Code Name: Genesis (Jameson Force Security #1)(48)

“What’s that?”

“I was thinking… maybe I could lay a trap for him. Let him hack his way in for some information, then I can lay some code that will reverse track him.”

“But can’t he circumvent like you said before… with VPN or something?”

“Yes, but I’d plant a sort of virus that will attach itself to him, and well… so as not to get technical, it would be like leaving me a trail of bread crumbs to follow back to him, so to speak.”

“You can do that?” I ask.

“I don’t know. It’s really just theory.”

“What’s the risk? Downside?”

“He sees it,” she replies cautiously. “Reverse hacks me. Jameson. I mean, I don’t know his level of expertise, but it isn’t without risk. We could be poking a very smart bear.”

I consider this, not wanting to put Jameson at risk. While I have a lot of confidence in Bebe’s abilities, I’m not technical enough to know just how serious these risks are.

“I’m pretty sure I can hide my tracks,” she says. “But I can’t guarantee it.”

“Let me think about it.” It ultimately may be moot because if this guy is ready to make a move, it will probably be sooner rather than later. “Just do what you can right now with what we’ve discussed.”

“Got it. Later, boss,” she replies and disconnects. I like that about her. She doesn’t waste time.

I immediately flip through my contacts on my phone, then select Cruce Britton from the list.

It was eight days ago I interviewed him.

Seven days ago, he talked to a U.S. Senator and the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, both of whom gave stellar references for me and my company. I also offered my mum’s phone number if he wanted to talk to her for a personal reference, but he declined.

Six days ago, he accepted my offer of employment. Of course, I wasn’t ready for him to start right away as I was dealing with this shitbag of a stalker, but I figured the signing bonus I gave him more than made up for the delay.

But now… I’m ready for him to start.

I tap on his contact, and he answers on the second ring by saying my first name. “Kynan.”

“I need you out here in Santa Barbara,” I say. I had filled him in briefly on Joslyn’s case when we last spoke, so it won’t take him long to get up to speed.

“I’ll book the next flight out,” he says.

“No. Head to the airport. I’ll charter a jet for you to leave tomorrow morning.”

“Weapons?” is his only question.

“Load up,” I reply and disconnect.

Tapping my phone against my chin, I take a moment to think if there’s anything else I need to do. Before Bebe got on the phone, I had spoken to Rachel briefly. She’s going to call the lead detective who was working the case to update him with everything that’s occurred, but I’m not counting on them to do much. Maybe increased patrols around Joslyn’s home, but there’s just not much they can do.

I’ve done all I can in this moment. Probably until we either get a break on identifying this sodden scum or he makes a move. Until then, the waiting game is the only one I can play.

I move to Joslyn’s room, the sound of the hissing shower leading me to her. I start removing my clothes in the hallway. By the time I hit the bathroom, I’m naked. I can see her through the opaque glass door to her shower, standing with her head bowed so the water can hit her between the shoulder blades.

She looks small and defeated, and my protective instincts kick in. It has nothing to do with the job I’ve been hired to perform, but it has everything to do with needing her safe and secure so I can keep her in my life.

When I pull the door open, she raises her head. Water streams down her face, catches in her lashes, and leaves droplets on her lips. She’s never looked more desirable to me, and I need nothing from her right now other than her trust that I will take care of everything.

I open my arms, and there’s no hesitation before her body moves into mine. Joslyn’s cheek goes to my chest, and we wrap our arms around each other. “I won’t let him near you, kitten. I promise you are safe, okay?”

She squeezes me. “I know. I trust you.”

“Bebe’s working on tracking him, but it’s a long shot. I’ve also asked Cruce to come out here as backup.”

She jolts and pulls her head back in question.

“I just want the backup, Jos,” I explain. “You’re too important, and I’m just not willing to leave anything up to chance.”

“Okay,” she replies with a nod. “I understand.”

“Do you? Understand?” I ask, not able to hide the urgency in my tone. “This is more than just a job to me.”

Her large blue eyes just blink as she stares.

“You are more than just a job to me,” I clarify.

I need her to know that. I need her to know there is no resentment left for what was done to us. I sure as fuck don’t know what the future holds, but I do know she holds some place in it.

Joslyn responds by winding her arms around my neck, then pulling my mouth down to hers. She kisses me sweetly at first, but then it turns sensual as her tongue slips in my mouth and her body melds into mine. I force every bit of worry, planning, and strategy out of my head, and I concentrate on this amazing woman in my arms.