Power and Possession(76)
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
“Yeah. So. Here’s the plan,” Rafe said. “We have to be in Geneva no later than two. Ganz needs to check some of the corporate computers to make sure they’re secure. I’m leaving you behind to take care of any missed tails on Ganz. We’ll meet you in Geneva whenever you break free.”
“Couple days, I’d say. Once they know they’ve lost Ganz and three of their men, if any of the team is left, they’ll wait for new orders. These people aren’t allowed to operate independently.”
Rafe laughed. “Unlike Ganz. I’m surprised he lasted in Shanghai as long as he did.”
“He was their star player, their prima donna. They were willing to bend a little for him, give him a little leash.”
“But not enough.”
“You don’t have to tell me about the price of freedom,” Carlos said drily. “I’ve seen a helluva lot of people die for it.”
“Including Ganz’s father.” Rafe exhaled. “That was unnecessary; dumb as hell because Ganz is going to pay off that score in spades. As soon as he’s done with us, he’s going on the offensive. Speaking of settling scores, do you have enough men? We can send some down from Geneva.”
“We’re fine.” Carlos chuckled. “Monaco is too rich an area for the squads after Ganz. They don’t blend in. They need better clothes.”
“Next assassin manual. Item one. You tell them.”
Carlos laughed. “No way. I love those cheap windbreakers. They might as well have a sign on their foreheads. I gotta go. Malcolm just walked in. Ciao.”
Dropping his phone, Rafe noticed Nicole standing in the doorway. “Hey, baby. Have you been here long?”
“Not long. I didn’t want to interrupt your call.”
He tapped his phone. “Done.” He smiled. “Don’t you look fine. Perfect fit, perfect babe, come”—he patted his lap—“tell me what you liked best.”
Rafe could have been a surfer, barefoot in shorts and a T-shirt, his hair pulled back in a messy ponytail, untidy bits of dark hair sticking out in disarray. But even dressed down, he was breathtakingly beautiful; not a single imperfection marred his flawless face and graceful, muscled body.
As Nicole approached, Rafe held out his arms and grinned. “Jump. I’ll catch you.”
Without hesitation, she did.
And he laughed out loud as he caught her. “You’re my lovely wild thing, aren’t you?”
She grinned from up close. “You make it supergratifying, Contini.”
He dipped his head and brushed a kiss down her nose. “You are so awesome.” Then he dragged in a breath and got his shit together before he went off the rails about how awesome she was and made everything more complicated. “We have to get out of here soon. That okay with you?” He smiled. “You understand only one answer is allowed.”
“Where?”
“Geneva. Ganz has to lock down the software at corporate. Better safe than sorry, he says. Although he’s been building barricades in triplicate this morning, closing even the most insignificant access points in our systems. He’s headed them off at the pass.” Rafe held up crossed fingers. “So far.”
“Good.” She smiled. “So take me and my new wardrobe anywhere. Thanks, by the way. The gifts were outrageously too much, but beautiful. You shouldn’t have done it, of course. I kinda mean it. Even though I love everything.”
“I’m glad.” He ran a fingertip down the front of her dress, lingering briefly over one nipple. “You look nice. Umm… that feels nice.” He grinned. “Do I have to get through panties or have you left me easy access?”
“You’re not getting through anything with a room full of people watching.”
“They’re busy. They won’t even notice if you don’t scream.”
She tensed. “Don’t you dare.”
He grinned. “You can’t say that to me. Seriously, I take it personally.”
She tried to swing her legs onto the floor.
His hand came out, clamped on her legs, and pulled her back. “Now, panties or not? Yes or no?”
“Yes. New ones. Expensive ones. Ones you better not tear.”
“Then I’ll slip in from the side.”
“You’ll do no such thing. I will scream if you so much as touch me—”
“Here?” he whispered, brushing her clit every so lightly.
She stifled a gasp.
“What about here?” He added a finger and slid both digits inside palm deep.
She began to tremble. “Please, Rafe.” She swallowed hard. “Don’t, oh God, don’t do that,” she breathed, flame-hot desire swelling through her senses.