BURN

FURY BROTHERS

BOOK 3

ANNA HACKETT

Burn

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2024 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Hang Le Designs

Cover image by Wander Aguiar

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN (ebook): 978-1-923134-10-2

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-923134-11-9

ISBN (special edition paperback): 978-1-923134-12-6

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

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1.  London

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39.  Kavner

Preview: Stealing from Mr. Rich

Preview: Norcross Security

Also by Anna Hackett

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1

LONDON

Iwas a woman on a mission.

I strode down the New Orleans sidewalk, my boots clicking on the concrete. The young agent beside me half jogged to keep up.

“Are you sure this is a good idea, Agent Coleman?” FBI agent Amy Chen pushed some of her straight, black hair off her face. “I mean, we have no cause. No warrants. He doesn’t have to show us anything if he doesn’t want to.”

“It’s going to be fine,” I said. “This is just a shot across the bow.”

The mid-size office tower rose above us, all gleaming glass. It was much taller than the surrounding warehouse buildings of the Warehouse District in New Orleans. The tower was more pointed at the top, and some of the glass was tinted red, making it look like a flame. It was called Ignis Tower, so it was appropriate.

“Agent Coleman, I know that you’re awesome at your job.”

I was very good at my job. One of the youngest Treasury Agents to close some of the largest financial crimes cases in the country. “I’ve told you to call me London.”

I liked Amy. She was Chinese-American, with a rapier-sharp mind, and a tiny, compact body. She regularly took down agents twice her size in the training gym.

Amy nodded. “London. Our joint task force is lucky to have you. Ever since we arrested that lawyer who gave us clues to the money laundering going on here in New Orleans, you’ve been a driving force in our investigation.”

Yes, when the FBI had arrested a lawyer several months back, she’d given them intel into a huge money laundering scheme running in the city. I suspected the money was flowing to the drug cartels, but we still had no hard evidence. Whoever was behind it, they had to be stopped.

After several weeks of investigation, we had no proof, no arrests, not much at all. Frustration cut through me.

But one name kept popping up.

Kavner Fury.

A burn seared in my belly. I was sure New Orleans’ favorite billionaire was dirty. His name, and that of his company, Ignis Inc., kept appearing in my investigation, but I hadn’t been able to prove anything, yet.

Money was being laundered in New Orleans. My jaw tightened. I was going to stop it.

“London,” Amy continued. “Kavner Fury is a well-known New Orleans businessman. He’s well-connected and—”

“In the perfect position to launder money?”

Amy huffed out a breath. “He makes massive donations to the local community.”

“That could just be a front.” I’d seen it before. The pious family man, pillar of the community, who behind closed doors broke the law.

“Or he could just be a successful businessman. What is it about him that sets you off?”

“Experience.” I knew the type—wealthy, handsome, powerful. The kind of man who thought he could get away with anything. My stomach curdled. I’d seen it firsthand. I’d watched my father get sucked into the world of glitz and wealth, and get destroyed. Seduced by the heady promises of a man like Kavner Fury.

I shook those thoughts off and headed for the gleaming glass doors that led into Ignis Tower.

Amy grabbed my arm. “London, you need to tread carefully. The Fury brothers are well-liked around here.”

The Fury brothers were well known in New Orleans. Infamous.

Five brothers by choice who were all rich and successful. They owned a prime chunk of the Warehouse District, and had a long list of businesses they owned: nightclubs, restaurants, a gym, and a security company. And Kavner Fury was the CEO of Ignis Inc.—a sprawling business empire that included property, resorts, shipping, and a slew of other businesses.

I’d met Fury a few times. I’d questioned him once on his knowledge of shipping companies at the local port. The man had his long fingers in a lot of pies. He owned, or invested in, a lot of local businesses, which would be perfect for laundering dirty money for the cartels.

“What I need is to do my job,” I said quietly. “Whether someone is rich or powerful makes no difference to me.” I patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. If there’s any blowback, I’ll shoulder it.”

Amy pulled a face but nodded. I turned and stepped inside.

Instantly, the cool air hit us, and I took a second to enjoy the decrease in humidity. Even though the fall had started, humidity still reigned in New Orleans. Amy and I flashed our badges to the security guard at the front desk.

“We’re here to see Kavner Fury,” I said.

The man frowned. “One moment, please.” He spoke in hushed tones into a radio.

I scanned the lobby. A creamy marble floor gleamed, shot through with faint veins of red. A large sculpture dominated the central space. It was made of large curves of metal—all in a lustrous bronze color—tangled together and rising toward the high ceiling.

A moment later, a man in a dark blue suit strode towards us. One look and I knew he’d been in the military. He was steady-eyed and serious as he studied our badges.

“I’m Max Boston. Head of Security. Do you have an appointment to see Mr. Fury?”

I lifted my badge. “This is my appointment.”

He eyed me for a beat, then nodded. He pulled out a phone, murmuring into it as he waved a hand toward a solitary elevator on the far side of the lobby.

I led the way, straightening the black jacket of my pantsuit. When the elevator doors opened, Mr. Boston held the doors for us. “Mr. Fury’s office is on the executive level, accessible only by this private elevator.”

Of course it was. The elevator whisked us upward. I stood still and focused, while beside me, Amy fidgeted.

“It’s going to be fine, Amy. I’m just going to ask the man some questions and persuade him to let us take a look at the books for his shipping company.”

Amy dragged in a deep breath. “So why do you look like a knight headed into battle?”

“Hardly.”

The elevator slowed, and the doors opened. We stepped off onto wide-plank, pale wooden floors, and I heard Amy suck in a breath.

I barely controlled my reaction. The space was airy and bright, and screamed classy wealth. I’d half expected heavy wood paneling and dark colors like I’d seen in so many other wealthy businessmen’s offices.

This office had some wood paneling, but it was made from a light-colored wood with an interesting texture. A window seat sat at one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, almost inviting you to sit, relax, and take in the view of New Orleans. There was a curved bronze desk where I guessed an admin assistant would sit, but it was currently empty.

We headed down the long hallway, and I noted that the floor-to-ceiling windows gave great views in all directions.

There was a set of double doors at the end of the hallway that stood open. When I reached the doorway, I saw the modern, clean lines of an office that was nothing like the box I was currently using at the FBI office. There was a sleek couch by the windows, and an elegant potted plant in one corner, and a huge wooden desk topped with white marble. A large painting that was made up of strokes of red, orange, and black hung on the wall behind the desk.

But it was the suited man who dominated the space. He was standing behind the desk, one hand in the pocket of his dark suit pants, the other hand keeping a phone pressed to his ear.

He was tall, with a lean, muscled body, and he knew how to wear a suit. He had thick, well-cut brown hair, the slash of high cheekbones, a carved jaw line, and just enough stubble to save him from looking too clean-cut. Some god somewhere must have felt pretty pleased with themselves when they finished sculpting Kavner Fury.

His gaze flicked up.

My muscles tightened. At first glance, his eyes looked black, but they were actually very dark blue.

“Thanks, Margaret. I’ve got to go. Send those files through to me. Thanks.” He set the phone down. “Agent Coleman, always a pleasure.”

I steeled myself against the impact of him. So, he was handsome? There were lots of handsome men in the world.

“Mr. Fury. This is Agent Amy Chen with the FBI.”

He nodded at Amy. “Hello, Agent Chen. Welcome to Ignis Inc. What can I do for you, ladies?”

I cleared my throat. “We’d like to look at the books of your shipping company, Flare Logistics.”

He eyed me for a second, then circled the desk. He paused a foot away from me, then leaned back against the marble. It made me realize how long his legs were. He was too close to me for my liking, but I refused to take a step back.

“Of course,” he said. “We will comply with any warrants you have. I would like my legal team to take a look and make sure everything is in order first.”

Dammit. I lifted my chin. “I don’t have a warrant. I was hoping you’d do this as a show of good faith.”

His smile sharpened, and I saw the wicked glint of intelligence in his dark eyes. “I’m happy to help, Agent Coleman, but I’m not going to encourage a witch hunt. You can’t just come and rummage around in my businesses for no reason.” He paused. “Can I get you something to drink? Coffee?”

“No.” I took a step closer, my leg brushing his. “Not cooperating makes you look guilty.”

“I’m not guilty, and you have no proof that I’ve done anything wrong.”

I leaned in closer. “I will find it.”

“There’s nothing to find, Agent Coleman. You’ll see that in time.”

My gaze shifted to the painting. “Do you like art, Fury?”

His gaze narrowed at the change of subject. “I do. I have an extensive private collection. That painting there is by a local artist, Regina Scully.” He cocked his head. “Why?”

I had a strong suspicion that the money laundering was being done using art. Art was a long-established and ideal way to launder dirty cash. The art industry wasn’t well-regulated and often sales were made anonymously. Art or antiquities could be purchased at over-inflated prices with illegally sourced cash, then re-sold, leaving the money clean.

But I wasn’t ready to share that yet. I was still cultivating sources and uncovering information.

“Excuse me,” Amy said, looking awkward. “May I use your restroom?”

“Of course.” Kavner waved a hand. “It’s back down the hall.”

Amy disappeared with enough speed to get her a gold medal. I turned back to Fury. It was just the two of us now.

“I’ve learned to trust my gut, Mr. Fury. I will take you down.”

“I like your tenacity. Actually, there’s quite a lot I like about you.”

I stifled a growl. “We are on opposite sides.”

He cocked a brow. “So, we’re enemies?”

“Yes.”

He shot me a panty-melting smile. “We’ll see.”

God, the man was infuriating. “You’ll say differently when I slap you in cuffs.”

That smile just widened. “Kinky.” He cocked his head. “Who hurt you, London?”

I stiffened.

“I understand being driven by personal motivations, believe me. But I’m not the one who did you wrong. Who made you so determined to take down the bad guys?”

I suddenly felt unsettled, and stepped back. He was looking at me like he could see right inside my head.

“Mr. Fury?” An assistant in a sleek, gray skirt suit and blonde hair up in a twist appeared in the doorway. “You have the Crown meeting in five minutes.”

“Thank you, Alana.”

A moment later Amy returned, hovering in the doorway.

“This isn’t over,” I murmured.

“I hope not.” His gaze held mine.

And dammit, my heart gave a huge thud in my chest. I swiveled and strode out. As we headed for the elevator, I could sense Amy looking at me.

“Not a word,” I bit out.

“My lips are sealed.”

I hadn’t gotten what I wanted, but I wasn’t giving up.

2

KAVNER

Iwalked into my brother’s gym, Hard Burn, and paused to absorb the atmosphere.

There was the thump of music, the sounds of boxing gloves hitting bags, and the grunts of fighters. It was located in a large warehouse in the block of the Warehouse District we owned.

After years in the military, then working as a mercenary, Beauden had boxed for a few years and earned himself a reputation. He’d once told me that boxing had helped him quiet the shit in his head—from his childhood and the military. He’d said he wanted to give that same escape to others, young and old, who needed it.

Hard Burn had a long waitlist. I was proud of what Beau had achieved here.

The gym was mostly filled with roped off boxing rings, but a glass wall at the back separated the exercise equipment and weights.

I passed several people working out with their trainers, my gaze zeroing in on my brothers in a large ring at the back. Beau and Reath were going at it hard, both of them drenched in sweat.

The pair were total opposites. Beau was a big bruiser and covered in tattoos. His damp, shaggy, black hair stuck to his rugged face. Reath on the other hand was far leaner, but still all muscle. He had a handsome face, with brown skin and short hair. He might be smaller and leaner than Beau, but no less dangerous. The CIA had made him that way.

I circled the ring and headed for the change rooms. I quickly changed into my workout gear and stowed my gear in my reserved locker. I was ready to shake off my long day.

As I headed back out, Beau and Reath had finished their bout. “Who won?”

“Me,” Reath said.

Beau grunted. “You wish.”

“I’m ready for a few rounds.” I took out my wraps and started wrapping my hands.

“Rough day?” Reath asked.

I shrugged. “The usual.”

“Did you make a few million dollars?” Beau joked.

“Something like that.” I started wrapping my second hand. “I did close a lucrative deal, and I got word that some art I’ve been after for a while is coming up in auction. Oh, and the renovations of my new resort are on schedule.”

Reath sat on a nearby bench and chugged back some water. “And you donated money for a bunch of scholarships to the University of New Orleans.”

Damn, the man had good sources. It was the problem with having a brother who’d once been in the CIA. You couldn’t keep anything from him.

“It is my alma mater.” It was because of a scholarship that I’d gotten my business degree in the first place. Back then, I’d had no money. I’d had nothing but a hunger for knowledge, a hunger to change my life.

“And they’re going to name a building after you,” Reath continued.

“Fuck off.” I’d told UNO not to do that or the deal was off. “Get in the ring, Reath, I’m gonna kick your ass.”

Reath climbed between the ropes. We both slipped on our gloves and mouthguards. Reath bounced on his feet, and I moved my neck from side to side, relaxing my muscles. Then he darted forward and swung his arm. I blocked the hit and soon we were trading punches. My muscles warmed up, the tension left me.

But as we moved around the ring, my mind turned to Treasury Agent Coleman. To her long legs, elegant neck, black hair, and smooth brown skin. She wore the hell out of a pantsuit, that was for sure.

I took a punch to the stomach and grunted.

“You’re distracted,” Reath said.

“Like I said, it was a long day.” But London definitely was a distraction. One who was out to get me.

For some reason, that excited me.

There was nothing for her to find. I’d had a few shady connections back when I’d first started out, but I was all legitimate now.

The lovely agent was on a mission, but I was the wrong target. I smiled. I was going to enjoy tangling with her, though.

“You guys done?” a deep voice called out.

I glanced over and saw our brother Colton striding in. He lived in a converted warehouse not far away. The only person missing was our fifth brother, Dante. I knew he’d be busy at his nightclub, Ember. Friday nights were always packed.

“What are you doing here?” Beau asked.

Since Colton had hooked up with his office manager, and fallen in love, it wasn’t often we saw him out and about on his own. Plus, his seven-year-old daughter, Daisy, also kept him busy.

“Girls’ night.” He scowled. “Macy and Daisy kicked me out. They’re painting their toenails and watching Disney movies.” He winced, then held up a bottle of whiskey.

Beau nodded. “I’ll get us some glasses.”

“How’s the bounty hunting business going this week?” Reath asked.

Colt grunted. “Nothing too challenging.”

Colt often got called up to chase some pretty bad criminals, all around the country. But in between, he did local jobs that kept him closer to home. Especially since Macy had bowled him over.

Beau returned with the glasses, and I listened to my brothers talk. I’d started my life with nothing. I’d been a hungry nobody that not a single person had cared about. My life had changed when I’d met these men.

We’d been five angry teenagers in foster care, getting beaten up by the world. But together, we’d made a better life for ourselves. I’d built my businesses and wealth with fierce determination. I’d vowed to never be hungry again, to never again wear threadbare hand-me-down clothes. To never again have no options.

My brothers had helped me every step of the way. They always had my back.

I wondered if London had that. Someone or something in her past had hurt her. Something was definitely driving her.

I took a glass from Beau, holding it up as Colt poured the whiskey. “Remember we have the charity event tomorrow night at The Rooftop.”

Beau groaned.

“It’s showcasing local producers.” I elbowed him. “There will be all sorts of whiskeys, gins, and cocktails. You just have to come and drink.”

“And put on a monkey suit,” he grumbled.

“You survived weeks on end in deadly jungles,” I said. “I’m sure you can survive one night in a tux.” I eyed Colt. “How come you aren’t complaining?” Colt usually took grumpy to the next level.

Colt’s lips quirked. “Because it means my woman will wear a sexy dress. And probably something even sexier under it.”

“Lucky bastard,” Reath muttered.

I sipped my whiskey and savored the burn. It had an interesting touch of spice.

It reminded me of Agent London Coleman.

Smiling, I took another sip. Yes, whatever happened, I’d enjoy tangling with her.

Let the games begin.

3

LONDON

The spreadsheets were starting to blur.

I leaned back and rubbed my eyes. I loved my job, but sometimes, scrolling through endless spreadsheets and databases of financial data got a bit much.

Tapping my nails on my desk, I looked at my phone. I’d been working hard on a man employed by a local art auction house I was sure was involved in the money laundering. I was trying to convince him to give me any information he could find on anything that didn’t seem right. But he was skittish, and I hadn’t heard back from him yet.

My gaze shifted to the framed photo on the desk, and I smiled. It was of my sister Lexxie and me at Mardi Gras a few years back. We both had purple, green, and gold beads around our necks and Lexxie was wearing a ridiculous green wig.

Then my gaze shifted to the folded newspaper resting on my desk.

The photo right in the center of the front page showed a certain billionaire shaking hands with the mayor as they opened some new park Fury had paid for. He was smiling that smile that threatened to shortcut a woman’s thought processes.

Still, the photo didn’t do the man justice. All too easily, I could picture him in that fancy office of his this morning, gaze locked on mine. Like he was daring me to…

The rap of knuckles on my office door had me looking up. FBI Agent Vivian Lamb leaned in the doorway.

“I’m calling it a day,” the older woman said.

Our base was currently a few offices in the New Orleans FBI Field Office. It was a secure building north of the city on the edge of Lake Pontchartrain. The task force was made up of a mix of agents investigating sources of money laundering in New Orleans. I was with the Treasury Department; most of the team was FBI, but there were several IRS investigators as well. I was usually based in Vienna, Virginia, but I’d relished the chance to spend some time back in my hometown, and to catch up with my sister.

“You have plans for the weekend?” I asked.

I liked Viv. She was a few years older than me, unapologetically single, and married to her work. I had a bit of a girl crush on her. She’d closed some big cases in her career.

Viv brushed some of her ash-blonde hair back. “There’s a bottle of Pinot with my name on it.”

“Nice.”

“Maybe I’ll hire a yacht, or take a private jet to some fancy restaurant in Paris.”

I raised a brow.

Viv laughed and waved a hand. “Joking. On an FBI salary, that isn’t happening in my lifetime.” She rolled her eyes. “Some of the people we investigate, however…”

“You know what they say, crime pays.” I turned off my computer.

“It does…until you’re calling a cell at the Louisiana State Penitentiary home.”

I snorted.

Viv nodded. “Try to actually take some time off this weekend.”

“I will. Although, I might have a decent lead on art being part of this money laundering.”

The other agent’s eyebrows went up. “Really? Anything concrete?”

“Nothing yet. I’ll let you know when I do.”

“Great. Have a good weekend with your sister.

“Thanks.” My plan was to grab our favorite Chinese take-out on the way home. Maybe I’d convince Lexxie to join me in a movie marathon. Watching old movies had been a tradition of ours when she’d been younger.

I picked up the files on my desk, and a photo slipped out of one folder. Pausing, I lifted it.

It was like the universe was trying to rub this man in my face. I knew without a doubt that Kavner Fury had a yacht and a private jet. He probably had a fleet of them.

This photo wasn’t the grainy black and white one in the newspaper. No, it was full color and high definition.

The man sure was easy on the eyes.

I let out an annoyed huff. Even through the damn photo he exuded power and authority. Like a king who knew he was in charge, and had no plans to let that change.

I slid the photo back into the folder, then snatched up the files. Maybe I’d do a little extra work over the weekend.

When I stepped out of my office, I saw a man headed in my direction. I straightened. Special Agent Damien Keegan was in charge of our task force. He wasn’t very tall, but he was muscular, with wide shoulders. His hair had gone gray, and he had a semi-permanent scowl on his face most of the time.

I liked his straightforward style of leadership. He liked getting results and treated everyone fairly.

“Coleman.”

“Sir.” I nodded.

“You’re heading out?”

“Yes.”

His gaze fell to the files in my arms. “And taking work with you.”

“I figured I could do a little work on the weekend. I’m frustrated with our lack of success so far.”

His scowl deepened. “Me too, but we aren’t giving up. We have a good team, and I’m glad you’re a part of it, Coleman. You do good work.”

I felt a flush of pleasure. My work meant a lot to me. “Thank you.”

“You ever want to join the FBI, you let me know. You’ve got a good career ahead of you.” He nodded. “I’ll see you Monday.”

I headed out of the office, and soon I was listening to the radio as I drove my Honda Civic toward Dian Xin on the way to my apartment on the edge of the Warehouse District.

When I’d still lived in New Orleans, my sister and I frequently trekked out to Little Chinatown in Kenner and its many restaurants. Thankfully, one of our favorite chefs had opened a restaurant in the French Quarter.

Once I was loaded up with xiao long bao and fried rice, I headed for home. The crowds were already getting thick in the French Quarter. I had to admit, I did miss the mild Louisiana fall and winter. Living in Virginia, I’d learned to dislike the snow. Intensely.

Yes, Louisiana was in my blood. I’d take a beach holiday over skiing any day. I snorted. Not that I spent any time at the beach. I was always working.

Soon, I was driving past the warehouses and manufacturing buildings that had now been converted into lofts and condos. I loved the Warehouse District. I’d bought a two-bed apartment there after I’d started work at the Treasury Department. Lexxie lived in it now.

After I’d parked in the ground-level garage and grabbed my stuff, I headed for the elevator. My heels clicked on the concrete, and I juggled my files and the takeout bag.

Our place was on the third floor. The building also had a shared rooftop terrace, with a kickass view of the city. If you ever had time to enjoy it. I screwed up my nose. Okay, so I was a workaholic. I liked my job, and I liked working financial crimes. Maybe it wasn’t as glamorous as being out in the field, tracking down deadly criminals or terrorists, but I knew I did important work. Stopping the flow of money helped stop the bad guys.

I knew better than anyone that even financial crimes destroyed lives.

The elevator slowed and opened. I shifted my files and the bag to get my keys, and unlocked our front door.

“I’m home.” I bumped the door closed with my hip, then dropped my keys on the small side table.

Instantly, some of the day’s tensions faded away.

“Hey, sis!” My sister’s voice came from deeper in the apartment.

I hustled to the kitchen. It was all open to the dining and living area. The apartment wasn’t huge, but it was a decent size. There was an awesome brick wall at one end, and wooden beams overhead. I dropped everything on the huge white island just as Lexxie appeared, a wide, white smile on her pretty face. Her dark curls were a riot around her head.

“How was your day?” she asked.

“Long.”

Lexxie was four years younger than me. Even though she was twenty-six, I still thought of her as a baby.

Our parents were Louisiana Creole, through and through. Descended from the inhabitants of Louisiana, before it became part of the United States, their ancestry was a mix of French, Spanish, and African. My mom liked to say she was like the signature Creole dish of gumbo—a bold mix of lots of flavors. I was proud of my heritage.

God, I missed her. That bittersweet grief was like a tiny ball that lived in my chest. Losing her to a heart attack when I was twenty had been a terrible blow.

Lexxie looked a lot more like our dad—skin a shade darker than mine, with a strong jaw line, and lush, curly hair. I looked more like Mom, and was several inches taller and leaner, while Lexxie was shorter and had curves.

“You got Dian Xin.” My sister clapped her hands together. “I love you.”

“I hope you love me for more than Chinese food.”

She leaned into me and rested her head on my shoulder. “I do. Because you’re the best sister in the entire world, even if you are appallingly Type-A, overprotective, bossy—”

“I’m not bossy.”

“Bossy people never think they’re bossy.” She rolled her dark-brown eyes. That was another difference, as mine were a lighter shade of brown. Amber eyes, Lexxie always called them.

“Eat before I hit you,” I said. “I’m starving.”

“Yes, wrangling numbers all day must burn the calories.”

I shot her a look and got some plates out of the cupboard. “How was your day?”

“Awesome.” Her face lit up. “I got an amazing photograph on this job in the bayou. I’ll tell you about it while we eat.”

Lexxie was a wildlife photographer and incredibly talented. I was insanely proud of her.

Then she cleared her throat. “In fact, I’m packed. I have to leave tonight.”

My gaze shifted behind her and that’s when I saw the suitcase sitting in the hallway. “Tonight?” My heart dropped. I’d hoped we’d spend some time together over the weekend. “Where are you going?”

“Arizona. A desert shoot. I’ll be gone a week. Two, tops.”

I continued to serve the food. “Okay.”

Lexxie squeezed my arm. “I’ll be back before you know it. In the meantime, you could try this thing called dating.”

“Dating? Never heard of it.”

“Because you’re a workaholic, my fancy, Treasury-agent sister.”

“I’ve got no time for it, and I’m not interested. Men take time, and usually just get in the way.” I shifted and accidentally knocked my files on the counter. They fell to the floor, and the photo of Kavner Fury hit the tile.

Lexxie gasped. “Talk about a man any woman would date.” She gave a low whistle.

I felt a spurt of annoyance, and snatched up the picture. “Fury is not dating material.”

“You are so wrong, big sis. Billionaire. Gorgeous. A man who would claim you, possess you.” She shivered. “He is so fine.”

I shoved the photo back in the file. “He’s a part of my investigation.”

“London, the Fury brothers are legends in New Orleans. They have the best story. Boys who grew up in foster care together, then turned into hot, successful men.”

I frowned. I had seen that Fury had spent some time in the foster care system, but I couldn’t quite believe it. He looked like he’d been born wearing Armani and driving sports cars.

“It remains to be seen if they’re criminals or not.”

Lexxie waved a hand. “I doubt they’re choirboys, but that just adds to the appeal.”

I straightened. “Criminal is criminal.” I’d learned that when our father had been sent to jail.

“The world isn’t all black-and-white, London.” Lexxie’s face turned serious. “As much as you’d like it to be. And don’t pretend Kavner Fury isn’t your type. You have a weakness for a handsome man in a suit. All the guys you’ve dated in the past were corporate suits.”

I lifted the plates. I couldn’t argue that I had a thing for a man in a well-cut suit. “Let’s eat. I’ll take Chinese food over a man any day.”

“All right.” Lexxie pulled a face. “My ride will be here soon.”

We sat at the table, and Lexxie flicked the TV on.

I tuned out the news as I ate.

“You have any plans to contact Dad while you’re here?” Lexxie asked casually.

I froze with my fork halfway to my mouth. “No.”

She sighed. “Maybe we should?”

“No.” I shook my head. “We haven’t spoken to him for years. Besides, he has a new family now. He doesn’t care.”

Daryl Coleman had abandoned us too many times. When he’d committed a terrible crime and gone to prison. When he’d made no effort to see us after he’d gotten out, or when my mom was sick. Then again, when I’d found out that he’d remarried and had two young sons.

“Well, speak of the sexy devil,” Lexxie drawled, as she shoveled a forkful of fried rice into her mouth.

A smiling Kavner Fury appeared on the screen. I swallowed a groan. I couldn’t escape the man.

He was still in his suit from this morning, and managed to look crisp and handsome. My stomach did a strange twirl. He stood outside an old, renovated brick building. Beside him stood his brother, Dante Fury.

“My brothers and I are always looking to give back.” Kavner smiled at the camera. “Tomorrow night’s exclusive event here at The Rooftop, my event space just a half mile from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, will be showcasing some fabulous signature drinks made by local talent. We have whiskey, gin, wine, cocktails.” He flashed that gorgeous smile again. “The event is being catered by the staff from Dante’s club, Ember.”

Dante nodded. He had the tall, dark, and dangerous thing going on. He was more serious and moodier looking than his brother. “You get the chance to drink well, and help a good cause.”

Kavner nodded. “All the proceeds from the event are going to Northstar, and Access Art.”

I’d heard of both charities before. Northstar helped provide financial assistance to kids coming out of foster care, and Access Art provided arts programs to disadvantaged children.

Lexxie pointed her fork at the TV. “Doesn’t look like a criminal to me.”

I lifted my own fork. “They never do.”

4

KAVNER

The party was in full swing.

I swirled my glass of whiskey, the ice tinkling against the crystal. It was an excellent drop. A lovely rye whiskey from a startup distillery in Baton Rouge.

I glanced around. The Rooftop was my latest event space. It sat atop an old railway station on Basin Street. In the early 1900s, it had been the bustling heart of the Southern Railway, before it had fallen into disrepair. I’d purchased the building, and had my team oversee a huge renovation.

Now The Rooftop—with its luxurious indoor space and bar, and the attached roof terrace with panoramic views of the city—was one of the places to hold weddings and events in New Orleans.

Dante’s bartenders and servers were doing an excellent job of keeping everyone eating and drinking.

We’d come a long way from the scared, abandoned kids we’d once been.

I smiled and sipped. I was billions of miles away from my past.

Glancing around, I took in the tables set up under the grand chandeliers hanging overhead. All the drinks on offer were from local Louisiana producers—big and small. I liked to give back to the community when I could. We might be a far cry from our past, but we never forgot it.

I saw Dante pass through the crowd of well-dressed partygoers. He looked like a shark moving through deep water. He still held an edge, although it had softened a little of late thanks to the beautiful brunette he’d claimed as his own.

Against the back wall of the space, out of the action, I spotted Beau and Reath. Tonight, most of Beau’s tattoos were hidden by his suit, but the shaggy, black hair and rugged face weren’t softened one little bit. Reath looked relaxed, but I knew for a fact he probably had a gun tucked away somewhere. He could probably pull a James Bond and fight off any terrorists, if needed. Hopefully, that didn’t happen.

Colton was around somewhere, no doubt sticking close to his woman, and counting down the minutes until he could get out of here. I took another sip. Of all of us, I’d have guessed Colt would be the last to ever fall in love. He was the grumpiest and least trusting of us, even though raising his niece as his daughter had brought out so much good in him.

But Colt’s sweet assistant Macy had managed to turn the man’s life upside down.

The bubbly blonde had sent Colt’s protective instincts into overdrive. That, I understood. When someone was yours, you protected them with everything you had.

Everything I had, everything I’d worked for, everything I’d spilled blood for, I protected fiercely.

My brothers, their women, and my niece were the most important things in my life.

“Hello, there.” A woman in a clinging dress of bright fuchsia stepped in front of me. Her voice was a low purr.

I gave her a polite smile. I just wanted a relaxing evening, and wasn’t in the mood to be hunted.

“I wanted to give you my phone number.” She held up a small slip of paper.

When it came to women and sex, I preferred to be the hunter. “Thank you, but not tonight.”

Her face fell, then she lifted her chin and sashayed off, ensuring her curves were on display. They were good ones, but for some reason, I didn’t feel a spark.

Lately, I had to admit I was feeling a little bored and unfulfilled when it came to women. Swiveling, I took another sip of my drink and scanned the room. Maybe a new business deal would give me a new challenge. I always ensured I had a few promising ones on the horizon.

A flash of gold-and-black at the bar caught my eye.

Dante’s woman, Mila, was talking to the bartenders. She was running the event this evening, with her usual competency. She wore a gold skirt and black halter top. Her hair was a beautiful caramel color, and I was glad it was no longer dyed black, like when she’d worked at Ember. Where she’d been hiding from some very bad people.

Dante had stepped in to get her free of that trouble, and claimed her in the process.

I headed over to her. “Mila.”

“Kav.” She turned and smiled. “Devastatingly handsome as always.”

“I’ll tell your other half you said that.”

Her smile widened. “He’s darkly handsome. And I already showed him my appreciation of him in a tux earlier.”

I held up a hand. “I don’t need the details.”

She tilted her head at my glass. “How’s the whiskey?”

“Excellent.”

“I have a special cocktail that I created for tonight. You were the inspiration.” She turned back to the bar. “Venus, can I have one Money to Burn, please?”

Dante’s head bartender was an attractive forty-something Black woman with her curly, black hair cut very short. Her halter top showcased her toned arms. “Coming right up.”

“You’ve done an excellent job tonight, Mila.”

She smiled. “Thank you. But since you guys always give me an unlimited budget, you make my job easy.”

Venus leaned over the bar with a fancy glass in her hand. “Here you go.”

Mila scooped it up and held it out. “One Money to Burn.”

I set my empty whiskey glass down and took the flame-red cocktail from Mila. “Darling, I never burn money. I always find good uses for it.”

“I know you do.”

I took a sip, and flavors exploded on my tongue. “Mmm, this is good.” I leaned close to her. “Ditch my brother, run away with me.”

Mila laughed.

A second later, Dante swept in, and slid an arm around her waist. I’d sensed him coming and couldn’t resist poking at him.

“Are you flirting with my woman?” he asked darkly.

I sipped my cocktail. “Of course. One, she made me my own cocktail.” I lifted the glass. “And two, I’m a man of good taste.”

Dante scowled at me. “Find your own woman.”

I shook my head. “Unfortunately, I like variety.”

