“Is PaulVer one of these people?”
“We don’t think so. We’ve investigated all of them. They’re nobodies. Wealthy, bored nobodies who like to party. No I/T training or apparent computer skills. They’re probably just his friends, people who know his schedule and show up to party with him. I doubt they even know he’s a hacker. Most of these hackers are in the closet, hiding behind their keyboards, committing federal crimes, and telling no one.”
“So these friends…if you know their identities, Romero should be able to track where they are, right? We’ll know which city and nightclub they’re at?”
“Exactly. Assuming PaulVer goes where they go, it’ll be like shooting fish in a barrel. We’ll show up where they are. All you have to do is lure PaulVer out of the shadows. Once he puts an egg in your hand, we’ll have him.”
“Yeah, and while I’m doing that, I’ll be luring Vincent’s men, too.”
“That’s why we’re here. Cole called us in to protect you while you’re dancing.” Tate bumped his shoulder against hers, winking. “We’re really good at killing bad guys.”
“I know, and I’m grateful.” She turned toward him. “I mean it, Tate. I don’t know how I’m going to repay you.”
“We would do this job even if you hadn’t lost your family. Vincent Barrington cannot become President. Period. And when we take him down, there will be more evil fucks to pursue. This is what we do, and you’re part of it now.” He smiled, flashing his teeth. “Welcome to the family.”
Blood hummed in her veins, circulating a depth of joy that she didn’t think she’d feel again without Mike.
A pained grunt drew her attention back to the sparring match. Trace doubled over, and Cole went in for the attack. With both hands, he grasped Trace’s head and brought a kneecap to Trace’s nose, followed by a kick to the solar plexus. Trace stumbled backward, but there was no blood. No apparent bruising. They were sparring, holding back their punches, not trying to kill each other.
Trace regained his footing, but it was too late. Cole took him to the ground and twisted him into an arm lock, forcing Trace to tap out.
In a blink, Cole was on his feet again, prowling toward her with an impish glint in his eyes. When he reached her, she stepped back, evading the aggressive grab of his hand.
“You want me? Come and get me.” She retreated faster, dodging another swipe. “Is that all you got?”
He growled, throwing himself at her. She feigned right, compelling him to move with her, then changed direction at the last minute and broke free.
She took off at a sprint, delighting in the sound of his chasing footsteps.
River-rock streams and mulched footpaths trailed off into the woods. Other paths led to the terrace and exterior doors of the house. She followed the cobblestone sidewalk that curved around the wing of the estate.
The chilly breeze nipped at her cheeks, but the coat kept her warm. She glanced back, and her pulse ignited. Holy shit, he was right there in arm’s reach, shirtless, his expression so intensely hungry her heart tripped…right along with her feet.
She staggered, and his arm swung out, grabbing for her hair. With a yelp, she bolted forward, the strands slipping from his fingers. She picked up her pace, leaping over rocks, laughing, and trembling with desire.
Halfway around the side of the estate, he caught her by the neck and hauled her back, crushing her mouth against his. The kiss split open in a sweep of tongues and searing heat. Her back hit the side of the house, and he moved in, syncing their hips and grinding with the rhythm of their rushing breaths.
He tore her coat open, popping the buttons. Then he shoved her tank top and bra to her neck and pressed his bare chest against hers, burning her skin.
“Cole.” She gripped his thick arms, trying to keep up with the impetuous passion of his kiss.
His aggressive lips worked her into a fever, his tongue lashing and twining with hers. God, she loved his sinful mouth, but it was his dimpled smile that stole her heart. He leaned back, giving her a glorious, up-close view of those delicious divots. Then he dove back in, his lips hot on her neck, and his hands running everywhere.
With his body bearing down against hers, they rubbed together, rocking, sliding, and panting. His sculpted physique bunched and flexed against her as the sound of his fervent breaths spun her up and turned her inside out. Every gasp and sizzling exhale confessed how badly he wanted her.
Holy fuck, he wanted her. He was so hard, so damn long and swollen beneath the thin cotton of his workout pants. He was going to take her right here, outside in the cold, where any of his friends could walk by. He didn’t give a fuck, and neither did she.