Chapter 11

Stephanie's POV

I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being followed, and I kept looking back, needing to reassure myself that we were moving away from the feeling of evil that surrounded King Daje. My skin crawled when I was anywhere near him, and I for one would be thrilled when the bastard was firmly in hand and my part of this whole thing was done. I lost count of the number of times I'd turned around to look behind us, but when I turned once more, I got a good look at the face of the dead guard as his head landed face down on the rear window. I couldn't stop the scream that escaped.

Kye's oath told me he was aware of the situation as well. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and turned to hide my face in his chest.

I knew what this meant. The king wanted us to know that he was watching us, and he wanted everyone else to know that he could get to us at any time. I had no intention of letting this keep me from the job I knew I had to do. I sat up and caught a split-second glance at the man on the motorcycle following us. I smiled grimly. He was the only one with enough skill to get to anyone, anywhere. I suspected Ranger and his men were just as capable, but I knew they were working with us on this one, and Thor was the only one working on the other side so he could slip us the necessary intel. I would definitely owe him when this was over.

I noticed the frown on Tina's face as we made a mad dash through the streets of London. "What's wrong?"

She turned to face me. "I just don't want anything bad to happen to Jason for helping me. I didn't think of the possibilities when I dragged him into this."

Jason snorted from the front seat.

He was looking at us in the rearview mirror. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, lovie. Don't worry about that head there. Although, it's sticking to the taxi, when it should have fallen right off the back window."

I sighed. "That's Thor's doing. He probably put super glue or some other sticky substance on the bloody thing so when it hit the window, it would stick. It's like a gang marking its territory in the States. We have to make sure no one associates us with the head."

Jason swore. "I think I might know a way of making that happen."

I grinned. "That would be good."

He nodded. "Hang onto your butts." He burst out laughing, and we all looked at him as if he might have gone off the deep end, before he continued, "I've always wanted to say that. Ever since Jurassic Park came out."

I rolled my eyes and replied, "Just as long as you make sure no one can trace us to the car. When A and I get back to headquarters, we'll make sure the car is found."

Jason frowned. "They'll put me with the car right off. It's registered as my hire car."

Tina snorted. "Just call it in stolen."

Jason nearly sideswiped another car as he turned to look at her. "I could lose my job if I did that. It's signed out to me."

My eyes narrowed. "What make and model is this car?"

"It's the latest model. A two thousand thirteen Volkswagen Up."

I looked over at Kye, silently asking a question.

Kye winced before giving me an answering nod.

Turning back to Jason, I said, "I know where there's a car you can use as a replacement. We'll ditch this one and wipe it clean of everything, and then we'll get you set up in the other vehicle."

Jason hesitated. After several tense seconds, he sighed. "We don't really have a choice, do we, love?"

"Not really. But at least this way, you can put it off on someone else trying to pull a fast one on you if anyone finds out, and it would be very bad if they did."

"Well then, we just need to make sure no one does."

Three hours later, we'd disposed of the black cab that Jason was driving and made our way back into London. We went a roundabout way, making sure we weren't followed, and once we were in the clear, we took Jason to the garage where the other vehicle was being stored.

Kye had us wait a short distance away while he went in, driving the car back to where we were waiting. We piled in and headed for an old abandoned warehouse on the docks. We went to work on altering the vehicle so it was a twin of the car Jason had disposed of.

It was a long, tedious process to get the car outfitted so that no one would be able to tell the difference between the car that we were looking at and the one that we'd left behind. To make sure that no one would find out, Jason attached the piece de resistance.

It was while Tina and I were polishing the back that she stepped in closer to me and said, "Steph, I need to tell you… After all of you left the other night and I was closing up the club, I overheard Henry talking with Critter. I saw Henry hand him a wad of money, and he told Critter that he did his part, even though the prince got pinched. He told Critter the king would triple it if he could tell him where his brother was being taken. Critter told Henry he'd know as soon as he himself found out."

