Page 94 of The Firebrand
“Sure it is. You’ve been at it a few hours. It takes me two days. Let’s call it quits.” Nico closed her laptop. “Join us at the Hangout.”
What the hell. I can’t brood all the time.I’m either part of this team or I’m not.
“Sure. I have a few things to do before I leave. Thanks.”
The bar on First was near their offices. By the time Braelyn arrived, the others had been there for a while. She recognized the men playing pool, along with several who were about to throw fists over the rules for darts. From what she heard, first guy hit the bullseye with a dart and second guy knocked it out when he chucked his. She stifled a giggle.
I guess all aggressive guys compare dicks whether they’re Alliance agents or Firebrands. No competition is too small.
She ordered a whiskey neat at the bar. When she spotted Nico, he waved, pointing to the empty seat beside him. Smiling, she nodded a greeting to all before pulling out a chair.
“You did well today, rookie,” said Rick. He was on her security detail, but he’d also assisted with this morning’s raid.
“Thanks, but it would have been nice if the guy had walked out alive.”
“At least we got him, but we’ll continue to watch the factory. Our plant there thinks he was the only worker making the duplicates, though. Here’s to the operation.” Rick raised his mug.
Glasses clinked all around. “That’s gotta be your fifth toast to the same mission, Rick,” said another operative from this morning.
“I plan to guzzle a few more.”
Braelyn ordered a second whiskey while enjoying the small talk with the guys who sat near her. When she placed her hands on the table, pushing out of the chair to leave, Nico rose, along with tonight’s protection detail.
With her shadows following, Nico walked beside her, reviewing what they might have done differently during today’s operation.
He’s all business.
At Braelyn’s apartment, the two bodyguards stayed downstairs while Nico tagged along in the elevator. She put her key in the door. When she pivoted to thank the team leader, he surprised her by tilting her chin up. He bent, crushing his lips to hers.
Nico was like warm, fresh-baked bread. A pleasant breeze. She recalled another kiss, a demanding, savage one that spoke of exotic spices, wild storms, shivering caresses. Under other circumstances, the Alliance agent might tempt her. Maybe after some time passed. But not today. A Firebrand warrior still held her heart.
Braelyn backed away, a palm on his chest, a gentle push. She wanted to be clear but kind. “I’m not ready for a relationship, Nico.”
“I drank a few too many, but I like you. Do I stand a chance sometime?”
“I like you, too, Nico, but not in that way. I’m sorry.”
“Hey, you have nothing to be sorry about. This is on me.”
Suddenly, Nico’s face paled as he dropped to the floor. Next thing she knew, a hand grabbed her throat and slammed her into the wall.
****
Silaslingered in the doorway, combing nervous fingers through his long, tangled white hair.
“Celene Bailey is at the other stockade in number five.” Aisen glanced up from his records to answer his brother.
The vampire had no recollection of his time in the strangling grip of the bludfrenzy. He had relapsed, coming out of the haze less than an hour ago. He knew only that he had fed. Worried he had killed a human captive, perhaps this Celene, he questioned Aisen.
Sometimes when he stirred from the fog, he was hugging a corpse to his chest. Other times he awakened with his hands still squeezing the neck of a female, her face pale, her mouth agape with wordless pleas, her eyes bulging. Today, he roused alone in bed, his clothes soaked in blood, his body in need of a shower. Aisen, trying to be a good brother, had probably removed his dinner.
There was always a black hole in his memory along with the thirst for another victim. Had his life ever been different? He thought so, but was uncertain.
Silas wiped a sweaty, worried brow, thankful the female was not here where he could have fed from her. “She is one we seek. I called the boss after her lab report arrived. He arranged for her transfer to a cabin in Harrow Swamp. The long-term quarters there will be more comfortable.”
“Finally, we have one. This is good news.”
“Not just one, Aisen. Two. A Jace de Vries has tested positive. We are to house her with this Celene.”
