“Whatever.” Noni sat on one leg. She wore light jeans with a pretty green sweater, looking sweet and tempting.
He pushed his bowl away. He’d rather have his mouth on her than a spoon. Then his search from the hacked traffic cams dinged, and he found pictures of Richie that he quickly printed out. Good. The gang member wasn’t alone.
“I don’t understand what we’re doing,” Noni said softly.
Denver searched for the right words. “Why would a known gang member, one who has been convicted twice for drug-related offenses, want a baby?” The complete profile on Richie Romano had been easy to compile. The man was hooked on meth and liked robbing people. The psychological profile by the prison shrink said Richie was a narcissist and probably a sadist. The bad kind.
Noni finished her Cheerios. “Talia is his kid.”
Denver’s heart warmed. How naive she still was. He had to explain things to her better. “That doesn’t matter to a lot of folks, sweetheart. He doesn’t want to take care of a baby. He has no family, no mama who might want to raise the girl. So why take her and run?”
Noni’s eyes widened. “I don’t know.”
Denver pointed to the third monitor. “I’m on a site called Cashmere Street, and it’s a place where everything can be bartered for.”
Noni squinted at the relatively quiet screen. “Like eBay?”
He grimaced. “Yeah, if eBay was on the dark web and you could buy drugs, illegal porn, and hit men there.”
She coughed and leaned away from the screen. “I’ve heard about the dark web on television, but I’ve never understood what it is.”
“It’s part of the web you can’t reach from the surface. No search engine or spider can get to it.” Denver pointed to the numbers at the top of the screen. “To get there, you use specific software that anonymizes your network. And you spend special coins—virtual coins—to buy what you want.”
She paled and frowned as the truth obviously hit her. Hard. “You think Richie wants to sell the baby.”
Denver kept a close eye on her. He had to tell her the truth, but maybe he could soften it somehow. “I spent half the night tracking his specific gang and what they do. They’re actually pretty sophisticated, using the dark web to transport and distribute drugs as well as illicit porn. I haven’t found a track to the baby angle.”
Noni shook her head. “You’re telling me there’s a gang in Greenville that does this?”
“No. The gang pipeline, this one, goes from Alaska down the coast to Mexico and back up. Greenville is probably a gang hold. I think you were directed there for the hit.” The woman was too pale. He had to get some protein in her so she could keep her strength. “We need to go to the store.”
Noni held her stomach as if trying to keep from puking. “Who would want to buy a baby on the dark web? Who could even find the dark web?”
“It’s not that tough to find.” Denver hoped to leave the other question alone.
She lifted her eyes, those dark pools full of fear. “Who’d buy a baby?”
“Hopefully some desperate couple who wants a baby,” he said evenly. It could happen.
She looked down, her body tensing. “There are a lot of bad people out there who want kids for bad things, Denver.”
There wasn’t anything to say to that. It sucked, and it was true. “We’ll find Talia, Noni.” He was a hunter, and he found the lost. He could save that baby for her. “Trust me.”
She lifted her head again, and tears glimmered in her eyes. “Richie’s a bad guy. What if he gets tired of a crying baby?”
Denver reached over his shoulder and grabbed a couple of photos off the printer. “First, if he’s trying to sell the baby, then he’ll keep her in good shape. Second, he’s not traveling alone.” He had to fight to keep his voice calm and express confidence to her. This was a bad fucking situation, and he wasn’t sure how to protect her.
She took the photos of Richie driving a battered truck with a young blonde next to him. Denver had hacked into the surveillance cameras of a gas station to get them. The woman was probably eighteen or nineteen. “He has a friend,” Noni murmured.
“Yep.” Denver did a quick search for the woman using facial recognition that he shouldn’t be able to access. Leaning over, he studied a mug shot and then scrolled down. “Her name is Hailey Smithers, she’s twenty, and she was convicted of hooking and possession a year ago. Pled no contest and was given probation.” He pointed to the bottom of the screen. “Has been running with the Kingdom Boys since she was fifteen, and I have no doubt she’s along to help take care of the baby.”