My eyes narrowed. With the photo I'd seen of Critter and Henry together in Millicent's flat, this piece of information was what I needed to prove Critter was the mole in the office. I'd need to be careful in how I passed this information on. After all, if Henry found out someone saw him paying off Critter, he'd go after Tina as the likely witness.

Once we were done fitting out the car, we piled inside, and Jason drove us back to the hotel so we could collect our bikes and make our way home.

I was willing to leave the bikes there, but if we did that, then people might question why they were there all night instead of just the eight hours they'd already been there. We had our story all ready, and when Jason let us out several blocks from the hotel, we waved goodbye to our friends and started walking in the direction of the hotel.

As Kye and I neared the Park Plaza County Hall, I had the impression we were being watched. I glanced around without making it look like I was searching for anyone. We were nearly to the door when I caught movement from the corner of my eye and worked it so I was able to look in that direction without anyone suspecting anything.

I felt a cold chill race down my spine as I got a good look at the man watching us from the shadows. Without stopping to explain, I tugged on Kye's hand and got us into the lobby of the hotel post haste.

We had just entered the hotel when Hector stepped up to us, placing a finger to his lips, and indicated we should follow him. When we got up to the penthouse suite, he opened the door, motioning for us to precede him inside.

Ranger was sitting in a chair, facing the door. He was leaned back with his arms resting on the arms of the chair, and his eyes were narrowed, one ankle resting on the knee of the other leg.

The door clicked shut behind us, making me feel as if I'd been summoned before the principal as Tank and Lester walked into the room.

Ranger motioned to a piece of paper on the coffee table in front of him.

I rolled my eyes before moving forward to see what he was in such a snit about. I picked up the photo, and there for the world to see was the head attached to the rear window of the black cab. Our only saving grace was the tinted windows so no one actually knew who was inside.

I tossed the photo back on the table and shrugged. "We knew this was going to be dodgy. After all, both men are rotters."

Ranger looked up till his gaze met mine. I felt the tingle on the back of my neck and had to force myself not to put my hand up and rub the area. This was a Ranger I hadn't come face to face with before. From the background search I'd run on him with my father's search program, I knew the man before me was the most dangerous man I'd yet to meet. I now understood why the general had said this man had the ability to make a hardened general shit his pants when confronted with his inner beast.

I did the best I could to look relaxed, not letting on that I was affected in any way. When he stood abruptly and stepped toward where Kye and I were standing, I locked my knees in place so they wouldn't betray the true extent of how I was holding up.

I felt Kye's hand on my lower back and flicked a grateful look in his direction.

Ranger stopped directly in front of me. His hands were down at his sides, but our fronts were pressed up against each other. He was looking down at me.

The tingling was magnified. I felt the effect of him all the way to my doodah.

Without turning away from me, he said, "Agent A, why don't you go with Hector and see what Woody has learned about the man following the two of you."

My eyes widened slightly.

Kye stood where he was.

Ranger turned and drilled him with a cold look. "That wasn't a request. If you're going to take part in this plan, you need to follow orders."

Kye looked to me, and I nodded, letting him know I would be just fine. He looked over to Ranger and replied, "I'm sure you would do no less in making sure your partner was protected."

Ranger gave a slight nod. "Duly noted."

I watched as Kye and Hector left the room. As if by magic, once the door closed, Tank and Lester seemed to vanish as well.

Turning back to Ranger, I could see that his eyes had dilated and he'd moved a fraction closer, if that were possible. I felt the excitement of his nearness as he leaned down and whispered, "These men aren't playing games, Babe. Daje has marked you to let you know he can get to you anytime, anywhere. Thor might be working this from the inside, but when it comes right down to it, he'll sacrifice you for the mission."

I closed my eyes, once again seeing the head of the dead man against the window of the taxi. After a second's pause, I opened my eyes as I lifted my head to meet his gaze. "I think we managed to make sure no one will know just who was marked by that head."

He leaned in closer, his hot breath wafting onto my cheek and neck as he said, "You'd better hope that you did. Otherwise, all of you could wind up dead before this is over."