Dante’s dark gaze turned serious. He pressed a kiss to the top of Mila’s head. “I promise you, finding the right one is worth it.”

Mila looked up at him, love in her eyes.

My gut contracted. I was glad that Dante had that. He hadn’t had people who’d loved him growing up. I looked away, and my gaze fell on Colt and Macy. Colt was holding the tiny blonde in his arms, like he never wanted to let her go.

Suddenly, the party felt wrong. I resisted the urge to tug at my collar. There were women eyeing me, and men hovering, wanting to pitch their business deals. Two of my brothers snuggled up with the women they loved.

And I was standing here feeling alone in the middle of the crowd.

Shit. It wasn’t like me to get melancholy.

I’d promised myself to never dwell on the negative. Life could always be improved.

And at that moment, a woman walked into the room, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

I stiffened. I knew that confident stride.

Agent London Coleman.

She wore a black dress with a simple, elegant design that skimmed her long body. It had a deep V and tiny straps over toned shoulders. Her black hair was pulled back in a sleek bun, and she had green, dangly earrings in her ears. They accented the long, slender neck that I’d noted before.

I’d noticed a lot about the woman who was out to get me.

I set my glass down, suddenly filled with energy.

“Kav?”

I waved a hand at Dante. “I’ve got something I need to do.”

Time to tangle with the enemy.

5

LONDON

The Rooftop was stunning.

I stared at the massive chandeliers overhead, and the large, glass skylight. But it was the doors leading to the roof terrace that caught my attention. Or rather, the panoramic view of the night-drenched city.

The Fury brothers sure knew how to host a party. The Rooftop was a favorite space for weddings; Dante Fury’s nightclub, Ember, was the hottest club in town; and his restaurants had long waitlists. Lexxie had raved about Ember numerous times.

Yes, the Fury brothers had come from nothing, and done very well for themselves. I knew Beauden also owned Hard Burn, a popular gym. Colton was a bounty hunter, and Reath ran a successful security company.

It was a lot of success. For me, it rang alarm bells. Success like that didn’t come easily.

But the wealthiest of all five brothers was Kavner, with his sprawling, business empire.

As the band played some hip-swinging jazz music, I scanned around the room. I noticed several influential New Orleans businesspeople, some politicians, a few actors that were on a successful local TV show. I frowned. Yes, the Fury brothers were well-connected.

I wasn’t entirely sure why I’d come tonight. I guess I’d thought that seeing Kavner in his own setting might give me some insights.

I saw Dante Fury. He definitely had the dark-and-broody thing going on. He was talking with Colton, who was a little taller and leaner, with a scowl on his face. I kept scanning around. Ah, there were Beauden and Reath. I had to admit, they sure were something. They were all attractive in different ways. Beauden had the rough, bad-boy look, but there was nothing boyish about him. Reath was handsome, with darker skin and a muscular body. I wondered if he had some Louisiana Creole heritage, like me. At first glance, he just looked like any handsome, well-dressed man. But then I noted the way he watched the crowd—alert and assessing. Hmm. There was more to him than his handsome face suggested.

One brother was notably missing. The one I wanted most to see.

My belly did a weird flip. For work purposes, of course. The more I learned about Kavner Fury, the more it would help me pinpoint exactly what bad deeds he was up to.

“Looking for me?”

The deep, masculine voice shivered through me, hitting spots it really shouldn’t. I turned.

And ran into a hard chest covered in a snow-white shirt that probably cost more than I got paid in a week. His black tuxedo jacket accented wide shoulders and trim hips.

For a man who spent a lot of time at a desk, or in a boardroom, or wining and dining, he sure kept in shape.

“Mr. Fury.”

“Agent Coleman.” His lips tilted. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“I heard this evening was a charity event.”

“That’s right.”

“What charity?”

His smile turned wicked. “You think I’m going to keep the money for myself?”

I cocked a brow. His cologne hit me—something that made me think of waves crashing, and thunderstorms.

“The charities we’re supporting are Northstar, and Access Art. Both are very good at what they do. They’ll spend the money well. Come.” He held out his arm. “I’ll show you around. You look far too good in that dress to stay in the corner.”

I hesitated, reluctant to touch him.

“Afraid?” he taunted quietly.

Ugh. I never backed down from anything. Lexxie said it was my biggest weakness.

I slipped my arm through his, and felt the muscles in his arm. Sensation zinged up my own arm, and I tried to ignore it.

“Everything on offer tonight comes from local producers. We wanted to showcase local businesses, and what our great state has to offer.”

I made a non-committal noise. I actually thought that was a great idea.

“Are you enjoying your stay in New Orleans?” he asked.

“I grew up here.”

“Really?”

“Yes. My parents are Louisiana Creole.”

“Wonderful. Such a rich history. You’ll want to try some of the Bayou Spiced Rum. It’s been infused with spices inspired by Louisianan Creole baking.”

“That sounds great.”

He stopped at a table, and the older woman on the other side flashed Kavner a smile.

“Two please, Marie.”

The woman handed over two glasses of amber fluid. Kavner handed one to me.

“Take some cocktail recipe cards as well,” the woman said, waving at the cards on her table. “People love using this rum to make a Gator Bite or a Storm on the Bayou.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“Cheers.” Kavner lifted his glass. “To getting to know each other better.”

“To uncovering nefarious business dealings,” I countered.

He clinked his glass against mine. “I promise you, all my businesses are aboveboard, Agent Coleman.”

“We’ll see.” The rum hit my tastebuds. It was good. I got hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and something sweet.

Kavner studied me over his glass. “Why do you have your sights set on me?”

“I don’t.” I huffed out a breath. “I investigate anyone who pops up repeatedly in my investigation.”

“So, whatever you’re looking into, my name landed on your radar.”

I sipped again. “I can’t discuss my case.”

He leaned in close, and my pulse jumped.

“I’m not a criminal, London.” His smile was too sexy for his own good. “Oh, I don’t mind a little dance in the dark, but life is full of lots of shades of gray. You must know that.”

“The law is the law.”

“And the law always gets it right? The innocent always get justice, and the bad guys always get punished?” There was a slight edge to his words.

My nose wrinkled and I glanced away. No, sometimes the bad guys walked off scot-free. The image of Douglas Newport III filled my head before I squashed it. “The system isn’t perfect, no system is. But it’s what we have.”

“Hmm.” Kavner swirled his drink. “I can tell you I believe in doing what’s right, and protecting my own, law or no law.”

Our gazes locked.

Then he smiled again, making my gaze take in the curve of his lips. “Come on, let’s try some more local offerings.”

At the next table, a man poured us some whiskey.

“Rye whiskey.” Kavner lifted his glass. “One of my favorites.”

I rarely drank rye whiskey. My father had liked it. I took a cautious sip, and had to admit I liked the delicious burn.

It reminded me of Kavner—smooth but with a kick. Mentally, I berated myself. The man was handsome, with that powerful aura that drew the eye. I was sure all women got giddy whenever they set eyes on him.

“You like it?” he asked.

I cleared my throat. “I do. I like the peppery taste, and the hint of licorice.”

“A woman who knows her whiskey. You’re full of surprises.” He set his glass down.

“You can tone down the charm, Fury. I’m immune. It won’t stop me from arresting you if I finally uncover that your business is laundering money.”

His lips quirked, and he took my glass and set it down. Then he touched my hand, and I felt that irritating zing again.

“Let’s dance,” he said.

What? “No, I—”

He pulled me into the crowd, and toward the small, darkened dance floor. Before I could object again, he spun me into his strong arms.

6

KAVNER

The first thing I noted was that Agent London Coleman fit perfectly in my arms.

“I’m only doing this so I don’t cause a scene,” she hissed at me.

Oh, I liked that snotty tone. For the first time in a long time, something—someone—sparked something in me.

London was definitely a challenge.

She was clearly dedicated to her job. I admired that. She’d also clearly put a target on me. I understood that more than she knew. Things that happened to us in the past often dictated things we did in the future, whether we liked it or not.

So, for now, we were enemies.

But she didn’t feel like an enemy.

Damn, she looked good. I’d admired her long legs in her pantsuit when we’d met before, but tonight, her shimmery, black dress was gorgeous. She had toned arms, small, but perfect breasts, and smooth, brown skin. Skin I desperately wanted to touch.

“So, apart from me, do you have any other leads in your case,” I said.

“I told you that I can’t talk about it with you.”

It worried me. Not because any of my businesses were involved, but because plenty of money got laundered in New Orleans. Most of it linked to the drug cartels.

And they could be ruthless.

We’d tangled with them before. My brothers and I had no qualms about protecting our turf. Something the lovely Agent Coleman might not agree with.

I didn’t like the idea of London messing with cartels. One wrong step and they wouldn’t hesitate to take her out. She dealt with financial crimes, not the dirty, bloody variety. My hands tightened on her.

“How did my name come up in your investigation?” I asked.

Her gaze, a similar shade to the whiskey we’d just tasted, narrowed. “Like I said, I can’t—”

“—talk about your investigation. I know, but I could help.”

Her brows drew together. “Help?”

“I know people.”

“You’re likely involved, Fury.”

“I’m not, but I am worried about your safety.”

“My safety?” she said in a confused tone.

Did no one worry about her safety? I pulled her closer and heard her gasp. Damn, she smelled good. Like orchids. Something a little special, unique. Perfect for her.

“I have this quirk. I can’t stand seeing a woman get hurt.”

“This woman is a federal agent who can take care of herself.”

“I never doubted it, but having help never hurts.” I spun her so her back was to my chest. I pressed my mouth to her ear and felt her shiver. Ah, my lovely agent was more affected by our closeness than she was letting on. “What do I need to do to prove that I’m not a criminal, London?”

“Nothing. Let my investigation run its course.”

I ran a hand over her hip, and felt her breath stutter. She moved against me, and I swallowed a curse.

“Let me go through the books on your shipping company.” Her voice was breathy.

“Done. When you bring me a warrant.”

“You have to stop touching me.”

“Now that, I won’t do.” I pressed my lips to her neck.

Even with the loud music, I heard her small moan.

“I don’t think you want me to stop either,” I murmured.

What was it about her? She was beautiful, yes. Smart, absolutely. Maybe it was that drive and dedication?

She pulled away and turned. Our gazes met. Her eyes were wide.

“I have to go.” Then she spun and stalked through the crowd.

I watched her go. I couldn’t drag my eyes away. I hated that I saw several men turn to watch her.

Releasing a breath, I headed for the bar. I needed to do a little digging. I needed to make sure London didn’t put herself in danger.

As I waited at the bar, I felt someone step up on my left, then on my right.

I stiffened. I was penned in.

“Who was that?” Beauden asked.

“Whoever she was,” Dante said, “one, she walked away from Kavner. And two, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.”

“Or his hands,” Beau added.

I signaled for a drink, and felt my other two nosy brothers join the party. Reath was staring at me while Colt leaned on the bar.

“Her name is Treasury Agent Coleman,” Colt said. “She’s got a hard-on for Kav. Thinks he’s a criminal.”

“A Treasury agent?” Reath shook his head. “You sure you know what you’re doing?”

The bartender slid a whiskey across the bar, and I smiled my thanks. I took a long swallow of the liquor. “I’m not a criminal. She’ll work that out soon enough.” I glanced at them all. “I like her. I plan to enjoy her.”

Dante cocked a brow. “Just another passing dalliance?”

“I like variety.” Nothing and no one held my interest for long. I enjoyed beautiful women, and I made no apology for that. “She’s digging into money laundering here in New Orleans. I plan to keep her safe while she does.”

Colt watched me for a beat. “He’s fucked, and he doesn’t know it.”

I straightened. “What?”

Dante nodded. “This is going to be fun.”

“Fuck you all.” I set my glass down. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more whiskey to taste.”

7

LONDON

It was too quiet without my sister. I missed her already. She’d messaged me to say her flight had been uneventful and Phoenix was hot.

With a sigh, I looked back at the laptop, and the files spread out on the dining room table.

I’d decided to work, even though it was Sunday.

I could hear Lexxie’s judgy sigh, several states away.

Tucking one leg under me, I shuffled through the papers. I didn’t tell her that I’d gone out the evening before. Or that I’d danced with a hot billionaire.

I closed my eyes. Flirted with a hot billionaire, who may or may not be involved with my investigation.

It didn’t take much to remember how it felt to be held in his arms, pressed up against his hard body, his lips on my skin.

Dammit, London. I opened my eyes, my jaw tight. I was not letting the man distract me from my investigation.

The investigation that was currently going nowhere. Our task force had been at this for a few weeks now, and we’d made limited progress. I released a long breath. It was frustrating as hell.

It didn’t matter that Kavner was gorgeous, or charming, or that his body lit me up like the Fourth of July.

It was my job to stop the flow of money to criminals. My throat tightened. People thought of financial crimes as being victimless and less serious, but I knew that was bullshit.

Turning my head, I saw a framed picture of my mother. Lisette Coleman had been a beautiful woman. She was smiling in the photo—beautiful and vibrant. It had been well before her failing heart had eaten her away.

After my father had gone to prison, she’d had to take two jobs just to support us. My father had left us with nothing. He’d been conned by a wealthy, shady businessman into getting involved in fraud. Been lured by the promise of quick riches. Instead, he’d gone to prison, we’d lost our house, and been left with a couple of suitcases of clothes. Mom had worked herself to the bone to make sure Lexxie and I stayed fed and clothed.

Beside the frame was a small, wooden puzzle box. It was beautifully crafted, inlaid with a geometric design. My mom had given it to me not long after my father had gone to prison. I’d always loved searching for clues and solving puzzles.

It had sparked a small obsession. I had a small collection of puzzle boxes in my apartment in Virginia.

When my cellphone rang, I jolted and snatched it up. “Coleman.”

There was nothing on the line, but then I heard someone breathing. My fingers tightened. “You can talk to me.”

“Agent Coleman.” The man swallowed. “It’s George. George Batt.”

My pulse spiked. It was the man who worked at Brennan Auction Gallery. I’d been cultivating him as an informant.

“George, do you have something for me?”

“Yes. I got some copies of some documents.”

He sounded scared. “That’s great. Can—?”

“Meet me now. The French Quarter. Pirates Alley.”

I glanced at my watch. It was mid-afternoon, and shouldn’t be too busy. Pirates Alley was a cobblestone, pedestrian street near the Saint Louis Cathedral. “Okay, but wouldn’t—”

“Just do it.” The line disconnected.

George was spooked.

I stood. I was wearing leggings and a tank top from the yoga session I’d done earlier online. I had no time to change. I was too worried that George would lose his nerve.

I grabbed a zip-up hoodie in a pretty, moss green and shouldered it on. Then I headed out the door.

It wasn’t far to the French Quarter. It would be easier to go on foot, than drive and try to find a parking spot. On the sidewalk, I moved into a light jog. This would help me blend in, anyway. I was just a woman out for an afternoon run, not an agent meeting an informant. Besides, I liked to run. I used a treadmill in the gym when I was pressed for time, but otherwise I preferred jogging outside.

The weather was nice. Fall in New Orleans meant warm days but cooler nights.

God, I missed my city.

I crossed over the streetcar tracks and into the French Quarter. The colorful buildings with their cast-iron balconies always made me smile. Delicious scents wafted from the eateries, and up-tempo jazz echoed from the bars.

The distinctive, black-and-white spires of the Saint Louis cathedral were visible ahead. I dodged around a few early revelers—any time was a good time to get the party started in New Orleans—who sounded like they’d already had a few too many Hurricanes.

Reaching Pirates Alley, I did a quick scan, stepping over some of the deeper cracks between the cobblestones. It was said that the alley had gotten its name from the pirates that had hung out here centuries before to enjoy New Orleans’ temptations. Others said it was because pirates and criminals were transported down this route on their way to prison.

Whatever the truth, it was a popular street known for being haunted. Tourists did night tours.

Up ahead, a small group of people stood, laughing and talking.

Hearing footsteps, I turned. George Batt hurried toward me, passing the alley’s famous lamp post, hunched over inside his dark coat. He was middle aged, and carrying a little weight around the middle, his brown hair thinning.

“Hi,” I said.

He gave me a jerky nod and pulled some folded, crumpled papers out of his coat. “I photocopied a list of private sales from the auction house.” He raked a hand through his hair. He’d clearly done it a few times already. He looked around.

“George, take a deep breath.” I kept my tone low and calm.

He swallowed. “No one saw me make the copies, but I thought someone was following me earlier.”

“You saw someone?”

He shook his head. “I just…felt it.”

“That’s just the nerves.” I took the papers and shoved them into the pocket of my hoodie. “This is helpful. You’re doing the right thing.”

“Not if I end up dead.”

“George, just breathe.”

He managed a shaky breath. “I’ve got to go.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

After he’d left, I waited a few minutes before I headed out. I took Bourbon Street on the way back. There were more partygoers here. One group of men ahead of me was singing loudly. A man with a saxophone played on the corner.

I wanted to get back to my apartment and look at the list. This could be the break I needed.

At that moment, I felt a prickle on the back of my neck.

I didn’t react, just kept walking. Then I paused and crouched, pretending to tie my shoelace. I glanced to the side, but didn’t spot anybody.

Damn, George was making me nervous, too.

I rose and broke into a jog. It took a few blocks, but I shook off the creepy sensation. I did take a circuitous route home, though.

When I finally let myself back into my apartment, I spread George’s papers flat on the table.

“Let’s see what we’ve got.”

I froze.

One name popped out instantly.

Kavner Fury.

My throat tightened. He was only listed once, and it didn’t appear that he’d made a habit out of private sales. I tapped my nail on the line with his name. This one was for a painting—an oil of a Creole woman, attributed to painter George Caitlin.

I quickly ran a search on the painting on my laptop.

He’d donated it to a local gallery that showcased Creole art.

My shoulders sagged. It definitely hadn’t been used for money laundering. I rapped my fingers on the table. Then I went back to the list, and underlined any other names that jumped out at me. Mostly local businesspeople.

Businesspeople or criminals?

I would find out.

8

KAVNER

“Hello,” I called out as I let myself into the converted warehouse.

My brothers and I had renovated the building, and made it a central home for all of us. Our housekeeper, Lola, lived there, as did Colt’s daughter, Daisy. This warehouse connected to his, next door. We had our family meals here, which was good, because Lola was an exceptional cook.

I heard voices, followed by the peal of childish laughter. I smiled. My niece was thoroughly spoiled by her father and uncles. She was the light of our lives.

None of us had had anything close to a good childhood. We sure as hell were making sure Daisy grew up lacking for nothing—financially or emotionally.

“Uncle Kav!”

As I entered the open plan kitchen and living area, seven-year-old Daisy hit me like a rocket. I scooped her up and turned her upside down. She giggled.

Macy was smiling at us from a stool at the large kitchen island. She was a good addition to our gang. She loved grumpy Colt, and adored this little girl. Colt stood behind Macy, toying with one of her blonde curls.

The surly grouch was besotted.

“Beer?” Beau called from the kitchen.

“Hell, no. I left a good bottle of Australian SSB in the fridge last time I was here.”

“SS what?” Beau grumped.

“Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. White wine, you savage.”

With a grunt, Beau searched the fridge.

“Where’s Lola?” I asked.

“She’s out on a Bayou tour with friends,” Colt said. “She made lasagna. It’s in the oven.”

“Oh.” Macy bit her lip. “I may have had some of that wine, Kav. But there was still some left.”

“You have good taste—” I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek “—except for your questionable action of shacking up with my brother, but despite that, you can drink my wine anytime.”

“Found it.” Beau pulled the wine bottle out of the fridge, and nabbed a wine glass from the cupboard. It looked ridiculously delicate in his large hand. I noticed some swelling around one of his eyes.

“Someone clocked you?” I raised a brow. That happened…never.

“Lucky hit.” He grunted. “I’m helping out Shea, doing some self-defense classes.”

Shea was a woman who worked at Hard Burn and offered self-defense courses for women. Mila had been taking them when she’d been on the run.

“His opponent was seventy-nine,” Colt said, his lips twitching.

“It was a lucky hit,” Beau repeated. “And I didn’t want to hurt her.”

“Beaten up by the elderly, huh?” I added.

Beau shot me a dirty look. “Careful, or I’ll beat you up.”

“Hey.” Reath strolled in.

“Beer?” Beau asked.

“Hell, yeah.” Reath’s tone was light, but he was frowning.

I leaned against the island. “Problem?”

“No. I mean, there’s always something. I was just talking with Jack.” Reath shook his head. “His latest job is not great.”

Jack was Reath’s best friend. They’d joined the military together, but now Jack did contracts for a private military contractor.

Reath scowled. “The jobs keep getting riskier and riskier.”

“Sorry we’re late,” Mila called out, as she and Dante breezed in.

As usual, Mila looked a little flushed, and Dante looked relaxed and smug. I shook my head. “We have Sunday lunch at the same time every week. Can’t you keep your hands off your woman for that time?”

“Nope,” Dante replied.

Mila smacked my arm as she walked past. “Glass of wine for me, too, please.”

I poured her a glass, and soon we were all seated around the table—eating, drinking, laughing, giving each other shit.

Daisy crawled onto my lap, and I held out some garlic bread for her. She smiled at me. So trusting.

I’d had zero trust as a kid. My first memory was of hiding in a dark place, my pulse racing, my empty stomach rumbling.

I quickly sipped my wine and breathed in Daisy’s apple-shampoo scent.

Never again.

Across from me, Dante nuzzled Mila and shot her a private smile.

“Get a room,” I said.

Dante looked like he wanted to make a rude gesture, but his gaze moved to Daisy, and he settled for an eye roll.

“I might’ve said the same thing to you last night,” Reath said.

I sat back in my chair. “I have no idea what you mean.”

“Spill,” Macy demanded.

Mila leaned forward. “Definitely spill.”

“Our brother here was cozy with a woman,” Beau told them.

“A certain Treasury agent out to nail him for money laundering,” Reath added.

“Oh” Macy said. “I’ve seen her. She’s stunning. Gorgeous brown skin and legs a mile long.”

“Do you have a girlfriend, Uncle Kav?” Daisy asked.

I tugged lightly on her hair. “No, darling, I don’t have a girlfriend.”

Her brow crinkled. “Why?”

“I enjoy having…lots of friends. Then I like to find new friends.”

Daisy’s nose wrinkled. “Macy is daddy’s girlfriend, and I love her. I don’t want him to find a new girlfriend.”

“Not going to happen, short stuff.” Colt leaned over and kissed the top of Macy’s head.

The blonde smacked his chest. “Better not, big guy, or there’ll be trouble.”

“Your daddy and Macy are in love,” I told Daisy. “I don’t fall in love.” I ruffled her hair. “I just like to have fun. Besides, I’m too busy. I have all my businesses to look after.”

I felt my brothers watching me. I disliked the attention.

“I’m attending an art auction tomorrow. There’s a new painting up for grabs. Plus, I have a planned expansion of my winery. Renovation of my new resort. And I’ve got a big merger with a real estate company in California on the horizon.”

“Always a new deal,” Dante said.

“Yes.”

“That sounds boring,” Daisy said.

I smiled and tickled her neck. It wasn’t boring to me. I’d never again have nothing. Never again have no money, no security, no safety.

Nor would my family.

I’d always protect them the best way I knew how.

9

LONDON

Iscribbled some notes on my tablet, then checked the search I’d been running on art sales in the New Orleans area.

With a huff, I sat back in my office chair. The problem was so much was anonymous or not made public. I needed to see Brennan Auction Gallery’s sales records, and not just the tiny sample George had slipped me. Problem was, I didn’t have enough to get a warrant.

I remembered the fear leaking off George. Was someone really after him?

I shook my head, just as my computer pinged. When I looked at the screen, my spine straightened.

There was another auction tonight at Brennan. Tonight.

Excitement flickered through me. I was going to be there.

Rising, I headed out of my office. Two of my fellow agents sat in one of the conference rooms, the screen on the wall behind them filled with information. The table was littered with papers and empty coffee mugs.

I popped my head in. “Hi. How’s it going with the list?” They were trying to track what had happened to the art on the list George had given me.

“Slowly,” Toby Myers said. He was a good agent, who’d been trying to ask me out. He was cute, in a clean-cut, boy-next-door kind of way, but I didn’t date fellow agents.

“We’re working through it,” Amy said. “There are a lot of private collectors. It’s not easy to see what they did with the art they purchased. Could just be on the walls in their homes.”

“Or, shipped off to a tax haven, and sold again to launder dirty money,” Toby said.

I sighed and leaned against the door frame. “Keep on it. Prioritize anyone we know who is attending the auction tonight.”

Amy’s head shot up. “There’s an auction tonight?”

“Yes. And I’ll be attending.”

“You need me to come with you?” Toby asked.

“Thanks, but no. I think I can handle the auction.” I tapped my fingers on the door frame. “Did you track the piece that Kavner Fury bought?”

Amy nodded. “All accounted for, right here in New Orleans. All taxes paid.”

I felt a funny tug in my chest. “No red flags?”

“Nope. I called the museum director. The painting is hanging in pride of place on the wall, and she sang Kavner Fury’s praises.”

“Come on,” I said. “With men like him, there are always red flags.”

Amy arched a black brow. “You mean, handsome billionaires who like to give back to their community?”

Toby scoffed. “I don’t know, I think he’s trying too hard. Holding charity events, donating expensive artwork. He’s hiding something.”

“There’s a reason he tries too hard,” Amy said. “And all the other Fury brothers, too.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I dug a little more into their backgrounds.” Amy shook her head. “The Fury brothers aren’t biological brothers.”

I straightened. “I know. They all came out of foster care.”

Amy nodded. “I don’t have all the details, but the hints are that they all had rough childhoods. And when I say rough, I mean rough. And foster care wasn’t exactly much better for them.”

I thought of Kavner’s handsome face and tailored suits. Then I thought of a boy with no family. All alone.

Toby scoffed again. “That just makes me think they’re more likely to be shady.”

Amy’s nose wrinkled as she looked at him. “Are you serious?” She shook her head and looked back at me. “The auction is soon?”

I nodded. “I need to go home and change.” I needed to look less like a federal agent and more like a wealthy art collector. “Keep me posted. Oh, and keep running any more names you find on the list that look suspicious.”

Toby gave a quick salute. “We’ve got this.”

“I’ll see you both later.”

I quickly drove home to change. The sheath dress I picked was a dark green, with a scoop neck and long sleeves. I figured it should make me look the part. I freshened my makeup and hair, then slipped into nude pumps and headed out.

Brennan Auction was only a few blocks away from my apartment. It was located at the end of a long, renovated, two-story warehouse, painted a warm shade of cream. There was an awning over the deep-red-colored front doors.

I parked in the lot beside the warehouse and tightened my ponytail. Night was falling, and I watched a steady stream of people walking into the auction house. They were all well-dressed, the women carrying expensive handbags and the men in suits. There were several limousines and town cars parked at the curb.

I strode across the lot, my heels clicking. I nodded at the burly security guard standing at the door.

Then I stepped inside, and felt like I’d entered Aladdin’s cave. It was filled with large rugs, elegant, old-world furniture, and art. Large, framed paintings hung on the walls, and bookcases and tables were topped with statues, clocks, and vases. It looked like a treasure trove.

I paused to admire a puzzle box resting on a shelf.

Oh. It was gorgeous.

Glancing around, I reached out and touched the smooth wood. That’s when I felt a sense that someone was watching me. I snatched my hand back and looked up.

No one was paying me any attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please head upstairs for the auction,” a voice called.

I gave the puzzle box one last glance before I joined the flow of people heading upstairs. There were rows of chairs set up in front of a small podium. Several servers walked around with trays, offering drinks and canapés.

Surreptitiously, I watched the crowd. Two women nearby shared an air kiss. Three suit-clad men stood in a small group, talking. Most people in the room seemed to be solo or in pairs. There was a painting at the front of the room, resting on an easel.

Wow. It was beautiful. I walked over, pausing at the red security rope around it. It was all bright colors and strokes. A distorted painting of a typical French Quarter building, almost as though you were looking at it through water.

“Gorgeous, isn’t it?”

I turned to the young man beside me. He was eating a small canapé.

“It is. Fun and colorful. Original.”

“By New Orleans artist, James Michalopoulos. My boss is planning to buy it.”

I glanced around. “Your boss has good taste.”

“Oh, he prides himself on his good taste.”

“He’ll no doubt hang it in his private collection, then?”

The man snorted. “Hardly. He’s already organized for it to be donated to a local gallery.”

“Really?”

“You don’t know the half of it.” The man looked around and leaned in. “I know plenty of greedy rich people, but the boss, he gives so much away to good causes. Most of it done under the radar.” The young man shook his head. “Best job I’ve ever had.” A woman stepped up to the podium, and the man straightened his jacket. “Looks like we’re about to get started. Enjoy.”

I moved toward the chairs, looking at each of the auction guests. My gaze snagged on a guy in the back row, staring at me. He looked to be about six feet, shaved black hair, and a lot of stubble. Some guests walked between us, blocking my view for a few seconds.

When I looked back, I couldn’t see him. There was a sudden hubbub of conversation, and I turned my head.

And saw Kavner.

He strode in like a prince, nodding and smiling at people. He wore a dark gray suit that fitted his body perfectly. As I watched, he took a seat beside the young man I’d been talking with at the painting.

My chest tightened. Fury was the boss the young guy had been talking about?

Kavner lifted his head and our gazes connected. A smile curled his lips.

I turned away, my pulse rabbiting. Dammit.

Then I felt a strange prickle.

I sat down and did a slow scan of the crowd. The shaved-head man I’d seen earlier was staring at me again. His suit didn’t fit him well, and I got the impression wearing one wasn’t something he did a lot. His face didn’t look familiar.

I focused my gaze forward.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the woman at the podium said. “We have some wonderful artwork to share with you this evening. Let’s get started.”

10

KAVNER

Iwas supposed to be focused on the auction, where I intended to spend a great deal of money.

Instead, I was looking at London.

Her black hair was up in a ponytail, and I imagined running my hands through it. Was her hair naturally straight, or did she have curls? I wanted to find out.

She turned her head and shot me a pointed look.

I just smiled.

She huffed and looked away.

God, poking at the lovely agent was so much fun.

My assistant, Austin, elbowed me. “The Michalopoulos is up next.”

Right. It was an important piece of local art. I’d already pledged to show it at a local gallery.

I’d snuck into a museum once, when I’d been about ten, and living on the street. If anyone had noticed me in my ragged clothes, they would have kicked me out, but I’d been good at sneaking around. I’d managed to hover at the edge of a school group. All the school kids had been wearing nice clothes, with clean shoes and shiny backpacks. The art had been fascinating, as was the entire environment. Everything had looked so expensive and nice.

I’d heard the teacher say one of the paintings was worth five million dollars, and my brain had goggled.

I’d vowed to one day own expensive paintings, and let others see them. I’d also promised myself I’d have nice clothes, too.

I shook the memory off. I’d come a long way from that starving, desperate kid.

“And now,” the woman at the podium said. “We have a wonderful painting by renowned local artist, James Michalopoulos. It really is exceptional.”

I lifted my paddle. “Twenty thousand dollars.”

The auctioneer, who I knew well, smiled widely. “Thank you, Mr. Fury.”

A few other people bid, but no one wanted it more than me.

I always got what I wanted.

My gaze drifted back to London.

“And the painting goes to Mr. Fury.” The auctioneer banged the hammer. “We’ll have a short intermission. Enjoy the canapés and champagne. Please take the time to look at the beautiful jewelry that we will be auctioning off next.”

Rising, I straightened my suit jacket and tracked London as she circled the room. She was eyeing a few older gentlemen, who I assumed she was also investigating.

I made a show of looking at some of the jewelry in the cases. My gaze did snag on a necklace. I instantly imagined the silver chain with a teardrop emerald on London’s elegant neck. Preferably, she’d be wearing nothing else.

My cock responded to that image, and I sucked in a breath. Now was not the time.

“So, are you looking to buy some jewelry?”

Her tart voice made me smile. She was holding two glasses of champagne, and held one out to me.

I took it and nodded my thanks. “I’m just browsing.”

“Jewelry works just as well as art for money laundering.”

“I wouldn’t know.” So, she was scrutinizing art sales as part of her case? Good to know. It made sense how my name had come up. “I’m guessing I should call you London here? That you’re trying to keep a low profile?”

“Yes.” She sipped her champagne. “Are you really donating that painting to a gallery?”

“Yes. You can speak to the curator. He’s very excited.”

