Page 26 of Wicked Ambition

Fucking hell. “You told me you don’t like to take risks. The Russian mafia thinks you’re Iona and nothing you say will convince them that you’re not.”

“I understand that.”

Oz kept talking. “You don’t know the city. Or what areas are dangerous. Or if your sister is even still in Trujillo. You don’t know?—”

“That’s why it’s better if I work with you. You can keep me safe while I give you information about my sister. Plus, if I pick up on her, I can tell you that, too.”

“Pollita—”

“What? I know you don’t believe me about the twin link thing. No one believes it, especially after psychologists claim to have debunked it, but I promise you it’s real.”

Trying hard to keep the disbelief out of his voice, Oz said, “Even if it is real, you’re safer in this house than roaming the city. I’ll look for Iona. One of my friends is going to help me. We’ll find her. Trust me.”

Ayla took another step forward. The room was small, and it put her in the center. She held out a hand toward him. “Please. You need to understand how much Io means to me. I’ll do anything for her.Anything.”

Oz believed that. The fact Ayla was in Puerto Jardin proved it. It spoke volumes that someone who hated planes took a nine-hour flight.

He frowned, biting back a sigh. The captain put him in charge. That meant Oz was making the call. Common sense said she should remain here.

“If you leave me behind,” she said, “I will sneak out of this house and look for my sister on my own.”

“That would be fucking stupid.” Shit, he should have worded that better.

Her eyes flashed blue fire. “I’m aware of that, but I don’t care. Everyone should have a person in their life that they’re willing to do something stupid for. Iona is my sister. We not only shared a womb, we were literally one egg until we became twins. If I have to risk my life for her, that’s exactly what I’ll do. You can count on that.”

Oz knew she was determined, but he’d underestimated how determined. Her resolute disregard for her safety could be a problem.

It was an easy call to leave her at the safe house and let the captain babysit her. If she tried to escape, BD would catch her before she could get out.

Probably.

The Big Dog had his plate full running this op. There were a lot of moving pieces and multiple teammates undercover. Given what was going on, it was only a matter of time until something required BD’s attention.

And that quickly, Ayla might decide to dart out the door. If no one was around to monitor her, she’d be gone, out searching for her sister.

The same thing the Russians were doing.

She knew it was an idiot move, but she would do it anyway. Oz pushed his hair back, took a deep breath, and then studiedAyla. He saw resoluteness in her eyes, in her facial expression, in every muscle of her body.

“Fuck. You realize that you might make itharderto find your sister.”

“I won’t.” Another step forward brought her within touching distance. “I’ll do what you say. Promise.”

“I’m telling you to stay in this house.”

“Except for that.”

“I’ll take you with me to look for Iona, but I swear to God, the first time you don’t listen to me, I’m bringing you back here and handcuffing you to the bed. Are we clear?”

“Crystal. I promise you won’t regret this.”

“I already do.”

Chapter 11

The wig shop was empty except for her, Oz, and the saleswoman. Ayla sat in a chair similar to what her hair stylist in LA used. The walls were filled with mannequin heads wearing wigs of different lengths and colors.

“Well?” Oz prompted.

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