Jared brushed off the taunting whistles from his men as they approached.
“Let’s go.” With a final look at Paxton, he got into the helicopter.
The three women watched as the sleek black chopper hovered for a couple of moments before it pitched forward and sped off.
“Jordan, you’re in the command center. I have to go tart up for the party. Knox, did you arrange with our contact to pick us up on the beach in front of my house?”
“Yes, the chopper is already warmed up and ready.”
“Let’s go. You can phone him during the drive. Pickup on the beach in front of my house in twenty minutes.”
“Are you sure about this, Paxton?” Knox followed her to the parking area. “It’s bad enough that Kezlin is potentially drugged and in the hands of those bastards. We don’t want you to end up a victim as well.”
“They caught Kezlin and me unaware once. It won’t happen again. Besides, Jared, along with his teams and the hostage rescue squads on standby, will be on guard already by the time I get there. As long as Jordan links up my comms to his and the teams on site, I’ll be fine.” She stopped next to her SUV. “I’m responsible for her being taken, Knox. I’m the one to make it right. I owe it to her... and to Jared. Our future happiness depends on it.”
Exotic, with heavy black kohl eyes, electric blue eyeshadow, false lashes and bright red lips, the blonde woman entered the large ballroom in a red sequin gown. The distinct clicking sounds of sharp silver stiletto heels as they echoed their presence on the hard marble floor captivated and resonated with many of the guests in close proximity. She walked with confidence; her stride aimed to obtain just the perfect swing of her curved hips.
“I don’t recall seeing you at a party before.”
The deep voice forced her to stop. She brushed the bangs out of her eyes with an elegant hand. The downlights flashed on the diamante artfully decorating the long tips of her red painted nails.
“It’s my first.” She lifted blue eyes to the dark-haired man circling her.
“Your name.”
The way he demanded a response revealed that he was one of the men who held power in the house.
“Leila Hudson.”
“The name isn’t on our guest list.” He took a threatening step closer. “And I would’ve known if you were a menu item.”
Her eyes roamed nonchalantly over his broad shoulders and tall frame. “Thea Sutro assured me she cleared it with thewarden. I received confirmation that my payment was received yesterday.” She pushed one hip forward in a seductive pose, not bothering to hide her amusement at his suspicious expression. “I was more than happy to spend money with the expectation of finding a scrumptious morsel on the menu.” Her eyes trailed over his body and back up to wink at him. “However, I wouldn’t mind an appetizer— but only if you’re available.”
“You’re very forward, Miss Hudson.” He folded his arms over his chest.
“I’m not shy to go after what I want, Mr....” She let the words hang with an expectant look on her face.
“Call me Luca.”
“Luca... such a dynamic name,” she purred as she walked closer. A pointed nail followed the crisp line of his black evening jacket. “I’m interested to see if the same strength flows through every part of your muscled body.” She leaned in to lick his cheek. “I’ll even pay for your time.”
His laugh rumbled from deep in his chest. She winced as he caught her hand in a tight grip. “You can’t afford me, Miss Hudson.” He pressed his lips against her palm, stabbing his tongue suggestively in the hollow of her hand. “I might have time later. In the meantime, have something to drink but keep that pussy of yours dry until I come for you. I won’t play second fiddle.” His fist tightened painfully around her hand. “Defy me and pain will be your only pleasure for days to come.”
She nursed her hand as she watched him walk away.
“Jesus, Paxton... stay away from that bastard.” Knox’s voice echoed in her ear. She didn’t respond. For the moment, communication to her comms was one way and blocked out from the rest of the teams. Jared had to concentrate on issuing the GO order at the perfect time. He couldn’t be distracted knowing she’d found a way to infiltrate the party. The idea had been sound and had come to her when she’d seen the bootlegged footage of Thea Sutro attending several parties. Sutro had readily agreed to assist the Red Reign team in exchange for immunity once the entire sex-and-pedophile ring was exposed. It didn’t really bother Paxton whether the FBI would honor the agreement she’d made. Sutro deserved everything coming her way.
Paxton was more rattled than she cared to admit. She had heard about the brutality of Marco Boneiro but it seemed his son followed his example.
“So, William, did you see anyone you liked?”
Paxton went cold at the familiar purr of Mia Kuntz’s voice behind her.
Fuck. He can’t see me here.She moved cautiously to the stand behind a large pillar. Although her disguise was sound, she wasn’t prepared to take the chance that he might recognize her.
“There is a blonde girl that caught my fancy.”
Paxton could detect the suppressed anger in his voice. He clearly had the privilege of a private screening of themenu. She detected the couple moving into her peripheral vision. It forced her to edge further around the pillar.