I rolled my eyes and went to make a smart comeback, but I didn't have a chance. He swooped down and took me by surprise. His lips covered mine as he greedily took possession of my mouth. After the first initial shock of surprise, my arms went around his neck, and I didn't even think to put the brakes on when he lifted me in his arms and moved through the suite.

The first hint I had that we'd moved from our position was the softness of the bed beneath me. Ranger followed me down, and I felt his body press into mine. All the animosity I'd felt for him seemed to evaporate, and I knew it was these feelings of attraction that I'd been fighting all along.

I was lost in the heat of our kiss until I felt a sudden coolness, and then his hand was on my breast. I stilled and tried to pull back, but his mouth continued its sweet torment of mine. It wasn't until I felt his hand inside my shorts that reality set in and I struggled in earnest.

Ranger paused and moved back so he could look down at me. I used the opportunity to bring my arms up, covering my exposed breasts. At first, I thought he might not pay attention to the halt I'd put on things. Then his expression changed to a sneer and he pushed himself off me and stood. There was derision in his eyes as he said, "I didn't take you for a tease, Babe."

Even though he never touched me, I felt the slap all the same. I lifted my chin as I hardened my gaze. "And I didn't take you for some randy teenager who can't keep it in his pants. Guess we were both wrong on this one."

He made a move, and for a second, I thought he was going to do something we'd both regret. He seemed to get hold of himself rather quickly, clenching his hands he moved away from the bed. He pulled his billfold out of his pocket and opened it, fingering several bills before pulling them out and stopping at the dresser. Without turning around, he set the money on the dresser and said, "I know we didn't finish, but this is for services rendered. Of course, next time, I'll expect to get my money's worth."

Without looking back to see if his words had hit their mark, he walked out of the room.

I wanted to curl up and die, but I forced myself to get off the bed and quickly dressed. Once I was sure my appearance was beyond reproach, I left the bedroom, not even glancing at the dresser with the wad of bills on it, and headed for the exit.

I wanted done with this damn job and everything—and everyone—connected. I would be happy if I never set eyes on the king, prince, and especially that bastard Manoso ever again. All that was left for Kye and me to do was to stop at Whiskey Mist to make sure the trap was set, and then we were done. Manoso and his crew would then make a show of leaving London and taking Raje back to the States.

I was relieved not to run into anyone as I made my way from the suite. I did hear Lester talking on the phone, and at the mention of my friend's name, I could only hope that he wasn't as big of a bastard as his boss. I'd let Tina know to be careful, but whether she wanted to see him or not would be up to her.

As I shut the door behind me, the elevator doors opened. Woody and Kye stepped out, and one look at my partner's face told me he knew something was wrong, but my need to get away was too strong, and I didn't even stop to say anything to them. As I entered the elevator, I heard Kye call for me to wait up. I kept going.

The doors opened on the lobby room floor, and I hurried toward the exit. I'd just stepped out of the building when a flash caught my eye. I turned and, at the last minute, ducked as a shot rang out.

Tina's POV

Jason dropped me off at the building of flats where I lived and waited till I made my way inside. I turned and waved to him before shutting the door and making my way up to my flat. I was a bit hungry after that little excursion we'd gone on, and as there was still an hour before dinnertime, I decided to have a cuppa and biscuit. Any more, and my appetite would be ruined. I wandered through to the kitchen and put the teapot under the faucet before filling it and placing it back on the burner. I lit the burner, and while that was heating, I looked in the biscuit jar and picked out a peanut butter cookie, rather than one of the scones. I took a bite and closed my eyes in bliss as I chewed the gooey treat. It was so soft, it melted in my mouth.

I was just finishing my snack when the kettle started to whistle. I grabbed a cup and placed one of my homemade teabags in the mug before pouring the steaming water in over it. The aroma was heavenly.

Taking my drink with me, I made my way into the sitting area and took a seat on the sofa. I was just starting to relax when my phone rang. I maneuvered so I could pull it out of my rear pocket and was a bit breathless by the time I clicked the connect button. "Hello?"