London made a harrumphing sound and sipped her own wine.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” I said. “I know you really want to see me in handcuffs.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Did I see a smile?”

“You did not.”

“I think I did. I think we’re becoming friends.”

She stepped closer, her voice low. “We’re not friends, Fury. We’re enemies. I’m investigating you.”

“You’ll realize soon that I’m a good guy.” I lowered my head, let my lips brush her ear. I heard her sharp intake of breath.

Damn, she smelled good. Something extra spicy tonight.

Amber eyes met mine, steady and direct. “Even if you’re not laundering money, I highly doubt you’re a good guy.”

“Well, I can be bad in all the right ways.”

Her cheeks were flushed. So damn beautiful.

“I could help you,” I said.

She blinked. “Help?”

“With your investigation. Who else is on your list? I know most people in New Orleans.”

“I do not need your help, Mr. Fury.”

Fuck. Her calling me Mr. Fury went straight to my cock. “I’m a good resource, London. You’d be a fool not to use me.”

She hesitated, her gaze narrowing. “Have you noticed any suspicious art sales? Anyone attending these auctions who doesn’t fit in?”

I frowned. “No. But I wasn’t really paying attention to other sales.” But this was my city. If someone was using art to launder money, I wanted it stopped.

Something sparked in her eyes. “Thanks.” She spun and walked into the crowd. I watched those long legs, and the sway of her toned ass.

I made a mental note to talk to Brennan. Ask about any unusual sales. I spent a lot of money here, and I knew the man would answer my questions.

“Good evening, Mr. Fury.”

A stunning woman with an Italian accent stepped in front of me. Her slinky, white dress dipped into a deep V in front, showing off her generous cleavage. She had pouty, red lips that made me think of a young Sophia Loren.

I cocked my head. “Hi.”

“The jewelry is very beautiful.” She smiled, and I was well aware she was smiling at my bank account—not at me. She was beautiful, but I felt nothing more than simple appreciation for her looks.

No spark. No challenge. Just another woman who wanted to take, but not give.

“Enjoy your evening.” I looked past her, and saw London watching us.

The lovely Treasury agent held my gaze for a beat, then turned away.

Oh, but with just one look at London, that spark flared.

11

LONDON

Heading out of the auction room, I pulled my cellphone out of my handbag.

I tried to keep my mind focused on my work and not on Kavner Fury and the pouty brunette who’d been giving him the strong “I’ll strip and do whatever you want” vibes.

My stomach shriveled uncomfortably.

“Not my business,” I muttered. Fury no doubt had women throwing themselves at him all the time. I shook my head and called my boss.

“Coleman,” a gruff voice said. “How’s the auction?”

“I’m leaving now. Don’t worry, I didn’t bid on anything.”

Agent Keegan grunted.

“It was interesting. A lot of New Orleans’ wealthiest. Kavner Fury was here.”

Keegan made a sound. “You need to lay off Fury.”

I stiffened. “If he’s guilty—”

“There is no indication he’s laundering money, Coleman. He’s a successful businessman.” There was a long pause. “And well connected.”

My nose wrinkled as I stepped outside. Cool air hit my skin and goosebumps ran down my arms. So, Keegan was getting pressure. I hated politics. “If he’s doing anything criminal, I will take him down.” I paused. “But tonight he purchased a painting that’s going to a gallery.” Which I would verify. I didn’t mention his offer to help me. “So he’s not laundering money, that I can tell. Yet.”

“You’re a damn bulldog.”

“I made discreet inquiries about any unusual sales. Nothing yet.”

Keegan grunted again. “I’ll see what I can do about forcing Brennan to hand over all their sales records. I’m damn sick and tired of getting nowhere on this investigation.”

I paused and scanned the street and parking lot. There was no one around, and none of the other guests had left the auction, yet. “I think we’re onto something here. Whether they know it or not, Brennan Auction Gallery is involved.”

“All right. I’ll get Agents Myers and Chen to keep digging on the auction house. Now, clock off, Coleman. Get some rest.”

“Good night, sir.”

I slipped the phone back in my bag and headed for my car. My mind was whirring. On the investigation, of course, and not Fury. A glance back at the auction house showed the glow of lights in the windows. I wondered if he was charming the pants off Miss Italy.

Ignoring the spurt of…something, I lifted my chin. He wasn’t mine. I was woman enough to admit I was attracted to the man, but I was far from trusting him. Donating a painting to a museum or gallery could just be a clever front.

My phone rang again, and when I pulled it out, I saw Lexxie’s name.

I paused halfway to my car and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good.” Lexxie sounded out of breath, but happy. “God, Arizona is hot. Even in the fall.”

My chest warmed just hearing her voice. “It is mostly desert.”

“But it does get freezing at nighttime. Tell me you relaxed this weekend.”

“Oh, yes. Totally.”

My sister groaned. “For a federal agent, you’re a terrible liar, London. You worked, didn’t you?”

“Only a tiny bit. I did go out. And I’m out right now and about to head home.”

“Out where?” she asked suspiciously.

“Oh, a party.”

“Really?”

“Enough about me. So, have you gotten any good photos yet?”

“Not yet, but it’s going to be amazing.” Lexxie talked about scoping out various locations. When she started talking about photography, she got so excited.

I was so glad my sister had found her passion. I paused, the cool breeze ruffling my hair. Had I found mine? I loved my job. It was rewarding. And putting financial criminals away meant something to me.

When my father had gotten involved in fraud, it had destroyed our lives and the lives of others. My dad had been sucked into a wealthy man’s schemes, and he’d proven to be weak and greedy.

My mouth flattened. I knew my choice of career was heavily influenced by my father. I wasn’t sure I’d ever thought about what else I’d do if I wasn’t a Treasury agent.

“I’ve got to run, Sis,” Lexxie said. “I just wanted to check in, so you know, you don’t send the police to track me down.”

I made a sound. “I’m not that overprotective.”

“Yes, you are. But I still love you.”

“All right. I miss you, Lex.”

“Miss you, too.”

“Have fun, and be safe.”

“You know I will.”

I dropped my phone into my bag and pulled out my keys. Right, time to get home and out of these heels.

I’d only taken one step when the shot rang out.

The bullet hit the pavement just a foot away from me.

Oh, God. My heart galloped into action and my handbag hit the ground with a slap. Without conscious thought, I hunched over and ran for my car.

More gunshots echoed through the night, peppering around me.

Heart lodged in my throat, I dove behind my car. I registered a sharp pain on my knee, then huddled there.

Who the hell was shooting at me?

I dragged in a breath, trying to calm myself. My hand clenched on my keys. No more shots rang out, but I saw a crowd had gathered at the door of the auction house.

“Stay back,” I yelled. “Call 911!”

I quickly shuffled along and bleeped the locks.

More shots pinged off my Civic. I ducked my head and gritted my teeth. Shit.

That’s when I saw the piece of paper wedged into the driver’s side door handle of my car. I snatched it free.

Stop asking questions.

My throat tightened and another bullet whizzed past. I shoved the note down the front of my shirt and into my bra.

“London!”

The loud shout echoed across the parking lot. I looked up and my heart lurched.

Kavner was sprinting toward me, his jacket flaring up behind his muscular body.

The look on his face…

Pure rage.

“Get into cover!” I yelled. He was going to get himself killed!

That’s when I saw he had a handgun in his hand. He aimed somewhere into the darkness and fired.

My pulse went crazy. No, no, no. He was going to get himself shot. I half stood up, trying to draw the shooter’s attention.

More bullets hit my car. I dropped, just as a window shattered. Glass scattered over me, and I felt a sharp sting on my face.

A second later, Kavner slid in beside me.

“Are you crazy?” I yelled.

“Are you crazy?” he yelled back. “You stood up.”

“So he wouldn’t shoot you!”

“Well, I wasn’t in the mood to see you riddled with bullets,” he growled.

“I was in cover.” He was safe. I pressed a hand to my chest, and my gaze dropped. “I hope you have a permit for that.”

He made an annoyed sound. “Sorry to disappoint, but I do.”

As a Treasury agent, I wasn’t armed, but I made it a point to visit the range when I could.

I felt the slow slide of blood down the side of my face and winced. There was a squeal of tires.

Kavner peered over the hood of my car. It was strange that he looked so comfortable with a gun in his hand.

“SUV just pulled out.” He muttered a curse. “Didn’t get the plate.”

Now that the danger was over, pain made itself known. My knee was throbbing, and it felt like I’d taken skin off it. The side of my face was stinging. I reached up and touched my temple. When I pulled my hand away, I saw blood. A wave of dizziness hit me.

I’d almost died.

If the shooter had been better, I’d be lying dead on the road right now.

12

KAVNER

Anger burned hot, like a fire flaring into an inferno. I fucking hated anyone who attacked a woman.

My brothers and I had suffered through childhoods filled with violence, until we were old enough to fight back.

Now to see some asshole shooting at London…

Seeing the bullets flying around her had sent me into overdrive. A part of me wanted to chase the bastard and make him pay. But a larger part of me had to make sure she was all right.

“London?” I cupped her chin.

She looked up and that’s when I realized she looked a little dazed. Blood ran down the side of her head and my jaw tightened. She’d been nicked by glass. I slid my handgun back into the waistband of my pants.

“Let me look.” I tilted her head.

“I’m okay.” Her voice was shaky.

“No, you’re not. Let me help you.”

She swallowed and gave a tiny nod.

There was a nasty cut on her temple. I pulled out a clean handkerchief and pressed it to her head.

“You have a cut. I can’t see how bad it is. Hold onto me and I’ll help you up.”

She hesitated.

Annoyance cut through me. Then her gold-brown gaze met mine, and she touched a hand to my palm.

Finally. I helped her to her feet. I saw her dress was torn and there was more blood on it. She’d clearly grazed a knee, but I was more worried about her face.

I touched her cheekbone. “He hurt you.” My tone was sharper than a blade.

Her gaze flicked up and she studied my face. “Murder is a crime, Fury.”

I sucked in a deep breath. “There’s a special place in hell for men who attack women.”

She eyed me for a beat, then smoothed her dress. “I’m all right.”

I relaxed a fraction.

“Lucky for me he wasn’t a better shot.”

And the fury flared again—burning hot.

“Fury—” She grabbed my arm.

“It’s Kavner.”

Her lips flattened.

“You can do it,” I urged.

“Kavner.”

The amount of satisfaction it gave me to hear her say my name was far out of proportion. “You might need some stitches in that cut.”

“It’ll be fine.”

“You need to go to the hospital, London.”

Her face turned mutinous. “I don’t.”

“I’m not letting you go home alone, London. Not without getting checked.”

“I’m not going to sit in Emergency for hours.”

“London—”

She gripped my arm, and when I saw the look on her face, I paused.

She licked her lips. “My mom died in a hospital. I used to take her for her appointments.” London looked away. “I can’t stand the smell. I can’t…”

“Okay. Okay.” I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her to my chest. “Then you’re coming home with me, and I’ll have my doctor check you over.”

To my surprise, she didn’t pull away. For one moment, she leaned into me.

“Your doctor?” She rolled her eyes. “Of course, you have your own personal doctor.” Then her gaze snagged on my shirt. “Crap, I got blood on you.”

I didn’t even look down. “I don’t give a shit about my shirt.” I put my hands on my hips. “It’s my doctor or the hospital. Choose.”

She looked away for a second. Her face screwed up and she winced. “I’m fine, Fury.”

“It’s Kavner.”

She put her hands on my chest and pushed. Then she took a step and stumbled.

I caught that long, sexy body against me. She felt so good. Better than I’d imagined, and I’d done plenty of imagining. I was a tall man, and I appreciated a tall woman.

Not the time, Fury. “Come on.” I led her toward my car.

“No, I—”

I wasn’t going to argue with her. I solved the matter by lifting her into my arms.

“Fury,” she gasped.

Just then, sirens cut through the night, and a New Orleans PD squad car pulled in.

I strode toward my dark-red Lamborghini. “I’m taking care of you, whether you like it or not. Let me deal with the police, then we’ll get that cut looked at.”

She huffed out a breath. “My handbag. I dropped it.”

“I’ll get it.” I opened my car, and saw her gaze narrow on the vertically-opening scissor doors.

“I bet I don’t want to know how much this car cost,” she said tartly.

“Probably not. But it was all purchased legally, I assure you.” I set her down in the passenger seat. “And it is a hybrid.”

She snorted and gently touched her temple.

I hated seeing that blood smeared on her skin.

She touched my hand. “I’m fine, Kavner.”

I nodded. “Give me a few minutes to deal with the police.”

It didn’t take long for the officers to take statements. There was one advantage of being connected and well-known. I told them what had happened and that I hadn’t gotten a description of the shooter. I scowled. I wished I had.

I stood close by as they questioned London. Her car was a mess. I made a mental note to have it dealt with. I’d already retrieved her handbag.

Finally, the officers had what they needed.

“Probably random street violence,” one officer said. “Targeting a location with wealthy targets.”

London merely nodded. “Probably.”

Finally, I slid into the car. The Revuelto started with the throaty growl of power, then I pulled onto the street. Thankfully, we weren’t far from my place. I touched the dash and the call connected.

“Mr. Fury, to what do I owe the pleasure?” a steady female voice said.

“Can you meet me at my place?” Our doctor was used to late-night calls.

“I’ll be there.”

Soon, I was driving past Dante’s restaurants, club, and bar. We also passed Beau’s gym.

Buying real estate had been some of my earliest investments. Owning a home, actual bricks and mortar, had been important to me. When I’d bought my first place, I’d been pretty emotional. My brothers had gotten me drunk to celebrate. Since then, I’d helped them buy all their property as well.

My building lay ahead on the corner. Ignis Tower housed the offices for my businesses, and my home.

I pulled into the restricted parking area in the underground garage.

“This is your office building,” London said.

“It is.” I helped her out. She was still a little unsteady on her feet. In the private elevator, I pressed my palm to the fancy scanner that Reath had installed.

It automatically took us up to the top floor of the building. The doors opened directly into my apartment, and London’s eyes widened.

“Oh, wow.”

My four-bedroom penthouse had a warm, wooden floor to offset the crisp, white walls. The multitude of windows were framed in black and framed the view of the city.

“Sit,” I ordered.

Her gaze narrowed. “I don’t do well following orders, Fury.”

“It’s Kavner.” I lifted a hand and gave into the compulsion to touch her hair. “Please sit, London. I hate seeing you hurt.”

13

LONDON

Holy cow, Kavner’s place was amazing.

There was a lot of black and white, but the wood floor and artwork saved it from being cold or boring. There was a wide, cream-colored couch that looked stylish and expensive. Near the high-end kitchen was a giant marble island infused with interesting veins of gold.

But the view out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows was the real superstar. His penthouse had an even better view than The Rooftop. I felt like I could see all of New Orleans. I realized his office was probably on this floor as well.

“Come on.” He ushered me over to a long, sleek dining room table.

God, there was a piano in the corner of the living room. I wondered if he played.

Then before I realized what was happening, he gripped my waist and lifted me onto the table. I gasped, one heel slipping off.

“Don’t move.” He strode away and I let myself take a deep breath. I still felt a little shaky. I investigated financial crime, so physical altercations weren’t a common thing for me.

I touched the side of my head and winced.

Kavner returned with a large first aid kit and set it beside me. He’d shed his suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. His shirt covered what I now knew was a hard, muscled chest. And those muscled forearms…

I made myself look away. “New Orleans’ most famous billionaire is going to play nurse?”

He tore open a packet. “I’m a man of many skills. Hold still while I clean this.” He stepped closer, and pressed a cool wipe to my temple.

The sting made me wince.

“Sorry,” he said.

“It just stings a little. It’s fine.”

He was so close that I could smell that thunderstorm scent of his. He touched my skin, gently probing my temple.

“The cut isn’t as deep as I feared, but the doctor will check it. Security will let her in when she arrives.”

My breath hitched. It had been a long time since someone had taken care of me. That was usually my job. I was the older sister.

I’d helped out with everything after dad had gone to prison. I’d helped Lexxie with whatever she needed—to do her homework, to clean her cuts and scrapes, to take her to school, to make her meals. And I’d also taken care of my own scrapes. I hadn’t wanted to add to my mother’s burdens when she was already working two jobs.

“Hey,” he murmured.

I looked up, then he gently pressed my face against his chest.

I breathed him in, my hands clutching at his shirt. I’d almost been shot. I could have died.

“It’s okay.” He pressed his face against my hair. “You’re safe now.”

I held onto him. The solid beat of his heart under my ear steadied me. He ran a hand up and down my back. I closed my eyes. He felt so good. Being held by someone felt so good.

After a while, he said, “I need to take a look at your knee.”

He stepped back, then crouched, and pushed my torn dress up to uncover my scraped knee.

“I’m sorry to see this dress is ruined. I liked it.”

Biting my lip, I tried not to feel too much pleasure from that.

He glanced up. “Actually, it’s more what’s under the dress I like most.” Then he saw my knee and winced sympathetically. Then got to work cleaning that as well.

Kavner Fury was crouched in front of me, taking care of my injuries.

He’d also rushed into gunfire to help me. My heart knocked against my ribs.

Before I realized he’d finished, he stood. One finger stroked my cheek and I jolted. I looked up into dark blue eyes.

Everything inside me warmed. My hands clenched on the edge of the table, and I couldn’t look away.

How could he be so gentle, so caring? He was meant to be a ruthless, ambitious billionaire.

“London,” he said in a low murmur.

There was a voice in my head shouting at me to get off the table and get away from him, but the rest of me didn’t want to listen.

He leaned closer, and I pressed my hands to his chest. My fingers clenched in the soft fabric of his shirt.

Warm lips pressed against my temple. “I want to make him pay for hurting you.”

I closed my eyes as his voice shivered through me. I shouldn’t like hearing that.

His lips moved over my cheek.

“I hate seeing you hurt.”

Liquid heat filled me. And I couldn’t take it anymore.

I turned my head and pressed my lips to his.

He groaned. His lips moved over mine—hot, electric, and way too tempting. I got a taste of him, something dark and smooth.

He cupped the back of my head and deepened the kiss. It wasn’t rushed or rough. No, Kavner Fury took his time, exploring, savoring. His tongue stroked mine. His kiss was a heady mix of possessive and seductive.

Heat exploded inside me. This was wrong, but it felt so right. I wanted to stop thinking. For once, I just wanted to feel.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

The amused female voice made me jerk.

Kavner straightened, and the look in his eyes made my belly coil. Heat. Pure, white-hot heat.

No one had looked at me like that before.

It was the sound of a clearing throat that made us both turn our heads.

A middle-aged African-American woman stood in the doorway. Her black-and-gray hair was cut in a stylish bob around her strong-boned face, and she carried a boxy, black-leather bag.

“Hello, Dr. Hamilton,” Kavner said. “You look gorgeous as always.”

“Kavner. Charming as always.” Her gaze fell to me, and I fought the need to fiddle with something, or slide off the table and hope the floor would open up and swallow me.

“Dr. Hamilton, this is London. Agent London Coleman with Treasury.”

The doctor inclined her head. “It’s a pleasure, London. Even if the circumstances aren’t quite what we want.” She carried her bag over.

Kavner stepped back. “London’s investigating me for money laundering.”

He said that like it didn’t worry him one little bit, and I shot him a look.

The doctor set her bag on the table, and her woody, vanilla perfume hit me.

“You do like to keep things interesting, Kavner.” Dr. Hamilton made a clucking noise, eyeing my face. “Looks like you took a bad slice to the head, London.”

Kavner’s tone changed. “An asshole shot at her. A window shattered. I’ve cleaned the scrapes.” He moved to the side so the doctor could get closer.

“Let’s take a look,” Dr. Hamilton said.

The doctor competently checked me over. “I don’t think you’ll need stitches. A butterfly bandage will do the trick.” She pressed a bandage over the cut on my temple.

“Thank you for taking the time out of your evening,” I murmured.

“You’re welcome. But don’t feel bad, the Fury brothers pay me a healthy retainer.”

“Really?” I tilted my head. “Do they need you often?”

The doctor smiled. “I promise I’ve never seen anything nefarious. Although I’ve had the pleasure of eyeing a few muscular flanks when they’ve needed injections.”

Kavner snorted.

Dr. Hamilton smiled. “You need some rest, London. And to steer clear of men who want to shoot you.”

I nodded.

“Kavner.” The doctor tilted her head toward the kitchen. “A word.”

As the pair moved away, my gaze dropped to his lean hips and the way his ass filled out his suit pants. My heart did a weird thump.

He was a potential suspect. My enemy. Part of my investigation. He was just like the man who’d lured my father into his schemes—rich, entitled.

Wasn’t he?

I slid off the table.

He was a big temptation. Not just because he looked sexy in a suit, but because he was taking care of me. My pulse skittered. I couldn’t let myself get used to that.

I quietly headed for the elevator while Kavner and the doctor were still talking.

He clouded my judgment. I couldn’t let that happen.

I couldn’t be tempted into things that I knew were bad for me, like my father had been.

I slipped into the elevator before Kavner noticed.

14

KAVNER

She’d run.

My jaw was tight as I poured a whiskey on the rocks.

While I’d seen Dr. Hamilton out, London had slipped away. Like a damn ghost.

The memory of that kiss, and those soft, soft lips, hit me. I sipped my drink and moved to the windows. I looked blindly out at the lights of the city.

All I could taste was her.

All I wanted more of was her.

At least I knew she was all right.

I took another sip, then paused, with my glass at my lips.

But was she safe? Someone had shot at her, and I’d had no chance to ask her if the attacker had said anything or if she’d seen anything. She hadn’t mentioned anything to the police.

I felt that tingle of instinct again. London was investigating money laundering. I’m sure there were people who wanted to stop her.

Fuck.

I grabbed my phone and pressed the screen.

“This had better be good,” Reath growled.

“Did I interrupt a hot date?” I doubted it. Reath was a workaholic with trust issues. His childhood and time in the CIA hadn’t helped.

“I’m working.”

“Of course you are. I need you to do something for me.”

“Go on.”

No hesitation. All five of us were brothers in a way that most people could never understand. I knew that Reath, and the others, all had my back. No matter what.

“I need you to put a man on Agent Coleman.”

There was a long pause. “You want me to have a man watch a federal agent.”

“Yes.”

“Why? You think she’s dirty?”

I snorted. “Hell, no. She’s the opposite of dirty. Dedicated, driven, stubborn.”

“I’m confused.”

“At the art auction tonight, someone took a shot at her in the parking lot.”

“She okay?” Reath’s tone instantly changed.

“She’s a little banged up from broken glass, but nothing too bad. I had Dr. Hamilton check her over.”

“Really?” My brother’s tone turned speculative.

“Reath, she was hurt. She might be in danger.”

“Did the shooter say anything to her? Maybe it was a random attack?”

“My gut says it wasn’t random. And I didn’t get a chance to question her about it.”

“Why?”

I looked at the ceiling. “She left before I could.”

“Left? You mean she snuck out.” Reath’s low laugh grated on my nerves. “So, there is a woman on the planet who can resist your charms. A woman who isn’t throwing herself at Kavner Fury’s billionaire feet.”

“You done?”

“Kav, she’s investigating you. She wants to arrest you.”

“She’s coming around to the fact that we aren’t enemies.”

My brother made an unconvinced sound.

“Enemies or not, I think she’s in danger,” I said. “I won’t stand for that.”

Reath paused. “Fine. I’ll put a man on her.”

Relief filled me. “Thanks, Reath. If anything turns up, keep me posted.”

“You got it.”

After I ended the call, I finished my whiskey and looked out the window.

Was London hurting? Who the hell had attacked her?

And, I couldn’t help but wonder, was she lying in her bed, thinking of me?

THE SUN WAS SHINING when I pulled my car to a stop in front of London’s block of converted apartments.

A second later, she stepped out the front door, wearing gray pants and a black shirt. God, her legs looked a mile long.

She spotted me and stopped. In the sunlight, I saw the bandage on the side of her head and my mouth flattened.

She finally strode over. “A Ferrari today, I see.”

“I thought the Lamborghini was too flashy for you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Only you would think a red Ferrari is less flashy than a Lamborghini. Why are you here, Fury?”

“I’m giving you a ride to work, since your car is out of action. You left before we could talk last night.”

She looked away, looked like she was thinking.

“I got you coffee.” I held up a takeout cup.

Her gaze narrowed. “From Fourth Wall?”

I nodded. “Chai latte.”

Her eyes narrowed even further. “How do you know that’s my favorite drink?”

I shrugged. “I may not be a federal agent, but I have my ways. Get in the car, London.”

She slid in and slammed the door.

I tutted. “That’s no way to treat a Ferrari.” I pulled away from the curb fast.

She gasped and quickly buckled her belt. “No speeding.”

“Drink your chai latte.”

I stuck to the speed limit as we headed toward the FBI office. She sipped her drink, and moaned.

I gritted my teeth. That sound. I wanted to do other things that made her make that sound.

“Do you know who attacked you?” I asked.

“No. I couldn’t really ask questions while someone was shooting at me.”

“Do you know why he attacked you?”

The tiniest pause. “No.”

My internal lie detector had been finely tuned from the time I was a kid. “London.”

“It’s Agent Coleman.” She crossed her arms. “I’m not discussing the investigation with you.”

“The attack was related to your investigation.” That stirred my anger. Someone had targeted her.

I pulled up into the parking lot at the front of the FBI office building. There was a large black fence around the building and a security gatehouse.

“I’m not discussing it, because you’re a part of the investigation.”

Anger speared through me. “I’m not a criminal, London.” I hit the steering wheel.

“I need to prove that, Kavner. Beyond a doubt. I…” She looked through the windshield. “I had my life torn apart because a charming wealthy man lured my very weak father into committing fraud.”

She met my gaze, and I saw old, twisted pain.

The kind of pain that stayed with you for the rest of your life. I saw the same in my own eyes some days.

“Don’t confuse me for some other asshole.”

She held my gaze for a long beat. “Thanks for the ride and my latte.”

I watched her walk toward the security gatehouse. A second later, I saw Reath’s man standing by a car in the parking lot of the neighboring building. I nodded and he lifted his chin.

At least I knew she was safe. For the moment.

15

LONDON

“Ineed the next set of files from the auction house, Toby.” I shuffled some papers, frustration riding every nerve.

All I was finding was a lot of dead ends.

Keegan had come through. Toby and Amy had gotten all the sales records from Brennans. The entire task force was poring over them.

“Here.” Toby rose and handed me a sheaf of papers. “I emailed you the digital copies, too.”

I blew out a breath. I’d had too much coffee, and was running on nervous energy. “Thanks.”

“You sure you’re okay?” He eyed the side of my face.

“Yes. Thanks.”

I headed to my office. That was a little lie. A lie I was trying to turn into the truth.

Getting shot at was not going on my list of favorite things.

I dropped into my desk chair. I’d updated my boss on the note I’d found on my car, and he was pissed.

Who the hell had shot at me? Clearly someone wanted to stop the investigation. My jaw tightened. It had to mean I was getting close.

Smoothing the sales files on my desk, I dragged in a breath. The link to the money launderers had to be here in the Brennan Auction records.

Focusing, I got to work…but found my mind drifting toward a certain gorgeous billionaire. My hands curled. Or more precisely, the fact that I’d kissed Kavner.

And I’d liked it.

I pressed a hand to my eyes. What was I thinking?

The evidence was moving away from him, sure, and I knew he wasn’t the person who’d shot at me. He could’ve hired someone, but deep down in my bones, I knew he wouldn’t do that.

I want to make him pay for hurting you.

I hate seeing you hurt.

A shiver ran through me, and I leaned back in my chair. It didn’t change the fact that he was a wealthy, powerful man. I had good reasons to never get involved with men like him.

But for some reason, I was having a hard time even comparing Douglas Newport and Kavner Fury.

I forced myself to look at the summary of the sales. A name appeared a few times, and caught my eye. It was a company name. Platinum Holdings. I highlighted any sales involving them and frowned.

I’d need to check the detailed sales records to see exactly what they purchased.

“Amy?”

The agent appeared in my doorway. “You called?”

“There’s a company that’s made several art purchases. Platinum Holdings. Have you got anything on them?”

“No.” She pulled out a tablet and swiped. “Wait, I do. It’s a shell corporation out of the Bahamas. No red flags, but I can dig harder to find out who owns it.”

“Do it. Tell me if you find anything.”

I slid my laptop closer. I pulled up the detailed sales records and tapped in the company’s name.

I frowned. There was nothing on the first sale to Platinum. That record was missing.

I checked the next sale. No information.

All the records pertaining to Platinum Holdings were missing.

Toby appeared in my doorway. “Hey, I’m going to grab some lunch. Um, want to join me?”

“I can’t, sorry. I found something. The records for some of the sales to one particular company are missing.”

Toby’s brows drew together. “Everything should be there. Brennan was happy to hand his records over, and he seemed genuinely concerned that any laundering might be happening on his turf.”

“They’re not here.”

I was onto something. I could feel it. I rose.

“I need to go back to Brennan Auction.” I grabbed my bag. “I’ll take a work car. A…friend dropped me off this morning since my car needs to get fixed.”

Crap. I needed to sort out getting my car repaired. I sighed. God only new how much that was going to cost.

“Do you want company?” Toby asked.

“No, I’m good.” I was already halfway out the door.

On the drive to Brennan Auction, my brain was ticking over the entire time.

Who the hell was behind Platinum Holdings?

I planned to find out.

When I reached Brennans, I noted my car was gone. Shit. I was guessing NOPD had organized for it to be towed. I’d need to track down where it had gone.

I parked my FBI SUV and got out. My nerves stretched tight, and I scanned around. I didn’t see any would-be shooters hanging around.

“You’re fine, London,” I murmured as I headed for the front door. When I strode into the auction house, an elegant woman came out of the main display room. She looked like a model, with artfully done blonde hair, a thin body, and a stylish, black wrap dress.

She eyed my pants and shoes with a whiff of disdain. “May I help you?”

“I’m Agent London Coleman with the Treasury Department. I’m working with the FBI task force. You sent records to our office, Ms.…?”

“Ms. Leary. Estelle. I recall, yes.”

“Some files are missing.”

“I sent you everything we had, Agent Coleman.”

“The detailed records on sales to a company called Platinum Holdings are missing.”

She frowned, but barely. I was guessing Botox made it tough.

“I need to see those files,” I continued.

“I’m afraid Mr. Brennan is out at the moment.”

“I need them now, Estelle.”

She straightened, and Botox or not, it didn’t stop her bitchy look. “I can’t do anything without Mr. Brennan’s—”

“Is there a problem?”

The low drawl from behind me almost made me jolt. I could feel him, like he exuded an energy that I could detect. That I was finely attuned to.

Estelle’s face changed, as did her body language. “Mr. Fury, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

He stopped beside me. He was wearing another perfect suit; dark blue, today. It probably cost more than my monthly salary.

He reached out and ran a hand down my ponytail. “London.”

I narrowed my gaze. What was he doing?

“Mr. Fury,” I said.

He smiled, which absolutely did not melt things inside me.

“You left your keys in my car when I dropped you at work today.” He held them out.

I snatched them back, annoyance making me bite my tongue.

Estelle’s face smoothed out, but she couldn’t quite hide her disappointment.

“Now, I’m sure Mr. Brennan would want you to cooperate with the authorities, Estelle. You get the records for Agent Colemen, please. Is there somewhere we could sit while we look at them?”

“Of course, Mr. Fury.” She swiveled and clicked away on her heels.

I was pissed at the interference. Of course, the woman would trip over herself to help him.

He leaned in. “You can thank me later.”

“Don’t hold your breath. Why are you here?”

“That’s a mystery for you to solve.”

16

KAVNER

We sat at a large, wooden table in a side room. The shelving units were covered in art objects. I picked up a glass cube, sending light reflecting around the room, before I set it down.

Across from me, London paced, her shoulders tight.

Estelle dropped files onto the table in an icy huff. “I’m sorry, but several files appear to be missing. There’s no sign of them.”

“Ones pertaining to Platinum Holdings?” London asked.

“Yes. It’s unusual, I assure you. Mr. Brennan keeps meticulous records.”

London nodded.

“Thank you, Estelle,” I said.

“No interruptions until we’re finished,” London said.

With a lift of her chin, Estelle was gone, closing the door firmly behind her.

London sat and bent over the files. There was already a groove forming in her forehead.

So focused. I wondered how it would feel to have all that focus on me. And not because she wanted to arrest me.

