Page 27 of Steel Vengeance

Omari seemed different today, almost like he had a spring in his step. He was laughing with his bodyguards, chatting more than usual with the local shopkeepers.

Yesterday’s meeting had gone well. He was happy with the result.

If only she knew what was discussed. If she had details about the shipment, she’d finally have something solid to pass on to Jeremy. And to Matthew.

Matthew.

The man who’d been such a big part of her life six months ago was now just a shadow in her dreams. She missed him, missed his company. He used to show up at her door after work with a bottle of wine. They’d cook together and spend the night wrapped up in each other.

But it didn’t feel as sharp as it used to. Time and distance had dulled the memory of his scent, the feel of him.

And it didn’t help that she hadn’t heard his voice. She’d been here for almost a month, and not a single phone call. Not one text asking if she was okay.

Yeah, he’d insisted on no contact.

But come on, really?

She was out here on her own. The only connection she had was an email address. What good would that do if she got into real trouble?

If Matthew didn’t want to use his personal phone, he could’ve gotten a burner. Everybody else did. Even the sailor had one.

If you need help, call me.

Omari went into the coffee shop with a man she’d seen a few times before. Middle-aged, bearded, and sporting a belly that stuck out like he never missed a meal. Nothing about him seemed out of the ordinary.

The teahouse was across the street, and she took a seat outside, ordering a sweet green tea. She’d wait. Maybe Stitch would show up again like he had yesterday.

But honestly, it was probably better if he didn’t. Omari’s guard had already spotted them together once. Twice would definitely raise suspicions.

She couldn’t play the lost wife act again.

That had been quick thinking on his part, though. He’d sounded so natural, so convincing. The guard hadn’t given her a second thought, just a clueless local woman who’d wandered off where she wasn’t supposed to.

And then there was the ride home. His chest firm and solid against her back, his thighs pressing against hers as they rode. She’d never admit it out loud, but for that brief moment, she’d felt safe. Like nothing could touch her with him around. His body had been a shield, surrounding her.

And that feeling... it was addictive.

When the ride ended, she’d been oddly disappointed. More so when he jumped off the scooter like he couldn’t get away from her fast enough.

For a man built like a tank, his hands had been unexpectedly gentle on her waist.

And now, she couldn’t stop thinking about him in a totally different light.

Not as an enemy. Not even as a partner.

But as a man.

A hulking, rugged, broad-shouldered, hard-as-hell man.

The rideto the community center took less than fifteen minutes.

Sloane parked outside, nodded to the security guard who recognized her, and headed inside. The moment she stepped in, something felt off. It was too quiet. The hallway was empty.

Then she heard a woman’s cry echoing from down the corridor.

Her heart raced as she sprinted toward the sound. It was coming from the classroom where she taught English.

She burst through the open door to find a small group of women gathered around one of the desks.