“The fact that a drug-snorting hooker is helping care for Talia doesn’t ease my mind.” Noni looked away from the picture. “Any news on the three guys you shot last night at the motel?”
“They’re all recuperating at the local hospital. When the police searched them, they were in possession of illegal firearms and crystal meth. They’re known to deal drugs, so it wasn’t a huge surprise.” Denver forced a smile for her. There had to be a way to shield her from what he was about to do to one of them. As soon as he got her settled in the house for the day. “Sometimes things work out just fine.”
Noni breathed out, her gaze direct. “All right. I need to see your contract before we go any further. What kind of a deposit does your company take?”
He went still. Fire unbanked in his gut at the offense. “You’re fuckin’ with me, right?”
She blinked. “What does that mean? I assume it’s a retainer plus expenses and fees.”
“Are you trying to piss me off?” He cocked his head to the side, wanting to delve into her brain. Was she insulting him on purpose? That didn’t seem like her. He held on to his temper with both hands, almost not recognizing the accompanying hurt in his gut. Sure, he was an ass, but she had to know he’d save a baby because it was the right thing to do and not for money. “Noni?”
She straightened in her chair. “No.”
“Right.” He shook his head. Boy, did she have it wrong. Have him wrong. Heat rushed through his head, making his ears ring. “I’m not takin’ money from you.”
Her shoulders rose, her chin lowered, and she glared at him. “The hell you aren’t.”
* * *
Noni kept his gaze. She had to win this argument in order to stay in control of the situation. There was no backing down. “I will pay you.”
His eyes darkened to what could only be interpreted as a warning. “No payment. Don’t mention it again.”
Had he been this bossy when they dated? Sure, he’d been rather commanding in bed, and she’d liked that. But she didn’t remember him being overtly so in everyday life. “Oh, I’m mentioning it and right now. There will be a contract, there will be payment, and I’m the client.” That meant she was in charge. Yeah.
He crossed his muscled arms. “No.”
She bit the inside of her lip to keep from screaming at him. Calm. She needed to stay in control of herself to win this argument. “Yes. You might want to check with your partners about this. I’m sure they’d like to get paid.”
“Brothers,” he drawled. “My partners are my two brothers, and I’m sure they know we’re not charging you.”
He had brothers. Hurt blanketed her for a second, and she shoved it away. Yet another thing she hadn’t known about him. “It’s my way or no way, Denver. This will be a business relationship.”
“Not a chance, baby. Let it go.” The last was said rather clipped.
“Because we slept together?” She rolled her eyes so hard her entire head hurt. “It was just sex, and frankly I’ve forgotten about it.” If lightning struck people who lied, she’d be deader than dead at that one. “If you haven’t, that’s your problem.”
“I think about it every day and dream about it every night. Sometimes I still feel wrapped up in you when I wake up.” His eyes burned, and his body had gone tense, even sitting down.
She couldn’t think. What did that mean? Okay. Deep breath. One. Two. Then another one. He
ad clear. Her body tingled. Why did he say things like that? Especially when he usually kept silent. Yet an unrealistic hope, one she didn’t want to feel, warmed her. He’d missed her. She’d needed to know that. But there was no chance for them—he wouldn’t take the chance. That hurt, that reality, pissed her right off. “Aren’t you the talkative fellow these days?” Her sarcastic tone made her wince.
“I try,” he said evenly.
“That’s nice. Considering you have family I didn’t know about. Brothers?” She’d sounded hurt on the last, so she cleared her throat.
“Ryker and Heath,” Denver said, holding up his right hand to show a long scar along his palm. “When I told you it was from a hunting accident, I lied. We cut our hands and became brothers a long time ago. For years they’ve been all I had.” He breathed out at the end as if telling the entire story was difficult. The man had that look he used to get when he needed a moment of quiet. Of silence.
Too damn bad. “I see.” She crossed her arms.