I’d dated plenty of women, but they usually saw money, power, influence. They rarely actually saw me. As Reath liked to tell me, I didn’t help the situation, as I often kept the real me hidden.

Growing up on the streets, it paid not to show your weaknesses. Plenty of predators were out there, ready to exploit them.

London made a sound. “Platinum Holdings purchased a William Tucker last March. Paid by transfer.”

“It’s a sculpture.”

She found a photo of it, and winced. “It’s…interesting.”

I snorted. “It looks like a blob of rock.”

She let out a surprised laugh. “It totally does.”

Then she frowned again.

“I saw that smile, Agent Coleman. I’m growing on you.” I sat down beside her.

“I was just remembering that it required you being here for Ice-Queen Barbie out there to give me what I wanted. For me, she dug her very high heels in. For you, she wanted to fling those heels off, along with the rest of her clothes.”

“You got what you needed.”

“Except some files are missing. Most of the ones I need.”

I looked over where her fingers pointed at one of the pages. “Pertaining to Platinum Holdings. I’ve never heard of it.” Which was strange. I knew all the major players in my city.

She slapped her hand down. “I’m not discussing it with you. Why are you here?”

“You were attacked.” I fought hard not to show the simmering anger inside me. I’d replay the image of someone shooting at her in my head for years to come. “I figured I’d ask a few questions.”

She just stared at me.

“London?”

“You’re…looking out for me?”

I hated that she sounded so surprised. “Doesn’t anyone look out for you?”

“It’s just me and my sister, and I look out for her.”

Ah, the oldest sister, and overachiever. That made sense. Dante was the same way, even though he was the second oldest of us after Beau.

“My mom died when my sister Lexxie was sixteen. She stayed with me until she turned eighteen and graduated.”

I pressed a hand over hers. “That’s admirable, London. It’s a big responsibility. I admire you. My brothers and I were in foster care, and when our situation turned…untenable, we had each other. We left, and made new lives for ourselves.”

Her gaze moved over my face. “Foster care was bad for you?”

“Very bad.” I looked away. “What about your father?” The one who got lured into crime.

She stiffened. “He’s been out of the picture since I was nine. When he went to prison. We didn’t need him. My mom was amazing.”

I lowered my voice. “What happened to her?”

“Heart failure.” London shook her head and looked back at the files. “I need to do more digging on Platinum Holdings.”

“I can help.”

There was a spark in her light-brown eyes. “I…can’t.”

“London, you’ve been investigating me for weeks. You know I’m not laundering money.”

She pushed a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“I have better resources and connections. I want to help.” I stroked her fingers. “Let me help.”

“You’re too used to getting your own way.”

Her words hit me. “Because once upon a time, I never got my way. Ever.”

“Kavner…” She wrapped her hand around mine and squeezed. “It was that bad?”

“Not always. And even at its worst, foster care was better than living on the streets.”

Her eyes widened. “You lived on the streets?”

It was something I never shared with anybody. Only my brothers knew. “For several years.”

“That’s not mentioned anywhere.”

“And I work hard to keep it that way.”

“No one will hear it from me.” She paused. “Your parents?”

I shrugged. “They were both junkies, and caught up in dealing drugs. Eventually, I ran.” A few times I’d been tempted to find them, but I’d decided to let the past stay in the past. They were nothing to me.

“God.” She squeezed my hand again. “Kavner.”

I didn’t see pity in her eyes, just compassion. And a look like she was moving puzzle pieces around and making them fit.

She straightened. “If you find out anything about Platinum Holdings, pass it along.”

I smiled. “Of course.”

She picked up the files and continued scanning the auction records. While she did, I sent a text to Reath’s main tech guy, Lincoln, asking him to look into Platinum Holdings.

Then, she straightened. “Jesus, you bought something for two million dollars.”

“I did. A stunning Giacometti bronze. It’s in my penthouse. I would have showed you the other night if you’d stuck around.”

“Platinum Holdings purchased a painting at the same auction. A Warhol.”

“I remember the painting…” I frowned. “I don’t remember who bought it, but I was there that day.”

“Really? If I can check Brennan’s CCTV, we might be able to identify who purchased it for Platinum. Would you take a look?”

“Sure.”

A glint filled her eyes. London liked the thrill of the chase, just like I did.

“I need to get back to the office.” She rose.

I needed to get back to the office as well. My assistant, Austin, would be starting to panic. Still, I felt strangely reluctant to say goodbye. I gave myself a mental shake. I was happy to enjoy an attraction, but I never let anyone except my brothers become too important.

I spun and she bumped into my chest.

“Careful.” I cupped her elbow.

Her gaze locked on my throat. Her perfume was something crisp today, with lime undertones.

She didn’t pull away, and my heartrate picked up.

“Are you going to thank me for my help?” I said quietly.

“Thank you.” She looked up. “Why do you have to smell so good?”

“Would you prefer I smell bad?”

She rolled her eyes and pressed a palm to my chest. My gut tightened, and it suddenly felt like it was only the two of us. No one else in the world existed.

“I keep telling myself to stay away from you,” she whispered.

“I can’t seem to stop wanting to see you.”

She blew out a breath. “We should go.”

Neither of us moved.

“Dammit,” she muttered. Her hand twisted in my shirt, and she pulled me closer.

Her mouth hit mine.

Fuck. I clenched my hands on her hips and took over the kiss.

17

LONDON

Oh, God.

Sensation rocketed through me. I sank a hand into his silky hair and kissed Kavner Fury.

His lips were firm, and he tasted like sin.

It was hot, hard, with a whole side of wicked. I moaned, pressing into him, and stopped thinking. I wanted to forget all my discipline, and hard work, and always trying to take care of things. I wanted to feel, and I wanted to take.

Heat gathered inside me, burning hot, making everything liquid.

Kavner shifted, his clever hands sliding over me, then lifted me onto the table. I widened my legs, and he pressed between them as he kept kissing me. He made a low, masculine growl.

I felt his hard erection pressed against the juncture of my thighs. Oh, God. Pure heat balled in my belly, my chest. I slid my tongue against his.

“You taste even better than I imagined.” His voice was low, and he bit my bottom lip. I undulated against his hard body. “Better than anything.”

His hand slid up and cupped my breast. I pushed in his palm, a low hum echoing from me. “I need to touch you.” My voice was breathy.

His face was hard, his eyes filled with need. It made me realize that Kavner was usually so controlled. Oh, he smiled, he frowned, but he was only showing others what he wanted them to see.

But right here, right now, he was showing me him. What was under that sleek exterior.

“Touch me,” he said.

I opened several buttons on his shirt, and I greedily slid my hands over the skin of his chest. It was a light shade of bronze, several shades lighter than my own skin.

I kneaded the firm muscles, felt the rough beat of his heart. I flicked a finger over his nipple, and he jerked.

I felt giddy, and filled with an intoxicating sense of power. My hands were on this man, this powerful man, and it was my touch that affected him so strongly.

“If you get to touch me—” his voice was a low growl “—then I get to touch you.”

“Yes,” I whispered.

His mouth moved over my jaw, down my neck. I let my head drop back, heat washing over me. He shoved my shirt off and over my head. A black-lace bra cupped my breasts.

He made a hungry sound. “Beautiful. I’ve been imagining what you look like.”

He pushed the cups down, exposing my breasts. I gasped. He stroked one nipple, back and forth, until it was a hard point. I writhed, the shock of desire flaring between my legs.

Then he leaned over and closed his mouth over my nipple.

Everything inside me was taut and hot. I felt damp heat between my thighs and my panties were drenched in a second.

His mouth wasn’t gentle. He took his time, driving me crazy.

Nothing existed. Just us, and the pleasure building between us. I felt like the slightest touch would make me come.

It was a ringing cellphone that made us both jolt.

I blinked, fighting through the thick desire, trying to get my brain working.

Reality was a mean bitch.

My gaze locked on Kavner.

Kavner Fury had his mouth on my bare breast.

His hand flexed on my hip.

“Kav,” I whispered.

He closed his eyes for a second, jaw tight, then stepped back. He looked disheveled, his shirt half undone.

“This isn’t over, London.”

I half turned, fixing my clothes.

He yanked his phone out. “What?” Then he dragged in a deep breath. “Sorry. What have you got?”

I slid off the table.

Right now, I was not going to focus on the fact that I’d made out with New Orleans’ favorite billionaire. I pressed my fingers to my eyes and tried to calm the swirling desire inside my belly. My skin was flushed, my breasts felt swollen.

God.

I straightened my shoulders and glanced over. Kavner was looking at me.

“Got it. Thanks, Linc.” He slipped the phone away. “Have you got another fancy dress?”

“What?” I was distracted by the triangle of skin at the base of his throat. His buttons were still undone.

“A fancy dress. Like the one you wore to the art auction.”

Quit drooling, London. “Why?”

He smiled, and I felt it in my belly.

“I love that suspicious tone of yours. My guy, actually he’s my brother Reath’s guy—”

“Reath is the one who owns Phoenix Security Services.”

“That’s him. They got a hit on someone associated with Platinum Holdings.”

My pulse spiked. “Already? Who?”

“His name is Spencer Bates.” Kavner’s lip curled. “A local ‘entrepreneur.’” He said the word with a side of disdain. “He founded a bunch of local startups, all to do with wellness. A hydration drink, a yoga program and app, some sort of health wearable. Anyway, he’s had a string of investments, and investors who never saw their money again. His parents are wealthy and keep bailing him out, so he keeps popping back up. He’s currently dating a local heiress, last I heard. Anyway, he’s linked to Platinum Holdings. Signed off on some paperwork for them.”

“What’s this got to do with a dress?”

Kavner’s smile widened. “Because he’ll be at a party tonight hosted by a local businessman. It happens that I have an invite.”

“Where’s the party?”

“Audubon Place.”

It figured. Audubon Place was a privately gated street near Tulane University, that contained some of the most expensive homes in the city.

“I have a dress.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

18

LONDON

Iadded a little more dark eyeshadow, then pulled out my lipstick—my favorite glimmering amber color.

Next, I fiddled with my hair. It was in my signature ponytail. I didn’t want to call any attention to myself.

I looked at my dress. Okay, not too much attention.

At first glance, the dress looked demure. It was plain black, and hugged my body, with a high neck, and long sleeves. But it had two large cutouts at the sides that showed my skin and hip bones, and each were held together by a string of shimmering crystals.

It was by some designer that Lexxie had insisted I buy. Thankfully, it had been on consignment.

I hadn’t worn it before tonight.

I looked forward to Kavner seeing it.

Kavner. I pressed my hands to the cool granite of the vanity. I’d kissed Kavner. Touched him. His mouth had been on me.

And I wanted more.

I was starting to believe he wasn’t involved in anything to do with my investigation, but tonight, I was keeping my hands to myself.

I found my evening handbag, slipped my phone inside, then headed out. As I reached the street, a powerful engine roared.

It was the Lamborghini again. It suited him—expensive, sleek, a little flashy. I would never have guessed that he’d lived on the streets as a child. My chest tightened. I was realizing there was a lot more to him than I’d guessed.

The powerful car slid to a stop in front of me. I opened the car door. He was in a suit, and it looked like he’d been born behind the wheel of a fast car. Tonight, the suit was black, as was the shirt beneath it. It made him look lethal, dangerous.

“Mr. Fury.”

“I think we’re way past that, London.”

I slid in and nodded. “Kavner.”

“There. That didn’t hurt, did it?”

He pulled away from the curb.

“So, whose party is this?” I asked.

“Jeffrey M. Fields.”

My eyes widened. “Oh, wow.” He was well known in New Orleans. One of the wealthiest residents.

“Please don’t accuse him of money laundering.”

I shot him a look.

We headed west along St. Charles Avenue. I didn’t watch the passing traffic, instead I watched Kavner.

“I guess I understand why you’re so driven to be rich.”

He glanced my way. “When you’ve had nothing at all, believe me, having money is important. It gives you control, choices. But you have to be careful not to let it change you. Deep down, you have to live up to your values.”

“What do you value?”

“Family. Above all else.” He shrugged. “Hard work, kindness, loyalty.”

I just stared at him. How wrong had I been about this man? How much had I let my past cloud my judgement?

I cleared my throat. “And I understand the obsession with sharp suits now, too.”

His white smile flashed in the dim light. “I used to dream of having nice clothes when I was young. That didn’t have holes in the knees, and hadn’t been worn by someone else first.”

My chest squeezed for the little boy he’d been.

It wasn’t long before the shadowed darkness of Audubon Park appeared, and the buildings that made up the university. We turned into the stone gatehouse leading into Audubon Place. The security guards checked Kavner’s ID, then we drove in.

“Wow.” I stared at the huge, stately houses. “I mean, I see a lot of wealth on a day-to-day basis for work, but it’s mainly on paper.”

We pulled up in front of a huge house, and a valet driver took the keys with a friendly smile.

“Nice car, sir. I’ll take good care of it.”

“Thank you.” Kavner took my hand and I decided to go with it. He was doing me a favor, after all. I twined my fingers with his.

We walked up the path to the mansion. There were lush gardens and a green lawn, and the cream, stone house was grand. Columns flanked the large, arched front door.

“I like the dress. A lot.” Kavner’s voice was low, filled with appreciation.

Then he led me up the steps and inside.

I tried not to goggle, but the place was amazing. It screamed rich—from the shiny, honey-wood flooring to the ornate molding. It was also packed with guests.

I leaned into Kavner. “We need to find Spencer Bates, then get him alone so I can ask him a few questions.”

Kavner nodded. “We can make that happen.”

“Fury,” a voice boomed. “You never come to these things.”

We turned. A handsome silver fox was headed our way. He wore a dark-blue suit with a silver tie. His hair was a salt-and-pepper mix of black and white, but the silver was winning in his neatly trimmed beard. I recognized Jeffrey Fields from photos I’d seen of the wealthy restauranteur.

“Jeffrey,” Kavner said. “I was in the mood for a party.” He held out a hand.

Fields shook Kavner’s hand enthusiastically, then his gaze moved to me. “And who is this beautiful creature?”

“I’m London.” I held out a hand.

“A pleasure to meet you. Kavner rarely comes to my parties, and if he does, he’s always solo.”

I arched a brow. “That sounds like a lie.”

“It’s not, I promise.” Fields smiled. “I’m glad you came. Now, go get yourself some drinks. Mingle.”

We moved across the crowded living room, with Kavner’s hand pressed to the center of my back. Several people called out his name. He nodded, and I admired the way he kept moving, avoiding having to stop or join in any of the conversations. I glanced around, taking in the Who’s Who of New Orleans. My mouth flattened. There were a few present who I knew had been involved in some shady deals. They’d either been under investigation, charged in the past, or the charges hadn’t stuck.

“You can’t go after everyone,” Kavner whispered in my ear.

His closeness made me shiver. “I know.” I needed to stay on target.

We waited at the bar, Kavner’s hand burning through the fabric of my dress. His finger brushed my skin through one cutout, and I turned my head. “Fury.”

He gave another deliberate stroke.

I grabbed his wrist. I hated that I felt the burn all the way down to my belly. The man just had a way of lighting me up.

“I touched a lot more than your hip earlier,” he said.

“That was a mistake,” I whispered.

“Really?”

It sure hadn’t felt like one. I looked away. “I’m working.”

The bartender asked for our order. As Kavner spoke with him, I scanned for Bates.

“Kavner Fury.” A man in his late thirties and really shiny veneers on his teeth stopped beside us. “I’m Richard Everett. I was hoping to get a moment with you to discuss a deal I’m working on.”

For the first time, I could honestly say Kavner’s smile was fake.

“Not tonight, Everett. I’m here to enjoy the party, and my companion.”

Everett very poorly hid his disappointment. “Absolutely. I’ll call your office.”

Which I’m guessing he already had and had been turned away. “You get that a lot.”

Kavner’s mouth twisted. “Unfortunately, yes. There are a lot of people with excellent ideas and brilliant plans…that they’d like to use my money for.”

He handed me a fancy glass, with a cherry perched on the rim.

“Don’t worry, it’s only soda and lime. And I’m having one glass of wine since I’m driving.”

“Thanks.”

He took my arm. “Come on. Let’s circle around and look for Bates.”

As he passed through the room, people stared, and tried to catch his attention. I discovered very quickly that everyone wanted to talk to Kavner. To say hello, ask for a meeting, to talk business. Women shot him covetous looks, completely ignoring me.

I watched a mask slip into place on his face—eyes cool, tone polite. God, was this what he had to deal with, all the time?

I sipped my drink. An older man launched into a sales pitch, trying to sell Kavner on some business investment.

Enough was enough. I leaned against Kavner’s chest. “Honey, I need some fresh air.”

He slid an arm around my waist. “Excuse me, Silas, I have to take care of my woman.”

I nearly jolted at that. His woman?

What would it actually feel like to be Kavner Fury’s woman? To be the center of his universe? To hold his heart?

He took our glasses and set them on a table. Then he opened the back door, and we stepped out onto the back terrace.

The cool evening wrapped around us. We were on a long, stone terrace with carved stone railings. Beyond it, discreet, elegant lighting illuminated a swimming pool, and the immaculate gardens.

“You all right?” he asked.

“Yes. Just a ploy to rescue you from Silas’ sales pitch.”

Kavner stilled. “You did that for me?”

“I have no idea how you handle all the people constantly after you for your bank account, or your business acumen.”

He gave me a strange look, his gaze moving over my face. “Thank you.”

I cleared my throat. I had to look away before I did something stupid. “And of course, we need to find Bates.”

“Of course.” He leaned against the railing beside me. “And it looks like we did find him.” Kavner nodded his head.

I turned, and spotted a couple in the garden. The man was clearly trying to coax the woman in for a kiss. The woman was beautiful, with a full, curvaceous figure, and long, brown hair. The man was definitely Spencer Bates—long and lean, with shaggy, blond-tipped hair. He had the weathered, tanned skin of a man who spent too much time in the sun.

“So, what’s the plan?” Kavner whispered in my ear.

19

KAVNER

Spencer Bates looked exactly like a man I’d dislike.

He had that wealthy playboy look—all spent-too-much-time-in-the-sun gloss, with a side of never having worked for anything in his life. I knew it covered shallow selfishness.

He was trying to convince the poor woman he’d cornered to kiss him, although she didn’t look convinced. He was the kind of man who felt he was entitled to everything—women, money, opportunities—without the work or sacrifice.

Finally, the heiress pulled free, and waved at the house. As she left, Bates shot her a frustrated look and raked a hand through his hair.

“I think I have a plan.” London had a look in her eye that I wasn’t sure I liked.

“London…”

She pushed away from the railing and stalked down the stairs toward Bates.

I swallowed a growl. She was a big girl, and a trained agent.

But that didn’t mean I had to like it.

I pretended I wasn’t watching as she sauntered up to the man.

Fuck, she was beautiful. That long, lithe body, but with just enough intriguing curves in all the right places.

Brains and beauty, but with some bite. It was apparently a lethal combination for me.

I saw her act surprised to see Bates in the garden. They started talking.

My frown deepened. Bates was smiling, and London was smiling back at him. Something cut through my gut. Bates reached out and touched her hand.

The man definitely liked what he saw.

Muttering a curse, I stalked off the terrace. The partygoers were mostly staying inside, thankfully. I circled around some hedges, edging closer to London and Bates.

“You are so beautiful. Exquisite. Do you model?”

I rolled my eyes. His tone just oozed slime. Did women really fall for that?

“No, I don’t.” London’s tone was light. “What do you do? You must be some successful businessman to be at this party.”

“I’m known to wheel and deal.”

“Really? What kind of deals?”

“Oh, sweetheart, you wouldn’t understand. I dip my toe into many, many things that interest me.”

I edged around the hedge and stopped beside a gently burbling fountain. Bates was cupping London’s face with one hand. I felt a sharp spike of something I didn’t immediately recognize. Then I was vaguely horrified to realize it was jealousy.

“That all sounds so important.” London’s tone was breathy. “Does one of those things include laundering money for Platinum Holdings?”

Bates froze. “What?” His brows drew together. “Who are you?”

“Let’s just say my job often involves men like you in handcuffs.”

Bates stepped back. “I’m leaving—”

“No, you’re not.” London stepped closer.

Bates shook his head. “I’m done—”

I strode forward, my muscles coiled, ready to strike.

But London grabbed the man’s arm and twisted it up behind his back, then shoved him face first against the hedge.

“Bates, you’ll answer my questions, and then maybe I won’t arrest you.”

The man made a choked sound.

“I was coming to help,” I said.

She shot me a look.

“But I see you have it under control.” I lowered my voice. “And you look hot doing it.”

She shoved Bates again. “Platinum Holdings. I want to know everything.”

“If I talk, they’ll kill me.”

“If you don’t talk to me, you’ll go to prison. You don’t strike me as the type who’s made for prison.”

Bates made a frightened sound. I rolled my eyes. The man was pathetic.

“Platinum Holdings,” London said again.

“I just got an email. They promised me money. Good money. I just had to do some work for them. Run a few errands. Attend some auctions. It was fun, and I got paid.”

“You were the one who attended the auctions at Brennans?” London asked.

“Yes.”

“Paid by whom?” she demanded.

“I never saw or spoke to anyone. It was all anonymous over email.”

London frowned. “Where did you deliver the art you bought for Platinum?”

The man’s body stiffened. “I don’t know. I…I…”

“Bates, you lie to me, we’ll have to chat in an interrogation room at FBI headquarters.”

He whimpered yet again.

My lip curled.

“I never met anyone from Platinum.” Bates audibly swallowed.”

London’s eyes flashed. “Go on.”

“They’ll kill me.”

“I won’t let that happen. Talk.”

The man let out a shuddering breath. “I transported the art where I was instructed.”

“Where?”

“To the port. I delivered them to an office at the port. Platinum Export.”

I had to admit, I really enjoyed watching London work.

She released Bates and stepped back. “All right. Go.”

The man spun, saw me, and his eyes widened. “You’re Kavner Fury—”

“She said go,” I snapped.

With a nod, he pushed away from the hedge, stumbled, then hurried back toward the house.

“Platinum Holdings, which also owns Platinum Export, is laundering money, for sure,” she said.

“And transporting art out of the country.”

“Where they sell it for an inflated price and send clean money back to the cartels.”

“Which cartel?” I asked.

Her gaze narrowed. “That is still to be determined. But the important thing is I have more intel than I did before. A solid lead.”

I stepped closer. “Like I said, it was very hot watching you work.”

Her gaze met mine. “Fury—”

“Kavner.” I touched her face. “I hated seeing him touch you.”

Touch what I realized I was starting to feel was mine.

“I didn’t particularly like him touching me, either.”

I closed the inches between us. “What about when I touch you?”

She licked her lips. “I like it too much.”

“Good.”

“Kavner.” She turned her face into my palm. “Damn you for not being an asshole like Bates. Makes you harder to resist.”

She went up on her toes and kissed me.

I hauled her close, sliding my tongue deep into her mouth. She moaned, and need hit me hard. I lifted her and carried her toward the edge of the nearby fountain.

“I think this is a bad idea.” Perched on the edge of the stone, she tilted her head back.

I kissed her neck, then scraped my teeth hungrily along her throat. “So stop me.”

She made a hungry sound and her hands slid into my hair. “I should.”

I slid my hands into the cutouts of that maddening dress and stroked her hips. “These have been driving me crazy from the moment I saw you tonight.”

She arched into me. “That was the plan. You’ve been driving me crazy since the first time I saw you.”

Suddenly, there was the sound of voices nearby.

I uttered a mental curse and pressed my forehead to hers. “There are always too many fucking interruptions.”

She nipped my lips. “Maybe it’s the universe trying to tell us something.”

“Fuck the universe. I’ve always done things my own way.”

We both caught our breath in the cool night air.

“We should go,” she said quietly.

“Yes.” But I didn’t want to let her go.

20

LONDON

Sitting at my desk the next morning, I tried to focus.

Kavner made that hard.

I sat back and closed my eyes. I’d crossed a line with him. Professionally, personally.

I’d never let anything, or anyone, interfere with my work. My job was who I was. It was vitally important to me.

I blew out a breath. Lexxie always accused me of never standing still, never having any fun.

And of never letting men close. I mean, I dated, sure. It wasn’t my fault that none of them had been interesting enough or quick enough to keep up with me.

Now there was Kavner.

“He’s not mine,” I muttered.

If Keegan found out I’d crossed a line, it could impact my job.

And nothing would ever come of this. I lived in Virginia and worked all over the country. Kavner was a handsome, wealthy man. I snorted. I was spinning a little fantasy. Men like Kavner went through dozens of women. They didn’t keep them for very long.

Dragging in a deep breath, I focused back on my work. I needed to do some recon at the port. I’d had Viv check CCTV from Brennans and I’d confirmed Bates was the one to buy the art for Platinum Holdings. I’d pulled everything I could to find where Platinum Exports did business at the port. Nothing yet.

I needed to know where the money was going and who was behind this. Then I could shut them down.

I also needed to find my damn car. I’d made some calls and no one seemed to know where it was.

My phone rang and Kavner’s name appeared on the screen.

My stupid heart fluttered as I answered. “Mr. Fury.”

“Good morning, London. Well, it’s almost afternoon.”

My stomach rumbled. I’d only had coffee for breakfast and a stale muffin for a late morning snack.

“How goes the investigation?”

“Fine. How goes making millions of dollars?”

“It’s going well.” He sounded amused. “I’d like to take you out for lunch.”

She shouldn’t. She needed a clear head where he was concerned.

“I can hear you thinking all the way from my office. I have some information on Platinum Export I thought you might like to hear.”

“In that case, I accept.”

“Good. There’ll be a car waiting for you. To bring you to my office.” He ended the call.

Clearly, I’d been summoned. I scowled at the phone and stood. I pulled on my navy-blue jacket that matched my fitted skirt. I was planning to give Mr. Bossy Billionaire a piece of my mind.

And I hoped he had some good information for me.

I caught Viv in the hall. “Hey, I’m going to follow up on a lead, and then clock off for lunch. I’ll be back later.”

The other agent lifted a hand. “Sure thing. I have a wilted looking club sandwich I’m planning to eat at my desk while I work.”

“Lucky you.”

Downstairs, I saw the black BMW 8 series sedan waiting at the curb. I passed through the security gate and when the driver saw me, he stepped out and nodded. He opened the door. “Agent Coleman.”

“Thank you.” I slid in. The leather seat was buttery soft. As we drove to Kavner’s building, I admitted it was really nice to have lots of money.

My fingers clenched on the seat. Especially for a man who’d grown up with nothing. It had been tough for my mom, but we’d never gone hungry.

Kavner had lived on the streets as a young child. Knowing that fact made my heart hurt. He would have been so vulnerable. God, had anyone hurt him?

I was still lost in my thoughts when we pulled up at Ignis Tower. I thanked the driver and opened the door. As I reached the door to the lobby, a woman in a skirt and crisp blouse appeared and smiled. “Agent Coleman, you’re to take the elevator up. He’s waiting for you.”

“Thanks.”

We passed that interesting metal statue in the lobby. I’d looked it up since my last visit and knew it was by a young artist from Florida called Dustin Miller.

The efficient woman swiped a card at the elevator and pressed a button. “Have a good day.”

After stepping in, the elevator whisked me upward. When it slowed, I realized that I was at the rooftop.

I stepped out and the wind whipped at me.

Kavner was waiting.

My heart squeezed. His impact just didn’t seem to dull. Especially not when he wore a well-cut suit.

“London.” A slow smile spread over his face. His gaze was alert, and I realized I’d never really seen him relaxed. He was always on, calculating. Assessing.

“Are we eating on the rooftop?” I asked.

“Not quite.”

I frowned. “Fury.”

He held out a hand. “Trust me?”

God help me, I did. How the hell had that happened? I took his hand.

He led me across the rooftop, and that’s when I saw the sleek, black helicopter on the landing pad. My eyebrows went up.

“It’s a short ride, I promise. I have to check on a job, so this way I can do that, and have lunch with a certain tenacious Treasury agent.”

“It’s not far?” I still had to work this afternoon.

“No.”

I let him help me into the front passenger seat, which wasn’t easy while wearing a fitted skirt. I’d been in helicopters before on a few jobs, but nothing this plush.

When Kavner climbed into the pilot’s seat, I stiffened. “You’re flying?”

He smiled. “Looks like it.”

“You’ve done this before?”

“No. Never.”

My eyes went wide as he pulled on a headset.

Then he winked at me.

Asshole. I smacked his arm.

“Put on your headset and strap in, London.”

Minutes later, he worked the controls, and the helicopter lifted off.

My belly dipped. I told myself it had everything to do with the view of the city below and nothing to do with the man sitting beside me.

21

KAVNER

We swept in over my resort. I saw the crane and construction vehicles. Once the renovations were completed, it would be the most exclusive resort in Louisiana. It was perched on the edge of Toledo Bend Lake, near the Louisiana-Texas border.

For the entire flight, London had been pressed up against the window. The woman liked to fly. I made a mental note to take her up again.

“This is yours?” she asked.

“Yes. The original owner went bust, and I got it for a song. The resort was pretty dated and needed an overhaul.” I focused, as I brought the helicopter in to land.

Once we were on the ground, I circled the aircraft and helped London out.

“I’m renovating the resort. The main building, restaurant, and pool are over there.” I pointed to where the gray roof of the sprawling building was visible. “Closer to the lake, we’re building smaller cabins. With a luxurious, rustic vibe. Once I’m done, it’ll be the ultimate in lakeside luxury.”

“A playground for the rich and famous.”

“Something like that. I can also offer a steady supply of local jobs.” I led her down a curving path. “And I’m planning to source local products for the resort. I’ve already signed a contract with a woman who makes lotions, shampoos, and soaps using local wildflowers.”

London swiveled and gave me a long look.

“Come on.” I took her hand, and when I threaded our fingers, she didn’t pull away.

Farther down the path, the gardens were overgrown, but I could see the potential. Nearby was a large, modern cabin, with a tarpaulin over part of the roof.

“This is the owner’s cabin.” The building was made of stone, with lots of wooden accents.

“Nice.” Her gaze swept over it. “Or at least it will be.”

I led her inside. Strong paint fumes filled the air, and ladders and tools rested against the wall. The large stone fireplace looked great, and had been added since I last visited. The wooden floor still needed to be sanded and polished, but it would look fabulous once it was done.

“I plan for it to look great when it’s finished.”

I opened the large, glass sliding doors and when we stepped onto the patio, she gasped. The view of the water was lovely. I felt my muscles relaxing. I loved my businesses. I loved being challenged, but it could be stressful. I enjoyed the rare times when I could relax.

I couldn’t wait to bring my family here. Daisy would love the lake.

London dragged her gaze off the lake and studied the pool. It was a small plunge pool with an adjacent, built-in hot tub. Then she noticed the table set up beside it. It was covered with a white tablecloth, and several plates of food.

“There’s a working kitchen in the main building. I had my people organize lunch for us.”

“This isn’t a date,” London said.

“Of course not. Just two colleagues sharing a meal.”

She sat at the table. “We’re not colleagues.”

“I’m helping you with your case.” I sat and waved a hand. “Oysters Rockefeller to start, and Shrimp Creole with rice.”

She looked up, her gaze narrowing. “How do you know my favorite foods?”

“Like I’ve told you, I have my sources.”

She picked up one of the oysters and a fork. She ate it, then closed her eyes. “They’re so fresh.”

I’d had them flown in today just for her. This woman was getting to me. Burrowing under my skin, and I wasn’t entirely sure I liked it.

But I wasn’t a coward. I wanted to ride this out and see where it took us.

Because you want her as yours.

I ignored that dark voice inside and reached out to pour the white wine.

“I’m only off the clock for lunch,” she said.

“One small glass.”

She nodded. “So? You have information for me?”

I nodded. “I asked around about Platinum Export.”

“And?”

“It’s owned by Cade Bernard.”

She gasped. “We haven’t had any luck finding out who owns it.”

I sipped my wine. “I guess you weren’t asking the right people.” The intel had come from a contact of Reath’s who avoided the law.

“Who’s Bernard?”

“On the surface, he’s a legitimate importer-exporter.”

She sat back in her chair. “But underneath, he’s a smuggler.”

I nodded. “Word is, Bernard moves whatever needs moving, for the right price. Lately, he’s made a lot of trips to Geneva.”

That made her stiffen. “To the Geneva Freeport.”

“Could be.”

A freeport was a tax-free zone where goods could be stored without being subject to that country’s customs duties. They were supposed to be for goods in transit, but the Geneva Freeport had become well-known for long-term storage of art belonging to the superrich. It was also suspected to be used for the trade of looted antiquities, and for money laundering.

