Fast Burn (Body Armor #4)(98)
Shifting with annoyance, Sahara said, “You’re both doomed to disappointment, because it’s clear that we have to do something.”
“Can you ID the men who attacked you?” Leese asked.
Scott shook his head. “It was dark and it all happened so fast. I might recognize their voices, but I just don’t know.”
Justice said. “So we still need proof.”
Scott actually smiled. “I believe Ross has it. For two weeks prior to the event, he and his men gathered intel for me, not only on Chelsea, but also on those people included on her guest list.”
“Douglas Grant?” Sahara asked.
“Oddly, no. Maybe because he really does feel related to her even though they don’t share blood, and maybe deep down he possesses a few vague ethics, but he’s never been involved with any of her sexual escapades.”
Brand had a hard time wrapping his brain around the implications. “You’re saying Sahara’s kidnapper has info, so he might get a free pass?”
Scott looked at Sahara. “Ross managed to record quite a bit of Chelsea’s activity. He found correspondence talking about the event, what they do, how many women to expect as playthings. Even where and how they got the women.” With a note of admiration, Scott added, “He’s really pretty good at what he does.”
Sahara gave it quick thought. “If he can bury Chelsea—”
Leese, Justice and Miles all issued protests at the same time.
Sahara turned to Brand, saying softly, “He really didn’t hurt me, you know.”
“It’s not happening.”
Anxious now, she insisted, “Taking down Chelsea is far more important than seeing Ross pay.”
“Hell, no.”
Scott cleared his throat. “There’s more to consider. As it happens, Douglas Grant also hired Ross to kill a man. Giving Ross immunity, or at least a plea deal of some sort, means we get a two-for-one.”
“We can destroy both Chelsea and Douglas?” Sahara asked with excitement.
“I think so.”
“Then it’s a done deal,” she said with finality.
“Excuse us.” Utilizing every ounce of control he had, Brand stood, gently took Sahara’s arm and headed toward the door of the conference room.
Sahara didn’t resist him, but on their way, she said over her shoulder, “We’ll be right back. Don’t talk about anything important without me!”
*
SAHARA UNDERSTOOD THAT Brand was upset, and she decided it wouldn’t hurt to calm him before they proceeded. By seeking privacy from the others, he’d given her the perfect opportunity to see to it.
Enoch looked up as they emerged from the conference room, his smile freezing in place when he got a look at Brand’s face.
“Ahem.” Enoch stood. “I think I’ll see if we need more coffee.” As he passed Sahara, he murmured, “Think long-term, please.”
Sahara smiled at him. “That’s my plan.” As soon as Enoch disappeared into the room, she gave her attention to Brand.
Fury shone from his dark eyes, but she knew it wasn’t directed at her. No, he was just that worried about her safety, and his concern warmed her.
Putting a hand to his jaw, she asked softly, “Are you ever going to shave?”
The question surprised him. “Maybe every couple of weeks.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “So you’ll be semibearded, then clean-shaven, only to become semibearded again?”
He covered her hand on his jaw. “I’m not into a lot of grooming.”
“Since you look sexy all scruffy, I guess that’s okay.”
“I’ll never be a fancy dresser either.”
“Fancy dressing isn’t required.” She leaned in and kissed him, then whispered against his firm mouth, “Ross won’t hurt me.”
Closing his hands over her upper arms, he stepped her back so she couldn’t miss his heated glare. “You can’t know that.”
“If I was relying on Ross’s honor, I’d agree. But I know Scott, and I know you.” She searched his gaze. “Neither of you would let him near me.”
“Damn right—although I can’t speak for your brother since he’s the one wanting to let the bastard skate.”
His grumbling tone worried her. “Scott has deliberately tried to annoy you.” She lowered her voice to a serious whisper. “That’s how he chased off other boyfriends.”
Brand tipped up her chin. “I’ll deal with your brother, don’t worry about that. The rest of this, though—”
“It’s important to me, Brand.” She moved closer, staring up at him, willing him to see it from her perspective. “I want Chelsea to pay. She’s an awful person, a cruel, manipulative sadist. As if that wasn’t enough already, she tried to take my brother from me.” Sahara brushed her mouth over his. “And to see Douglas lose his authority... God, I’d love that so much.”
Stubbornly, Brand insisted, “There has to be another way.”
“If there was, don’t you think I’d have found it by now? Powerful people don’t go down easy. It takes a lot.” She wound her arms around his neck. “This might be the only chance we have.”