“Ry and Heath are both engaged.” Denver stiffened, and his expression smoothed out.
What the heck? “What thought just grabbed you?” she whispered.
He breathed out, his muscled chest moving. “Just remembering I have a job to do after we get you safe.”
Safe. After they found Talia and got her away from Richie. Oh, Denver might be finally opening up about his life, about his past, but it was too late. Only the present mattered. Only Talia mattered. “It sounds like your brothers will have weddings to pay for. So let’s get our fee agreement set now, shall we?”
He shook his head. “Stop it.”
Absolutely not. Her aunt was the negotiator in the family in their lotion and candle making business, while Noni was the creative one. When she mixed ingredients to create the perfect feel and smell of lotions or perfumes, she was in control. When she argued with other people, her anxiety level rose. Even now, spirals uncoiled in her chest. But she had no choice. “I’m not backing down on this, Denver. Quote me a deal.”
“All right.” He stood suddenly, a large man with surprising grace. A quick pivot, and he plucked her right out of her chair before dropping back down with her cradled on his lap.
She didn’t have time to protest before he’d already settled her against his chest. The well-worn black T-shirt molded hard-cut muscles. “What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Quoting and dealing,” he said wryly. His strong frame surrounded her, offering safety and protection she’d missed so much. The torn jeans encasing his muscled thighs let out warmth, but it was like sitting on a boulder. It took every ounce of her self-control to keep from snuggling right into him and letting him shield her from the world. “You need to listen, Noni.”
She tilted her head to meet his gaze. “So do you.”
His eyebrow lifted, and those stunning eyes studied her. “I’m sorry I hurt you.” His voice rumbled low, sounding pained.
Her mouth gaped. Not what she’d been expecting. She wanted to matter to him badly. How pathetic was that? Even so, he was sorry he’d caused harm. Not sorry he’d left. She needed to remember that very important distinction—because nowhere in it was a promise of a future. A promise of anything. “I don’t have an answer to that.”
He brushed hair back from her face gently, sending her system into overdrive again. “But that has to remain in the past, at least for now. We’re in danger. Serious danger.”
His touch felt so right while his words cut deep. His honesty hurt her. She tried to follow his words and not hit him in the face. Because he was right about the danger. It was time to stop thinking about herself, about her heart, and put Talia first. The thought hit her then: she was going to be a mother. Oh God. She didn’t know how to do that. Not really. She’d helped for three months, and she loved that baby. It was a start. “There’s a gang after us.”
He nodded. “Not just them. There are enemies from my past, ones far more dangerous than that gang, whom you’ve alerted with your posts of my picture. These people are ruthless and well trained.”
Goose bumps rose on her arms. Not once had she thought she might be putting him in danger. “Who are they?” Her gaze caught on the manila file near the computer. The one he hadn’t let her read. “Is that Dr. Madison one of them?”
“She is, and she’s a psychopath,” Denver said, his jaw hardening. “She’s ruthless and doesn’t understand the concept of mercy.”
Icy fingers tracked down Noni’s spine, and she shivered. Oh, she wanted the whole story and needed to know more about him. “I’m sorry I’ve exposed you.”
“It’s okay. The baby comes first.” Denver tightened his hold. “But the personal stuff, the hurt and anger and sarcasm. That needs to go away and right now so we can get this job done.”
Heat filled her cheeks. He was right. Their only priority right now had to be Talia. While she had no clue how to be a mother, she at least knew that the baby had to be her number-one priority. She could learn the rest. “I understand.”
“Good. This is an op, and there’s no arguing. I’m in charge, Non. You obey. I can’t say it any clearer than that.” His voice remained gentle, but his hold was unbreakable.
That so did not sit well. Not even a little. She opened her mouth to argue, and he bit her lip. Shock ripped through her, and she went rigid. Lightning speared her, making her ache. Making her need…more.
He licked the small wound and leaned back. “I don’t play fair. In fact, I don’t play. Learn that now.”