She eyed me. “Do you keep anything in the Geneva Freeport?”

I felt a small pinch that she’d asked. “No.”

“Sorry.” She reached across the table and touched my hand.

“There’s more.”

She nodded.

“Cade Bernard has links to the Accosta cartel.”

London’s eyes went wide. “The Accosta cartel. Dammit. They’re the ones behind this money laundering.” Her face twisted. “They’re one of the worst drug cartels in the South.”

“And dangerous.” The Accosta members had no qualms at killing to protect the flow of their drugs.

And they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot a federal agent.

She leaned forward. “Then it’s even more important I stop the flow of money to them. Drugs kill, Kavner. Ruin lives.”

I reached out and grabbed her hand. “I don’t want you in danger.”

“I’m a federal agent, and you know I can take care of myself.”

“Except if you’re ambushed.”

She squeezed my fingers. “The shrimp is amazing.”

She was changing the subject. I sighed. For now, I’d let her. “Let’s finish eating, then we’ll have coffee.”

After we finished eating, London settled on the outdoor couch by the pool. It was wide and comfy, with a perfect view of the water. I imagined the sunset here would be spectacular, and vowed to bring her here again. My people had left a thermos of coffee on the side table, and I poured two mugs.

I slipped off my jacket and rested it over the back of the couch. Then I unbuttoned the cuffs of my shirt and rolled my sleeves up.

London made a sound. “You know how much that drives women crazy, don’t you?”

I arched a brow. “Rolling up my sleeves?”

She just shook her head.

“I have a gift for you,” I told her.

“You mean a bribe,” she said in a teasing tone.

I reached for my jacket, then held up a small, carved, octagonal-shaped box.

She gasped and sat up. “A puzzle box.”

“I know you like them.” I handed it over and reached for a small tray of chocolates resting beside the coffee.

“How could you possibly know that?”

“I—”

“Have your sources. I know.” She glanced over the box, and then looked at me. Her gaze drifted down my body. I liked seeing that same covetous gaze she’d given the box. “You spend a lot of time at a desk, or in meetings, or at fancy parties and dinners. How do you stay in shape?”

“My brother owns a gym. “

“I know. Everybody in New Orleans knows Hard Burn.”

I sipped my coffee. “I work out there and beat up my brothers in the boxing ring occasionally.”

Her eyebrows went up. “Elegant, wealthy Kavner Fury boxing? Not what I’d pictured.”

“I’m full of surprises. My brothers aren’t my brothers by blood, but we still have the urge to hit each other.” I looked out over the water. “We learned to fight when we were young.”

“It had to be dangerous when you lived on the streets. Did anyone ever—?”

I reached out and touched her hair. “I got roughed up a few times, but nothing terrible. I was very good at sneaking around and staying out of sight. I learned to fight in foster care.”

She sucked in a breath. “Really?”

“In one particular home. The foster father felt compelled to discipline unruly teen boys.” My gut hardened. I rarely talked about Harvey Tucker. He was part of the past.

Anger hit London’s face, but thankfully, I didn’t see any pity.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“It wasn’t all bad, but that was the worst. He liked to beat each of us, but he picked on Reath the most. He’s African-American, and I think Tucker was a racist, as well as just an asshole.”

“What happened?”

“Eventually we fought back, and we became brothers. We left and made our own way. They are the best men I know, and I know that they always have my back.”

“That’s a good thing. It’s just me and Lexxie, so I understand.” She twisted the box and a part of it opened. She laughed.

That sound. I felt it deep inside, and realized that this woman could be a danger to me. At first, we’d been enemies; now, I wasn’t sure what we were.

But I damn sure knew I wanted her.

I wanted to see under the complex layers. I wanted to see all parts of London. Especially the ones she kept locked up and protected, just like that puzzle box she liked.

She kept working on the box, then let out a frustrated breath.

“Stuck?” I asked.

She shot me a sharp look. “I’ll get it.”

After a few more minutes, her frown deepened.

“Want a hint?”

She eyed me. “All right.”

“What will you give me in return?”

She cocked her head. “Are you bribing me?”

I just smiled. “I’m a businessman. It’s important to negotiate.”

She considered for a moment. “What do you want?”

“You can start by letting your hair down.”

She rolled her eyes, but she reached up and pulled the band out of her hair. The dark silk of it washed around her shoulders.

“Well?” she said.

“That’s a good start but I want more. Tell me a secret. Something you’ve never shared with anyone else.”

She stilled.

Ah, my lovely agent didn’t like revealing her secrets.

“Or—” I toyed with her hair again “—you can open a few buttons of your shirt.”

“I see you’re very used to negotiating.” She eyed me for a beat, then flicked open the top three buttons on her shirt. I saw a tantalizing hint of lace and skin under the sensible cotton.

And just like that, I went hard.

Damn, she threatened the control I’d spent a lifetime building.

Hell, maybe I hadn’t thought this game through.

22

LONDON

Seeing the flare of heat in Kavner’s eyes excited me.

For once, I wasn’t thinking of consequences and rules. I was just enjoying myself.

He cleared his throat. “The small, carved flower on the top left rotates clockwise.”

I ran my fingers over the flower, then rotated the piece. I heard a click, and then depressed it. The top of the box unfurled into a beautiful, carved flower.

My lips parted. “It’s beautiful.”

“It is.”

He was looking at me. My heart swelled. Had any man looked at me like this before?

“It’s a lily.” I stroked the wood. “My favorite flower.”

His lips quirked. “What a coincidence.”

No, it wasn’t. This man knew everything.

“I have another puzzle box for you.”

I set the flower on the table and eyed his hands. “Where?”

Leaning back, he sprawled on the couch like a king on the throne. That big, muscular body was a sight to behold. The wind tugged at his thick, brown hair.

He reached for his jacket, then pulled out a small, beautifully decorated puzzle box and I gasped.

It was exquisite. “A himitsu-bako. I’ve always wanted one.” But I knew how expensive they were.

He nodded. “A Japanese puzzle box from the Hakone region.”

It had stunning geometric marquetry designs inlaid on the top and sides.

He moved his hands, and the box was gone in a flash. Tucked away somewhere.

“Come and find it.” There was a hint of challenge in his voice.

I felt a curl of temptation. Desire was a hot flame licking at my belly. I heard Lexxie’s voice in my head, telling me to loosen up and enjoy myself.

I slid across the couch, shifting closer. “It’s in your jacket pocket.”

He gave me that taunting, maddening smile. “Perhaps.”

I reached over and patted his jacket where it lay over the back of the couch. I frowned. The pockets were empty.

He was staring at me, daring me. I slowly reached over and patted the front of his shirt. Nothing. Well, nothing but firm, warm muscles under that shirt. I slid my hand lower, quickly passing over his rock-hard stomach. Then I patted down to the front pockets of his suit pants. I studiously avoided getting too close to…other things.

No puzzle box.

“Where is it?”

“You know, I’ve always been good with my hands.” He held something up. “Maybe this is what you’re looking for?”

I realized it was my cellphone.

“What? That’s mine.” I patted the pocket of my jacket where it had been.

His dark blue eyes were filled with humor. “I lived on the streets, and I learned to have very light fingers.”

No one would ever guess that billionaire Kavner Fury had been an accomplished pickpocket. I snatched my phone back and pressed a hand to his chest. He smiled and my belly clenched. I patted him down again, reaching around him. My breath hitched. It was far too easy to get distracted by all the hard muscle. I slid a hand beneath his body, leaning over him now.

“Oh, is this what you’re after?” He held up a shiny piece of silver metal.

I sucked in a breath. “My ring. How the hell—?” I snatched it back. He’d taken it off my finger without me realizing. “I might need to arrest you for robbery.”

His gaze locked on mine. I slid a hand over his stomach, feeling the hard ridges under the superfine cotton. God. What did he look like without his clothes on?

Kavner’s gaze dropped, looking at my chest. I sucked in a quick breath. My partly unbuttoned shirt gaped open, giving him a perfect view of my breasts.

As I slid my hand down, and into the back pocket of his pants, my fingers closed on the puzzle box. Smiling, I rested my other hand on his thigh…and brushed the edge of a hard cock.

He groaned and my heart thundered. He was fully erect, his cock a long, wide outline in his suit pants.

Swallowing, I held up the box. “Found it.”

“So you did. Now what?”

“I’m not in the mood for a puzzle.” I dropped the pretty box onto the table.

He growled. “What do you want, London?”

I licked my lips and threw caution to the wind. “You.”

He growled again and surged up. I found myself on my back on the couch. He shoved my shirt the rest of the way open, and his mouth closed over one of my breasts, lace and all.

I cried out and arched into his hot mouth. I slid my hands into his hair. “God, Kavner—”

“I feel like I’ve wanted you forever.” He moved to the other breast, nipping and sucking. “You’ve been driving me crazy.” He looked up at me. “You’re all I can think about. Touching, kissing you, talking with you. Getting you to smile for me.” He lowered his head and kissed my belly.

I arched again, desire burning hot and bright. Edgy pleasure filled me, left me needy and jittery.

Then he shifted back and shoved my skirt up to my hips. “I need to taste you.”

My belly coiled to a hard point.

He lowered his head between my thighs, then nipped at my inner thigh. I jerked, but his big hands kept me pinned to the cushions.

He shoved my panties aside, then that hot mouth of his was on me.

My cries echoed in the air. I was damn glad that there was no one around, but I wasn’t entirely sure I would’ve cared if there had been.

Kavner licked and sucked. His tongue stabbed inside me, and I could barely breathe. I sank my hands into his hair, staring up at the blue sky. Then he found my clit.

My thoughts scattered. But the man was a sensual torturer. His clever mouth shifted, and he licked me, then alternated between suckling and licking. Holy hell. He made a low growl of pleasure against my swollen skin, clearly enjoying everything he was doing to me.

I rocked against him, gasping for air. “Kav—”

“I can’t wait for you to come on my mouth, London. Can’t wait to feel it, taste it, hear it.”

With a moan, I lifted my hips, searching for more. The pressure was growing inside me.

His hands slid under my ass, kneading my buttocks, then he sucked my clit.

Everything splintered apart. I cried out his name, tugging on his hair, as the orgasm scorched through me. The pleasure was hot, almost painful, and I loved it.

Then every muscle in my body went lax, and I was barely able to think. My breath came in short, shallow pants.

He lifted his head, a smug smile on his glistening lips.

Staring at him, I wanted to see him wrecked as well. To see him lost with pleasure.

I sat up and pushed him back.

He sank back against the cushions. “London—”

“My turn.” I picked up a throw pillow and dropped it onto the stone paving. I slid off the couch and knelt between his legs. I knew we must look debauched—clothes askew, both of us hungry with need—but all I saw was the heat in his eyes.

He was mine.

Mine to touch and taste.

I attacked his belt and wrenched it open, then his suit pants. He wore black boxer shorts underneath that barely contained the thick erection straining them.

He groaned. “London.”

“My turn, Mr. Fury.” I freed his long, thick cock. It was as beautiful as the rest of him. I wrapped my hand around the base, and stroked, watching the muscles in his thighs flex. His cock felt like warm steel.

I stroked him, liking the deep groan that came from him.

Leaning forward, I let my breath wash over the head of his cock. He made another harsh sound, then I wrapped my lips around his hard cock.

“Fuck. Fuck.”

I sucked him, sliding deeper, savoring having his thick arousal in my mouth. He gathered my hair in one hand, his breathing heavy.

“God, baby, yes.” His voice was low, gritty.

Focusing, I slid up his length, using my tongue to trace a pulsing vein. I felt him jerk and mutter under his breath. I smiled around him. I loved giving this man pleasure, breaking him apart.

I found a rhythm that suited me, relaxing to slide him deep, then hollowing my cheeks to create suction that seemed to drive him crazy.

“God, London.” His voice was guttural. “I’m close.”

I took him deeper, focused on making him come. He sucked in an audible breath. I looked up and saw his glittering gaze locked on my face.

“Fuck, I love seeing your lips stretched around my cock.”

My belly spasmed and I rubbed my thighs together. I’d just come, but sucking Kavner’s cock had my arousal flaring again.

A second later, his fingers tightened in my hair. “London.”

I sucked harder, then he made a deep sound, his body jerking. He shoved a little deeper and exploded in my mouth. I swallowed him down.

Feeling a little lightheaded, my hands clenched on his thighs. He eased out of my mouth.

“Come here.” He dragged me up his body. He touched my face, ran a thumb across my swollen lips, then pressed my face against his neck.

We lay there, both of us sprawled against each other, catching our breath.

Then he tipped my face up. His kiss was gentle, and filled with…I wasn’t sure what, but my belly fluttered nervously.

A cellphone rang.

This time, we both groaned.

“That’s mine,” I said. “Work. I need…”

“Take it.” He rubbed his thumb along my jaw. “I get it.”

I sat up and snatched up my phone, pulling my shirt closed. “Coleman.”

“London.” It was Viv. “The boss called a sitrep meeting in just over an hour. He’s on the warpath.”

I closed my eyes. “I’m on my way. I have a promising lead. To the Accosta cartel.”

“Really?” Viv’s voice sharpened. “Do you have evidence?”

“Not yet, but I’m not stopping until I do.”

“You’re a hell of an investigator, London. See you soon.”

“If I’m a bit late, cover for me.”

“I’ve got your back.”

I slid the phone away and looked at Kavner. “I have to get back.”

He reached over and started to rebutton my shirt. He took a second to gently run his knuckles over my collarbone. I shivered. It was such a simple touch, but felt so intimate.

“Let’s get you back to the city.”

“Kavner.” I grabbed his hand. “I’m not sure about this. You and me.”

He went still. A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Because you think I’m a criminal?”

“No.” I suspected Kavner could bend the law when it suited him, when he felt he was protecting what he considered his. But he sure as hell didn’t launder money for the cartels.

His hand cupped my cheek. “You’re not sure because the intensity of this is a little scary?”

I nodded.

“You’re not alone.” He pressed a quick kiss to my mouth. “We’ll work it out. We’re in this together.”

23

LONDON

“Iwant results, people.” Special Agent Keegan thumped a fist on the conference room table. “We’d had nothing but dead ends for weeks, and I’m tired of it. I’ve had one agent get shot at, and we still have no answers.”

This morning’s meeting was pretty much a repeat of the one yesterday afternoon. I fiddled with my pen. I understood Keegan’s frustration.

He scanned the room. “I’m starting to think whoever we’re after is staying ahead of us too easily.”

I raised my brows. “You think we have a leak, sir?”

Keegan crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s a damn possibility.”

God, it made sense. The investigation had been stalled from the beginning. Promising contacts disappeared and others changed their stories. I hated the idea that someone in this room could be betraying us.

“Sir.” Toby rose from his chair. Beside him, Amy looked stricken. The other agents were all frowning. “Everyone here has put in long hours on this. I haven’t seen any sign someone is working against us.”

“Then let’s hope I’m wrong.” Keegan nodded. “Now go and find these damn money launderers.”

I rose, eyeing Keegan warily. He was generally pretty laid back, but not today.

Viv leaned in close. “Apparently, he’s getting pressure from higher up.”

“Right.” We filed out of the conference room. “You think we have a leak?”

Viv’s face turned serious. “I hope not.”

If I was being honest, I hadn’t given the meeting my full attention. My body was still buzzing from my lunch with Kavner yesterday.

Tingling from the best orgasm I’d had in a long time. Not to mention the fact that I’d sucked Kavner’s cock. My belly clenched.

God, standing in the middle of the office was not the time to think about this.

“London, are you okay?” Viv eyed me. “You look flushed.”

“I’m fine.” I headed back to my desk. I’d put out feelers about Cade Benard and Platinum Export. I was grateful Kavner had passed on his name. I tapped my fingers on the wooden surface of my desk. I needed some solid proof to tie Platinum Holdings and Platinum Export to the Accosta cartel.

Before Agent Keegan had a stroke.

I was getting close. I could feel it.

My phone rang and I snatched it up. “Coleman.” There was no sound, just raspy breathing.

I sat back in my chair. “Hello? Do you have information for me?”

I heard a nervous swallow. “Area Twenty-Seven. Port of New Orleans. Go there, now.” Another ragged breath. “You’ll find what you need on Platinum Export.”

The line went dead.

Who was that? Adrenaline shot through me. Something was going down now. Maybe goods were being moved? Maybe Cade Bernard was there? Hell, maybe I could actually catch some Accosta cartel members in the act?

Or maybe it was nothing.

Too many tips hadn’t panned out. I needed to be cautious.

I rose and headed over to Viv’s office. “I’m heading to the port to check out a lead.”

“You want company?”

“No. My gut says it’s probably nothing, but I need to check it out.”

“Good luck.”

I headed downstairs to check out another FBI vehicle when my cellphone rang again. “Coleman.”

“Agent Coleman, this is Ted out at the front gate. Someone just dropped your car off.”

“My personal car?”

“Yes.”

I blinked. “Okay. I’m on my way.”

When I stepped out of the front gate, I blinked at my red Honda Civic. My perfectly pristine Civic.

I circled it. There were no bullet holes, the windows were intact, and it looked like it had a new set of tires. I unlocked it and saw a folded piece of paper on the driver’s seat.

Snatching it up, I opened it.

You’re welcome, Agent Coleman. Drive safely.

~K

I closed my eyes. I didn’t know whether to be annoyed or grateful. I tucked the note in my center console, and settled on a bit of both.

I’d have words with Mr. Fury about being bossy and doing things without asking later.

I drove out to the port, trying not to get my hopes up about this lead. My car had never driven this well, and I started to suspect a lot of work had been done to it.

As I neared the Port of New Orleans, I took in the wide sweep of the Mississippi River. I saw gantry cranes rising high into the sky, and rows of stacked shipping containers.

A bored security guard at the gate checked my badge. God, he was green and inexperienced.

“Area Forty-Seven is to the right. Pretty quiet out in that area. Platinum Export has a small office on the other side of those containers.” The young man shrugged. “Never see anybody there very much.”

“Thanks.” I drove in and followed the signs to the correct location. I parked my Civic by some shipping containers stacked three high. As I got out, I heard the low sound of a ship’s horn. My phone vibrated and I pulled it out.

It was a text message from Kavner.

I HOPE you’re having a good day, Treasury Agent Coleman.

My gaze narrowed and I tapped.

Busy catching bad guys.

Sounds thrilling. I dreamed of you last night.

Everything inside me clenched.

I’ve been thinking about you, too.

Really? Sexy thoughts?

No. Ones where I yell at you for your high-handedness.

There was a pause.

You got your car back.

Yes. You had no right to have it fixed without asking me.

You’re right. I apologize.

Don’t you patronize me. And I know you had more done to it than just bodywork.

I just wanted to do something to help. When someone gives you a gift, London, you say thank you.

I blew out a breath and looked at the sky.

Thank you.

You’re welcome. I have to go to a meeting. It’s going to be long and boring. Be safe.

I WAS TANGLED up with a billionaire, who I’d once thought was my enemy. I chewed on my bottom lip. What I really liked were the glimpses of the man beneath the polished veneer. One I suspected he didn’t show many people.

No time for daydreaming about Kavner. Slipping my phone away, I headed down between a row of containers. Right now, I needed to focus on my job.

There were no sounds close by, just the distant drone of machinery from the busy end of the port. I paused. I could hear voices in the distance, but they were low and indistinct.

I found the Platinum Export office in a converted shipping container. The door was locked, and when I peered through the window, I saw a desk covered in dust. No one had been inside recently, but there were fresh tire tracks nearby. Someone had been out here.

I wandered over to some of the containers. Each one was locked shut with big padlocks.

There was no sign of smuggling or criminal activity. Looked like my anonymous tip was a bust. I turned the corner of the containers.

The attack came out of nowhere.

A big body rammed into me, and I stumbled. I tried to turn, but he was already on me again.

A hard hand gripped the back of my neck. I was rammed facefirst into the side of the container.

Pain exploded through my head, and a strangled cry escaped me.

My attacker shifted closer behind me. I could tell he was big.

Adrenaline hit my system. I rammed an elbow back, and hit solid muscle. He slammed my entire body against the container and pinned me there.

I felt hot breath on the back of my neck, and my skin crawled.

“I told you to keep your nose out of our business,” he gritted out. “Guess a bullet wasn’t enough warning.”

My gut tightened. It was the man who’d shot at me at the auction house.

My blood chilled. He’d lured me here. “Attacking a federal agent is a crime.”

He grunted like he didn’t care. Anger surged inside me, and I slammed my foot down on his. Now, he cursed.

But my satisfaction didn’t last long. A heavy blow rammed into my lower back. Oh, fuck, that hurt. Gritting my teeth through the pain, I rammed my elbow back and heard a pained grunt.

I spun. My attacker’s face was covered by a black balaclava. I tried to get some hits in, but he was too big and strong. He batted my arms away.

I attacked again, but he shoved me into a container. The back of my head rebounded off the metal. The next blow was to my stomach, then my side. Pain exploded everywhere, and I groaned.

Get away. I needed to get away.

I spun and dodged sideways. He grabbed my hair and yanked my head down. I saw him ram his knee up.

No. I turned my head to the side just in time. His knee avoided my nose, but hit the side of my head, making my skull vibrate and my ears ring. For a second, my vision blurred.

Shit.

He shoved me backward. I hit the ground, my head smacking hard. I rolled, then a boot slammed into my midsection.

Pain. All I could feel was pain. Everything was a blur.

Panting, all I could do was lie on the ground and wait for the next blow. I sensed him crouching next to me. I tried to move, but I couldn’t.

I saw a pale hand, and a tattoo on his forearm. A skull, with soulless eyes.

“Now, keep your nose out of other people’s business. And by the way, one of your own gave you up.” There was a low chuckle. “We’ve got our own personal fed.” I heard the crunch of boots on gravel as he walked away.

I lay there, fighting off unconsciousness. I couldn’t…give up.

Trying to sit up, I sobbed at the pain. I managed to push to my hands and knees. Nausea crashed through me.

Get away. Get safe.

I couldn’t think straight, but one image filled my head.

Kavner.

Kavner smiling at me. Touching my hair. Sliding a hand over my hip.

It steadied me. Kavner. I needed to get to Kavner.

I’d always depended on myself, but right now, all I wanted was him.

Holding onto a container, I managed to pull myself upright. I staggered forward. Get to the car, and get to Kavner.

Blood was trickling down my face. Everything hurt.

You’re all right. You’ll be all right. Somehow, I got to my car. It took me three times to press my key to unlock it. As the locks bleeped, I realized my hand was covered in blood. I slid in behind the wheel, moaning at the agony.

I bit my lip, trying to concentrate. After several attempts, I managed to start the engine, and clamped my hands on the wheel in a death grip.

There were no other thoughts except Kavner. He was the only one I could trust.

Somehow, I managed to drive out of the port. My fingers gripped the wheel so hard that my knuckles were white. I groaned. Everything in my body was throbbing.

I didn’t wave at the guard as I drove through the security gate.

I made it out onto the road. Just drive. Drive to Kavner. There was no room for any other thoughts.

The drive to the Warehouse District felt like it took minutes and forever. I saw Ignis Tower ahead and swallowed a sob. Kavner.

I pulled to an untidy stop out front, my car at an angle. I staggered out of the vehicle and made it to the front door of the lobby.

“Oh, my God,” a woman cried. “Are you okay?”

Unsteadily, I walked inside. “I need Kavner. Please.”

“Miss?” A security guard in a uniform walked over, frowning.

“Kavner. I need him. Now.”

The guard took my arm. “We’ll get this sorted out.”

I bit my lip. “Please. I need him.”

24

KAVNER

Isat at the end of the conference table, my hands steepled as my CFO, Nathan, gave his presentation regarding a potential acquisition.

I’d already been over the financials. It was a good deal, and a good fit for my company.

The conference room door opened. Max, my head of security, stood there, his face serious.

I straightened and held up a hand to Nathan.

“Max?”

“I’m sorry to interrupt, sir.” My head of security walked closer and lowered his voice. “There’s a woman in the lobby. She’s asking for you. She’s covered in blood, and she’s clearly been beaten. I’ve already called for an ambulance.”

My insides went cold. “What’s her name?”

“She wouldn’t say. She’s not coherent, but…I believe it’s the Treasury agent who came to—”

London. I shot out of my chair and out of the boardroom at a run.

“Where is she?” I stabbed at the elevator button.

“In the security office in the lobby.”

I stepped into the elevator, and Max stepped in after me. As it descended, I willed it to go faster. My jaw felt so tight it hurt. “She’s injured?”

Max’s face hardened. “Yes.”

“Fuck.” My heart beat hard in my chest. I tried to stay calm, but it was damn hard. I clenched my hands into fists, fighting for control.

The floors ticked down, and before the doors had fully opened, I slid out sideways and strode across the lobby.

A small crowd of staff gathered near the door to the security office.

“Out of my way.” I shouldered through.

And saw her.

My heart sank.

She was covered in blood, and one side of her face was swollen, and her hair tangled around her shoulders.

“London. Fuck.”

My anger was hotter than anything I’d felt in years, decades. It swept through me, burning my insides to ash.

“Kavner.” A sob escaped her.

I crossed to the leather couch where she was sitting, and I dropped to my knees in front of her.

“Hell.” I gently touched her face.

She made another sound that broke my heart.

I sat on the couch, and pulled her into my arms. “You’re safe now.”

She pressed her face to my neck, her hands clutching at my shirt.

“No one is going to hurt you again.” I rocked her. Whoever had laid hands on her would pay. I’d make sure of it. “Tell me.” I stroked her hair.

“I got an anonymous lead. To go to the port.” She swallowed. “I was set up.”

I swallowed a curse, my hands tightening on her body. And she’d been beaten. What other injuries did she have that I couldn’t see?

“It was the same man who shot at me at Brennan Auction.”

Whoever he was, he’d signed his death warrant, but really, I wanted to know who he worked for.

“It’s okay.”

“I didn’t see his face.” She sucked in a breath. “He has a skull tattoo on his forearm.”

“All right. We’ll deal with him later.”

“Kav, there’s more.” She lifted her head.

I hated seeing the blood and swelling on her beautiful face.

“He said someone on my task force sold me out.”

Now my fury turned cold. “All right, we’ll sort that out later. Just relax now. We need to get you checked out.”

“Kavner.” Max reappeared. “The ambulance is here.”

I nodded. “We need to get you to the hospital.”

“No—”

“Yes, London. I know you don’t like them, but you’re hurt. They need to check for internal bleeding—” I dragged in a deep breath.

She bit her lip. “You’ll stay with me?”

“For every second.”

She nodded, and I lifted her into my arms. My employees were watching me carry her out. There’d be talk, but I didn’t give a shit.

I stepped outside my building and saw the paramedics pulling a gurney out of their rig.

“Kavner.” She gripped my shoulders.

“I’m not leaving you. I promise.”

I SAT in an uncomfortable chair beside the hospital bed. London was asleep.

The doctors had assessed her, cleaned her up, and iced her face. We were just waiting for scan results to check for a concussion. Thankfully, she didn’t have any internal bleeding.

But I’d caught a glimpse of the bruises on her stomach. My hands dug into my thighs. The asshole had beaten her badly.

He was a dead man walking.

She stirred.

“Hey.” I reached over and took her hand.

Her eyes fluttered open. Her mouth tightened. “I want to get out of here.”

She’d said that a lot.

“Once we have your scan results.”

“I’m fine.”

“Since I don’t see doctor in your title, that’s not your decision.”

She got a stubborn look on her face, but my gaze was too busy taking in the scrapes, swelling, and bruises. I hated seeing them. I smoothed back her hair, and her eyes closed for a second.

“Kav, please get me out of here,” she whispered.

My damn heart squeezed. “I will, my darling agent. I promise. Once the doctor gives you the okay.”

She released a massive sigh.

“Rest now.” I kissed the top of her head.

Thankfully, she dozed off again. I kept holding her hand, stroking her wrist. Reassuring myself with the steady beat of her pulse. But something dark twisted inside me.

She could’ve been left with brain damage. She could’ve been killed.

“Kavner?”

I turned and saw Reath in the doorway. His face was set and serious.

I lifted my chin. “Hey.”

“How’s she doing?”

I blew out a breath. “They tell me it looks worse than it is. That she got lucky. Ribs are bruised, and she’s covered in contusions. Nothing’s broken.” I gave a dark laugh. “Yes, she was so lucky to get the shit beaten out of her.”

Reath studied her. “Looks like she fought back. She’s tough.”

“She is.” From what I could tell, London Coleman had been forced to be tough from the moment her father went to prison.

That shit was over. Starting today.

She might not like it, but I was fucking stepping in.

“Where the hell was the guy you had watching her, Reath?”

A muscle ticked in my brother’s jaw. “He couldn’t get through the security gate at the port. He was trying to find another way in when he saw her speeding out of there. He’s beating himself up that she got hurt.”

I let out a sharp breath.

“I’m fucking sorry, Kav. This shouldn’t have happened.”

It sounded like my brother was beating himself up as well. “The person to blame is the asshole who did this.”

“Everyone wanted to come to check on you both, but I managed to talk them out of it.”

“Thanks. She’s not up for visitors.” I raked a hand through my hair, staring at her bruised face. “Reath, I want you to find out who did this. He’s attacked her twice. He has no compunction about beating up a woman, federal agent or not. I won’t stand for that.”

My brother nodded. “I’ll get my team working on it.”

“She said he has a skull tattoo on his forearm.”

“That’ll help us find him.”

“The attacker also told her that another agent on her task force sold her out.”

Reath muttered a curse. “She could still be in danger.”

I brushed a hand over her hair again. “She’s coming home with me. My place is secure.”

Reath nodded. “I figured you’d say that.”

“Find him, Reath. And whoever ordered this.” I met my brother’s gaze. “I’m going to keep her safe, and I’m going to make them regret what they did to her.”

25

LONDON

Painkillers were amazing. I leaned against Kavner in the elevator as it carried us up to his penthouse.

“I love painkillers.”

He smiled down at me, his hand firm on my hip. “I’m guessing you don’t take them often.”

“Nope. Avoid them, but these ones…” I turned to him and fiddled with the button on his shirt. “You’re so pretty, Kavner Fury.”

His eyebrows went up. “You really like those painkillers.”

“I think I like you, too.” I frowned. “I tried not to.”

He tucked my hair behind my ear. “I noticed. And so you know, I like you, too.”

“I really like kissing you.”

He groaned. “No kissing today.”

I shifted closer. I loved that body of his. He made me feel safe. Protected. No one had ever done that for me before. When my father had gone to prison, and Mom had struggled, I’d had to grow up. My comfortable, secure existence had disappeared in the blink of an eye.

But in Kav’s arms, I felt safe again.

“Why no kissing?” I asked.

“Because you’re hurt. The side of your face is swollen, and you’re under the influence of those painkillers you’re liking so much.” He gently brushed the side of my head. “You need to rest.”

I tilted my head. “You’re taking care of me.”

“Yes.”

The elevator slowed, and he led me into the penthouse. He flicked on the lights, then got me settled on his couch.

I snuggled back into the comfy cushions. “I would have been fine back in my apartment.”

“No.” He put his hands either side of my head and leaned close. “You’re hurt, and I’m taking care of you. And you’re in danger. You’re safe here.”

Warmth spread inside me. “Okay.”

With a satisfied nod, he straightened. “I’m going to make you something to drink. I had someone get some things from your apartment.”

I should probably be annoyed that he’d sent someone to my apartment, but right now, I didn’t care. “It must be nice to have people to do things for you.”

“It is.”

“You didn’t always have that.”

He looked up, was quiet for a moment. “No. Once, I had nothing.” He walked over, slipped my shoes off, then lifted my feet onto the couch. He draped a throw blanket over me. “It taught me to appreciate when I get my hands on something valuable. Something precious.”

My heart did a funny little wiggle in my chest.

He ran his knuckles over my uninjured cheek. “Now, rest.”

Propped up on the cushions, I watched him stalk off to the kitchen.

“Can you roll up your sleeves?” I called out. “Pretty please.”

He shot me a sexy smile. Then turned back my way and took his time rolling his sleeves up to his elbows, and baring those toned forearms.

I almost moaned.

A few minutes later, he brought me a steaming mug and I sniffed it.

“It’s chamomile tea,” he said.

I pulled a face.

He laughed quietly. “It’s calming. It’s good for you.”

