Edged (The Invincibles 2)

Rile was back to stroking his finger over his lip. “I’m thinking a different approach would be best.”

“Me,” I blurted. All eyes turned to me, except for Rile’s.

Grinder opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Rile held up his hand. “Casper will go in with him.”

The woman was as badass as they came. A job this size would take two agents. It made far more sense that she and I go in as a couple than it would for another bloke to go in with me.

Rile turned to Grinder. “Please get her and Ink here as quickly as possible. I’ll see if the agency still has someone inside the Aryan Nation.”

“What are we bringing Ink in for?” I asked.

“Ms. Marks is in your custody. Have you forgotten?”

I hadn’t, but I wouldn’t necessarily choose Ink to take over for me. But who instead? Rile, Grinder, and Deck would have their hands full, monitoring the ABT while Casper and I were inside.

After I nodded at Grinder, he turned to Rile. “Roger that.”

Rile stood. “We’ll regroup in the morning.”

“At whichever house you stick me with,” Grinder said before he and I walked out.

“By the way,” I said once we were out of earshot, “the house closest to the one I’m living in is the nicest.”

“Tell Rile that I’ll take that one.” He smiled and patted me on the back before he walked away.

I checked my mobile, wondering why I hadn’t gotten a return message from Hammer. When I tapped the screen, I saw a missed call instead. It was odd that I didn’t get an alert.

He didn’t answer when I rang back, so I sent another text rather than leave a voicemail.

Noticing Lennox’s rental was still parked out front, I looked around for my brother, but didn’t see him. A few seconds later, he came out of the barn.

“Boon yakked you up?” The barn manager was known for striking up conversations that could go on for hours.

Lennox nodded. “I made the mistake of walking over to the corral.”

I laughed and put my hand on my brother’s shoulder. “Tell me you’re leaving in the morning.”

“I am.”

“I’m happy to hear it. You and Emerson are meant for each other.” I’d known it the first time I saw them together, which was also the first time I met her. I sincerely hoped they were able to work things out, particularly since I felt guilty that he’d spent so much time with me during my recovery.

“I’ve booked a room at a hotel near the airport. My flight leaves quite early.”

“Godspeed, Lennox.”

“Godspeed, Keon.”

It was something we always said whenever we were together and one or both of us were leaving. It began shortly after our parents died.

As I watched my brother walk away, I heard the dinner bell ring, and my stomach grumbled. I hadn’t had anything to eat since I grabbed one of Rebel’s cinnamon rolls this morning, and I was famished. Instead of heading back to the house where there was little food I could turn into something worth eating, I walked over to the dining hall.

The minute I walked inside, I knew that Tee-Tee was serving Texas chili and cornbread. It was one of my favorite meals. Thankfully, there weren’t many in line in front of me since I was ready to chew my arm off from the scents alone. I approached the counter and saw Rebel concentrating on whatever she was making. It looked like a cake of some kind.

I let the guy standing behind me go ahead so I could continue watching her unnoticed. If Rebel had been born into a different life, the woman could’ve been a supermodel. Her features were exquisite, and her body was smashingly lush. She said she’d noticed me at the Long Branch, but I didn’t remember seeing her before the night we met. Looking at her now, I had no idea how I could’ve missed her.

By watching her, I was making myself as randy as I was hungry. As I grabbed two pieces of cornbread after dishing my chili, Rebel looked up and her eyes met mine. My first instinct was to smile and wink. When she smiled too, I wanted to jump the counter and take her in my arms. Why was my physical reaction to this woman so intense?

I noticed Tee-Tee standing next to her, and the pride that shone on her face warmed my heart. I shook my head at my reaction. Damn good thing none of my mates were with me or I’d never hear the end of it. Grinder in particular. As he’d said, I was arse over elbows for this woman.