"Tina?"

My insides melted at the sound of his voice. Trying not to sound as if I'd been waiting for his call, I paused a moment before asking, "Who's this?"

There was a low chuckle, as if he knew what game I was playing. "This is Lester, gorgeous. I wanted to know if you were free for dinner tonight. We'll be leaving soon for the States, and first, I wanted to take you on that date we talked about."

I was of two minds: excited because he'd called me for a date, and sad that we'd only have the one time together. Taking my time to give the impression I was looking through my calendar, I waited several seconds before saying, "It's your lucky night. It just so happens I don't have any plans tonight."

He chuckled once more, and I felt the reaction clear to my core. "I'm glad to hear that. Anyplace in particular you'd like to go?"

I hesitated and then sighed, deciding to go for the realistic choice, but before I could say anything more, Lester broke in with, "I really want the one place you'd like to go. I want to make this a memory you won't want to forget."

My heart melted, and instead of giving him the place I'd decided on that wouldn't break the bank, I admitted, "Scott's. It's in Mayfair on Mount Street. I have to warn you, though… It's extremely expensive."

He chuckled. "I'll pick you up in half an hour."

I hesitated. I never let anyone pick me up. Having Cam for a brother had taught me several key things in protecting myself. "I have a better idea. I'll arrange for the taxi, and we'll pick you up in route."

He paused for a moment and then said, "All right, Tina. I'll see you in half an hour, then."

I hung up and carefully set my mug of tea on the coffee table. I quickly called Jason and asked him about the ride to Scott's, then I jumped up and ran into the bedroom to find something appropriate to wear to one of the most elegant places I would ever go in my lifetime. I decided on a tight little red number that barely covered the essentials and made me look hot. I took as long as possible with my hair and makeup, and twenty minutes later, I was walking out the door to see Jason sitting in his taxi waiting for me.

He got out of the cab and walked around to help me inside, winking at me before he closed the door, telling me, "You look beautiful."

I grinned and told him, "You're good for my ego. I just hope my date likes it."

Jason rounded the vehicle, and once he was seated, he looked over his shoulder and asked, "Where to first?"

"The Park Plaza County Hall Hotel, James, and step on it."

Jason threw his head back, laughing, and I couldn't help but to join in. When he pulled up at the hotel, I noticed there was an ambulance parked in front of the hotel and Stephanie was being loaded onto a gurney. As soon as Jason came to a stop, I was out of the taxi and running as best as I could in five-inch heels to get to my friend.

I stopped at the gurney and was reassured to see Steph was awake and looking ready to give someone a bollocking. I couldn't help but smile as I laid a hand on the arm that wasn't bandaged and asked, "Are you okay? Do you need me to go to the hospital with you?"

She rolled her eyes. "No. I know you don't like them any more than I do. A will go with me." She paused, as if debating on whether or not to tell me something.

I bent lower and asked, "What?"

"Be careful. If he's anything like his boss, he's a real bastard. But I know how much you want to go out with him."

I nodded. "I'll be careful."

I stepped back and Stephanie's gaze hardened.

I turned to see that Ranger had made his way over to see what was going on. Stephanie looked up at Kye, and there was a look in her eyes that made my heart hurt. I knew then that Ranger must have messed up big time. Kye winked at her and moved so she wasn't visible to Ranger anymore. The medics lifted her into the back of the bus, and Kye went to climb in with her.

Ranger's tone was icy as he said, "Hold on. I'll be riding with her."

Kye stiffened and turned to Ranger with murder in his eyes. "Our part in your little plan is done. I don't want you to come near her again. Next time, I might forget that we're all Americans."

Kye got into the back and motioned for the doors to be shut.

Ranger's eyes were narrowed as he watched the ambulance leave.

I left him there as I made my way back to where Jason was waiting at the back door of the cab.

Lester stepped forward and quietly asked, "Are you still willing to go?"