She had no words. His mouth had seared her, imprinting hard. She could still feel the nip. Who the hell was this guy? Worse yet, why was she even more intrigued than before? She’d never been the type to go for a bad boy. Yet here she was.
But she needed him. Needed his strength and edge…even the darkness. To save Talia. If anybody could save her from a dangerous gang, it’d be him. That’s why Noni had hunted him down.
She dropped her gaze to his chest, fighting to moderate her breath. Her heart beat wildly, and a terrifying ache set up between her thighs. “Your point?” she managed to force out without whimpering.
He twisted one hand in her hair and pulled back, forcing a helpless, choked sound from her. “No more arguing about payment. No more digs about the past. No more defiance.” He drew her face closer, stealing her breath. “I’ll keep you safe. I’ll get that baby back. I’ll do it my way.”
Her gaze dropped to his lips. He was absolute, and he wasn’t backing down. Could she fight him? Even if she wanted to? It didn’t matter. Not really. She needed him to save Talia. “Denver.”
“Tell me you get me. That’s all I want to hear from you. Now.” His breath brushed her lips.
What if she argued? What would he do? A part of her really wanted to find out. The other part, the sane and rational part, knew she needed his help to find Talia. Even if she had to agree to his terms. There truly wasn’t a better choice. “I get you,” she said, her body stiffening as she gave in.
For now.
Chapter
6
Three hours after his heart to heart with Noni, Denver conducted another search on the Internet. Noni worked through her papers across the room from him, having avoided talking to him the rest of the morning. He couldn’t really blame her. Playing the heavy had never sit well with him, but if he was going to keep her alive, he had no choice. He stood. “I have to run an errand.” That sounded better than telling her he was going to steal a car, right?
She didn’t look up. “Whatever.”
He paused. His fingers itched to pick her up again and sit for a while, but he’d already made his point. “Okay.” Footsteps outside caught his attention. He stiffened and moved instantly to the drapes, tugging his gun out from the back of his jeans. “Get down.”
The sound of her moving reassured him.
One guy in thick boots strode easily up the snow-filled walk with two oversized boxes balanced in his hands. He had cropped dark hair and wore a dark brown uniform. Hi
s movements were graceful and steady.
Denver tensed. “Get ready to go out the back door.” He could cover her. “If I yell to run, you run through the backyard, scale the fence to the west, and keep running. Get to the police station and ask for Detective Malloy. He’s a friend.”
Noni gasped. “What about you?”
“I’ll be right behind you.”
The delivery guy knocked on the door. “Delivery for Denver Gray,” he said quietly.
Gray? Seriously? This might be really good or really, really, really bad. Denver stiffened. “Kitchen, Noni. Now.” He waited until he heard her move before stepping to the door and opening it, pointing his gun instantly in the guy’s face. “There’s no Denver Gray here.”
The guy didn’t blink. If anything, his brown eyes appeared bored. “Wait for it,” he muttered.
Denver’s phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket, keeping his gun level. A quick look down confirmed his suspicions, and he clicked to answer. “This is a bad time, Jory,” he muttered into the phone.
Jory Dean sighed loudly over the line. “Don’t shoot my guy. The packages are from me.”
Damn it. Denver slid the phone back into his pocket and took the packages, waiting until the guy had returned to his running truck on the road and driven away. Then he locked the door and put the boxes down.
Noni walked in from the kitchen, her steps slow and unsure. “Denver?”
“We’re okay.” He tugged open the first box and whistled. Guns, knives, two bulletproof vests, and several stacks of cash were piled inside.
Noni leaned over to stare into the box and then gasped. She took several steps back. “Um.”
Yeah, um. Denver opened the second box to find milk, butter, bread, and a bunch of other staples, including steak and fresh salads. “From a friend.” Denver yanked his phone out of his pocket again.
“You have interesting friends,” Noni murmured, her eyes wide and her face pale.
“Another long story. His name is Jory, he lives in Montana, and I just recently found out about him.” Denver pressed a speed dial button.