Page 77 of Protect Thy Enemy

The space is cold and dark, with the faint smell of oil and dust hanging in the air. It’s quiet for now. But this was no coincidence. I watched Williams lose them a few times, and Tate cut them off a couple more. There’s no absolute way for them to know where this place was or for them to still be able to tail us.

Unless this is an inside job.

Williams glances at me, her expression unreadable. “What now?”

“Now,” I say, my voice low, “we wait.”

“What about Tate and Park?” she asks after she sets down the groaning senator on the couch, her voice low enough only for us to hear.

“They’re holding their position. They won't move until we do.”

“How do you know that? How do you know the people who followed us didn’t see them? They could be sitting ducks, for all we know. We can’t just leave them.”

I stare at her, seeing genuine concern for them on her face. “Tate is more than capable of getting himself out of tricky situations, trust me. And they won’t go after them. I doubt they even realized they were being tailed. They were too focused on backingusinto a corner. I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out yet, Rookie.”

“Figure what out?”

“You heard Shaw earlier. Only a handful of people know the location of this warehouse. Two of them are standing here, so that leaves…”

“Shaw.” Understanding, then a dark calm settles over her body as she glances back at the senator. I would hate to be on the other end of that icy glare. “You think he’s in on it?”

I shake my head. “Something tells mehewouldn’t let himself be shot.”

Thankfully, it doesn’t take long for the man I expect to show. Shaw walks in with Cruz, the man from earlier. His polished shoes click against the concrete floor, a creaking noise following his every step.

Cruz trails close, his hand hovering near his belt as if itching to prove a point. However, there’s an edge to both of their expressions that wasn’t there the last time we met.

“He’s alive, by the way, if you were wondering,” I drawl, watching their every move.

“Well, well,” Shaw drawls, a thin smile playing on his lips. “I take it you knew I was coming?”

I fold my arms, keeping my posture casual, though my senses are anything but relaxed. “I had an idea.”

Shaw’s smile widens, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “And here I thought I was unpredictable. Clearly, I underestimated you.”

“What’s the point of this, Shaw?” My voice sharpens, and I take a step forward, cutting through the false pleasantry bullshit. “I don’t take kindly to being set up. Especially not when I’m withmy wife.”

His eyebrows lift at that, amusement flickering across his face. “Hmm, I understand. That’s punishable by death from where I’m from.” Shaw’s tone is laced with intrigue as if daring me to try.

If it wasn’t for my mission, I would.

Before I can respond, Cruz moves, his hand darting toward his weapon. But Arden is faster. Her Glock is drawn in a fluid motion and aimed directly at his head.

A rush of pride swells in my chest, inexplicable but undeniable. She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t waver. And now I see why Harris was adamant about sending her here with me and having her by my side. Not just because she’s capable but because she’s relentless.

Shaw glances at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he schools it back to neutral. “Impressive. But unnecessary.” He raises a hand to still Cruz, who reluctantly lowers his hand, though his glare remains fixed on Arden. I don’t like it one fucking bit.

“What’s your game here?” I press, keeping my focus locked on Shaw. “Trying to test our loyalty by putting your client in danger? Funny way to conduct business.”

“The senator deserved it,” Shaw says with a shrug as if we’re discussing the weather. “He thought he could go behind my back, reach out to the Russians, and cut me out of the deal. A lesson had to be taught.”

My jaw tightens. “And we’re the pawns in your little fucked-up game.” It takes great strength not to put a bullet straight through his skull. Mission be damned.

“Call it a trial run,” Shaw counters, his smile returning. He tosses a bag at my feet. It lands with a heavy thud, the sound of cash unmistakable. “Consider yourselves hired.”

Cruz finally lowers his hand completely, but Arden doesn’t move. Her gun remains trained on him, her stance unwavering.

Shaw eyes her with a smirk. “Tell your wife to stand down, Mr. Smith. Unless you’d prefer this to escalate.”

---