“They’re not going to just announce themselves to you,” she said.
“No, they’re not.” David leaned back in his chair. “We have an interest in helping Knightley with his problem.”
“Why?” Killian asked.
“Because Secura has several classified projects in the works with MI6,” David said.
Hadley leaned forward, her gaze sharpening on Bennett. “You’re going into arms?”
“No.” God, she was so distrusting. “Our primary project with MI6 is a high-tech, lightweight exosuit for soldiers and agents to use in the field. To increase strength and stamina.”
Hadley’s eyes widened. “You’re close to a workable, light exosuit?”
“Yes. Another project is bullet-resistant fabric for uniforms.”
Killian raised a brow. “That’s something I’d be interested in.”
“And I’m guessing L’Orage and every criminal organization he supplies, as well,” David said dryly. “Hadley, I asked you here because of your knowledge of L’Orage. So I’m paying Steel here a hefty sum for you. I want you to help Knightley find his mole, and then take down L’Orage.”
Hadley straightened.
“And I believe the best way to do that is for you to go undercover at Secura,” David added.
Bennett stiffened. Have the temptation of Hadley Lockwood in his office, every day?
Shit.
“Sir, do you really think that’s necessary?” she asked.
“I think it’s an excellent idea,” Killian said. “You need to be up close and personal. You’ll find Knightley’s mole quicker that way.”
She turned her head and met Bennett’s gaze. He pressed his lips together. They had to do this. Whatever was necessary.
“You have my full support,” Bennett said.
Hadley gave a reluctant nod. “Very well.”
“Ferret L’Orage out,” David said. “I do not want our top-secret projects falling into terrorist hands.”
Bennett nodded and stood. “Ms. Lockwood, a moment? We can discuss your cover at Secura.”
She rose with liquid elegance. He followed her out of the office and tried not to look at the way her skirt hugged her ass.
She led him to a glass-walled conference room.
“I’m not sure this is a good plan,” she said.
He forced a smile. “Think you’ll have trouble keeping your hands off me, if you see me daily?”
She shot him a withering look. “Won’t your staff get suspicious if I just turn up?”
“I have an opening for a new head of communications. We’ve been looking for a while, and you can pull anything off, so no, they won’t get suspicious.”
She hitched a hip up on the conference room table. “Okay. We have to find L’Orage. We can’t fail.”
“I don’t fail.” He kept his tone firm, implacable. “This bastard has targeted my company. He’s stopping my shipments and gear getting to the people who need it. He targeted one of my employees.” He lowered his voice. “It pisses me off.”
She tilted her head. “This sounds like a crusade.”