Bad Men - Piper Stone Page 0,96

another form of revenge. I’d learned just how persuasive the Specialists could be in their… creative threats. I doubted the Mancinis would dare risk an attempt on my life after the pointed warnings.

Although Diego refused to tell me in detail how the meeting was handled. Maybe I didn’t want to know.

What I had learned was the entire story about Teresa, the guilt that had almost killed Jack. He’d also told me more about how he’d been blamed for a death in Iraq, accepting the harsh punishment doled out by rogue military members. As always, he’d remained protective of those he cared about, even though he’d been betrayed by his own sergeant. The two acts had shaped him.

But he still had a heart of gold, a man who loved the beach, the freedom watching the ocean waves had given him. Coming to live in South Carolina had been the best decision for all of us.

This decision on the other hand… Ugh.

Only time would tell.

“What does our girl have up her sleeve?” Jack asked as he kissed the top of my forehead.

Shuddering, I turned around to face him, giving them both a sly look as I swished my hips back and forth.

“Uh-oh. I’m not certain we’re going to like this,” Diego huffed.

“Or her bottom isn’t going to like it later,” Jack added, a grin on his face. Since turning down some job opportunity that both he and Diego had been offered by their handler, he’d been an entirely different person. Light. Happy. Smiling.

I didn’t even know if he was the same man, but I adored him even more.

Would they be able to handle a normal life, to find solace in simply enjoying what life brought on a day to day basis? The answer wasn’t one I wanted to contemplate.

“Do you trust me?” I asked, giving them the most innocent voice that I could fake.

Both men looked at each other, hunger in their eyes as well as the blatant need to dominate. The same look I received on the majority of days.

“Confess your sins, little girl,” Diego commanded.

“Or face the consequence,” Jack added.

“You might not think about them as sins.” Or so I hoped. I took several backward steps, finally turning toward the door of the empty store. Well, almost empty. I’d taken some time in placing a few special items inside. “Just trust me.”

“Said the spider to the fly,” Diego mused.

I said a silent prayer before unlocking the door, enjoying the tinkle of the bell over the threshold. I walked inside, moving quickly to turn on a series of specialized LED lighting, the glow giving me chills the same way they had after they’d been installed. Even the music seemed perfect, the light jazz playing over the expensive stereo system adding the perfect ambiance, already telling a story that I hoped would continue to grow.

Everything had come together quickly. It certainly had helped that I had enough money to entice not only the previous owner but contractors as well. While additional work would be needed, I was proud of what I’d been able to accomplish. “Take a look.”

Jack moved inside first, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the oversized room, his gaze finally falling to the polished maple floors. “I’m confused.”

As Diego walked further inside, barely closing the door behind him, his eyes were drawn to the back wall, a single pendant light highlighting the rather primitive piece hanging on the wall.

“I’m not,” he said quietly, closing the distance to the painting. “You remembered.”

As I flanked his side, I nodded, trying to keep tears from my eyes. “You wanted a gallery to highlight local artists. While the one who shared this painting might have talent, I doubt she’ll bring in a hefty price for this scribble.”

“You’re no art critic,” Diego breathed. “It’s beautiful.”

Jack moved closer, eyeing both of us. “You bought this place?”

“I did,” I whispered.

“A dream I had, one I told Lindsey about,” Diego managed as he reached out, air tracing the signature of the artist. “Dr. Lindsey Walters. A truly stunning piece.”

“I dabble.” I bit my lip as I watched his expression, his eyes shimmering as he blinked several times.

“You’re amazing.” Diego shook his head before dragging me into his arms, brushing the tips of his rough fingers across my cheek. “And very talented. I think you should give up your other profession.”

“Not a chance, buster. I enjoy saving lives.” I shifted my gaze toward Jack, his solemn face and body language suggesting he wasn’t entirely pleased with my decision