Take - Page 75

“Thanks, Warwick.” Reath ended the call.

I sagged back against his chest, pulling in air. “You’re evil.”

“I just know what I want.” He pulled his fingers free of my body, then lifted them to his mouth and licked them clean.

My womb spasmed.

With his other hand, he touched my hair. “I have to go.”

I sighed. “I know.”

“I’ve already sent a message to Dante. He’s coming to stay with you. Do not go out.”

He rose and set me on my feet. My legs felt like Jell-O.

I cinched my robe closed. “I won’t go out.” Then I reached up and cupped his cheek. “Promise me one thing?”

He nodded.

“Get that asshole, but then come back to me safely.”

When he lowered his head to kiss me, it was far quicker than I wanted it to be. He ran a thumb over my cheek, then he strode out.

And I knew I’d worry every minute until he returned.

31

REATH

Ipulled the Suburban over, my gaze on the house just down the street.

We were in an older area on the outskirts of the city. The blocks were larger, and the two-story house ahead was older, with white paint peeling off the sides. The garden was overgrown, and there were no signs of vehicles or movement.

“Let’s go,” I ordered. “Stay sharp.”

We all got out. We were all wearing ballistic vests and armed. I watched Colt and Beau check their rifles with practiced ease. I held my own M16 by my side.

Sean and Jock—two of my best men—were with us. Sean was former Delta and was short, compact, and deadly with a knife. Jock had been a Navy SEAL and was tall and built big. His biceps strained his sleeves.

Across the street, I saw a middle-aged woman come out onto her porch. She tugged a cardigan tightly around her thin frame. Our informant.

I jerked my head at her house, and she nodded and went back inside.

“Colt and Jock, you’re with me. We’ll take the front. Beau and Sean, the back.”

“On it,” Beau replied.

I tapped my earpiece. “Stay in contact and be ready for anything. Auclair and his men are trained. Remember, apprehend only.”

I had a good working relationship with the New Orleans PD, and I didn’t want to stretch that goodwill with a shoot-out.

As we headed toward the house, I thought of Frankie. I thought of the way I’d held her in my arms as I’d carried her out of Smokehouse. She’d been vulnerable, drugged. I thought of her asleep in my bed.

My jaw tightened. Auclair had almost gotten his hands on her.

It wasn’t happening again. I had to stop him.

Beau and Sean disappeared around the side of the house.