I turned to him and my eyes went wide. He was every woman's wet dream, in a black suit with a charcoal gray shirt and black tie. I lifted my hand to the tie and gently pulled him closer. I raised my head and whispered in his ear, "You aren't getting out of our date that easily, big boy." Then my eyes narrowed on him as I drilled him with my gaze. "But if your answers to my questions don't make me happy, I'll drop you on your ass and walk away without a backward glance."

His look turned wary. "What kind of questions?"

I waved my hand in the direction the ambulance had taken. "What happened to J?" I knew if it were serious, he would look a lot more upset, but I was still worried about my friend.

"I promise I'll tell you everything I can on the way to the restaurant."

Our gazes met, and the heat in his eyes fanned an answering heat inside me. Hoping I wasn't letting my libido make me do something I'd regret, I nodded in agreement.

The sound of a throat clearing sounded beside us, and I turned to see Jason waiting with the door opened. My cheeks heated, and I ducked into the back seat and waited for Lester to join me. There was a whisper of space between us as we rode to the restaurant. The heat emanating from Lester had my hormones sitting up and taking notice. At times, it was difficult to concentrate on what he was telling me about what had happened to Stephanie.

It wasn't long until Lester grinned down at me, saying, "I think we're here."

I looked around, and sure enough, Jason had the door opened and was waiting for us to climb out of the car. Once more, my cheeks heated. I lifted my head and let him help me out of the car. Lester climbed out and placed a hand on my lower back as we headed inside.

It was everything I'd always imagined it would be. The room was slightly darkened, and there were chandeliers lighting the dining area. The tables were covered with white tablecloths, and the china was a bold red with gold trim. There were flowers in the center of every table, with a candle on either side of the bouquet. We were immediately shown to a table, and Lester seated me before taking his own place across from me.

I felt like Cinderella at the ball. Before this moment, I'd only dreamed about coming to a place like this. I couldn't help but pinch my arm a bit to see if I was still dreaming.

Lester chuckled before taking my hand in his. "I'm glad that we got to do this before I have to leave."

I grinned. "So am I. I have to say, Mr. Santos… You clean up mighty fine."

His shoulders shook silently for several seconds.

When the waiter brought us the menu, I looked over it, frowning. I had no idea what the prices were because the printer forgot them on my menu. Lester asked me what I wanted to try, and we discussed the merits of different items. When our waiter returned, Lester gave him our choices, and he moved off to put in our order.

I was starting the evening off with a Serpentini cocktail, which consisted of champagne, Stoli raspberry and vanilla, and cranberry and pineapple juices. Lester went with a Black Velvet, which was champagne and Guinness. When the drinks arrived, I took a sip, and it was so good that I couldn't help but pull a Stephanie and moan.

As we made our way through the meal, we talked about a variety of subjects, from which teams we liked in what sports, to politics, and on to hobbies; we even touched on the jobs we do. As we talked, we worked our way through our starters of marinated salmon with avocado and black pepper dressing, then on to the soup course, which was chilled sweetcorn soup with lobster, then onto mains, which was roasted shellfish for two. It had lobster, scallops, razor clams, and tiger prawns. That was followed by the meat course, which was a Bannockburn rib steak with béarnaise sauce and chips, and broccoli with hazelnut butter as a side. For dessert, we opted for a vanilla sorbet with raspberries on top and a dessert coffee to accompany it.

When we were finally done and it was time for us to leave, Lester helped me from my chair, and we made our way to the exit. Jason was waiting when we went outside.

At the hotel, Lester turned to me, kissing me gently on the lips. "I wish I could see you safely home, gorgeous. I guess this will have to do."

His mouth covered mine, and I felt myself slide a bit in the seat. When he let me up several minutes later, it was all I could do to remember I didn't put out on the first date. I looked up at Lester with a sense of stunned awe. He was so incredibly hot.

He leaned down and kissed me once more, then said, "I'll be seeing you again." He touched a finger to my lips, and before I knew it, he was gone.

Jason asked quietly, "Are you all right?"

I nodded my head, too stunned to say anything else.