross Security

The Investigator

The Troubleshooter

The Specialist

The Bodyguard

The Hacker

The Powerbroker

The Detective

The Medic

The Protector

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Billionaire Heists

Stealing from Mr. Rich

Blackmailing Mr. Bossman

Hacking Mr. CEO

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Team 52

Mission: Her Protection

Mission: Her Rescue

Mission: Her Security

Mission: Her Defense

Mission: Her Safety

Mission: Her Freedom

Mission: Her Shield

Mission: Her Justice

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Treasure Hunter Security

Undiscovered

Uncharted

Unexplored

Unfathomed

Untraveled

Unmapped

Unidentified

Undetected

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Oronis Knights

Knightmaster

Knighthunter

Galactic Kings

Overlord

Emperor

Captain of the Guard

Conqueror

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Eon Warriors

Edge of Eon

Touch of Eon

Heart of Eon

Kiss of Eon

Mark of Eon

Claim of Eon

Storm of Eon

Soul of Eon

King of Eon

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Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone

Sentinel

Defender

Centurion

Paladin

Guard

Weapons Master

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Galactic Gladiators

Gladiator

Warrior

Hero

Protector

Champion

Barbarian

Beast

Rogue

Guardian

Cyborg

Imperator

Hunter

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Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

Roth

Noah

Shaw

Holmes

Niko

Finn

Devlin

Theron

Hemi

Ash

Levi

Manu

Griff

Dom

Survivors

Tane

Also Available as Audiobooks!

The Anomaly Series

Time Thief

Mind Raider

Soul Stealer

Salvation

Anomaly Series Box Set

The Phoenix Adventures

Among Galactic Ruins

At Star’s End

In the Devil’s Nebula

On a Rogue Planet

Beneath a Trojan Moon

Beyond Galaxy’s Edge

On a Cyborg Planet

Return to Dark Earth

On a Barbarian World

Lost in Barbarian Space

Through Uncharted Space

Crashed on an Ice World

Perma Series

Winter Fusion

A Galactic Holiday

Warriors of the Wind

Tempest

Storm & Seduction

Fury & Darkness

Standalone Titles

Savage Dragon

Hunter’s Surrender

One Night with the Wolf

For more information visit www.annahackett.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled contemporary romantic suspense and science fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I live in Australia with my own personal hero and two very busy, always-on-the-move sons.

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Website: www.annahackett.com