Mission: Her Protection (Team 52 #1)(33)

Rowan looked at the archeologist, who was grinning at them. Callie was pretending to stare off across the runways, but she was smiling too.

Natalie winked. “Looks like I’m your tour guide and bodyguard.”

Rowan raised her eyebrows. “You can fight in those heels?”

The woman’s smile widened. “I can do anything in these heels.”

Lachlan drove them to Natalie’s place, pulling up in front of the MGM Grand Casino.

Rowan swiveled to look at the archeologist. “You live in a casino?”

“Sure do. Twenty-four-hour room service, and someone else does all the cleaning. Besides, if I want some nightlife, it’s right out my front door.” Nat smiled. “There’s an amazing magic show on ice that’s on right now.”

Lachlan led them into a tower that Nat explained was only for residents. They traveled up in the private elevator. The doors opened onto a stylish corridor lined by photographs of the desert. Nat led them into an apartment that was sleekly decorated, but accented with pops of color. There were gorgeous, hardwood floors with plush rugs, and, of course, a killer view. A huge vase of lilies dominated the black dining room table. It all suited Natalie.

Lachlan made them wait in the entry while he quickly cleared the apartment. “Nat, I need to use your secure line to make a call.”

“Sure.” The woman kicked off her heels and waved them into the living area. She grabbed a tablet and handed it to him.

Curious, Rowan watched from the side as Lachlan put a video call through. A moment later, a woman’s beautiful face appeared. Her dark hair was cut in a sleek bob that skimmed her jaw.

“Treasure Hunter Security.”

“I need to talk with Declan Ward,” Lachlan said.

The woman’s blue-gray eyes sharpened. “Who’s calling?”

“An ally. I’m acquainted with Special Agent Burke from the FBI Art Crime Team.”

Now, the woman’s eyes rolled. “I’m very sorry to hear that. Hang on.”

A triangular logo appeared on the screen, but a second later, it blinked off and a man who was clearly a male version of the woman who’d answered appeared.

“Ward,” the man said, his voice deep.

“Ward, my name is Lachlan Hunter.”

Ward stiffened. “Team 52. Recognize your voice.”

Lachlan inclined his head.

The man crossed his arms. “Still pissed at you about Africa.”

“Which mission?”

“Both of them.”

Lachlan smiled. “Then it’s lucky me and my team saved your ass in Antarctica.”

Antarctica? Rowan wondered what the hell a security company specializing in archeological digs was doing in Antarctica.

“Why are you calling me?” Ward demanded.

“I need any intel you have on the Red Wolves.”

Ward grimaced. “Out-of-control bastards with outlandish ideas on how they’re helping the country by committing domestic terrorism. Bunch of conspiracy theorists. The more bizarre the idea, the more likely they’ll believe it.”

Lachlan cursed under his breath.

“You have a run in with them?” Ward asked.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“We tangled with them on a dig in New Mexico. They were after some artifacts. Not much thought goes into their plans. They’re messy, lack control and training, and their leadership is more concerned with themselves.”

“So they’re unlikely to act behind the scenes, or take a more subtle approach?’

“They wouldn’t know subtle if it stood in front of them and dropped its pants.”

Lachlan nodded. “Thanks, Ward.”

The man heaved out a breath. “Call me Declan.”

“Declan. And thanks.”

With a nod, Declan leaned forward and touched something. The screen went blank.

“So the Red Wolves probably didn’t bribe Airman Kowalski and steal the artifact,” Nat mused.

“I need to go.” Lachlan stood. “I’ll be back when I can.” He touched Rowan’s cheek, then strode away.

She watched him walk to the door, her gaze drifting down to where his jeans hugged his very fine ass. The door closed behind him.

“I’ve never seen Lachlan so…” Nat tapped a nail against her cheek. “Actually, I’ve never seen him with a woman, so I’ve never seen him like this at all.”

“Oh?”

“The man is a workaholic.” Nat detoured to the kitchen. She reached up and pulled out a bottle of red wine, then found some glasses.

“Lachlan was the most important thing in my life when I was ten.” Rowan dropped onto the suede couch. “He listened. Truly listened. And he cared.”

Nat handed her a glass of wine and sat. “He still does. I know he’s been through a lot. Force Recon doesn’t get the air time that the Navy SEALs do, but they’re just as skilled and their missions are just as dangerous.”

“They do similar stuff to the Navy SEALs?”

Nat nodded. “Although they tend to be stealthier about it. Force Recon focuses on intelligence gathering, usually deep into enemy territory. They also specialize in unconventional special operations.”

Rowan felt a lick of discomfort. “What’s that mean?”