Page 27 of Fourth Point Of Contact

“Who says I’m running?”

“You started walking faster.”

“Maybe I’m just trying to get through the airport to catch my flight.”

She choked out a laugh that was anything but delicate. “Sure. I’ll believe that when you explain why you’ve got muscles upon muscles, look like you’re ready to kill someone, and you haven’t stopped checking out a single person in the airport.”

“I’m wearing sunglasses,” I reminded her. “How the hell did you?—”

She sighed heavily. “Years of studying men. It’s sad but true. I have a thing for eyes. I tend to stare at them, and I can see yours through the sides of your glasses. Beautiful eyes, by the way.”

I glanced over at her, wondering if maybe I had picked up some psycho stalker instead of a woman in need. I could have sworn she was on the run from someone, but now, I worried she was simply looking for a man to take home and screw.

“Stop talking and get moving. They’re closing in,” Nick snapped in my ear.

“Sorry about this, lady, but we’re gonna have to pick up the pace.”

“Piper,” she corrected. “Won’t that sort of give away the game?”

I glanced to my right and spotted movement in my peripheral. “Can’t give away the game if they’re already onto you.”

I slid my hand into hers and gave a squeeze to signal we were moving. There was a crowd of people headed straight for us. It was the perfect opportunity to lose our tail.

“Ready?”

“I was born ready.”

I grinned at her enthusiasm and headed straight for the crowd, not stopping when they shot me dirty looks. As soon as they closed ranks behind us, we took off. I thought I would have to tug her behind me, but instead, she kept up just fine.

“Take your next right,” Nick ordered.

“Hang a right,” I said, surprised when she did as I said. She had to be the most willing woman I’d ever been around. Rarely did a woman do as she was told without arguing. “Faster!”

She picked up the pace, not even complaining as her heels clacked on the floor, drawing more attention than necessary.

“Get me an exit!” I shouted to Nick just as a piece of luggage tipped over right in front of me. I leapt over it, not breaking my stride.

“Who are you talking to?” Piper asked.

“A friend. Keep moving!”

“Uh…how do you feel about a private jet?” Nick asked.

“Whatever. Just get me there.”

“Get you where?” Piper asked.

“Straight ahead about fifty yards. I’ll meet you on the tarmac,” Nick said.

“Where’s Chase?”

“Dealing with a complication,” he said.

“I hope you like traveling in style,” I said to Piper, glancing over my shoulder just in time to see a young girl stumble into the path of the men chasing us. When one of the men grabbed her arm, she screamed loudly.

“Help! He’s assaulting me!”

I grinned as a swarm of male travelers rushed to her aid, grabbing the men chasing us and giving her an opportunity to slip away.

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