27

Aston drove along the winding country road as the sun fully set, leaving the van’s interior engulfed in darkness. Skylar’s wrists ached from being zip-tied and her backside became sore as she bumped against the floor.

She shifted toward Slade. “When we get there, I need you to distract Aston somehow.”

“Sky.” Slade’s voice held a warning. “What are you planning? I don’t want you compromising your values. Not for Barnes. Not for anyone.”

“I shouldn’t have to. In order for me to make the transfer, Aston will have to give me access to his account. If Sarah’s money is there, I can check the account history and reverse the transfer.”

“Sound’s risky. But it might work as long as Barnes doesn’t suspect what you’re doing.” Slade’s warm breath touched her neck with his whispered words. “When we get to the garage, stay close to me.”

The cold, corrugated steel grated against her, but Slade’s voice soothed. “You said that before, the first time we were in the van.”

“I remember. I wasn’t going to turn you over to those two. No matter what.”

“You would’ve blown your cover for me? Even when you didn’t know me at all?”

“It’s not every day a beautiful woman gets dumped into my lap.” A smile came through his husky voice. “I wanted to keep you around for a while.”

She yearned to lean into him, close her eyes, and pretend they weren’t in this precarious position, but wishing circumstances were different wouldn’t change the fact they were in deep trouble. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad Ike tossed me into your arms.”

“Once we get out of these restraints, I hope you’ll be spending a lot more time there.” He bent his head, captured her lips with his.

She wanted to be wrapped in his arms now, but she’d take what she could get. And this kiss was real, heartfelt. No more ulterior motives. As he took the kiss deeper, an electric jolt passed through her. Senses heightened by the darkness, Skylar felt every subtle movement, every nuance. She wanted more. So much more. But all too soon, Slade broke contact.

Time had run out. They’d reached the garage.

Barnes drove inside, parked, and stepped out of the van.

Skylar blinked as her eyes adjusted to the light. Slade’s face came into focus. Determined. Resolute. His cobalt irises conveyed complex emotions as his gaze met hers and he mouthed, “Stay safe.”

She wanted to answer, to promise she’d do her best, but Barnes yanked open the side door, gun in hand. “Get out. You first, Cowboy.”

Slade unfolded himself from the van, only to have Barnes bring the pistol’s handle down hard over his head in one swift movement. Slade’s legs crumpled beneath him as he fell to the floor unconscious.

“No!” Skylar edged toward Slade. Sickened by the blood pooling at his temple as he lay inert, she turned scalding eyes toward Aston. “You didn’t have to do that.”

He shrugged. “It was either that or shoot him.”

Skylar held her temper and climbed out. Slade was still alive, but she needed him to wake up soon and provide backup—if all went as planned Aston Barnes was about to become a very, very unhappy man.