“It’s ten.” Corey looked over at Jo. “Time to log into our ROCs.” So far, none of the earlier tests had succeeded. Lunceford might be a psychopath but he was also quite brilliant.
She nodded and began running through the security hurdles on the device.
When he finished, his ROC opened up to a screen with a message from Jena telling them how the test would be conducted. It only took a few minutes, and another message popped up from her saying the test was a success.
“They did it, Jo.”
She turned to him. “Lunceford shouldn’t be able to get through the new security measures, but if he does, he won’t get anything useful. This is quite impressive.”
“Our tech trio is definitely up to whatever that fucker throws at us.”
“I agree. The failsafe Jena built is pure genius.”
“Yes, it is.” If Lunceford or anyone somehow found a way to crack the new code, Jena’s safeguard would warn the ROC’s user by causing a red light to flash on the screen. Black’s instructions were clear what to do when that happened. The agent was to shut down all communications and digital files immediately and report back to HQ.
After the test was done, Belle walked up to them carrying a box of donuts from Lana’s Bakery Palace. “Thought you two bodyguards might be hungry.”
Jo smiled. “After yesterday’s meal at the grand opening, I shouldn’t eat for a week.”
“Me either, but you know we will.” Belle handed Corey the box.
“Let me get us some coffee to go with these donuts, Corey. I could use a break to stretch my legs.”
He knew Jo was only giving him and Belle a chance to talk privately. “Coffee would be good.”
“How about you, Belle?”
“No thanks. I’m going to check on Paris’s patient and then I’ve got to run some errands for the Boys Ranch.”
“I’ll be back shortly.” Jo headed down the hallway.
He placed the box on his chair and pulled Belle in close. “I’m glad you’re here, sweetheart. I’ve missed you.”
She smiled. “I have missed you, too. I’ve been busy, you know.”
Smile or not, he could see by her demeanor something was still troubling her. He and Shane knew what they had to do. Once Black rearranged the shifts, they were ready to do it.
He bent down and kissed her. She melted into him just like she was supposed to.
You are mine, Belle. I will make sure you know that.
He pressed his tongue against her lips, demanding entrance. She parted them and he devoured her.
He felt her delicate hands come up to his chest. She pushed gently against him.
Reluctantly, he released her sweet mouth. “Thank you for the donuts, baby.”
“When can I talk to you and Shane together?” Her lips trembled, crushing him.
“I’m done at two and Shane takes the next shift.”
She nodded. “If I come at two, maybe we can go to the side and let the other bodyguard handle things until I tell you what I need to tell you.”
“That won’t work.” No way was he letting her take the reins. “Did you forget about Cody’s dragon hunting ride with Juan and the other boys today? You promised. We can’t let them down.”
She sighed. “You’re right. We can’t. When does Shane’s shift end?”
“Ten tonight.”