A Dom is Forever (Masters and Mercenaries #3)(115)

Jake ran a hand through his hair. “Do you think we haven’t already tried that line of thinking?”

“Ian thinks he can handle it. Alex is already at the site of the meet up. We’ve hopefully covered everything. It’s in the open so hopefully Ian doesn’t just kill the f*cker,” Adam explained.

“I’m more worried about the f*cker killing Ian.” Liam’s hand drifted up to his arm. Avery had redressed the wound, cleaning it carefully. “Molina already tried to kill me.”

“I think Ian’s hoping Nelson is turning on Molina. Damon has been informed, and MI6 will be set up, too. Ian’s covered.” Jake passed Liam a long look. “I’m not worried about Nelson killing Ian. We can watch his back, but I’m with you. There’s something else going on here. Something about this spells out FUBAR to me.”

“FUBAR?” Avery asked. She didn’t know what that was, but the timing of Nelson’s call did seem odd.

“Fucked up beyond all recognition. It’s a very precise military term.” Adam opened a case that was sitting on the bar. Several shiny guns sat inside along with a couple of big, matte black ones. He picked up one and handed it to Liam. “Ian wants you armed. You can give it back to Eve tomorrow, and she’ll dump it. There’s no way to get you on a plane with it, man.”

Liam took the pistol, shoving it into his pocket after clicking some buttons and checking things she didn’t have a clue about. He was really competent with a gun. “Give me a couple of knives, too. If I need to do some wet work, I’d rather keep it quiet if you know what I mean.”

She didn’t know what he meant, but Adam seemed to. He pulled out the top of the case revealing a second layer where he apparently kept the knife store. Liam selected a few, and they started to disappear in various parts of his clothing.

“Are you two going to back Ian up?” Liam asked.

Adam pulled out a wicked-looking knife, and it disappeared into his boot. “Jake is headed to the meet. I’ve been given clearance to head to Serena’s. She’s getting on a plane tomorrow, but if Nelson wants to play hardball, taking one of our women would be a good way to go. We’re going to hit the town, just like the two of you.”

“Are they coming with us?” It might be nice to have another couple with them.

Liam shook his head. “No. We’re going to split up. It’s harder for someone to trail two of us. The whole team will leave tomorrow. Is anyone staying behind? I’m sure Ian will if he doesn’t walk into a trap tonight and get his ass sniped. What is he thinking? There’s no bloody way Nelson just decided to talk tonight. He’s up to something.”

Jake’s jaw tightened. “I know, but Ian’s not thinking straight. He’s a little obsessed with Nelson, and I’m not sure why. I guess because of what happened with Sean.”

“There’s more to it, but Ian has to tell you that story himself,” Liam explained. “I will say that you need to watch him, Jake. He can’t be professional about this.”

Jake stopped, tension in his every muscle. “Ian is always professional. Ian’s a rock.”

“Not about this he won’t be. He and Nelson have got history, if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t say a damn thing if I wasn’t so worried about him, but you got to watch his back, mate. He needs you and Alex to make smart decisions for him tonight.”

Jake nodded. “I’ll do it. Does Alex understand?”

“Yeah. Alex knows more than anyone. He’ll watch out for Ian, too,” Liam said.

“What’s this intel you want Ian to know?” Jake asked.

Liam’s eyes narrowed, and he nodded toward the back of the apartment. “Come back here.”

They walked off together, Liam speaking quietly.

Adam stared at her, his warm eyes sympathetic. “It doesn’t mean he doesn’t trust you.”

She stared right back. She knew exactly what Liam was doing. She was going to be the wife of a man who dealt with very sensitive cases. She wouldn’t expect him to tell her everything. She would be supportive and let him keep his professional secrets. “He’s trying to protect me. I know that.”

A smile broke over Adam’s face. “You’re going to be so much better at this than my wife. She would be trying to listen in right now.”

Avery didn’t want to listen in. This was Liam’s expertise. After this was over, she would find a new job and that would be her thing. Loving Liam was going to be her expertise and part of that meant trusting him. He’d walked away because he either didn’t want to scare her or he was worried that what he had to say would hurt her. He was talking about Thomas. He would try to protect her. She might never get the full story out of him.

And that was okay because she knew what Thomas was now. He was creepy and criminal and very likely wanted to hurt her. She’d made her bet. She was with Liam, and she would trust him to the end.

She just hoped the end didn’t come any time soon.

“He’s going to take care of you,” Adam promised.

“I know.” She heard the expectation in his voice. “And I’ll take care of him, too.”

“You’re going to get along with my Serena, you know. She’s going to like the hell out of you. When we finally get back to Dallas, you can meet Serena and our friend Grace. You’re going to fit right into the family.”