I sipped it. It wasn’t the worst thing I’d ever had to drink.

A phone rang, and he pulled out his cell and walked away. I heard him murmuring to someone. Then he came back and sat beside me on the couch.

“Your boss is on his way up.”

“Agent Keegan?”

“The hospital contacted him.”

I pressed a hand to my temple, trying to think. “I need to update him.”

“Can you trust him?”

I froze. My brain was sluggish from the drugs. Could Keegan be the traitor? “He’s never given me a reason not to.” I suddenly felt cold, and pulled the blanket closer.

“Any idea who your traitor might be?”

I thought of the team. “Yesterday, I would’ve said I could trust all of them.”

Kav frowned. “Any red flags? Any suspicious behavior?”

I shook my head. “I need to think about it.”

He nodded, and when the elevator chimed, he stalked over.

I saw Keegan step off and shake hands with Kavner. My boss’ face was set in hard lines, and as he walked toward me, his face only got grimmer.

“How are you feeling, London?”

I nodded, ignoring several aches. “The hospital gave me the all-clear.” I waved at my face. “This will heal up fine.”

“Take a seat, Agent Keegan.” Kav gestured at an armchair.

My boss sat. “Your lead at the port was fake?”

“I think so. I think someone wanted to lure me there.” I leaned forward. “It was the same man who shot at me. He warned me off the case. I’m getting close, sir. And the Accosta cartel is getting worried.”

Keegan’s jaw worked. “But we still don’t have any evidence.”

“No. I thought I’d uncover illegal activity at the port, but once again, I’ve got nothing.”

“Except an attacker ambushed her.” Kavner moved behind the couch, close to me.

My boss was silent a moment. “You’ve had no prior dealings with Platinum Holdings or Platinum Export, Coleman?”

I frowned. “No. I uncovered both of them in the course of the investigation. I know Cade Bernard is linked to Platinum Export, and I know he has ties to the Accosta cartel.”

Keegan’s gaze was piercing.

“Sir, my attacker alluded to a federal agent helping him. Someone feeding him information from the inside. I’m guessing that’s why we haven’t made much progress with our investigation. I’m sorry to confirm that your suspicions are correct.”

“And you aren’t that agent?”

“What?” My heart exploded into rapid action.

Kavner made a sound, and pressed a hand to my shoulder. “She just got beaten. Badly. She came to me covered in blood and bruises.”

Keegan lifted his chin. “I’m curious why she came to you, Fury, and didn’t call the authorities.”

“I was dazed,” I said. “I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

“There appears to be some evidence that you’re the one who’s been leaking information, Agent Coleman.”

The world tilted underneath me. “What? You can’t believe that. I…”

I didn’t know what to say.

Being a good agent, my work, it was a part of who I was. It was something I prided myself on.

“I have to go where the evidence takes me,” Keegan said gruffly.

Oh my God. Bile rose in my throat. My boss thought I was dirty.

“You can’t be fucking serious,” Kav snapped.

I looked up at him. He hadn’t hesitated, he’d just supported me.

He believed me.

“I haven’t known London very long.” Kav’s voice was lethally cool. “But even I know she’s no fucking criminal.”

I pressed my lips together. He squeezed my shoulder. That support was a lifeline. I needed it now, when I felt like I was drowning.

“I know,” Agent Keegan said.

I blinked, more confused than ever. “What?”

“I know how dedicated you are, Coleman.” He blew out a breath. “I’d pick any other agent under my command to sell intel to the cartels before you.”

My throat nodded. “So why ask me?”

“I needed to hear your answer. And I still need to investigate. By the book.”

A desolate feeling swept through me. “I understand.”

“I don’t.” Kav shot my boss a fierce scowl.

“I have rules to follow,” Keegan said.

I swallowed against the huge lump in my throat. “Can you tell me what evidence you have against me?”

“I’m sorry, no.” Keegan rose. “You’re on leave, Coleman. Heal up, and let me deal with this.” He nodded. “I’ll see myself out.”

I stared at the floor. Someone had forged evidence to frame me. And if Keegan couldn’t prove it was false, I could lose my job. I could be charged.

It felt like something had cut at my insides, leaving me torn up and empty.

Untethered.

Kavner sat beside me, the couch dipping under his weight. He took my hand. “This is bullshit, London.”

Strangely, the icy anger in his voice made me feel a tiny bit better. I gripped his hand.

“You’re not alone,” he said.

“Okay,” I murmured.

“I’m right here with you.”

God help me, but I believed him. I prayed that unlike all the other important people in my life, he didn’t disappear when I needed him most.

26

KAVNER

“Here you go.” I handed over the pills and a glass of water to London.

She took them robotically, like she was locked away in her head and not even in the room.

She’d been like this ever since fucking Agent Keegan had dropped his bombshell.

Damn her boss. He’d shaken her foundation, even if he did believe she was incapable of this.

“Come on, Coleman. Bedtime.”

She glanced up as she rose from the couch. The sight of her battered face still made me furious.

“What am I going to do?” Her tone was lost. “They’ve taken me off the case. What if they fire me?”

“That’s not going to happen. Someone is framing you.”

“They could take everything from me.”

I gripped her shoulders. “So don’t let them. Get angry. Nothing in life comes easily, London. You have to fight for what’s important.”

Something flickered in her amber eyes.

Yes, my fierce London was still in there, under the shock and sadness.

“Do you want to let this person get away with this?” I said. “And in turn, let the Accosta cartel happily launder their money?”

“No.”

“So use your very capable brain to find and stop them.”

Her mouth flattened. “I’m off the case.”

I raised a brow.

She frowned. “You think I should keep investigating?”

“We’ll keep investigating.” I cupped her jaw. “But for now, you need some rest. I want you to get some sleep.”

She nodded, then gripped my wrist. “Thank you, Kav.”

“For what?”

“For being here.” She swallowed and looked away. “It’s nice not to be alone.”

I touched her chin, and nudged her face back to me. “You’re not alone.” I was going to make sure she was never alone again.

“I have my sister, but I’m there for her, not the other way around. I don’t want to call her and let her know what’s going on. She’ll just worry.”

“I’m sure she’d want to help you.”

“She’s my little sister. I’m the older one.”

“Maybe you’re not giving her enough credit.”

Taking London’s hand, I led her to the guest room. It was styled in shades of cream and gray. The wall behind the bed was covered with a huge painting of flowers.

“Your bag with your clothes and things is over there.” It was resting on an armchair. “Take a shower and change. I’ll come back to check on you.”

“Thanks.”

Back in the living room, I checked my phone. My inbox was filled with emails. I’d had to reschedule my afternoon meetings, and my assistant hadn’t been happy about it. I sent Austin a message and asked him to clear my day tomorrow. Something I don’t think I’d ever asked him to do before. He’d probably have heart failure.

I replied to a few messages. I thrived on running my numerous businesses, but sometimes it made it hard to turn off.

I glanced at the hallway. I couldn’t hear the shower—my soundproofing was too good—but there was nothing wrong with my imagination. All too easily I could imagine smooth brown skin, water slicing over her long legs and high breasts.

My cock twitched, and I groaned.

She’s hurt, you asshole.

She wasn’t just hurt physically, either. Being under suspicion had very clearly dealt an emotional blow. As it would, for someone like her.

I headed back and knocked on the guest room door.

“Come in.”

She was sitting on the bed in a pretty, silver nightgown. I made myself not look at the way it draped her body. She was looking at her hands.

“London?” I moved closer.

“I’m fine.” She pasted on a smile that I could tell was fake. “I’m always fine. I charge on through the challenges and the hard times.”

“You don’t need to do it alone this time.”

She nodded. “Thanks again, Kavner. Good night.”

I didn’t want to leave, but I’d clearly been dismissed. She needed to rest.

“Get some sleep.” It took everything I had to walk away.

After I’d left her room, I lowered the lights and stalked across the living room. My hands balled into fists. She was hurt and I hated that. I wanted to fix it.

I wanted to make the person who’d hurt her pay.

She needed rest so she could heal. Tomorrow, I’d help her find her feet.

But as I stood there, images of her hurt and bleeding ran through my head. My hands flexed. It reminded me of times when I’d been beaten, when one of my brothers had been hurt.

I wasn’t a defenseless kid anymore.

I needed a drink. I stalked to my built-in bar, and poured myself a whiskey.

Then I sat on the couch and leaned forward, the glass cradled in my hands. I sipped, but I barely tasted it.

I took care of what was mine, and that now included London Coleman. She could be strong, smart, and independent, but I’d show her that having backup didn’t weaken you.

My brothers had made me stronger.

I heard a faint sound and looked up.

She stood there, fiddling with her hands. Her long legs were bare under that far-too-short nightgown.

“I can’t sleep. There’s too much churning in my head.” She walked over, took the glass out of my hands, and took a huge swallow. Then she set it down on the side table. “Kavner?”

“Yes.”

“Will you hold me?”

I pulled her onto my lap, and she made a small sound.

“For however long you need, my darling agent.”

She let out a shuddering breath and turned her face into my neck.

She smelled like soap, and I breathed her in. I’d never done this with another woman. Dinners, parties, and sex, I knew. Holding a hurting woman, wanting to shield her and fight her battles, this was new.

I pressed my face to her hair, and had to admit, holding a soft, warm woman in my arms was nice.

“Rest now. I’ve got you.”

27

LONDON

Iwoke and blinked my eyes.

Instantly, I knew where I was—on Kavner’s very comfortable couch.

Morning light streamed through the windows. We’d fallen asleep on the couch, and I had vague recollections of him holding me, and pulling a throw blanket over the both of us.

He’d held me all night.

I swallowed. Several aches and pains were making themselves known. I gingerly touched my face. It didn’t feel quite as bad as I’d feared.

Then I remembered Keegan’s visit. Despair pooled in my stomach, then a shot of anger blasted through my veins.

Fuck that. Someone was framing me. I wasn’t a traitor, and I was damn good at my job.

I wasn’t going down without a fight.

I sat up, the blanket slipping off me. For now, I didn’t want to think about it. The fact was, without my job, I wasn’t sure who I was.

That was…concerning. I’d let my job consume me. Lexxie had warned me about that very thing.

I bit my lip. There had been one constant the last few days. One thing I could trust.

Kavner.

He’d stood by me. Supported me. Been there for me, and cared for me.

I pressed a hand to my belly. God.

Such a short time ago, I’d considered him my enemy.

Now…

Now, I wanted more. And dammit, I wasn’t letting my own rules, ideas, and fears hold me back.

I swiveled on the couch, and saw him.

He was in the kitchen behind the huge island. He was shirtless, cooking something at the stove.

My mouth watered, and it wasn’t for food.

He was so damn gorgeous. His hair was tousled, and I stared at the smooth skin stretched over lean muscles. He had the body of a swimmer, but his arms were a little brawnier. You could tell he lifted weights and boxed.

He turned, and his gaze flicked to mine. He looked me over and smiled. “Good morning.” Then his gaze moved to the side of my face and his mouth flattened.

“Actually, I feel better, if a little achy.”

He nodded. “Go and freshen up. The blueberry pancakes are almost ready.”

I hurried to the guest bedroom and into the bathroom. I took in the bruises and scrapes, and pulled a face. Not pretty. I washed up and brushed my teeth.

When I returned, he was still shirtless, and serving up pancakes.

“I didn’t think billionaires cooked.”

“How many billionaires do you know?”

“Touché.”

He circled the island. He was wearing a pair of loose, black pajama pants, and I watched the flex of his muscles as he moved. My fingers itched to reach out and touch. It was like he’d been designed to tempt me.

“Here.” He set a glass of juice and some pills on the marble. “They aren’t quite as good as the ones in the hospital, but it will help with aches.”

“Thanks.” I sipped the freshly squeezed juice, then took the painkillers. “And thanks for last night.”

He cocked a brow.

“For sleeping with me.”

His smile turned sinful.

I slapped his chest. “For holding me while we slept on your couch.”

He cupped my chin. “That was absolutely no hardship.”

My gaze locked on his dark-blue one. “The pancakes look good.”

“They’re my specialty. My niece Daisy loves them.”

I stepped closer. “I bet.”

His head lowered. “My plan was to seduce you with my pancakes.”

“You don’t need the pancakes, Kavner.”

His mouth took mine. He was gentle, lips moving softly over mine. We stood there, kissing, bodies straining against each other.

I’d stood on my own two feet for so long. I’d helped support my mom, and looked after Lexxie.

Now, when my life cracked and shattered around me, knowing that I had this man standing beside me, ready and willing to hold my hand, floored me.

There was no hesitancy as I dragged his head closer to mine. I felt a faint ache in my cheek, but it wasn’t bad. And it was totally worth it to have Kavner’s mouth on mine.

Our kisses turned longer and deeper, and desperately hungry.

With a groan, he cupped my face with gentle hands and broke the kiss. “You’re hurt.”

“I’m not that hurt.”

He made a sound. “The bruises say otherwise.”

I nipped his bottom lip. “I’ve been hurt before. The bruises will fade, and the scrapes will heal.” I smiled. “Besides, the painkillers are kicking in, and I would really, really like something to take my mind off everything.”

I saw him waver.

“No.” His voice was firm. “I’m taking care of you. You’re going to eat your pancakes.”

“I’m not hungry for pancakes right now.” I pressed my lips to his throat. His skin was warm, and he smelled so good. “And I have no doubt you can slide that big cock of yours inside me—” I scraped my teeth down his neck “—and make me come without hurting me.”

He groaned and his hands flexed on my hips. “I’m not sure I have the control.”

“You’re Kavner Fury. I think you can do anything.” I brushed my lips over his. “I need you, Kav.”

He groaned again. “Damn you.”

His mouth covered mine. The kiss was firmer, and he changed the angle of his head to go deeper.

Yes. I clung to him, losing myself in him.

“I felt like I’ve been waiting all my life for this,” he murmured against my lips.

I felt the beat of his heart against mine. His mouth moved over my cheek. He took a moment to press gentle kisses on all my bruises. Then his clever mouth moved lower, over my jaw, down my neck. I let my head drop back.

Suddenly, he lifted me and set me on the island. He nudged my legs apart and pressed between them.

With an arm around my lower back, he hauled me closer, right to the edge of the counter. The hot, needy part of me pressed against the large bulge in his loose pants.

I hooked my legs around his hips and pressed closer.

“Fuck.” His powerful body shuddered.

Then we were kissing again. I was a ball of hot sensation. The flutters in my belly increased, my pulse raced.

“I love your chest.” I bit his neck, my fingers digging into his pecs.

“I love yours.” He gripped the hem of my nightgown and pushed it up, then yanked it over my head. “I love you naked even more.”

But then he paused, his eyes flashing. “London.”

There were a few ugly bruises on my body. “I’m not feeling anything but how much I want you right now.”

His hand skimmed over the bruise on my stomach. “The bastard kicked you—”

I gripped Kav’s wrist. “I’m all right. Make me feel good, Kavner.”

Then his gaze shifted and locked on my breasts. He lowered his head and his warm lips closed over one nipple.

With a moan, I pushed into him. “The moment I saw you, you made an impact.” My voice was breathy. “I was certain it was because I needed to arrest you.”

He laughed, his tongue lapping at my nipple. “And now?”

“Now, I just want you inside me. That’s all I can think about.”

He groaned and pulled my legs tight to his sides. Then his mouth was on mine again, bossy and demanding.

“Oh, you’ll get it,” he growled. “But first, I’m making you come for me.”

Heat flushed my cheeks. “Kav—”

He pulled back, then flipped me over. I gasped and found myself pressed against the counter. The marble was cool on my bare breasts and belly.

His hard body pressed against my back, his cock rubbing against my ass.

“Does anything hurt? Is the counter too hard?”

“What? No?” I pushed back against him. All I could feel was him.

He kissed the back of my neck. “You just need to trust me.”

“I do.” When the hell had that happened? I moved my hips, felt his cock swell against me.

“Give me control.” His teeth grazed over my shoulder blade.

I froze.

That was the one thing I’d never given anybody. “Kavner…”

His hands skimmed down my back, tracing my spine. “Shh, I’ve got you, London.” Then his mouth followed the same trail, kissing along the knobs of my vertebrae.

I bit my lip. My brain fogged as he tempted me beyond comprehension.

“Let go,” he whispered. “Trust that I’ve got you.”

“Why?” My voice was low, a little shaky.

“Because you need it.” He paused. “Because I need it.”

I glanced back over my shoulder. I took in his handsome face, the sensual focus that was all centered on me. Then I nodded.

The look that crossed his face made my belly clench.

Then his hand slipped over my buttocks, and between my legs.

28

KAVNER

My plan was to take London’s control, and give her pleasure in return. To touch her everywhere. To make her cry out my name.

Instead, having her naked body spread for me was testing my control. I stroked my fingers between her legs, and found her wet pussy.

She moaned, her hips jerking.

I pumped two fingers inside her, and swallowed a groan.

“God, yes,” she cried.

She was so wet, so tight. I pressed my lips to the back of her neck, working my fingers inside her. “Can’t wait to slide my cock in here. In this tight, pretty pussy.”

“Kavner.” Her voice was low, husky.

My cock was so hard, dripping. I sank my other hand into her hair, fisting it tight.

She whimpered. She turned her head, her eyes filled with desire.

And challenge.

“God, look at you. Fucking gorgeous.” I slid another finger inside, stretching her.

Her lips parted. “More.”

I’d never been so hard in my life. She pressed back into my hand, riding my fingers. I ran my other one down her back, over her buttocks, gripping her tight. “That’s my sexy agent. My sexy, smart agent.”

“Kavner, please.”

I thumbed her clit and she jerked.

“I want you to come for me, my darling agent.”

She pressed her cheek flat to the marble. “I want to come with you inside me.”

My gut tightened, my need growing even more. Hell, she was so hot. I kept circling her clit.

She licked her lips. “I need it. I need you.”

Those words echoed in my head. With an impatient growl, I pulled my fingers free and spun her. She sat on the edge of the counter, her face flushed. Her hand slid down my body and she palmed my cock.

Fuck. I kissed her again, pushing into her hand. She slid her hand inside my pajama pants and jacked me.

I crushed my mouth against hers. She moaned against my lips.

“London, baby.”

“Hurry,” she whispered.

I pressed between her legs. I had to get closer. I had to claim her. Owning her mouth, I bent her back, tongue stroking hers. Every beat of my heart sent hot desire through me.

I needed her. I needed London.

“Faster,” she panted, her hands shoving my pajama pants down my hips.

“Say my name,” I demanded.

Her burning gaze met mine. “Kavner.”

I’d stashed a condom in my pocket earlier. I pulled it out and kicked my pajamas away. I tore the foil open.

It only took seconds to roll the latex on. Her gaze was locked on my cock the entire time I did. Her chest rose and fell fast, her pretty breasts bobbing.

I had no finesse left. I gripped my cock with one hand, and pushed her thighs apart with the other. Then I slid my cock through her folds.

“Yes,” she moaned.

“Look,” I growled. “Watch when I slide inside you. Make us one.”

Her hands wrapped around mine on my dick, and we both guided it where we both wanted it.

I pushed inside her.

She moaned my name, her hands convulsing on my shoulders. Her body stretched, taking me. She was tight and wet.

I could barely think through the pleasure. “Baby. Fuck.” I powered deep.

“God, Kav, yes!” She tucked her knees tight against my sides, her arms banded around me.

I was balls-deep inside her. She fit me perfectly.

“Don’t hold back,” she panted.

I had no plans to. Hell, I couldn’t even if I wanted to.

I turned my head and bit her earlobe. She let out a husky cry.

“You fit me just right, London Coleman.”

“Yes.”

“So wet. So tight. All mine.” I groaned, my body slapping against hers as I filled her with my cock.

I closed my eyes, breathing through the unbearable pleasure. I was feeling her, connected to her, and it felt so damn good.

“I’m close,” she panted.

“Look at you.” I leaned back a little, running my hand down her beautiful, sweat slicked body. Down to where she was stretched around my cock. “Look at the way you take me.”

She made an incoherent sound. I rubbed her clit, and she cried out.

I thrust harder, loving the way her breasts jiggled. “Look at you taking my cock, London.” I pressed my mouth to hers, and felt my release coming in my spine, gut, and balls.

“Kavner!” She cried my name, her pussy clamping down on my cock. I felt her mouth on my neck, and she moaned through her climax.

Fuck, I loved watching her come, hearing it and feeling it. I bucked, filling her deep. “This is mine, isn’t it?”

“Kavner.” Her dazed gaze hit mine.

“Mine.”

“Yours.”

Burning pleasure scalded down my spine. My cock pulsed, my powerful orgasm hitting in a rush. Groaning her name, I spilled inside her.

29

LONDON

Getting carried by a handsome, naked billionaire—who’d just given me the best, longest orgasm of my life—felt pretty good.

Thanks to Kavner and the painkillers, I was feeling great.

He carried me into his bedroom.

Oh, I liked it. I looked around, curious to see his personal space. The room was big, with a large bed covered with a pale-gray duvet, resting on a large, plush rug. A Scandi-looking leather armchair sat by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows. An abstract painting in muted shades of blue hung on the wall above the bed.

He set me down on the covers, and kissed me. I felt a flash of pain in my face and winced.

He gently touched my hair. “I’m such an asshole. You’re hurt, and I wasn’t gentle—”

I caught his hand. “I didn’t want gentle.” I nibbled his lips. “And I’m made of tough stuff.”

He cupped my cheek. “You don’t have to be tough with me.”

Butterflies winged through my belly. “It was perfect, Kav. It was what I needed.”

I felt a clutch of vulnerability and realized that I’d spent my life trying not to be vulnerable. Protecting myself from hurt.

From people who left.

My heart thudded, leaving my throat dry. Kavner would leave too, one day, but I was determined to enjoy him until then. Enjoy this.

He pushed me back on the bed, running a hand down my body. The caresses were lazy, reverent. A knot formed in my chest. He was careful to avoid my bruises.

He lay down beside me. That body of his…all those long, hard muscles, and that beautiful cock. I could see it was already getting hard again, resting against his muscular thigh.

I sat up and pushed him flat on his back.

“We’ll go slower this time,” he said. “I don’t want you to feel any pain.”

There he went, caring for me again. I ran my hand down the ridges of his stomach. So many interesting muscles. “Do you really box with your brothers?”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to see that.”

He cupped my breast, playing with the nipple. I bit my lip to stop my moan.

“That can be arranged,” he murmured.

I lowered my head and kissed his chest, then I bit him.

He growled. Then he pulled me on top of him, and I straddled his hips.

“I think you should be on top this time,” he said. “In deference to your injuries.”

I shifted my weight, that hard cock rubbing right where I wanted it. I was wet again already. “I like that idea.”

His handsome face was stark with need, his eyes hooded. “I’d kill to take you bare.” His voice was low and gravelly.

Those words made my belly throb.

“I want to be deep inside you.” He cupped my breasts. “Skin to skin.”

I swallowed, shocked at how everything in me tightened at the idea. “I’d like that.”

He sucked in a breath. “I’ll organize some tests. I won’t put you at risk in any way.”

Somehow, that just made the emotions inside me swell even more.

“There are condoms in the drawer,” he said.

I reached over for the nightstand, and he played with my nipples as I did. I could barely concentrate long enough to get a small packet out. I scooted back on his thighs. Oh, that cock. Of course it’s handsome, just like him. Long, thick, and beautiful from root to tip. I circled my fingers around it and gave it a pump.

He growled. “London.”

It was a warning. I quickly rolled the condom on, then shifted and tilted my hips. The head of his cock lodged against my wet folds. Excitement and edgy need fluttered through me.

He planted his hands on my hips, and I thrust down as he thrust up.

Oh. God. I cried out. I’d had him inside me before, but the different position made him feel deeper, reached new places.

He looked at me like he’d never seen anyone more beautiful. I planted my hands on his chest and leaned forward, riding him. He was so hard and hot inside me.

“Yes, London. So damn beautiful.”

His hand drifted down to where we were joined. He found my swollen clit and rubbed.

“God,” I panted. So much for slower.

I moved my hips faster. I could already feel my climax building. His hard cock filled me, and electric sensations ran through my body.

It was too much. I felt too out of control. Adrift.

Then his hands were on mine. Our fingers locked, and we found a rhythm, moving together in sync, like our bodies were made for each other.

Like we were meant to be together.

My gaze locked with his. I’d never felt this linked to someone.

My climax hit. My muscles tensed and my pussy clenched tight. I cried out, my back arching as the pleasure swept over me. It was so strong, so good, so sweet. I felt everything swamp me: heat, pleasure, happiness.

Kavner reared up and locked his arms around me. He shoved me down on his cock. “So. Damn. Beautiful.” He groaned as he emptied himself inside me.

Then we both slumped against each other. I couldn’t move, didn’t want to move ever again. I rubbed my cheek against damp skin. I was so sated, felt so good. I felt delicious tingles up my spine.

He lowered us to the sheets, then curled his larger body around mine.

Everything inside me was humming. I’d never felt this good, this relaxed.

He kissed my shoulder. “Sore?”

“No. All I feel is bliss.”

He pressed another kiss to my shoulder. “Good. We have time for a short nap before we have to go.”

I rolled and met his gaze. I was distracted for a second by his naked body. God, he was so sinfully attractive. “Go where?”

“To lunch with my family.”

I stiffened. “With your brothers? All of them?”

“Yes.” He smiled. “Don’t tell me Special Agent Coleman is afraid of a family lunch?”

30

KAVNER

Ifinished fastening my shirt and found London sitting on the couch, writing a list. She was wearing jeans and a green shirt, and I paused. I’d never seen her in anything quite this casual. She looked beautiful. Especially when she was concentrating.

She looked beautiful naked, too, crying out my name, milking my cock. My fingers curled. She’d reduced me to the primal need to mate and claim.

In the past, sex had always been a pleasurable dance I knew well. I always left my partner pleasured, and took my own.

With London, it had been hotter, wilder, and out of control.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

She looked up, taking in my chest as I finished buttoning my shirt. God, the look in her eyes made me hungry again.

“London?”

She jerked. “It’s a list of agents on the task force.” A serious look settled on her face.

I sat beside her. “You’re trying to work out who the traitor is?”

She nodded. “I’ve wracked my brain for any clue. Any sign.” She sighed. “They’re my colleagues and friends, Kavner. But one of them betrayed me.”

I slid an arm around her. “I’ll help. We’ll work it out together, and take whoever hurt you down.”

I would make sure that happened. One way or another.

She met my gaze, then leaned over and kissed me.

Mmm. I cupped her head and kissed her back.

“Kavner,” she murmured.

That sexy murmur made me pull back. “You’re trying to distract me. We have to get to lunch.”

“We could stay here.” She toyed with the buttons on my shirt. “Just the two of us.”

“You’re not scared of my family, are you?”

She huffed. “I only have one sister, Kav. A big group of siblings isn’t something I have a lot of experience with.”

I touched her cheekbone. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

She shot me a look.

“I promise, they’ll like you.”

She made a face. “I’ve been investigating you, and hoping to arrest you.”

“They knew that wouldn’t happen. It’ll be fine.” I pulled something from my pocket. “Here, this will take your mind off things.”

Her lips twitched. “Another puzzle box?” She turned it over. This one was a cube inlaid with bronze metal.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t take her long to solve it. She turned it expertly in her hands, finding all the movements. The box opened with a click.

And a necklace spilled out onto her palm.

She gasped. “Kavner.” She looked up.

“It’s for you. The first time I saw it, I imagined you wearing it.”

She set the puzzle box down. “Is this an emerald?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes.” She thumbed the teardrop gem. “This must have cost a fortune.”

“It’s beautiful and I wanted to give it to you. The correct response when you receive a gift is thank you.”

“Kavner…”

I took it, stepped behind her, and fastened it around her neck. “It looks good on you.” I liked knowing she was wearing something I’d given her.

I saw the battle on her face. She gripped the emerald, then sighed. “Thank you.”

I pressed my lips to hers. “You’re welcome. Now, come on or we’ll be late.”

After we reached the street, we walked over to the warehouse. I kept my hand in hers, scanning the street for anyone suspicious. I clocked Reath’s man, keeping an eye on us.

I’d be happier once I had her inside.

We reached the warehouse, and I led her inside. When she heard the rumble of voices, she tensed a little.

My brothers and I didn’t usually have lunch together on a Friday, but I knew everyone wanted to check that both London and I were all right.

“What’s on the menu?” I said, as we entered the living area. “We’re starving.”

Everyone was already there and looked up. As they took us in, London lifted her chin.

It was quiet for a moment, then Daisy raced over. She collided with my legs.

“Hey, my little darling.” I tapped her nose. “Why aren’t you in school?”

“I had a sore tummy today. Daddy said I could stay home.”

I stroked her hair. “Feeling better?”

She grinned. “Yes.”

I saw Colt roll his eyes. Clearly Daisy had conned him.

“It was funny how the sore tummy came on when she heard we were planning lunch today,” Colt grumbled.

“London, this is my niece, Daisy. Daisy, this is London.”

“Hello.” Daisy shot her a gap-toothed smile. “I know that London is in England.”

London crouched. “Hi, Daisy. You’re right. My mom always wanted to visit England, so that’s why she called me London.”

Daisy’s brow creased, her gaze on London’s scrapes. “Oh, you’ve got boo-boos.”

“Yes, but they’re getting better.”

Daisy gently touched London’s temple. I watched my woman’s face soften.

“It always helps when Daddy or Macy kiss my boo-boos.”

London smiled.

“Did Uncle Kav kiss yours?” she asked.

I saw London’s cheeks fill with color, and I grinned. My brothers all chuckled.

“I bet he did,” Beau murmured.

London cleared her throat. “Ah, well…”

Daisy leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to London’s cheek. “There you go.”

“Thank you.”

“So, you’re Uncle Kav’s girlfriend?”

“Oh. Um…”

“Yes, she is,” I said.

London sent me a shocked look. I was a little shocked myself, but it felt right. I drew her up. “Come on, darling girl.” I lifted Daisy onto my hip. “What’s for lunch?”

“Lola made crawfish étouffée!”

“And it smells fucking great,” Beau said.

“Uncle Beau!” Daisy cried. “That’s fifty cents for the swear jar.”

Beau grunted. “How much is my tab now?”

“Eleven dollars and fifty cents,” Daisy informed him.

“Shit.”

“Twelve dollars!”

Beau took Daisy from me and lifted her up high enough so he could press kisses to her belly. She giggled wildly.

“Hi, I’m Macy.” Colt’s woman shot forward and took London’s hand. “We met once briefly at the park a few weeks ago. I’m so sorry you got hurt.” Macy pulled a face. “I had some troubles of my own with this guy I dated. It was no fun.”

Colt slid an arm around Macy and nodded at London. My brothers were all frowning at her, and I felt her tense.

I leaned in. “They’re pissed because of the bruises, darling. Not because of you.”

“I’m Mila.” Mila held out a hand and shook London’s. “Can I pour you a drink? Some wine?”

“She’s on painkillers,” I said. “No alcohol.”

“He’s a little bossy, but he is correct,” London said.

Mila smiled. “They’re all a little bossy, but they grow on you.”

Dante pinched her side.

“How about a soda?” Mila suggested.

London smiled. “That would be great.”

“Come and meet Lola.” I steered London toward our housekeeper. The sixty-year-old woman had her gray hair up in a loose bun, and an apron on.

“It’s nice to see him bring you here.” Lola beamed at her. “He works too hard. He needs a good woman, and to have some fun.”

“Oh, that’s not good,” London said.

Lola frowned. “Why?”

“Well, my sister always tells me I work too hard, as well.”

Lola patted London’s shoulder. “Then you’ll be good for each other, and help each other to relax.”

Mila slid an arm through London’s and led her to the table. “Come and sit down.”

“She okay?” Reath asked quietly.

“She will be.” I’d make sure of it. “She’s made a list of agents on her task force. I’ll send it through for you to check them out.”

Reath nodded. “Sure thing. We’ll find out if anyone is living above their means, or getting payments from anywhere linked to the Accosta cartel.”

London looked a little overwhelmed as everyone sat at the table. People were talking over each other, reaching past each other for glasses and plates. Daisy plonked herself down between us. I smiled and slid an arm across the little girl’s chair so that I could fiddle with London’s hair. Lola bustled around serving up the food.

“I’m glad you have a girlfriend, Uncle Kav,” Daisy said.

“Thanks, my darling. Me, too.”

“She’s pretty.”

London blushed again.

“She sure is,” I agreed.

