The Payback (Team Zulu 2)

I’d never heard sweeter words.

Feeling braver and determined to revoke my rodent status, I dipped low, swaying my hips while resting my hands on Brandon’s strong thighs. I worked my fingers into the steely cords of muscle. “So, what’s this problem you need help with?”

Brandon stared at where I touched him, and his throat bobbed. “What I didn’t expect is that Shep has a situation of his own, and it involves a woman he seems oddly attached to.” He had a bewildered look about him. I guessed an antisocial hitman wasn’t likely to have a girlfriend. “They took her upstairs a short while ago, and Shep’s getting the shit beaten out of him in the basement as we speak. They could both die before the night is over.”

Holy crap. I understood the urgency of our conversation now. “I saw that creep Lou drag the woman through earlier. She looked terrified. We have to do something.”

“I know, and we will.”

My focus shifted to Brandon’s full lips as he moistened them.

“I don’t like putting you at risk to make that happen. You can say no.”

“Not a chance. I want to help.” Getting into the dance, I wiggled my way to standing while running my hands over my curves, another move I’d seen the girls do.

I wasn’t sure where my confidence came from, but there was something about the heated look in Brandon’s eyes as they followed the path of my fingers that encouraged me to torment him more. Since it was his bright idea to put me in this awkward situation, I didn’t mind making things a little uncomfortable for him, too.

“Hey. Eyes up, cowboy,” I said. Brandon cleared his throat, and his eyes shot back to mine. “Get to the point, Brandon.”

“Come closer.”

“Closer?”

“Sit on my lap.” He tapped his thigh and smirked. “It’ll make this more convincing.”

My eyes narrowed on him. “This isn’t the time for your smart-ass bullshit.”

“I need to pass you something without it being seen. I’m not being a jerk.”

He was totally being a jerk.

Fine, I’d go along with his request. I’d also make sure he regretted it.

I shifted closer and gripped Brandon’s bulky shoulders. I placed one knee on the outside of his thigh, then swung the other over his hips. As I straddled him, lowering myself onto his lap, I didn’t miss how his eyes flared and every muscle bunched under my grip.

That’s right, Blue Eyes. I’m in control of this show.

“Is this close enough for you?” I asked, adjusting my position and settling my weight on his lap.

“This works,” he said in a clipped tone and gave a sharp nod.

Oh boy. It worked for me, too. Who knew that playacting an erotic dance could be so…erotic? Being pressed against him in such an intimate way had heat pooling low in my belly.

Since Brandon’s eyes were level with my breasts, I decided the girls might be a fun area to work with. Raising my arms in the air, I lifted my hair again while pushing my chest out.

Brandon let out a hot breath that gusted over my cleavage. “You should know, Sage, that you’re pretending a little too well right now.”

“Am I?” I asked, feigning surprise while almost taking his eyes out with my tits. “This was your idea. Now is a good time to do the exchange.”

With a look of discomfort, Brandon removed a vial of clear liquid from his cargo pants and slipped it into the pocket of my shorts. My skin felt electric where the back of his hand brushed my inner thigh. It might’ve been my imagination, but I thought his touch lingered.

Brandon’s eyes came to mine. “Mix this sedative in whiskey and take it upstairs to the guy guarding the woman. Her name’s Cameron. Did you see where he took her?”

“Yeah.”

Lou Carello had dragged Cameron to the office upstairs. The groping pig was one of my least favorite people around here. I’d be happy to drug him so Cameron could get away.

“Once he’s out cold, go back in, get the handcuff key from his pocket, and free her. Don’t worry about the camera in there. I’ll set up a looped recording so everything will appear normal.”