Seducing Texas (So not Prince Charming #2)(53)

I hate to think it’s any of my people, but I’m not going to lose any more money or customers over what Cyn found. She’s the one person I can trust.

Upon my request, the leads stay after the meeting, and Sri asks, “Do we get to know about this new algorithm?”

“The key changes every week, and I won’t be sharing it. It’s unnecessary for anyone to know the algorithm or any client’s personal data, and it’s written on non-readable chips.”

Tang shrugs. “Okay.”

“It’ll make it harder for us to do our jobs,” another lead complains.

Jeremy stays behind too, waiting for me to finish with the leads.

“You won’t even know the algorithm is there,” I say. “It decrypts only when a charge goes through.”

Sri and one other lead grumble on their way out. Programmers don’t always like change, but it’s for the best. I cannot lose any of my clients if I hope to put a dent into my IRS back taxes.

“We’ll work around it,” Tang says. “It won’t be a problem, and it’s good you caught the security leak.” He gives Jeremy a dirty look on the way out.

Jeremy closes the door. “I’m sorry, Shane. What did you find?”

I’d hate to fire him. We’ve been friends since college. “A port was open on one of the servers. We’re losing data.”

“Wow.” His fingers rake his short hair. “I put software on the servers to look specifically for that. I wonder what happened to it. You aren’t going to fire me, are you?”

“No.” Not yet.

“I will get right on that, and Shane, I’m really sorry. I put lots of extra software on the servers to check for malware, and it doesn’t seem to help. A few times it’s been turned off.”

I don’t know who to believe or trust now. Anyone of my admins or leads could pull the software off, except what I put on. Only I have access to the programs I installed. “I’ve put some other software on my personal machine to watch the servers. I’d like you to keep an eye on that port and tell me about any activity.”

“I will.”

So will I. I return to my office to take Cyn to meet Espinoza. Sonia is waiting for me there. She’s due for a promotion to the lead position. Other than her constant flirting, she’s a really good programmer and holds a math degree.

“What’s up?” I ask.

Instead of jeans, she’s wearing an embarrassingly short skirt. Something I hadn’t noticed when she came in late. “I heard you broke up with Niki.” She’s going to hit on me, and that the last thing I need, especially with Cyn next door.

“We weren’t really dating, and I have a very serious girlfriend I intend on marrying.”

She cocks her head. “You were taking Niki out.”

“I was trying to get information from her that I needed. I have no interest in any woman other than Cynthia Diaz.” Hell, just thinking about her gets me going.

Sonia’s face squishes up in astonishment. “Her? Our bookkeeper?”

“Our accountant.” With the hours she’ll earn here, Cyn’s going for her CPA as soon as she graduates.

Her face squishes up in disgust. “Why her?”

My princess walks into the room, making me smile. “Ready?” Cyn asks.

“If you change your mind, you know where I am.” Sonia swings her hips toward my door.

“That’s not going to happen,” Cyn says, and Sonia stops, swinging that long blonde mane.

“We’ll see about that,” she says.

Cyn laughs. “Wow. Does she know you took on a drug dealer for me?”

“She even lies,” Sonia bites back.

“That’s not a lie,” I say. “We need to go, princess.” I give her one of my panty-melting kisses so that she melts into my arms and so Sonia sees it.

“Maybe we should go home for lunch,” Cyn says in a husky voice, stirring my dick into action.

Sonia’s face pinches, and she spins around to leave.

As soon as my door closes, my hands run under Cyn’s shirt. “Why don’t we just f*ck on my desk instead?”

Her mouth crashes into mine. “Because I want to be done with Juarez, and I’d like for my dad to spend less time in prison.”

“What if this is an ambush?” I don’t trust Juarez.

“I don’t think it will be. We’re meeting at a taco stand.”

And that worries me. That’s his turf.

As we head out, I look for any suspicious vehicles, and I can feel the tension in her shoulders where my hand rests. We’re both on edge.

I drive my truck toward the south end of town where Espinoza waits outside a taco stand. He stands by his car with his hands in his pockets.

He waves at Cyn as soon as she steps out of the truck. “Senorita. Juarez tells you hello.” He hands her a memory stick. “Use it wisely. He left the Asian files on there. Juarez would like them to go away, so you are free to hand those over as well.”

“Will do,” Cyn says. “Gracias.”

“Juarez says to watch yourself,” Espinoza says to Cyn. “The Chinese are following you.”

“Why?” I ask. The Chinese have an issue with me, not Cyn. She is my concern, not Juarez’s.