Page 86 of Triple Power Play 3
I take a sip of my latte, easing the lump in my throat, lick the foam from my lip, and force a grin in Reece’s direction. I wrap my arms around his neck. “Do you want to share?” I trail kisses along his defined jawline.
“Aurora,” he growls low.
Too bad I have to save that panty-melter for later. “A man is staring at us,” I whisper. “He’s sitting at the counter.”
“I saw—I’m keeping watch.”
“I know him from Kyle’s party. He dated Emily.”
His body stiffens, and I recall Charlie’s words about me being threatened. The gravity of the situation sinks in, and a wave of dizziness comes over me. This is more than one of Kyle’s associates recognizing me.
Reece removes his dog tags from his shirt, letting them fall to his chest, and adjusts the chain. He cups the back of my head. “You’re safe, angel. He can’t do shit with me here.” The sharp edge to his tone offers little reassurance.
I meet his intense gaze. “What does he want?”
His nostrils flare, and he clenches his jaw to the point where the muscle bulges. “To intimidate you. Pretend you don’t see him.” His hands cradle my face, and he presses a kiss to my lips. “Eat. I’m going to send a few texts. Everything is okay.”
Then why does he have a murderous glint in his eyes?
I eat but taste nothing. Anxiety cramps become intolerable, and I clutch my stomach. Reece slides his phone into his pocket, and with his hand gripping mine, we head to the counter to settle the bill.
The man stands and approaches. Reece’s arm comes around my waist, and his massive body moves to shield me.
“Special Agent Crombie.” Baldy nods in acknowledgment. “Mrs. O’Reilly,” he pauses, his gaze lingering on my body. “Tell your husband I said hello.”
40
REECE
“Who told you not to tell me anything?” Aurora’s face is pale, her voice wobbly. She’s putting the pieces together and is on the verge of a meltdown. “It was Ethan, wasn’t it?”
She’s not an idiot. She knows Hugo’s parting words were a threat. He wants Jax to know he’s following his wife and got close enough to talk to her. Couple that with Jax’s erratic behavior, and I’m surprised she hasn’t had a panic attack, fearing he’s in danger.
I give her a pointed glance. “Who else is in charge of this family?”
“Fucking bullshit,” she mutters.
We’re on our way to the game in Jackson’s armored SUV, my partner and another agent following close behind. Not that I’m concerned. It’s more of a show of force.
Without support from the LAPD, Hugo is powerless. He would’ve never made police chief if not for Kyle’s corruption, and going after a federal agent would be career suicide.
Hugo is nervous and desperate, driving him to pursue Aurora. We’ve found nothing that suggests his authoritystretches beyond LA. He may have a few politicians in his back pocket, but none who’ll impede Homeland Security.
In situations like these, walking the line sucks ass, but now is not the time to go rogue. I need my team behind me to protect Aurora—and Jax—and eliminate men like Hugo.
Besides, I’ve got Ethan for the shady shit.
I take her hand and kiss her knuckles. Again, I should’ve seated her in the back, but I worried the isolation would upset her further.
“Angel, it’s okay?—”
She cuts me off with a scathing glare. “No! It’s not okay!” She yanks her hand from mine. “Do you know how stupid I feel? I’m living in a dream world, being spoiled, thinking we’re safe to go on dates while you’re placating me, distracting me like a child.”
Her voice breaks, and I pull into the first parking spot I find. I throw the vehicle into park and unbuckle my seat belt. Charlie drives by, likely to circle the block until I’m ready.
I cup her face and draw her angry gaze to mine. “You’ve been worked up lately. We’re reducing your sugar intake.”
She attempts to twist away. “Don’t. Just take me home.”
