Sweet Seduction Shield(75)

"Thanks," Ryan murmured. "Does he have the list yet?"

Ben's face hardened, a shutter falling down over his features.

"He'll get it to you when he does, e hoa."

"Fair enough," Ryan said with a nod of his head, and then glanced down at me. I was carrying both Daisy's and my bags, but I really wanted my hands free.

Strangely to hug the blonde woman standing before me. I'd never spontaneously offered hugs to anyone but Daisy before. Oh, and in a way Pierce. But the desire to hug Abi and thank her for all her help and support was so great, I actually took a tentative step forward.

Ben made a grunting sound and reached for the bags in my hands, relieving me of my burden. Then spun on his heel and left through the back door to the house, out onto the deck. Pierce followed with Daisy clutched securely in his arms. As soon as we were alone Abi breached the gap and wrapped her arms around me, holding me close, an embrace shared between friends.

"Thank you," I whispered into her ear.

"Don't mention it. When this is over, we'll really celebrate."

"Where is everyone?" I asked, thinking Kelly and Gen were ominously quiet.

"Pouring the tequila in the lounge." We both started chuckling at that. "Well, at least Kelly is. Gen's pining for ice cream."

"Have a drink for me," I said as I pulled back and wiped at my teary eyes.

"Better yet, I'll put a bottle aside and when you're ready we'll share it."

I nodded. I liked that idea.

"Take care, Marie. And trust him. You're his world now."

A huff of surprised breath left me, but Abi held up her hand.

"See 'em, like 'em, want 'em, take 'em. Remember?"

I nodded again, a small amused smile gracing my lips.

"Go on," the other woman encouraged. "Pierce is waiting for you by the car."

I glanced over my shoulder and looked out onto the driveway by the garage. Sure enough, he cuddled a sleeping Daisy to his chest talking quietly with Ben, the back door of the car open and waiting.

"Say thanks to everyone else for me?" I asked as I began to walk toward the back door.

"Sure thing, Tiger," Abi said, humour lacing every word. I rolled my eyes at her being aware of Ryan's nickname for me. I was beginning to think nothing was sacred or taboo with these women. But rather than shock or anger me, it simply made me smile.

I slipped into the back seat of the car so Ryan could hand me Daisy's sleeping form. He leaned in and buckled us both securely, but with Daisy's hand curled into the warmth of my palm she didn't even stir. His eyes caught mine for a moment before he pulled back out of the rear, shutting the door behind him. A manly handshake and back thump for both men, and then he was in the driver's side and starting the car. This one a black luxury four wheel drive; for a loaner Nick didn't skimp.

It was several minutes later, after I realised we weren't heading directly to Gulf Harbour but in a round about route that encompassed half of South Auckland and a hell of a lot of West Auckland as well, that I spoke. Ryan had probably remained silent for Daisy's sake, I'd not been talkative because my mind was still reeling at the rapid changes in my life.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my eyes scanning the scenery outside my window.

"Just making sure we're not being followed," Ryan answered, voice low; still thinking of a sleeping Daisy.

I let a long breath of air out at the reality his answer brought.

"You think Ben and Abi's place was compromised already?"

"Yeah. Andrews shouldn't have been aware we were at the Birdcage," he said in way of reply, his eyes darting up to the rear vision mirror to catch mine.

"Who?" I whispered, unable to finish the question. Who had betrayed us.

"I don't know, Marie. But Nick is looking into it."

"The list you mentioned to Ben."

He frowned, clearly unhappy with the whole situation.

"I trust Nick implicitly. I'd trust him with my life." Eyes up to the mirror again. "With yours and Daisy's," he added, giving weight to his words. "But there's a leak somewhere. Maybe not necessarily within ASI's immediate structure, but somewhere along the way someone told someone else and they are the ones who've betrayed us."

Nick wouldn't have liked that thought. I'd only known the man briefly, but I got an incredible sense of loyalty and morality from him. He would not like the idea that the leak had come from within his team. No wonder Ben had shut down on Ryan's query.

"He's like a disease," I whispered, leaning into Daisy's sleeping form. "He infects everything his name comes in contact with."

Ryan didn't need to ask who I was talking about, I could see the comprehension in his eyes, reflected in the mirror on the windscreen.