the way she carried herself. The way she treated the people around her.
The way she fought for her friends. Held them accountable when they were wrong.
Even if that friend was a man who killed for a living.
“Are you planning to continue training with Zeke?” Pierce opted for the elevator, not wanting to drag Mona down three flights of stairs then back up one.
“I need him to teach me how to get out of a single-shoulder carry.” She broke off a chunk of banana and popped it in her mouth.
Thank God.
“He taught you correctly.” He’d been happy to see she learned more than simply how to handle a firearm from Zeke. “But it’s best used on someone who doesn’t know the extent of your training.”
“Zeke told you what he taught me?”
“Should I warn him to be expecting another assault?” Shadow’s lead might deserve another, but not for this reason. “He did not inform me of the exact specifics of your time together.”
“Our time together?” Mona ate the last of the banana as the elevator reached its destination. “You make it sound like we had a relationship.”
To be fair, he’d considered that it might have been a possibility. “If you did then that’s your business.”
“Really?” She eyed him. “So you wouldn’t have a problem if I had something with Zeke?”
She’d slapped Zeke out of anger for what he’d done to her friend.
Not something he’d done to her.
He was sure of it.
Almost.
Mona’s brows lifted. “That doesn’t look like you wouldn’t have a problem.” She pointed in his direction. “You look like real Pierce right now.”
“Real Pierce?”
Her head moved in a barely-there nod. “There’s definitely two Pierces.”
The doors to the elevator opened.
“Bout fuckin’ time.” Abe was on the other side of the doors. “Vincent’s about to make me lost my mind.”
“I think that’s part of the skill set that earned him the position he has.” Pierce caught Mona’s hand with his, keeping her close as Abe led the way.
But not to his office.
“Why is Vincent down here?”
“Because he brought us a gift.”
“A gift that goes in the basement?” Mona’s hand tightened in his and she scooted a little closer as they walked.
“I would say it’s only a temporary stop for this particular package.” Abe turned toward the most isolated portion of the compound, his steps nearly silent as they went in spite of the weight of his boots. He stopped outside the door leading to the containment rooms. “Everyone in?”
Pierce glanced Mona’s way. Her skin was a little paler than normal, but she stood as tall as her small frame would allow.
“Everyone in.”
Abe dipped his head in a nod and swiped his badge before pulling the door open, holding it as Pierce and Mona went past. Vincent stood at the end of the hall with Shawn, Gentry, Seth, and Zeke. They all turned as Pierce came their way.
“Nice of you to finally show up.”
“I would be happy to be available if I knew of your arrival in advance.” Pierce ran his thumb over the smooth skin of Mona’s hand. “In case you didn’t realize, I have a number of things that need my attention.”
Vincent’s gaze shifted to Mona. “I’d noticed that.”
Mona snorted.
“Better watch it, Vincent.” The line of Zeke’s mouth was less flat than normal. “She’s got a wicked right hook.”
“I didn’t punch you.” Mona’s cool blue eyes fixed on Shadow’s lead. “I slapped you. And you deserved it.” Her gaze eased to Vincent. “What did you bring?”
“Not a what, Ms. Ayers.” Vincent turned toward the door to his right. “A who.” He stepped to the small window cut high on the steel plane. “We were able to use one of our team as a decoy.”
Mona’s fingertips pressed into his skin. “Is she okay?”
“She’s fine.” Vincent’s gaze moved to Pierce. “As I knew she would be.”
“You’re not using her, Vincent.” Pierce held the head of GHOST’s stare. “Not ever.”
“There will be more where this one came from.” Vincent stood tall. “And until we can find Sanders she’s still at risk.”
“She’s safe here.”
“You sure about that?” Vincent glanced at the men around him. “Seems to me I heard something about one of your men defecting.”
“And he died for it.” Pierce reached one hand into his pocket, searching for the bullet stashed there.
It was gone.
“Only because your little lady here can hold her own.” Vincent crossed his arms. “Seems a shame to waste.”
“She’s not fucking going out there.” Pierce stepped toward Vincent again, dropping Mona’s hand. “Don’t ask again.”
Shawn slowly rounded Vincent, putting himself within striking