Page 67 of Lure

Marcus Gentry. Studio Executive and Investor. His parties often involved illicit drugs and orgies. Once was enough, and I ditched out as soon as I saw where it was going. Stayed on the list.

Cameron Kapnek. Tech boy, the founder of three different social media apps. Big into crypto. His parties were always on land and he just liked to surround himself with beautiful people. They dropped him to the maybe list.

On and on it went, until I couldn’t think of anyone else. I finished all of my lasagna, appreciating the fact that Lunchbox only gave me a small portion. Eventually, Voodoo called it and Alphabet seconded the motion.

“She needs a break,” Alphabet said over his shoulder. “And I need some time to pull out everything I can find then we can rank the targets.”

I opened the bottle of water and took a long drink as the guys split a look between them.

“Four hours,” Bones said. “Then we reconvene. Split the list, Alphabet. I’ll take two. Lunchbox two. And Voodoo will take twoas well.” Then he eyed me. “Do you need a nap or want to rest somewhere else?”

Well, it was better than just being kicked out of the conversation. “Actually, I think I want to go for a run or a walk or something. Just get out of my head for a while. Do you mind if I use the gym?”

“Of course not,” Voodoo answered, and then held out a phone to me. “You can use this too.”

I stared at the device and then up at Voodoo. “Really?”

“I told you I would get you one. We haven’t sat still long enough to make that a reality. I already put you on the wifi here. Our numbers have been added and before you ask, yes, there is a tracker in the phone. It’s just in case we get separated and need to find you. You can also find us.” He flipped it open to show the location sharing.

Cradling the device, I almost ruined the whole thing by bursting into tears. I could call people.

“We’d advise that you stay off your social media for now, and maybe don’t reach out to anyone just yet.” Voodoo made it sound like a suggestion and not an order. “Until we know who is safe and who isn’t. If there’s some other app you want on there or anything, just tell us and we’ll make it happen.”

I bit my lip as I hugged the phone to myself. “Music?”

“Anything you want,” Alphabet said. “We’ve got a big library. I can log you into our movie account too.”

Blowing out a breath, I stood up and I wasn’t feeling all that steady. I kept hugging the phone then I dropped a kiss on Alphabet’s cheek before I turned and gave Voodoo a hug.

He set me back on my feet. “If you want to run, do you want earbuds for it?”

“Yes,” I said. “Please.”

“C’mon then,” he said, taking my hand. “Let’s get you set up.”

“Four hours,” Bones called and I glanced back.

“I’ll set an alarm.” I had a phone and I could do it. “Thank you.” Then I looked at Lunchbox. “Thank you for lunch too. I might even be hungry at dinner after I run.”

“Good deal,” he said and gave me a thumbs up. Still a little dizzy, I tried to get my breathing back under control.

“You okay?” Voodoo asked when he paused next to another door I hadn’t opened, but it turned out to be a closet with more storage.

“I think so,” I said, glancing down at the phone again. “Thank you for trusting me with this.”

“You’re trusting us.” It was a reminder and he was right. I was. “Seemed about time we did the same.” Then he handed me the earbuds.

When I took them from his hand, he clasped mine and reeled me in for a kiss that stole every bit of breath. A low groan tickled the back of my throat even as he devoured my mouth.

Lifting his head, he grinned down at me. “You need any help for your run?”

“Somehow, I don’t think I’d be running if you came with me.” I meant it as a bit of a joke, but he just raised his eyebrows.

“You’re probably right. We can save that for later.” Then he winked. “We’re here if you need us.”

“I know.” This time, I really did know. I backed up the hallway, still hugging the phone. The feeling carried me all the way up to get changed and trailed me into the gym when I went downstairs.

Trusting them wasn’t so bad. I just hoped we were all on the right track.

---