“I bet all your Uncle Kavner’s girlfriends have been pretty,” London said.

Daisy blinked. “No.”

London frowned. “What?”

“You’re his first one. He’s never brought a girlfriend to lunch before.”

I saw London go still, and her gaze flicked to mine.

I smiled and tugged her hair. “Eat your lunch, London.”

31

LONDON

Lunch was…fun.

I sipped my Diet Coke and listened to Daisy and Macy laughing at something. The food had been delicious, and I’d surprised myself. I’d had a good time.

Mila and Macy were lovely. They were both attractive, but clearly also smart and capable. Watching the way Dante and Colt interacted with them made my chest tight. Dante was always touching Mila. A small caress, or a kiss on the back of her neck.

Colt was less subtle. Every now and then, he’d haul Macy in for a kiss.

Fingers brushed my ear. “Okay?”

I looked at Kavner and nodded.

“No pain?”

My aches were starting to make themselves known, and I’d need a pain pill soon, but for the moment I was okay. “I’m fine.”

He gave me one of his slow, sexy smiles. “I told you that you had nothing to fear from our family lunch.” He stroked my cheekbone, then wandered back to join his brothers at the kitchen island.

I watched them interact. The five of them were so easy with each other, and it was clear the bond between them was bone deep.

“I don’t think they know the impact they make,” Macy said from beside me.

Mila leaned forward in her chair. “Oh, they do. Women drool over Dante at the club all the time.”

Macy let out a gusty sigh. “They are all droolworthy.”

“Women eye Kavner like they’re starving and he’s a prime cut of steak,” I said.

“The best thing,” Mila said, “is that they’re good men. Loyal. It doesn’t matter if the women look, they don’t look back.” She glanced over at the brothers. “I admire that they grew into men like this on their own. They didn’t have good fathers or role models, only each other. They could have ended up going down very different paths, but they didn’t.”

Macy reached out and squeezed my arm. “So, the women can eye Kav all they want. He only has eyes for you.”

I fiddled with my hair. “Look, Kavner is helping me out, but we’re not a couple.”

Mila raised a brow. “You look like a couple.”

“He’s a billionaire. He can have his pick of any woman.”

Macy and Mila traded a glance.

Macy cleared her throat. “He’s never brought a woman here until now.”

Mila’s gaze dropped to the emerald resting on my chest. “And I’m pretty sure he’s never given a woman a necklace like that.”

A desperate feeling swirled around my stomach. It felt a lot like fear. “I’m in danger, but once it’s over…”

I’d go back to Virginia, and Kavner would continue with his billionaire lifestyle.

Mila took my hand. “I know it’s scary. Trusting them. Handing over your heart.”

Handing over my heart? I shook my head. “I can’t.” I lowered my voice. “I wouldn’t survive when he walks away.”

Macy leaned in. “Kav is not a man who walks away from anything he wants.”

I didn’t respond, but I felt them both watching me.

The blonde patted my arm. “You’ll see, in time.”

“I think we need more wine.” Mila rose from her chair.

I tamped my emotions down. My life was a mess right now. My focus had to be on finding the mole and stopping the money laundering. Not on Kavner.

“Macy!” Daisy raced over holding some beads and wire. “Can you help me with this, please?”

“Sure thing, my gorgeous girl.”

I stood, and setting my shoulders back, I walked over to Kav. He was talking with his brothers in the kitchen.

Kav’s back was to me but he was talking. “—you find anything on the agents, you let me know.”

The tone of his voice chilled my blood.

“And I want the name of whoever hurt her.”

I sucked in a breath. “You’re looking into the task force.”

His head whipped around, and his brothers all glanced my way. But I only had eyes for Kavner. His face looked savage.

“Everything’s fine,” he said.

“Everything is not fine.” I stepped into their huddle. “My life is in danger. My job is at risk. I was attacked and betrayed by someone I trust. If you’re doing something to find who that is, I need to be involved.”

His brothers all traded glances, but Kavner just glared at me. “We’re taking care of it. You just need to rest and heal.”

“You can help me, Kavner, but you can’t take over my life.”

He closed the distance between us and cupped my cheeks. “I won’t let you get hurt again. Don’t ask me to watch that happen.”

I gripped his wrists. “We work together. You can’t lock me up in a bubble. I’m a federal agent, Kav. I want to find the people responsible for this even more than you do.” I stroked his skin. “I’m not the kind of woman who’ll just hide away and let others deal with my problems.”

His face twisted. “But you can’t get hurt again.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to find out who on my task force is working for the Accosta cartel. Now, tell me what you’ve found so far.”

With a sigh, Kav released me, then nodded at Reath.

“We’re running the backgrounds of all the agents you’re working with,” Reath said. “Looking for any unusual transactions, influxes of money that don’t add up.”

I hated this. I hated looking into my friends. But someone had set me up.

And if I didn’t stop them, they could hurt others. If they were helping the cartel, they had to be stopped.

“What have you found.”

Reath tapped a finger on the island. “I think it’s best if we go to my office.”

32

KAVNER

Ikept my hand pressed to London’s lower back as we walked into Phoenix Security Services. Reath’s offices were just down the street in a converted brick building. The tinted glass windows at the front had Phoenix Security Services etched on them, along with a stylized logo of a rising phoenix.

Inside was sleek and modern. We walked past a reception desk, the young, watchful man behind it giving us a nod. Reath led us upstairs. The interior was all polished concrete floor, wood, and glass with some industrial nods to the building’s past. We walked past a glass-walled conference room.

“Nice office,” London said.

“Thanks,” Reath replied.

“Reath only takes selective clients,” I told her. “He’s busy, and he costs a lot.”

“You get what you pay for,” Reath said.

At the end of the hall, Reath stopped at a door and looked at a retinal scanner. It beeped and the door opened. I ushered London into the heart of PSS.

“Ah.” She looked around. “This is more like it.”

The lights were on low in the darkened room. Most of the light came from the screens covering the far wall. There were several long, curved desks, and two men tapping away at their computers. The pair looked up as we entered.

“London, this is one of my men, Lincoln,” Reath said.

Lincoln stood from behind his computer. With his shaggy blonde hair, tanned skin, and wide smile, he looked like he should be out surfing. I knew he was a former Navy SEAL and an expert in Muay Thai fighting. He nodded at London and his smile widened.

I didn’t like the appreciation I saw on the man’s face. I slid an arm around her.

Linc’s smile didn’t waver, but he gave me a short nod. Message received.

“And this is Noah,” Reath continued. “Gents, Treasury Agent London Coleman.”

The second man swiveled his wheelchair to face us. He had black hair in need of a cut, bright blue eyes, and a heavy-duty tablet resting on his lap. “Hi.”

I knew Noah had been injured in Afghanistan by an IED. Afterward, he’d set to work sharpening his cyber skills, and had become a brilliant hacker.

“You ran the agents on my task force?” London asked.

Noah nodded. “No glaring red flags yet.”

The team’s ID photos appeared on the screen.

“Keegan looks solid.” Noah wheeled forward. “His spending is in line with his salary. He pays alimony to his ex, and his few splurges are on fishing trips.”

Linc leaned back against the desk and crossed his jean-clad legs. “The IRS agents are clean. Toby Myers likes to gamble, but he keeps it in check. Vivian Lamb has no red flags. Amy Chen is a different story.”

“What?” London looked shocked. “Amy’s a good agent. She’s young, smart, enthusiastic. I like her.”

“We found a fifty-thousand-dollar deposit in her bank account two weeks ago. We haven’t traced the source yet,” Noah said.

London dropped heavily into a chair, her face pale. “It can’t be Amy.”

“It may not be,” Linc said. “Once we trace the origin of the funds, we’ll let you know.”

“Thanks.” London nodded, her gaze settling on Reath. “Thank you all.”

She looked pale and tired. I saw her touch her face surreptitiously, and knew she was starting to feel some pain.

“You need to rest.” I pulled her out of the chair.

“I hate this, Kavner. I thought I knew these people. They’re my friends and colleagues.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Sometimes, life sucks.” I met Reath’s gaze over her head. Find whoever’s behind this.

He got my mental message and nodded.

With a goodbye to Reath and his team, I led London back downstairs. It was a quick walk to Ignis Tower.

We’d just stepped off the elevator and into my place when London’s cellphone rang. “It’s Viv.” She turned away and took the call. “Hey. No, I’m fine.”

I pulled out my phone and checked my emails. Austin was fending off most of my work and I made a mental note to give him a big bonus.

“I know it’s BS, Viv. Calm down. Keegan will sort it out. Yes.” London paused and her voice softened. “Thanks, Viv.”

“Everything all right?”

“Viv is so mad on my behalf. She’s on the warpath to find out whoever is framing me.” London’s phone dinged again, and she smiled.

“Still Viv?”

“No, my sister. Lex is having a great time on her job in Arizona. She’s planning an early night because she has an early start tomorrow. She’s going to send me a desert sunrise picture tomorrow.”

“Did you tell her that you were attacked?”

London turned away. “No.”

“You two are close. She’d want to know.”

“I’ll tell her once she gets back.” London wandered over to my piano. “Do you play?”

“No. I just really wanted a piano.”

She smiled. “My dad played. He was pretty good.”

“Where is he now?”

“Shreveport.”

“Not too far away.”

“It might as well be the moon. I haven’t seen him in years.” She ran a finger over the glossy surface of the piano. “After he got out of prison, he remarried. He’s got a new family now, with two young sons. He’s never reached out. He never came to my mother’s funeral.”

I moved closer to her. “You can’t let that anger fester.”

Her nose wrinkled. “I try not to, but it isn’t always easy.”

“I know.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close. When she leaned into me, warmth filled my chest. “Sometimes you get so angry that it seeps into everything. Some of my earliest memories are of being furious at the shitty hand life dealt me.”

“My mom never got angry. When Dad went to prison, and we had nothing, she just picked herself up and kept going. I know deep down she was hurt, but she never got angry. She used to tell me, ‘When the storm blows in, then you should open the windows, London. Just let it blow right through.’”

“Sounds like a wise woman.”

“She was.” London tipped her face up. “You weathered the storm, Kav. You proved life wrong, and you won. Look at the life you’ve made for yourself.” Her lips tilted. “And I don’t just mean the money and fancy cars.”

I tightened my hold on her. “Thanks. And you need to do the same. The job you do, how much of it is driven by anger at what your father did?”

She sighed. “More than I want to admit. He left. I could mostly forgive him for being weak and greedy, but he left us. And then my mom left. I know it wasn’t her choice, but it still hurt.”

“I know, my darling agent.” I cupped the back of her head and pressed her face gently to my chest. I wanted to cheer her up and make her feel better. An idea popped into my head. “Now, come with me.” I took her hand and led her down the hall.

“What are you planning?” she asked.

“This.” I pushed open the door to my movie room, and the lights clicked on. It illuminated the large, black leather recliners in a semi-circle in front of the huge screen.

“We’re going to relax and watch a movie. I’ll make some popcorn.”

She laughed. “I love watching movies.”

God, I loved that sound. I wanted to hear it more often. “And luckily for me, the recliners are large enough that you can snuggle up with me.”

“What will we watch?”

“A classic.” I lifted the remote and scrolled through, then pressed the button.

A young Dennis Quaid appeared on the screen.

London grinned. “The Big Easy?”

“Seems appropriate since it’s set in our wonderful city, and stars a beautiful, sexy woman out to catch the rogue cop for conspiracy.”

“Except you’re not a cop,” she said dryly.

I kissed her. “Use your imagination. I think I could be a good cop.”

She snorted.

“The best thing, it’s a sexy movie. Whatever things our hero does to Ellen Barkin—” I let my hand drift down her thigh “—I’ll do to you.”

She shivered.

33

LONDON

Igripped the sheets and moaned. I arched, staring at the ceiling as sensation washed through me.

Panting, I glanced down my naked body to Kavner’s dark head between my thighs. He was ruthless—licking, sucking, tongue stabbing inside me. He worked two fingers inside me, and I felt like I was about to fly apart. He licked me again, then suckled hard.

Everything inside me contracted to a hard point, then I shattered.

I cried out his name as I came.

My hips surged against his mouth, riding out the blinding pleasure.

Then there was only sweet bliss.

I dropped back on the sheets, panting. I felt like I was floating.

He rose above me, smiling, and looking very pleased with himself. But there was need stamped on that handsome face, in the slash of his cheekbones and the tightness of his jaw.

He gripped my hips and turned me over.

“On your hands and knees, London. I don’t want to put any weight on you while you hurt.”

Even in the heat of the moment, he was taking care of me.

I rocked backward, feeling his hands shape over my buttocks. I heard the crinkle of foil, then the thick weight of his cock between my legs. Yes. I felt achy inside.

“Inside me, Kav. Now.”

He made a low, masculine sound, then with a solid thrust, he was inside me.

I moaned again, my head dropping forward. But this time, he wasn’t in a rush. One hand curved over my shoulder, and his thrusts were slow, steady, and deep. He kept it like that, rocking us both closer to oblivion.

“You feel me, London? Feel my cock deep inside you where it’s supposed to be?”

“Yes,” I panted. I felt owned, claimed.

Then his fingers found my clit and pinched.

I came again, hard. As I tumbled through my climax, I had the pleasure of feeling him thrust deep inside me one last time, groaning my name as he came.

He leaned forward and kissed my shoulder. “Good?”

“What do you think?”

“You’re good.” I felt him smile against my skin. “I need to go into the office today.”

“It’s Saturday.”

“I know. But I’ve missed out on some things this week.”

I understood that he’d neglected his work to take care of me. “Okay.”

He pulled out of me, and I dropped down on the bed. I had no idea what I’d do with myself. I plucked at the sheet. I hated the idea of him leaving, and that left me unsettled. I was used to being alone, standing on my own two feet.

He rose, and quickly dealt with the condom. “Come with me.”

I looked up. “To your office?”

“It’s only one level down. It shouldn’t take me long to deal with the most pressing matters. Then I’d like to take you out for lunch. Luckily, I have an in at Wildfire.”

The hottest restaurant in town. It was also one of Dante’s. I strongly suspected that Kavner Fury could get a last-minute reservation at any restaurant in town.

“All right.” I kind of wanted to watch him work.

He leaned over and smacked my ass playfully. “Let’s take a shower and get ready.”

We showered together, which was something I’d never done with a man before. Afterward, as I toweled off, I liked watching him shave.

He only had a towel hitched around his hips. My eyes devoured him. God, that body.

As I dried off, I watched him smooth the razor over his hard jaw. I loved that jaw and felt a strong urge to bite it.

It was funny how in a week, hate had turned to love.

Love?

My heart squeezed, and I froze. No. No, I couldn’t be falling for Kavner Fury.

That would be monumentally stupid.

Yet how could I not? He was taking care of me when I needed it most.

“London?”

I looked up and met his gaze in the mirror. He’d finished shaving and was pulling on a blue shirt. “Are you all right?”

I managed a stiff smile. “Yes.”

“I love you in a towel, but you might need more clothes than that for the office.”

“Right.” With the towel tucked around me, I hurried out to my bag.

I wasn’t in love with Kavner. We barely knew each other. It was just the hot sex clouding things. Shoving those thoughts aside, I dressed in black pants and a gray shirt. I picked up the emerald necklace, my hands clenching on the chain. Without thinking about it, I slipped it on and tucked it under my shirt.

In the kitchen, we had a quick breakfast and coffee. I pulled out my cellphone and frowned. I’d expected my sunrise photo from Lexxie. My sister never missed a chance to share her work. I shot her a quick text message.

While I waited for a reply, I ate my toast. When I didn’t hear back, I guessed she was out of cellphone range. Probably photographing lizards or something.

Kavner held my hand as we took the elevator one floor down to his office. There was a woman sitting at the sleek reception desk. She smiled at us.

“Good morning, Mr. Fury. Agent Coleman.”

“Good morning, Alana.” Kavner led me into his office.

“How does she know my name?”

“I had you added to our database. Security will let you in whenever you want.”

Oh? Kavner’s office looked exactly like the last time I’d visited with immaculate modern lines. I really did like the large potted plant in the corner, and the bold painting on the wall.

He saw me eyeing it. “The artist has a showing coming up. I’ll take you.”

“Kavner.” The young man I’d talked with at the auction house strode in, looking like he’d run his hand through his hair several times. “I have so many things for you to sign. And Morton is after a meeting. You know how pushy he gets.” The man saw me and stopped. “Oh. Hello.”

“Hi,” I said.

“London, this is my hard-working assistant, Austin.”

“Overworked assistant,” Austin countered. He dropped a stack of files on Kavner’s desk.

“I’ll make sure your bonus is a healthy one.” Kav tapped the files. “And don’t worry, I’ll deal with these.”

“I wanted to schedule a few meetings—”

“Not this morning.” Kavner ushered Austin out and closed the door.

I wandered over to his desk, touching the cool marble slab. Kavner sat in his office chair.

God. With the wall of glass behind him, he made a picture. The powerful man in a suit, looking like every workplace fantasy.

“I recognize that look,” he drawled.

“You’re hot. Especially in a suit, looking all Master of the Universe.”

He sat back in his chair, his eyes hooded. “Come here.”

“Mr. Fury, you’re not suggesting something inappropriate, are you?” But I did as he asked and circled his big desk. “Because if you don’t sign those things, Austin might explode.”

Kav pulled me onto his lap, and nibbled my lips. “I don’t want to talk about Austin right now, and I think of inappropriate things every time I look at you.”

My phone vibrated in my pocket, but I ignored it.

He kissed me again and I moaned. I grabbed his tie and pulled him closer. “You are a big distraction.”

He gave my bottom lip a nip.

The intercom on his desk buzzed. Kav sighed and reached over. “What?”

“Some of those forms are time-sensitive, boss.”

Kav sighed again. “I’m signing them right now.” He looked at me. “I’d better do this, or Austin might quit.”

I nuzzled his face. “It’s okay. Do your thing.” I rose and pulled out my phone.

There was a message from an unknown number. Frowning, I opened it.

It was an image. When I saw it, every thought left my head and my chest locked.

“No.”

“London?” Kavner surged to his feet and grabbed my phone.

The photo was a picture of Lexxie, tied to a chair with duct tape over her mouth. She’d been crying, and her mascara was smudged. She had a cut on one cheek.

I couldn’t breathe.

“Lexxie.” Fear slid through me like hot acid.

My phone dinged again as a message came in.

Come alone to Pointe Marina, Agent Coleman, or your sister dies.

34

KAVNER

“Sit down.” I took London’s arm and led her to the couch by the window.

“I can’t… God, Lexxie.”

Her tone was a tortured whisper, and there was pure terror in her eyes. I made her sit and took her hands in mine. They were cold.

“Reath and my brothers are on the way.” I’d sent them all urgent messages.

“Someone has my sister, Kavner. They hurt her.”

I crouched in front of London. “We are going to get her back.”

“I have to go, Kavner. The message said to come alone.”

I held her still. “It’s a trap. You need to think, and you need a plan. You’re no good to your sister if you rush in there and get killed.”

Whoever had Lexxie Coleman had to be the person who had betrayed London. Now they’d abducted her sister to lure her to some isolated place so they could kill her. The end result was that person wanted London gone.

They’d kill her, and pin everything on her. Then the investigation into the money laundering would go away.

“Kav—” London’s voice broke. “I can’t lose her.”

“You won’t.” I sat beside her and pulled her close.

“Lexxie is all I have left.”

“No, she’s not, but you’re not going to lose her. We’re going to get her back.”

The door to my office opened. Reath strode in, followed by Colt, Beau, and Dante.

“My guys couldn’t trace the message,” Reath said. “It came from a burner.”

“The photo’s legit?” I asked. “It’s really London’s sister?”

Reath gave a curt nod. “Yes. I spoke to one of her colleagues in Arizona. They saw her at dinner last night, but not after she went back to her hotel room. She never showed for work this morning, and her hotel room is empty. There were signs of a struggle. My guess is that whoever has her grabbed her last night and flew her back to Louisiana.”

“God.” London pressed a hand to her chest.

I tightened my hold on her. “What do we know about Pointe Marina?”

“Tiny place with a few boat slips and a boat ramp. Out past the Bayou Sauvage wetlands. Looks like they do some boat repairs as well.” Reath crossed his arms over his chest. “Pointe Marina is isolated, and from what Linc found, closed at the moment because the owner is away on vacation.”

“I have to save my sister,” London said.

I squeezed her hands. “We’re with you.”

“I have to go alone, if whoever has Lex sees you—”

“They won’t,” Reath said. “We’ve got this, London. Now, you’ll go in and make contact, while the rest of us move in close without the target seeing us. Then we’ll take this asshole down.”

I stiffened. “You want her to go in alone? Unarmed? No.” I shook my head violently.

Reath’s mouth firmed. “We’ll have her back, Kav, but it’s safest if she makes initial contact. She’ll need to keep them talking and locate her sister.”

“No,” I said again. I couldn’t fucking send London in alone to meet someone who wanted to kill her.

“If we go in guns blazing, the risk to London’s sister increases,” Reath said.

London squeezed my hand. “Kav, I have to do this. She’s my sister.”

Dammit. I breathed through all the emotions choking me. I knew she’d do anything for Lexxie.

London’s gaze was firm, but determined. “Please, help me.”

Fuck. “Okay, but if you get a single scratch—”

She leaned in and kissed me. “We can do this.”

I released a long breath. “Everyone armed?”

There were nods all around, and Reath passed me a Glock.

“You ready?” I asked London.

She nodded. I watched her lock down her fear, and steely determination slide into place. “Let’s get my sister.”

WE TOOK two of the Phoenix Security Services Suburbans. Reath and Beau took the first SUV. Both men had military training and would sneak in close via the water.

Dante was driving the second SUV, with Colt sitting beside him in the passenger seat. I sat in the back with London. She fidgeted as we drove through the wetlands on the way to Pointe Marina. She didn’t pay any attention to the dense vegetation lining the road, or the glimpse of the wildlife-packed marshes.

“It’s going to be okay.” I pressed my hand over hers. I hated the idea of her going in without me. My brothers and I would hang back and sneak in on foot. But those minutes where I didn’t know what was happening to her would kill me.

She’d be in danger. She’d be alone with someone who wanted to kill her.

She nodded. “We’ll bring her home safely.”

I pulled London close and kissed the top of her head. “And you stay safe. No risks.”

I wasn’t done with her yet. My heart thudded. Hell, I’d never be done with her.

London Coleman was mine.

Finally, Dante turned off the highway and we drove down a dirt track. Out the window, I saw a weatherbeaten sign for the Pointe Marina.

Dante stopped the SUV. “We need to get out here.” He looked back at us. “Once you drive around the bend, London, the marina yard will be visible.”

She nodded, her mouth pressed into a flat line.

Colt and Dante opened their doors and got out.

Fuck. It was so hard to leave her.

“Stay alive.” I pressed a hard, possessive kiss to her mouth.

Her amber gaze traced my face. “You owe me lunch, Fury.”

“Count on it.” I forced myself to get out of the vehicle.

I stood with my brothers as she slid into the driver’s seat. Then I watched her drive slowly down the road.

“I can’t lose her.”

Colt nodded. “That’s not going to happen.”

“We won’t let it,” Dante said.

I dragged in a deep breath. “Come on. Let’s get into position.”

35

LONDON

It was so damn hard to keep a lock on my fear. After I drove through the gate of the Pointe Marina, I stopped the SUV and got out. A strong wind whipped down the road, tugging at my hair. It was laden with the scent of water and vegetation.

I pulled in a slow breath. Lexxie needed me.

And I wasn’t alone.

I knew Kavner and his brothers were out there.

I slid my hand into my shirt and clutched the emerald dangling against my heart. It steadied me.

My boots crunched on the gravel road. There were several boats bobbing in slips on the water. There were also several on land, propped up on wooden blocks. The hulls were stained and looked like they needed repair.

Where are you, asshole?

I scanned around. In the distance, I saw a work shed by the water. Maybe whoever had Lexxie was in there?

I circled around a large fishing boat on blocks. It had a faded For Sale sign on it.

Then I stopped.

Lexxie. My heart broke into a wild gallop.

She was tied to a chair right on the water’s edge. Her head hung down, her chin resting on her chest.

My pulse skittered, then raced. Was she alive? God.

“Lexxie!” I broke into a jog.

My sister’s head shot up. Her eyes were wide with fear. She tried to talk, but it was muffled by the duct tape.

“It’s going to be all right.”

“For me, but unfortunately not for you, London.”

The familiar voice made me stumble to a stop. My heart sank.

Viv stepped out from behind a boat, a gun pointed in my direction.

“Viv? No.” Disbelief threatened to choke me.

My fellow agent made a scoffing sound. “Oh, enough with the disappointment.”

“You’re behind all of this?” I shook my head, trying to process. “I considered you a friend. I looked up to you. Admired you.”

“Admired me?” Her face twisted. “A middle-aged woman, unmarried with no kids, a mortgage that I can barely pay. No money in the bank. I have nothing.”

“You had an enviable career. Money? That’s why you sold out?” I couldn’t believe it.

“Easy for you to say when you’re fucking a billionaire!”

I ignored that. “You took money from the Accosta cartel.”

“They offered me what I deserved,” Viv spat.

“They’re criminals. Drug dealers who ruin lives. And now, so are you. You tried to kill me!”

“I hired someone to warn you off. I wanted you to stop poking around. But you’re a goddamn bulldog. Even getting shot at and beaten up didn’t stop you.”

I just stared at my former friend, unable to accept that she’d gone down such a dark path.

Viv shook her head, something that might have been regret on her face. “It’s better this way, London. You’ll simply disappear. I’ll find a note with your confession that I’ll tearily bring to Keegan. It’ll show that it was you who leaked information and worked with the Accosta cartel.”

“Fuck you, Viv.”

“Walk to the water’s edge, London, and get on your knees.”

I clenched my jaw. Were Kav and his brothers in position? “Viv, let’s talk about this.”

“There’s nothing left to talk about. I didn’t want to have to kill you, but it’s too late now.”

I had to stall her a bit longer. “Viv—”

“Get to the edge of the water.” She moved the gun, and this time aimed at Lexxie. “Now.”

I froze. I saw Lexxie’s hands grip the arms of the wooden chair.

Please, Kav, be ready.

My heart thundered in my ears. I trusted him, more than anyone.

Suddenly, I heard gunfire from nearby. I jolted.

Viv made a sound. “You didn’t come alone.”

My heart felt like a fist was squeezing it. God, Kav, please be okay. “I did, I—”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not alone either. Now move, or I put a bullet in your sister’s brain.”

When I looked at Viv, the anger inside me boiled, growing. This woman, my friend, had betrayed me, and everything we stood for.

She had someone out there who was shooting at Kav and his brothers.

And she’d abducted my sister.

That was one sin I could never forgive.

I glanced at Lexxie. She was staring at me with a mixture of hope, despair, and fear. I took a step toward the water.

“Like I said,” Viv continued. “There is a part of me that’s sorry to kill you, London. And your sister. I’ll make it painless, and then I’ll dump you in the water. No one will ever find your bodies.”

“You know what, Viv? Fuck you! You made a mistake selling out to the cartel and framing me. But your biggest mistake was touching my sister.”

I charged.

36

KAVNER

Ijogged through the marina yard, my pulse racing. My hand flexed on the butt of my gun.

Get to London. That was all I focused on.

We moved through a line of old, decaying boats.

Suddenly, gunshots rang out. Bullets slammed into the hull of the boat next to me.

I ducked and spun.

I saw a big man with a shaved head standing nearby, gun raised. I caught a glimpse of the ink on his forearm. It was a skull.

Colt fired at the man, and he disappeared among the boats.

“We have to take him out,” Colt said.

Fuck, he was delaying us getting to London. “It’s the man who beat up London and shot at her.”

“You sure?” Dante said.

“I saw his tattoo.”

Anger burned through me.

It was an anger born in my childhood of neglect, and honed when I’d learned to survive on my own. It was an anger I controlled because I’d learned to trust the men I called brothers.

And now, I used it to fuel me. I wanted revenge for what that asshole had done to London.

And I wanted him gone so I could get to my woman.

I pressed my back to the hull of the boat, and peered around. More bullets flew past. “I’ll circle around. You keep him busy.”

Dante nodded, and Colt lifted his chin.

As I jogged the other way around the boat, I heard them both trading gunfire with the attacker.

Using every one of the stealthy skills I’d learned as a kid, I crept around the side of a houseboat. I darted across to the next boat, and that’s when I saw him. He was looking in the other direction, shooting at my brothers.

I crept up behind him.

“Hey, asshole. How about you take on someone your own size?”

He whirled, but before he could rise, I snapped out a front kick. It caught him in the head and sent him sprawling.

I kicked the gun out of his hand. “Stand up. I’m going to beat you, the way you beat her.”

He rose, and I was gratified to see caution in his eyes.

“You’re just a fucking spoiled rich guy,” he gritted out, lifting his fists. “Bring it on.”

The fury sank into my veins. I lashed out with a right hook, and followed with a left uppercut. I hammered punches into him—face, chest, gut. He grunted and tried to defend himself.

But I was better trained, and had more motivation.

I didn’t let up. I kept punching until my knuckles were ripped and torn.

His face was bloody now. When I hit him again, he went down. Breathing heavily, I looked up and saw Colt and Dante watching, weapons in hand.

The man on the ground moaned, but I didn’t care about him anymore. I needed to get to London.

“Come on, let’s move.”

Suddenly, Colt whipped his gun up. “Look out!” My brother fired.

I spun and saw the man flop back on the ground. He had a second gun in his hand.

I glared at him and felt nothing.

Then I heard a gunshot echo from somewhere else and everything inside me stopped.

London.

I broke into a run, and I sprinted between the boats. Where was she?

Dimly, I was aware of Dante and Colt keeping up with me. We broke out into a larger open area. The first thing I saw was London’s sister by the water. She was tied to a chair and tipped over on her side. She was desperately trying to free herself.

London was on the ground nearby, wrestling with an older woman. I recognized her as one of the FBI agents. London’s friend, Vivian Lamb.

There was a gun resting on the ground as the pair fought wildly.

“Come on.” I picked up speed.

But there was still a lot of ground to cover to reach her.

Vivian grabbed London’s hair and yanked. Then she hit London in the face, where she’d been injured before. London cried out.

The older woman staggered to her feet. I saw her scan for the gun.

No. Fuck. I aimed and fired.

Vivian dived and rolled, I saw her hand reaching for the weapon.

London would be right in her line of fire.

I couldn’t lose her.

All my life, I’d acquired, invested, bought things I thought I needed. Things I thought would give me safety, security, happiness.

Now I knew while those things were nice, it was London I needed.

Happiness was holding her while she slept. Making her laugh. Seeing her face soften with emotion.

The rogue agent’s hand closed on the gun, and she straightened.

No. I ran faster, firing wildly.

London got to her knees and moved to shield her sister.

I wouldn’t make it in time.

That’s when two large shadows rose out of the water behind Vivian. They were both wearing black wetsuits.

Reath raised his weapon and fired.

Vivian’s body jerked. Beau fired, and she jerked again.

The woman looked down at the holes in her torso, and her gun fell from her fingers.

London leaped up and caught the woman as she collapsed. She laid her flat on the ground.

“I need something to stop the bleeding,” London said.

Colt shouldered out of his button-down shirt. He had a T-shirt underneath. London wadded it and pressed it against Vivian’s wounds.

I reached her. “London.” I grabbed her shoulder. “You want to save her?”

London looked up. “I want justice. I want her to stand up and admit her crimes. To pay for them the right way.”

That was my woman. Honorable to the core. I nodded.

She reached up and pressed a hand over mine.

Dripping water, Beau crouched beside Vivian. “I’ve got her.”

London nodded and scrambled to her sister.

I shoved down my own churning emotions.

London was safe.

“I need to get Lexxie free.” She tugged at the ropes binding her sister. “Help me.”

I helped her get the ropes undone, and then she guided her sister to her feet. She gently worked the duct tape off Lexxie’s mouth.

“London, God.” Lexxie sobbed and fell into her sister’s arms. They hugged each other.

“You’re safe now, Lex. I’m so, so sorry this happened.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s that horrible woman’s fault.” She shot a quick glance at Vivian. “She told me she was going to kill you.”

The sisters hugged again.

I watched them, happy they were okay, but I still felt edgy. The energy inside me was jagged and raw.

I knew I’d relive seeing Vivian grabbing that gun, and London right there unprotected, for a long time.

37

LONDON

Ihugged my sister hard.

