were left behind, so it has to be in their personal belongings.”
“Were the phones checked?” Wrath’s voice held the hard edge common when his men had screwed-up. Thankfully, those moments were rare.
“Dammit. It’s on me, Wrath. We’ll get that done right away, although it’s a little late.” Ghost motioned for Gunner to join him, explaining about the phones. “Gunner’s on it.”
“We should relocate them to another safe house before Ricca has a chance to act. It’s too dangerous to keep them there.”
Ghost looked into the living room, unsurprised to see Katrina, Teri, and Brady watching him. “Not yet, Wrath. This place is highly fortified, with few openings to enter and exit. It’s a defensible location. There’s also the panic room we added a few months ago. If you’re right about Ricca and Amato, they are two men against our eight. We’ll never get better odds.”
Wrath understood Ghost’s reasoning. Knowing they’d been discovered, the Brethren could make preparations for foiling any strike by Ricca and his cousin. Moving would present a new set of unknowns.
“It’s time to close this down, Ghost. What do you need from me?”
Ghost mentally ticked off the men onsite. All were experienced in direct action missions, close combat, and unconventional warfare. Gunner, Banner, and Bas were expert snipers, and Fargo in EOD explosives. Boomer was their backup medic. And Cowboy? The former team commander was more than expert in a number of skills, including tactical and strategic mission planning. The fact was, Cowboy’s background matched up to Wrath’s. Ghost couldn’t ask for a better team.
“Nothing except Raider’s computer skills. I’ll get the team together and explain what we know and what to expect.”
“Let me know if you need anything.” Wrath ended the call, leaving Ghost to meet with the men, and Gunner to explain what they could to the Snowdens.
Gunner rested an arm over Katrina’s shoulders, pulling her close as they sat next to each other in the cool evening air. The home had a lovely back patio dotted with bright potted plants. Someone had taken time keeping up the appearance of a cherished home. The only clue the house wasn’t quite what it appeared was the men holding assault rifles several feet away.
“How are you doing?” Gunner’s concerned gaze washed over her, noting the lines of worry at the corners of her eyes and mouth.
“Good, considering we’re in a safe house and the Chicago Mob wants us dead.” The attempt at humor fell flat, the false smile falling away.
“Not quite what I expected, either.” His fingers brushed over the bare flesh of her neck and shoulder.
“What did you expect?”
His attention moved to Bas and Banner, two tough as nail operatives he trusted with protecting his woman. His woman. The words didn’t make him flinch. They felt right, as did the woman next to him.
“After our night together?” His grin sliced through her, causing trembles of desire to pool deep in her core. “I’d hoped for another night just like it. Actually, several more, Kat.” Kissing her temple, he leaned back, head moving from side to side. Watchful. Ready to spring into action.
“It was pretty wonderful.” Leaning into him, she splayed her hand on his thigh, feeling the heat through the fabric of his jeans.
“Wonderful. That’s the best you can do?”
She chuckled at the look of feigned hurt on his face. “All right. Spectacular. Life changing. The best ever.”
“Better.”
“And?” Her caramel eyes met his deep blue ones.
His brows drew together. “And?”
Blowing out a sigh, she squeezed his thigh. “How was it for you, Luke?”
Eyes widening in understanding, a grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “Spectacular. Life changing. The best ever.”
Laughter burst from her. “Such a creative man.”
“Damn right.”
“And so arrogant.”
“Guilty.” Leaning down, he brushed a kiss over her lips, fighting the urge to do more. He’d brought her outside to relieve the tension rolling off her, not jump her like a horny teenager. “When this is over, we’re going to spend a lot of time together.”
“Is that so?”
“Hell yes, it’s so.”
“You do know we’ll be spending a lot of time together at the nursery. Well, except for those times you’re saving another woman being hunted by bad people. Or making a run with stolen goods.” The last was said without a hint of humor.
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Kat.”
“Not my fault, Luke. You’re the one with secrets.” All of hers had been dragged to life after Einstein’s visit with Chaos. “When you’re ready to share, then we may have some sort of chance.”
Tightening