risk this could pose to you?”
“What’s done is done. I’ll sort things out with my boss. Believe me, worse has happened. You need this, and I’m here to help you.”
He spoke with so much certainty it was hard to not believe him. Was he lying? Or was he living in some reality where the occasional bloody shooting and car chase were considered normal? Should she have done more homework before calling him?
“If you don’t have a better plan, I say we head to Eagle Tech. That other team will be behind us. With one guy injured, they can’t move as fast as we can. It stands to reason we can stay a step ahead of them.”
It sounded so good. Was it because she wanted to believe him? She wanted out so badly. A part of her wanted Elias to have all the answers and be her shining knight, swooping in to rescue her. Too bad she knew reality never played out that way. Still, it had been a long time since she had hope.
“What do you say, Jo?” he asked.
She sighed and turned her head to meet his gaze. “I trust you. Probably more than myself right now.”
Elias nodded. “Then it’s decided.”
“Do I get a say?” Isaac huffed.
She turned and arched a brow at him. “Do you have a better plan?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “No.”
“Okay then, let’s go with the plan that holds water.” She settled back into her seat, feeling a bit lighter. God, it would be one hell of a Christmas present if this all actually worked out...
THURSDAY. SECONDARY Aegis Group Safe House, Seattle, Washington.
Elias smoothed his hand down his tie and stared at his reflection. He’d thought he wouldn’t have to wear a suit for another week or two. It was almost a disappointment to have to put the thing on. Still, he needed to play a role and out of the three of them he had a better chance of speaking the language of the rich.
Surveilling Eagle Tech all morning and most of the afternoon hadn’t taught them much about the business. There was little foot traffic in or out. They appeared to be operating at reduced manpower due to the holidays, but that was expected. Mostly he’d listened while Isaac and Jo tossed ideas back and forth about how to do this approach.
In the end, Elias’ first plan still seemed like their best bet for not only getting in the door, but achieving their goal. He still wasn’t certain helping Jo acquire this experimental tech was the best idea. What if she was forced to turn it over? What then?
Elias’ skin prickled, and he paused in straightening his tie.
This safe house was smaller, just a three-bedroom condo usually kept ready for teams that needed a place to crash. Elias had brought them here to grab some more equipment and to use as their staging point. It also had very thin walls.
Jo stalked into the room like a caged wildcat. She had her phone in hand and was turning it this way and that without looking at it. She still hadn’t forgiven him from outvoting her when it came to playing his assistant.
“Just stick to the plan, okay?” Jo said, as if he was the one that needed that reminder.
He studied her, noting the slight stress line on her brow and the tenseness around her mouth. “I will. Can you?”
She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Just get your ass in there already, okay?”
“Hey?” Elias reached out and took her hand. It was the first time he’d touched her since being in bed together. His skin tingled, heightening his awareness of her. “We’re going to put this whole thing to bed, and then you’ll be able to do whatever you want to do, okay?”
The stress line eased, and she smiled. “Does that offer for coffee still stand?”
The simple question kicked him in the gut. “Of course.”
“Would you wear an apron?” Her smile grew into a grin.
Elias rolled his eyes. “Why not?”
“Okay. Just be careful and listen.” She tipped her chin up and stared into his eyes.
He held his breath, captivated by her strength and beauty.
She reached up, cupping the back of his head, and went up on tip-toe. Their lips met in a brief, hard kiss. His head was still spinning when she took a quick step away from him.
Jo fixed him with a haughty, commanding look. “We’ve got unfinished business, so I expect you to do this quickly. Got it?”
Elias nodded, his