She was safe. Thank God.

She had several scratches and scrapes, but she was alive.

I didn’t let go of her, and she didn’t let go of me. I heard Kavner on the phone nearby, calling in the cavalry. Reath and Beau were standing guard over Viv, and doing what they could to staunch her bleeding. She was conscious and in a lot of pain.

Lexxie looked around, dazed. When her gaze stopped on Reath and Beauden, her eyes widened. Their wetsuits showcased their powerful bodies.

My sister turned her head, looking at Colt and Dante. Her eyes widened even more.

“I had some help rescuing you,” I told her.

“I see that.” Her gaze fell on Kavner’s back. “The Fury brothers.”

“Yes.”

Kavner finished his call and turned. His intense gaze locked on me. I was so relieved to see that he was okay.

Even though the danger was over, he still seemed tense, edgy.

His gaze raked down my body, and I saw a muscle tick in his jaw. Then he strode in my direction.

“Kav—”

He lifted me off my feet, and his mouth crashed down on mine.

My mind went blank. All I could do was feel.

Feel this man who’d become vitally important to me. I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him back.

Too soon, he tore his mouth away. He pressed his forehead to mine. “Fuck, do not scare me like that again.”

“I knew you had my back.” I cupped his face. That handsome face I’d once distrusted, and now…

Now I wanted to look at it every day.

“I’ll always have your back, my darling agent.”

“Ah, hello?” Lexxie stood beside us with her hands on her hips. “Does someone want to explain why my sister is kissing a freaking billionaire.”

I wriggled to get down. Kavner let my feet drop, but didn’t let me go. He slid his arm around my waist.

“I’m London’s boyfriend.”

I froze and looked up at him. He looked smug. My heart started doing crazy things in my chest. “No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.” He reached over and fished the emerald out from under my shirt. “You’re wearing the necklace I gave you. You’ve been sleeping at my place. Not that we’ve been doing a lot of sleeping. And you’re moving in. Permanently.”

My mouth dropped open. My stomach was alive with a mix of fear, happiness, and annoyance. “Oh, I am, am I?”

“Yes.” He hauled me closer. “I’m not letting you out of my sight. Every time I do, someone tries to hurt you.”

I could see he was still upset. I softened against him and smoothed my hands over his tight shoulders. “I’m all right, Kav.”

“My sister is dating Kavner Fury.” Lexxie shook her head. “I go away for a few days and the entire world goes crazy.”

A few moments later, police cars and several unmarked FBI vehicles pulled in.

I WAS ready to go home.

There were agents and police everywhere. I watched a stone-faced Keegan handcuff Viv to the gurney she was lying on. Apparently, the bullets hadn’t hit anything vital, and she was going to make it.

Several agents carried a body bag through to a van. I wrapped my arms around my middle. I knew it was the body of the man who’d attacked me. I’d listened to Kavner give his statement earlier. He’d beaten the man, and Colton had shot him when he’d tried to shoot Kav.

Nearby, my sister sat with a blanket draped over her shoulders. She looked tired, but I reminded myself that she was alive.

It was over.

Keegan walked toward me. “You all right, Coleman?”

I nodded. “Not one hundred percent, but I will be.” I looked over as Viv was loaded into an ambulance. “I still can’t believe it was Viv.”

Her betrayal stung hard.

Keegan drew in a breath. “I’ve seen a lot of good people go bad, London. I won’t lie, never gets any easier. It’s important to never lose sight of why we do this job.”

“I thought for a second it was Chen. I didn’t want to believe that either.”

He grunted. “The Fury brothers found the payment she received. It was an inheritance from an aunt.”

I was glad. We watched the ambulance drive away under escort.

“Lamb’s agreed to give us everything she knows on the money laundering, and her role in it. We’ll be able to dismantle Accosta’s money laundering.”

“In return for what?”

“Protective custody. She’ll be kept separate from the main prison population.”

“She’s afraid the cartel will come after her.”

“Yeah. And every crook she’s helped put away. She made her bed, Coleman.” He glanced over to where Kav stood with his brothers. “You planning to stick around New Orleans?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“You do, and you’re looking for a new job, you’ll always have a place on my team.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He gripped my shoulder and nodded.

I looked over and saw Kavner standing by the water. His body was stiff, his hands in his pockets.

I could still feel the emotion vibrating off him. He was still pissed and upset. I wanted to find a way to make him feel better.

“So, you’re in love with a billionaire.”

I stilled, feeling a little faint as I glanced at Lexxie. “No, I mean—”

She grabbed my hand. “He isn’t Dad, London. From what I know, he won’t cut and run. He’s a man who fights for what he wants. Fights for those he cares about. I think he proved that today.”

“I’m scared, Lex. What I feel for him…”

My sister smiled. “I’ve always prayed that you’d fall in love one day. With someone who deserves you. Someone who’ll spoil you and support you, and let you not be the boss all the time.”

I gave a watery laugh. “He does all those things.”

“There are no guarantees in life, London. We learned that pretty young. And there are no guarantees in love. Sometimes you just have to take a leap.”

I leaned my head against hers. “When did you get so smart?”

“The day I was born.”

I hugged her. “I love you.”

“I love you too, sis. And if you mess that up—” she nodded at Kavner “—I will be so mad.”

I squeezed her hand, then walked in his direction.

When I reached him, I touched his back. His muscles were tight.

“You okay?”

“No.” His hands were clenched into tight fists.

I saw his knuckles were torn and bloody. From avenging me, protecting me. I lifted them and pressed quick kisses over the top of his hands.

“Seeing you in danger is not something I like.” His voice was a low growl.

I stepped in front of him and pressed my hands to his chest. “We won, Kavner. You stopped the violent man who attacked me. Viv is going to prison, and Keegan said she’s agreed to spill on the Accosta cartel. Their money laundering operation will be dismantled.”

“Good.”

He was still so tight. I stroked his jaw. “It’s time to let the anger go now.” I pressed into him. “We’re alive. We beat the bad guys.”

Something broke in him, and he hauled me up.

“Let it go.” I kissed him sweetly, taking my time.

“I’m falling in love with you, London.”

His words made my eyes go wide and I gasped.

“I see the fear in your eyes.” He sounded amused.

I swallowed. “I’m afraid, but I’m not a coward.” I dragged in a deep breath. “I’m falling for you too.”

Now, I saw all kinds of emotion burst in his eyes. His kiss was hot, hard, and desire was a hot spike in my belly. Even with so many people around, my panties went damp.

“It wasn’t that long ago, I wanted to arrest you.”

“I remember.”

“But you managed to set fire to my defenses, and turned them to ash. Now, I trust you. Completely. But I’m scared too. Scared to give you my heart. It’s been broken before.”

“I’m scared too, London, but I’ve got you. I’ll make it my life’s work to never let anything hurt you. I’ve learned that the best things are the ones you fight for.”

I grabbed his hand, and pressed it to my chest. Right over the beat of my heart.

“Then I’m all yours, Kavner Fury.”

38

LONDON

Iwoke up in Kav’s bed and stretched. Turning on my side, I noted that his side was empty, and that there were sheets and pillows everywhere.

Heat hit my cheeks and I smiled. My man had been very creative last night.

Rising, I found the silky, silver robe that he’d bought me, and tied the belt around my waist.

It had been four days since we’d taken Viv down. I was still on leave, but Agent Keegan had kept me updated. The task force had arrested some Accosta cartel members and were busy dismantling the money laundering ring.

I was still sad and disappointed about what Viv had done, but I wasn’t letting it hurt me anymore. Like my mom had always said, I was letting the storm blow through.

Kavner had taken the last few days off—mostly. Austin came daily with any urgent items. The rest of the time, Kav and I watched movies, cooked, and made love.

I was head over heels for the man. I pressed a hand to my stomach. I was falling deeper and deeper in love every day.

Lexxie had flown back to Arizona. She’d been determined to finish her job. My sister was tougher than I’d given her credit for.

She’d be back soon.

And I needed to decide what to do about my career. The task force would be wrapping up soon, which meant I’d be expected to head back to Virginia.

I wandered the penthouse looking for Kav.

There was nothing for me in Virginia now. Home was New Orleans. It was where the people I loved were. I’d thought over Keegan’s offer to join the FBI, but I wasn’t sure. It didn’t feel right.

The kitchen was empty.

I turned in a circle and that’s when I spotted Kav on the balcony. Mmm. He was shirtless, only wearing those loose, black pajama pants that rode low on his lean hips. He was leaning on the railing with a coffee mug in hand.

I stepped out onto the balcony, and pressed a kiss to the center of his back.

“Good morning.” He looked sideways at me. “I didn’t want to wake you.” He set the mug down on the side table and cupped my face. “I didn’t let you get much sleep last night.”

I smiled. “No complaints from me.” I leaned up and kissed him.

As our tongues tangled, he sat down on one of the outdoor chairs, and pulled me onto his lap. I snuggled into his chest.

He slid a hand through the opening of my robe, thumbing my nipple. “Are you naked under this?”

“Maybe.”

“God, you’re beautiful.”

I flushed.

“I have something for you,” he said.

I wiggled my butt on the growing cock I felt beneath me. “I can tell.”

“Not that. Although, you can have that later.” He reached down and then pulled out a puzzle box.

“Oh.” It was small, but exquisite. I snatched it and ran my fingers over the beautiful inlay on the top. Then I checked it over, and found the first movement.

I worked through the steps, twisting and sliding.

A moment later, the end of the box slid open.

As I looked into it, my smile froze. “Kavner.”

His face looked serious. “It’s for you.”

I reached in and pulled out the stunning emerald ring. It was a teardrop shape that matched my necklace, and surrounded by diamonds, set on a platinum band.

“I know it’s too soon,” he said. “I know we haven’t known each other long, but you’re mine, London Coleman. Mine to love and protect. Mind to hold and fuck. Mine to spoil and care for. I want you to wear my ring, and one day soon, when we’re both ready, I’ll ask you to marry me.”

I felt so much tumbling around inside me that I could barely breathe. “I love you. I love you so much it’s scary.”

“I love you too, London. And I know it’s only going to get stronger and deeper.”

I lifted my hand. He took the ring and slid it on my finger. It made me feel jittery inside.

“You’re not going back to Virginia,” he said in his bossy tone.

“You didn’t need a ring to ensure that. I want to stay. With Lexxie, and with you. I don’t know what I’ll do about work yet. Keegan has a role for me but…” I shrugged.

“What about a job working in the private sector?” His tone was casual. “Working for the CFO of a large New Orleans corporation? The role would be financial controller ensuring the financial health of a wide range of diverse businesses and charities.”

I stilled. “You’re offering me a job?”

“Yes. One that I think is suited to your skills. Plus, there are no bad guys.”

The job actually sounded interesting. I pressed my hands to his chest. “You’d be my boss.”

“Not directly. You’d report to Nathan, my CFO.”

I let my hands drift lower, over the ridges of his stomach. “That’s a shame. I’m suddenly having lots of inappropriate boss-employee fantasies right now.”

His cock surged underneath me. “Well, Ms. Coleman. If you want the role, you’re going to have to show me just how much.” He unbelted my robe, those long fingers of his slipping down between my legs. He stroked me. “How dedicated you are, and how far you’re willing to go to please the boss?”

I loved his teasing tone and the look on his face. I gasped, riding his hand. “All the way, Mr. Fury. Let me show you.”

39

KAVNER

A few weeks later

Some laughing kids ran past me and I narrowly avoided a collision.

Shaking my head, I looked around Jackson Square. The sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day. The cathedral rose above us, shining white in the sunlight. The square was filled with people—most of them under four feet tall.

My brothers and I were holding a kids art event. Lots of local artists—many of whom showcased their art right here in the square—were giving lessons to underprivileged kids. Most of them were kids in foster care.

Everywhere I looked, I saw bright paintings, kids wielding brushes, and laughter.

I searched for London in the chaos. I spotted Colt, Macy, and Daisy doing fingerpainting and splattering color everywhere. Dante and Mila were somewhere nearby, taking care of the food trucks and food stalls. Reath and Beauden were also helping out.

I heard laughter and swiveled. Lexxie was helping a trio of kids with some glitter. It appeared to be everywhere except on their pieces of paper. She spotted me and waved.

Over the last few weeks, since she’d returned from Arizona, I’d enjoyed getting to know London’s sister. Lexxie made no effort to hide how much she loved me and London together.

Then I spotted a familiar elegant neck and black ponytail. My soon-to-be new employee was helping a little boy. He grinned up at her as she helped him carve some wood. There was an artist on the table across from them showing them what to do. They were making puzzle boxes.

I moved in behind London and squeezed her hips. “Are you taking up a new hobby?”

“Kavner.” She swiveled and smacked a kiss to my lips. “It’s so amazing to see how he makes the boxes.” The older Japanese man blew away some sawdust, then fitted two notched sides together. The fascinated children sat around him, watching intently.

“Happy?” I asked.

London looked up at me. “Yes. I’m so glad I didn’t arrest you.”

I nuzzled her. “We could still get some handcuffs and—”

She slapped my chest and laughed. I loved seeing her so happy.

She seemed lighter. Together, we were learning to let go of past hurts, and embrace all the good we could make together.

I pressed my mouth to her ear. “I have a bottle of Bollinger champagne chilling in the limo.” I nodded to where my limousine was parked on the street. “I believe your new boss requires your personal help with a few tasks.”

She smiled. “I bet he does. But we’ll have to do that later. I think you need to go and rescue your brother first. Reath’s got paint in his hair and looks stressed.”

I followed her gaze. Reath did indeed have yellow paint in his hair. He was also wearing a fierce scowl.

“He’s a big boy.”

“Be a good brother. I need to check in with Lexxie anyway, and I promised Mila I’d help her with some drinks for the artists.”

I sighed. “Fine. I’ll see you later, my darling agent.”

“I’m not an agent anymore.”

“You’ll always be my agent.”

As she walked away, she blew me a kiss. I turned and headed toward Reath. Beau was nearby, paintbrush in hand.

“This is fun,” Beau rumbled.

“No, it’s not.” Reath waved at his hair. “These kids are tyrants. A little girl did this to me, on purpose.”

I fought a smile. “It’s all water-based paint. It’ll wash out.”

Reath just grumbled. His phone pinged and he reached for a rag to wipe his hands.

“Your woman looks happy, Kav,” Beau noted.

“Yes.” I watched London giggle with a little girl as they carried armloads of bottled water across the square. “Everything I ever went through was worth it because it brought me to her.”

Beau gripped my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. You deserve it, brother.”

“Another Fury brother goes down,” Reath said with a shake of his head.

“You might be next.”

Reath scowled at me. “No, thanks.” His phone pinged again, and he tossed the rag, and pulled his cell out. “Dammit.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“It’s Jack. He’s gone on another mission. He didn’t say much, but I got the impression it’s beyond dangerous.”

Reath’s best friend had always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie. He seemed to be getting worse as he got older.

“I wish he’d come work for me.” Reath sighed. “Anyway, he asked me for a favor. His little sister is moving to New Orleans. She’s starting college at Tulane. He wants me to keep an eye on her.” Reath pinched the bridge of his nose. “We’re really busy at PSS right now. Like I don’t have enough of my plate without babysitting a college girl.”

“You’ll handle it, Reath,” I said. “You always do.”

“If you need any help at the office, I can lend a hand,” Beau said. “You know we’re here for you.”

Reath relaxed. “I know. How about a beer?”

“Not for me.” I slid my hands into my pockets. “I have a hankering for some champagne. I’ll see you guys later.”

I headed back toward my woman. I was going to coax London into the limousine, and drink that champagne off her smooth skin.

As the sun shone down on me and London turned my way and smiled, I finally realized I had everything I’d ever wanted.

I hope you enjoyed Kav and London’s story!

If you want a little more of Kav and London, then read the Burn Bonus Epilogue: GET MY EPILOGUE

The Fury Brothers continues with Take, starring security expert Reath Fury. Coming later in 2024.

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PREVIEW: STEALING FROM MR. RICH

Brother in Trouble

Monroe

The old-fashioned Rosengrens safe was a beauty.

I carefully turned the combination dial, then pressed closer to the safe. The metal was cool under my fingertips. The safe wasn’t pretty, but stout and secure. There was something to be said for solid security.

Rosengrens had started making safes in Sweden over a hundred years ago. They were good at it. I listened to the pins, waiting for contact. Newer safes had internals made from lightweight materials to reduce sensory feedback, so I didn’t get to use these skills very often.

Some people could play the piano, I could play a safe. The tiny vibration I was waiting for reached my fingertips, followed by the faintest click.

“I’ve gotcha, old girl.” The Rosengrens had quite a few quirks, but my blood sang as I moved the dial again.

I heard a louder click and spun the handle.

The safe door swung open. Inside, I saw stacks of jewelry cases and wads of hundred-dollar bills. Nice.

Standing, I dusted my hands off on my jeans. “There you go, Mr. Goldstein.”

“You are a doll, Monroe O’Connor. Thank you.”

The older man, dressed neatly in pressed chinos and a blue shirt, grinned at me. He had coke-bottle glasses, wispy, white hair, and a wrinkled face.

I smiled at him. Mr. Goldstein was one of my favorite people. “I’ll send you my bill.”

His grin widened. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I raised a brow. “You could stop forgetting your safe combination.”

The wealthy old man called me every month or so to open his safe. Right now, we were standing in the home office of his expensive Park Avenue penthouse.

It was decorated in what I thought of as “rich, old man.” There were heavy drapes, gold-framed artwork, lots of dark wood—including the built-in shelves around the safe—and a huge desk.

“Then I wouldn’t get to see your pretty face,” he said.

I smiled and patted his shoulder. “I’ll see you next month, Mr. Goldstein.” The poor man was lonely. His wife had died the year before, and his only son lived in Europe.

“Sure thing, Monroe. I’ll have some of those donuts you like.”

We headed for the front door and my chest tightened. I understood feeling lonely. “You could do with some new locks on your door. I mean, your building has top-notch security, but you can never be too careful. Pop by the shop if you want to talk locks.”

He beamed at me and held the door open. “I might do that.”

“Bye, Mr. Goldstein.”

I headed down the plush hall to the elevator. Everything in the building screamed old money. I felt like an imposter just being in the building. Like I had “daughter of a criminal” stamped on my head.

Pulling out my cell phone, I pulled up my accounting app and entered Mr. Goldstein’s callout. Next, I checked my messages.

Still nothing from Maguire.

Frowning, I bit my lip. That made it three days since I’d heard from my little brother. I shot him off a quick text.

“Text me back, Mag,” I muttered.

The elevator opened and I stepped in, trying not to worry about Maguire. He was an adult, but I’d practically raised him. Most days it felt like I had a twenty-four-year-old kid.

The elevator slowed and stopped at another floor. An older, well-dressed couple entered. They eyed me and my well-worn jeans like I’d crawled out from under a rock.

I smiled. “Good morning.”

Yeah, yeah, I’m not wearing designer duds, and my bank account doesn’t have a gazillion zeros. You’re so much better than me.

Ignoring them, I scrolled through Instagram. When we finally reached the lobby, the couple shot me another dubious look before they left. I strode out across the marble-lined space and rolled my eyes.

During my teens, I’d cared about what people thought. Everyone had known that my father was Terry O’Connor—expert thief, safecracker, and con man. I’d felt every repulsed look and sly smirk at high school.

Then I’d grown up, cultivated some thicker skin, and learned not to care. Fuck ‘em. People who looked down on others for things outside their control were assholes.

I wrinkled my nose. Okay, it was easier said than done.

When I walked outside, the street was busy. I smiled, breathing in the scent of New York—car exhaust, burnt meat, and rotting trash. Besides, most people cared more about themselves. They judged you, left you bleeding, then forgot you in the blink of an eye.

I unlocked my bicycle, and pulled on my helmet, then set off down the street. I needed to get to the store. The ride wasn’t long, but I spent every second worrying about Mag.

My brother had a knack for finding trouble. I sighed. After a childhood, where both our mothers had taken off, and Da was in and out of jail, Mag was entitled to being a bit messed up. The O’Connors were a long way from the Brady Bunch.

I pulled up in front of my shop in Hell’s Kitchen and stopped for a second.

I grinned. All mine.

Okay, I didn’t own the building, but I owned the store. The sign above the shop said Lady Locksmith. The logo was lipstick red—a woman’s hand with gorgeous red nails, holding a set of keys.

After I locked up my bike, I strode inside. A chime sounded.

God, I loved the place. It was filled with glossy, warm-wood shelves lined with displays of state-of-the-art locks and safes. A key-cutting machine sat at the back.

A blonde head popped up from behind a long, shiny counter.

“You’re back,” Sabrina said.

My best friend looked like a doll—small, petite, with a head of golden curls.

We’d met doing our business degrees at college, and had become fast friends. Sabrina had always wanted to be tall and sexy, but had to settle for small and cute. She was my manager, and was getting married in a month.

“Yeah, Mr. Goldstein forgot his safe code again,” I said.

Sabrina snorted. “That old coot doesn’t forget, he just likes looking at your ass.”

“He’s harmless. He’s nice, and lonely. How’s the team doing?”

Sabrina leaned forward, pulling out her tablet. I often wondered if she slept with it. “Liz is out back unpacking stock.” Sabrina’s nose wrinkled. “McRoberts overcharged us on the Schlage locks again.”

“That prick.” He was always trying to screw me over. “I’ll call him.”

“Paola, Kat, and Isabella are all out on jobs.”

Excellent. Business was doing well. Lady Locksmith specialized in providing female locksmiths to all the single ladies of New York. They also advised on how to keep them safe—securing locks, doors, and windows.

I had a dream of one day seeing multiple Lady Locksmiths around the city. Hell, around every city. A girl could dream. Growing up, once I understood the damage my father did to other people, all I’d wanted was to be respectable. To earn my own way and add to the world, not take from it.

“Did you get that new article I sent you to post on the blog?” I asked.

Sabrina nodded. “It’ll go live shortly, and then I’ll post on Insta, as well.”

When I had the time, I wrote articles on how women—single and married—should secure their homes. My latest was aimed at domestic-violence survivors, and helping them feel safe. I donated my time to Nightingale House, a local shelter that helped women leaving DV situations, and I installed locks for them, free of charge.

“We should start a podcast,” Sabrina said.

I wrinkled my nose. “I don’t have time to sit around recording stuff.” I did my fair share of callouts for jobs, plus at night I had to stay on top of the business-side of the store.

“Fine, fine.” Sabrina leaned against the counter and eyed my jeans. “Damn, I hate you for being tall, long, and gorgeous. You’re going to look way too beautiful as my maid of honor.” She waved a hand between us. “You’re all tall, sleek, and dark-haired, and I’m…the opposite.”

I had some distant Black Irish ancestor to thank for my pale skin and ink-black hair. Growing up, I wanted to be short, blonde, and tanned. I snorted. “Beauty comes in all different forms, Sabrina.” I gripped her shoulders. “You are so damn pretty, and your fiancé happens to think you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Andrew is gaga over you.”

Sabrina sighed happily. “He does and he is.” A pause. “So, do you have a date for my wedding yet?” My bestie’s voice turned breezy and casual.

Uh-oh. I froze. All the wedding prep had sent my normally easygoing best friend a bit crazy. And I knew very well not to trust that tone.

I edged toward my office. “Not yet.”

Sabrina’s blue eyes sparked. “It’s only four weeks away, Monroe. The maid of honor can’t come alone.”

“I’ll be busy helping you out—”

“Find a date, Monroe.”

“I don’t want to just pick anyone for your wedding—”

Sabrina stomped her foot. “Find someone, or I’ll find someone for you.”

I held up my hands. “Okay, okay.” I headed for my office. “I’ll—” My cell phone rang. Yes. “I’ve got a call. Got to go.” I dove through the office door.

“I won’t forget,” Sabrina yelled. “I’ll revoke your best-friend status, if I have to.”

I closed the door on my bridezilla bestie and looked at the phone.

Maguire. Finally.

I stabbed the call button. “Where have you been?”

“We have your brother,” a robotic voice said.

My blood ran cold. My chest felt like it had filled with concrete.

“If you want to keep him alive, you’ll do exactly as I say.”

Zane

God, this party was boring.

Zane Roth sipped his wine and glanced around the ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental. The party held the Who’s Who of New York society, all dressed up in their glittering best. The ceiling shimmered with a sea of crystal lights, tall flower arrangements dominated the tables, and the wall of windows had a great view of the Manhattan skyline.

Everything was picture perfect…and boring.

If it wasn’t for the charity auction, he wouldn’t be dressed in his tuxedo and dodging annoying people.

“I’m so sick of these parties,” he muttered.

A snort came from beside him.

One of his best friends, Maverick Rivera, sipped his wine. “You were voted New York’s sexiest billionaire bachelor. You should be loving this shindig.”

Mav had been one of his best friends since college. Like Zane, Maverick hadn’t come from wealth. They’d both earned it the old-fashioned way. Zane loved numbers and money, and had made Wall Street his hunting ground. Mav was a geek, despite not looking like a stereotypical one. He’d grown up in a strong, Mexican-American family, and with his brown skin, broad shoulders, and the fact that he worked out a lot, no one would pick him for a tech billionaire.

But under the big body, the man was a computer geek to the bone.

“All the society mamas are giving you lots of speculative looks.” Mav gave him a small grin.

“Shut it, Rivera.”

“They’re all dreaming of marrying their daughters off to billionaire Zane Roth, the finance King of Wall Street.”

Zane glared. “You done?”

“Oh, I could go on.”

“I seem to recall another article about the billionaire bachelors. All three of us.” Zane tipped his glass at his friend. “They’ll be coming for you, next.”

Mav’s smile dissolved, and he shrugged a broad shoulder. “I’ll toss Kensington at them. He’s pretty.”

Liam Kensington was the third member of their trio. Unlike Zane and Mav, Liam had come from money, although he worked hard to avoid his bloodsucking family.

Zane saw a woman in a slinky, blue dress shoot him a welcoming smile.

He looked away.

When he’d made his first billion, he’d welcomed the attention. Especially the female attention. He’d bedded more than his fair share of gorgeous women.

Of late, nothing and no one caught his interest. Women all left him feeling numb.

Work. He thrived on that.

A part of him figured he’d never find a woman who made him feel the same way as his work.

“Speak of the devil,” Mav said.

Zane looked up to see Liam Kensington striding toward them. With the lean body of a swimmer, clad in a perfectly tailored tuxedo, he looked every inch the billionaire. His gold hair complemented a face the ladies oohed over.

People tried to get his attention, but the real estate mogul ignored everyone.

He reached Zane and Mav, grabbed Zane’s wine, and emptied it in two gulps.

“I hate this party. When can we leave?” Having spent his formative years in London, he had a posh British accent. Another thing the ladies loved. “I have a contract to work on, my fundraiser ball to plan, and things to catch up on after our trip to San Francisco.”

The three of them had just returned from a business trip to the West Coast.

“Can’t leave until the auction’s done,” Zane said.

Liam sighed. His handsome face often had him voted the best-looking billionaire bachelor.

“Buy up big,” Zane said. “Proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Clubs.”

“One of your pet charities,” Liam said.

“Yeah.” Zane’s father had left when he was seven. His mom had worked hard to support them. She was his hero. He liked to give back to charities that supported kids growing up in tough circumstances.

He’d set his mom up in a gorgeous house Upstate that she loved. And he was here for her tonight.

“Don’t bid on the Phillips-Morley necklace, though,” he added. “It’s mine.”

The necklace had a huge, rectangular sapphire pendant surrounded by diamonds. It was the real-life necklace said to have inspired the necklace in the movie, Titanic. It had been given to a young woman, Kate Florence Phillips, by her lover, Henry Samuel Morley. The two had run away together and booked passage on the Titanic.

Unfortunately for poor Kate, Henry had drowned when the ship had sunk. She’d returned to England with the necklace and a baby in her belly.

Zane’s mother had always loved the story and pored over pictures of the necklace. She’d told him the story of the lovers, over and over.

“It was a gift from a man to a woman he loved. She was a shop girl, and he owned the store, but they fell in love, even though society frowned on their love.” She sighed. “That’s true love, Zane. Devotion, loyalty, through the good times and the bad.”

Everything Carol Roth had never known.

Of course, it turned out old Henry was much older than his lover, and already married. But Zane didn’t want to ruin the fairy tale for his mom.

Now, the Phillips-Morley necklace had turned up, and was being offered at auction. And Zane was going to get it for his mom. It was her birthday in a few months.

“Hey, is your fancy, new safe ready yet?” Zane asked Mav.

His friend nodded. “You’re getting one of the first ones. I can have my team install it this week.”

“Perfect.” Mav’s new Riv3000 was the latest in high-tech safes and said to be unbreakable. “I’ll keep the necklace in it until my mom’s birthday.”

Someone called out Liam’s name. With a sigh, their friend forced a smile. “Can’t dodge this one. Simpson’s an investor in my Brooklyn project. I’ll be back.”

“Need a refill?” Zane asked Mav.

“Sure.”

Zane headed for the bar. He’d almost reached it when a manicured hand snagged his arm.

“Zane.”

He looked down at the woman and barely swallowed his groan. “Allegra. You look lovely this evening.”

She did. Allegra Montgomery’s shimmery, silver dress hugged her slender figure, and her cloud of mahogany brown hair accented her beautiful face. As the only daughter of a wealthy New York family—her father was from the Montgomery family and her mother was a former Miss America—Allegra was well-bred and well-educated but also, as he’d discovered, spoiled and liked getting her way.

Her dark eyes bored into him. “I’m sorry things ended badly for us the other month. I was…” Her voice lowered, and she stroked his forearm. “I miss you. I was hoping we could catch up again.”

Zane arched a brow. They’d dated for a few weeks, shared a few dinners, and some decent sex. But Allegra liked being the center of attention, complained that he worked too much, and had constantly hounded him to take her on vacation. Preferably on a private jet to Tahiti or the Maldives.

When she’d asked him if it would be too much for him to give her a credit card of her own, for monthly expenses, Zane had exited stage left.

“I don’t think so, Allegra. We aren’t…compatible.”

Her full lips turned into a pout. “I thought we were very compatible.”

He cleared his throat. “I heard you moved on. With Chip Huffington.”

Allegra waved a hand. “Oh, that’s nothing serious.”

And Chip was only a millionaire. Allegra would see that as a step down. In fact, Zane felt like every time she looked at him, he could almost see little dollar signs in her eyes.

He dredged up a smile. “I wish you all the best, Allegra. Good evening.” He sidestepped her and made a beeline for the bar.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.

Wine wasn’t going to cut it. It would probably be frowned on to ask for an entire bottle of Scotch. “Two glasses of Scotch, please. On the rocks. Do you have Macallan?”

“No, sorry, sir. Will Glenfiddich do?”

“Sure.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” a voice said over the loudspeaker. The lights lowered. “I hope you’re ready to spend big for a wonderful cause.”

Carrying the drinks, Zane hurried back to Mav and Liam. He handed Mav a glass.

“Let’s do this,” Mav grumbled. “And next time, I’ll make a generous online donation so I don’t have to come to the party.”

“Drinks at my place after I get the necklace,” Zane said. “I have a very good bottle of Macallan.”

Mav stilled. “How good?”

“Macallan 25. Single malt.”

“I’m there,” Liam said.

Mav lifted his chin.

Ahead, Zane watched the evening’s host lift a black cloth off a pedestal. He stared at the necklace, the sapphire glittering under the lights.

There it was.

The sapphire was a deep, rich blue. Just like all the photos his mother had shown him.

“Get that damn necklace, Roth, and let’s get out of here,” Mav said.

Zane nodded. He’d get the necklace for the one woman in his life who rarely asked for anything, then escape the rest of the bloodsuckers and hang with his friends.

Billionaire Heists

Stealing from Mr. Rich

Blackmailing Mr. Bossman

Hacking Mr. CEO

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.

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Blackmailing Mr. Bossman

Hacking Mr. CEO

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Mark of Eon

Claim of Eon

Storm of Eon

Soul of Eon

King of Eon

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Galactic Gladiators: House of Rone

Sentinel

Defender

Centurion

Paladin

Guard

Weapons Master

Also Available as Audiobooks!

Galactic Gladiators

Gladiator

Warrior

Hero

Protector

Champion

Barbarian

Beast

Rogue

Guardian

Cyborg

Imperator

Hunter

Also Available as Audiobooks!

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.

For release dates, behind-the-scenes info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for the latest news here:

Website: www.annahackett.com