The information kept on that particular system had held the names and numbers of our Asian contacts. If that information fell into the wrong hands, we all might as well get ready to walk through the gates of Hell because our associates there were the deadliest people we dealt with. Luckily, Tony had been able to create a current backup and delete the files and any residual information before the intruder had broken completely through our firewalls. We were seriously going to reevaluate where and how our data was stored as soon as possible.
Boss, for fuck’s sake. Would you please sit the hell down. Darrien swiped a hand down his face. The bastard isn’t giving anything up. You might as well just wait until we get back to the house to finish interrogating him.
I spun and glared at Darrien.
Boss, Tony stood and placed his hand on my shoulder. We’ll be home in a few hours. You should go rest, you haven’t slept in days and you look like shit. We’ll keep an eye on him. If he decides to talk, we’ll let you know.
I slowly tore my harden gaze from Darrien and looked into Tony’s eyes, seeing the unspoken words in his challenging face.
I shrugged his hand off my shoulder and stalked to the back cabin and slammed the door. I stripped out of my clothes and threw the covers back. As I closed my eyes, my mind immediately drifted to Lea.
I hadn’t been in contact with the house since we left as it was standard procedure for us to forgo contact while we were out. The lack of communication was to keep everyone safer than what they would be if they knew our exact location.
As soon as we were on the ground and on our way, I would be making a call. I needed to hear her voice. Slowly I drifted off to the images of Lea’s flushed face and shuddering body as I left her standing in her doorway.
* * * * * * * * *
Boss.
What ? I growled as I rolled onto my side.
We’ll be landing in ten minutes.
I rubbed my hands up and down my face and through my hair as I tossed back the blanket and sat on the edge of the bed.
Do you need a cold shower, Boss ? Darrien’s eyes trailed southward.
I groaned and threw a pillow in his direction. Get. Out. Now.
Darrien backed out, smirking and shaking his head, his childlike laughter following him out of the room. I stood and made my way to the small half bath and turned on the cold water, splashing the cool liquid over my body and allowing it to trail down my chest and back.
Even in my sleep, that girl got to me.
I dried off and pulled my clothes back on and made my way to the main cabin. I took a seat and secured my safety belt as the plane started to descend.
Once we landed, Lynx and Miller exited the plane, surveying our surroundings before going to the hanger and coming back in the two Navigators.
Are they clean ? I asked as Lynx stepped from the dark gray vehicle.
Yes, Boss. We swept each of them twice.
I’m with Lynx. Darrien, you, Tony, and Miller are in the second car along with our guest. I had plans to call and check on Lea and I didn’t want to chance him coming to and overhearing something that he could possibly use against me.
The men nodded and made their way from the runway. Marcus would secure the plane and head to the house once he was finished.
I climbed in the passenger seat and waited until we were on the road before taking out the burner phone and dialing Darrell.
Boss.
Is she near ?
Darrell chuckled. Impatient much ?
Now isn’t the time, I hissed as I watched the trees speed by.
She’s sleeping Boss. Darrell’s voice grew taught. Would you like me to wake her ?
I sighed out in disappointment, No. We’ll be there in a couple of hours.
I didn’t wait for a response and slid my phone closed and tossed it on the dash.
Boss ? Lynx looked over at me as I leaned my head against the glass.
What ? I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath.
When we get to headquarters, go to her. Miller and I can handle Xian.
I need answers.
And we are more than capable of getting them for you. No offense Boss, but you haven’t been on top of your game since we left for Hong Kong. I clenched my fist and left out a low growl, but Lynx continued, I know it’s not just her that you’re worried about. It’s also the fact that we have a mole in the house. One you could handle, but having that mole puts Lea at a whole new level of danger. You need to satisfy your primal need to ensure her safety. You need the assurance that she is O. K., so when we get home, go to her.
I nodded and closed my eyes. What if she pushes me away ?
Then you keep trying.
We rode in silence until we pulled up to the house about a hour and a half later. I looked at my watch, it was almost four in the morning. Lynx pulled into the showroom and shut the Navigator off. I pushed the door open and stepped out, allowing my body to stretch out. Miller’s Navigator pulled in beside us, he and Tony exiting the vehicle as Darrien stepped out with our half conscious in tow.
Take him to the interrogation room. Lynx and Miller will work on him while the rest of us rest. If they can’t get anything out of him, then Darrell and I will have a go at him later.
The guys nodded and used the underground access to escort Xian to interrogation. I made my way to the main house and walked straight toward Lea’s room.
Boss, Paul and Samuel acknowledged quietly.
I lifted my chin to the room, How is she ?
A Hellion on wheels, Samuel narrowed his eyes. She hasn’t given any of us a break since you’ve been gone.
Paul nodded in agreement, Fortunately for the two of us though, we only have to deal with her for a few hours while she’s awake. Leon and Lewis are the two that are really on her shit list. Even Darrell has caught hell.
I sighed and walked past the two guards and pushed open the doors to Lea’s room. I stepped in and walked over to her bed, watching as her face twisted as if she was in pain and her breathing hitched. Cecily escaped her lips as a tear slid down her cheek.
I sat on the edge of the bed and ran my thumb under her eye, wiping the lone tear away. I felt the shudder course through Lea at the contact and smiled as her breathing evened out. I stood to walk out, but stopped at the soft voice that flowed through the air.
Carter ?
I turned and face Lea. Yes ?
I told you it wouldn’t work. Her voice was barely audible as she ran her sleep filled eyes over my face and then down the length of my body.