“Yeah,” she said.
“We probably have a little time. Wanna sleep some more? It’s gonna be a long day.”
Between the amazing orgasms, the incredible sex, and conquering of her fear, Sara did feel worn-out. Add the warm comfort of Shane’s strong body, and Sara really didn’t want to move. “That’d be nice,” she said. Even if she couldn’t fall asleep, she’d rather lie here with him than do anything else.
Shane tugged the covers back over them. “Then sleep, pretty girl. I’ll be right here with you.”
The words squeezed Sara’s heart with love and loss. Every part of her believed he’d stay by her side, which was miraculous and amazing and more than she’d ever hoped for. But that didn’t mean she could stay by his.
If it was in Jenna’s best interest—and if Jenna wanted to go—Sara wouldn’t talk her out of it a second time. And then Sara would have to be the one to do the leaving behind.
A FEW HOURS of sleep later, Shane talked Sara into a shower together. It had been filled with wet kisses and soft caresses under a stream of warm water. Fucking perfect. Another first for her, she’d told him, streaming a deep sense of male satisfaction through his blood. But as much as he’d enjoyed learning that, he’d find even more pleasure knowing he’d be her last—for everything.
When they were clean and dressed—Sara in clothes Becca had loaned her—Shane guided Sara to the gym so they could touch base with the team and plan for the day. They found everyone there—the whole team, Jeremy, Miguel, Becca, and even Charlie had made it over.
“What’s up, everyone?” Shane asked as he pulled up some chairs and gestured for Sara to sit. Murmured greetings rose up all around.
“Busy morning over here,” Marz said with a wink.
Shane knew the warning he’d shot from his gaze had been effective when Marz held up his hands. Still laughed, though. Fucker.
Sara sat forward in her chair. “Um, can I say something everyone?” She smiled at all the encouragement she received. “I really need to thank you for what you’re going to be doing tonight for me and Jenna. None of you really know me, so it’s kinda . . . um . . .” Sara shook her head and glanced to the ceiling. She rubbed her hands on her thighs and took a deep breath. “It really means a lot that you would help us.”
Pride roared through Shane at her words, and he rubbed her neck, just a small connection to remind her he was there.
“We’re glad to help,” Nick said from his seat next to Becca. “Consider yourself and Jenna part of the Hard Ink family.” Where he leaned against the wall, Easy crossed his arms and nodded. Agreeing voices rose up around the group.
Charlie sat forward in his chair, a frown on his face. “I’m sorry, but you look familiar to me. Do I know you?”
Sara smiled. “We met in passing.”
Becca put a hand on Charlie’s knee. “Crystal helped the guys get you out of Confessions, Charlie.”
The man’s eyes went wide, and he tucked longish strands of blond behind his ears. “I . . .” He nodded. “Thank you. And now your sister’s there?”
Sara nodded, her gaze dropping, and Shane put his arm around her. “Not for long.”
“Uh,” she said, glancing back up again and shrugging. “If you all wouldn’t mind calling me by my real name, Sara? Crystal was my name in the club, and I . . .” She shook her head.
Shane met Marz’s gaze and saw a deep approval roll through his friend’s gaze. One thing was for sure, brave didn’t begin to describe this woman.
“All right, then, Sara, everyone,” Marz said. “Let me catch you up.” Surveying the group, Marz tapped a pen against a legal pad as if ticking off a list. “Overnight surveillance confirms Jenna remains at Confessions and that Bruno is limiting access to himself and someone named Howie.”
Sara gasped. “Really? Oh, my God, that’s really good news.”
“Who’s Howie?” Shane asked.
Bright green eyes filled with hope turned his way. “He’s a manager at Confessions, but he’s always been very protective of me. Howie was good friends with my father years before . . . everything.”
Marz nodded. “Good. Also managed to overhear an eight o’clock delivery time for tonight, so we have our when now.”
“Speaking of tonight,” Nick said, bracing his elbows on his knees. “The Ravens are a go.”
“Ike called?” Shane asked.
“Yeah. They don’t come cheap, but we’ve got twenty-eight additional men on our side, so it’s worth it,” Nick said.
Sara blanched, and Shane laced their fingers together. “How much?” he asked. “Because I have a decent chunk of changed saved.”
“Two grand a man plus a twenty-grand surcharge for the fact they have to cancel tonight’s drag race in order for all of them to come.” Nick threw a long, appreciative glance at Becca, who smiled in return. “Becca agreed to put up the money, so hang on to your savings for now.”
Becca had said from the beginning she’d use her father’s life insurance for anything the team needed, but gratitude still washed through Shane. They had to be in a hundred grand by now with the Ravens’ fee. “Thank you, Becca,” Shane said.
Becca nodded. “You’re welcome. And you should know that Jeremy offered to put up Hard Ink as collateral until we can get all the money.”
Shane gaped. “Jesus, Jeremy, I don’t know how to thank you for that. But I promise nothing will happen to Hard Ink.”
“Dude, it’s okay. I know, and you’re welcome,” Jer said, like he was uncomfortable with all the attention. Jeremy crossed his ankle over his knee, his foot shaking.
“Wait,” Sara said in a tight voice. “It’s gonna cost you . . . seventy-six thousand dollars to get their help?”
Shane inhaled to reassure her, but Becca beat him to it. “Don’t give it a second thought, Sara. I mean it. These guys helped me and Charlie the same way they’re helping you, and it’s our father’s fault they’re in this situation. So it’s not a problem.”
Sara glanced from Becca to Shane, and he nodded. “Thank you,” she said. Shane hugged her against him.
“Something else,” Marz said, pulling a sheet of paper from a stack by his keyboard. “I finished the research into the Port Authority registries to see if any businesses or individuals doing business at the marine terminal seemed in any way relevant to our situation.” He handed the sheet to Nick, and the other men gathered around. Shane kissed Sara’s hand and joined them. “Most are multinational corporations engaged in various sorts of trade. Nothing special. Nothing suspicious. But look at the name at the bottom of the list.”
“Seneka Worldwide Security,” Nick said. “Why is that familiar?”
“To me, too,” Shane said. “Wait, wasn’t the founder prior SF?”
Marz smiled and pulled another sheet from the disorganized stacks on his desk. “Ding ding. John Seneka is prior Special Forces. Old school. Served back in the eighties and nineties. Started SWS right after 9/11.”
“One of a handful of security contractors employing a lot of SpecOp guys after retirement or discharge, right?” Beckett said. “Actually, SWS is known for being a bit aggressive on the recruitment.”
“I didn’t get recruited,” Easy said, bracing his hands on his hips.
“Me neither,” Beckett said, expression dark. Neither had Shane, Nick, or Marz.
“Not surprised to hear it,” Marz said with a sigh.
Something niggled at the back of Shane’s mind, then finally connected. “Whoa,” Shane said, eyes flashing to Marz. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“Garza,” Marz said.
“Goddamn Garza,” Shane said, bracing his hands against the desk.
“Holy shit,” Nick bit out, sitting forward in his seat. “Did you make a definitive connection?”