Page 87 of Rivals & Revenge

TIERNEY

"I thought Henri said he wasn't going to help anymore."

"That's what he said. I have no idea why he gave us a heads up, but I don't see how we would have known otherwise." Ahren answered with a shrug.

"Not complaining." I said, waving him off. “Just trying to understand.”

"All I know is him sitting this one out is a win for us."

"So, he's good then."

"Yeah. He's nearly as good as you."

"Ouch." I said, the comment stinging more than my playful tone let on.

His head shook from side to side. That dark chuckle that turned my insides molten, rumbling in his chest. "Not whatI meant, Kitten."

He pushed off the cabinet, stalking toward me in slow measured steps, a predator in every sense of the word.

"Henri is nearly as good as you. That's true enough. He's also been doing this for more than two decades. He plateaued long ago, whereas you sharpen your skills with every kill."

"So, one to one, he's not a threat?" I asked, my competitive curiosity getting the better of me.

A mirthless laugh escaped him. "I didn't say that. Anyone can get lucky, Tierney. Never let yourself get too overconfident—too comfortable."

"What about this?" I asked, swirling my hand between us. I hated that small, nagging voice I couldn't quite quiet. The one that said trusting him was insanity.

"This," he said, mimicking my movements, "is your safe zone. Nothing can hurt you as long as there's breath in my lungs. I promised you I would protect you and that promise doesn't come with a fucking expiration date."

His lips pressed against mine in a tender, lingering kiss, stealing my breath and scrambling my thoughts.

"Henri is an excellent sniper, but he's pretty shit with a blade. If you have to take him on," he whispered against my lips. His hand slid along my inner thigh, hooking his finger through the finger ring of my Karambit and giving it a tug."Use one of these."

My breath caught in my throat, tangled with my reply, and all I could do was nod. My thighs squeezed together. Could my body already be ready for him?

"So, um." I shook my head, hoping to clear away these indecent thoughts. "What about the other guy that messaged you?" I asked.

"Richardson?" he asked, finally stepping away and allowing my racing heart to slow.

"He's a prick. He's a—business acquaintance. He propositioned me once, actually." Something between amusement and disgust flitted across his face before he wiped it away. "He wants to meet up and hand off some documents and keys to some properties I just bought. Apparently, my absence from work hasn't gone unnoticed, and he is refusing the final transfer until we meet in person."

"Sounds—"

"Like a trap." Larissa interrupted, finishing my thought.

He waved us off. "He's a pussy. I've looked into the eyes of enough cowards and killers to know the difference. Scotty has a big mouth, but he's all bluster, there's nothing behind it. We would be better served focusing on her."

I nodded. While I had looked into Ahren, I had only done a cursory examination of his business and didn't know the first thing about his associates. Besides, I had too much on my plate to add more by second guessing him.

"I asked Henri to look into the broker's death." He said, dropping into the chair opposite mine. "Specifically, I asked if there was anything written on the body. Who knows if he will do it? He said he wasn't going to help anymore, but then he messaged about the order."

"Wildcard." Larissa said, nodding her head thoughtfully.

Ahren shrugged.

"He's off limits. Even dead he-"

He held up his hand, halting me. "I know. Like I said, he might just blow me off."

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