Page 76 of Black Heart
Kaden, Morelli’s here.
The mere thought of bringing Kaden the news sends a shiver trickling down my neck and a delicious ache blooming deep in my chest. If I could just get eyes on Morelli and confirm he’s here … it would mean everything to Kaden. To us.
The temptation is too much, luring me away from my original mission with whispers of Kaden’s praise, his approval, his touch...
I close my eyes and imagine the look on Kaden’s face if I were to present him with a lead, something concrete he could use to get one step closer to Morelli. The way his icy-blue eyes would warm, just a fraction, as he regards me with a mix of surprise and grudging respect. The ghost of a smile that might play at the corners of his sensual mouth, a rare display of pleasure in a man so tightly controlled. And later, when we’re alone, the way he might show his gratitude with those skillful hands and wicked tongue...
God, what I wouldn’t give to please him, to be the one who delivers Morelli to him on a silver platter. To see the look of fierce pride and possessive hunger in Kaden’s eyes when he realizes what I’ve done for him.
No.
I’m becoming as obsessed with Kaden as he is with me. Unhealthy and toxic.
Theworldmatters, not just one person. I have to stick to my plan.
I descend the final steps into the basement where a blast of frigid air greets me, chilling the sweat that had begun to gather at the nape of my neck.
The hum of countless servers fills the cavernous space, a constant drone that vibrates in my chest. Rows upon rows of tall, black server racks are lined up in front of me, their blinking lights creating an eerie, artificial field of stars.
I pause, orienting myself. At the far end of the room, I spot my target, a glass-walled control center, its interior lit with a soft, bluish glow.
But before I step toward it…
“Dammit,” I hiss, unabashedly annoyed with what I’m about to do, but unable to stop myself.
I lift my wrist to my mouth again. “Hey, is this line secure for, uh, classified intel?”
Ethan responds immediately.Damn right babe. I mean, respectfully, yes. It is.
After blowing out an exhale that puffs my cheeks, I make my confession. “I need you to drive to my house and get Kaden. Morelli’s here.”
WUT. DO U WANT ME TO DIE.
“Well, I’m 90 percent sure Morelli’s here. Kaden will want to check it out.”
No way. Not leaving you.
“I’m fine. I made it to the basement. I’ll be done in fifteen minutes.”
You only have 10 left.
“Soon to be nine if you keep making me reply to you.”
A few seconds, then:Fine. I’ll go. If I don’t hear from u in 10 mins, I’m calling the police.
I’m forced to accept his deal. Like Ethan said, I don’t have a lot of time and can’t waste any more seconds, especially considering what I’ve just added to the mix.
I lower my arm, fully aware of the hell I just unleashed upon myself once Kaden arrives.
My heels click across the concrete floor as I approach the glass-encased control room. As I reach the clear door, I pause, my hand hovering over the handle.
This is it. The moment I’ve been preparing for, the reason I risked everything to infiltrate Pulse tonight. With a deep breath to steady my nerves, I grasp the handle and pull, surprised when the door opens with ease.
A cocky grin tugs at my lips. They never expect a woman in a pretty dress to be a threat.
The door clicks shut behind me with a soft hiss of hydraulics. A quick glance confirms the room is empty, the sole occupant being the massive computer terminal that dominates the far wall. Its array of screens flicker with lines of code and complex diagrams, a silent concerto of data waiting for the right conductor.
An ethereal blue sheen reflects off the skin of my arms as I approach the main terminal and reach into my purse to pull out a small, foldable keyboard.