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He grunted. Lily Doucet was a fierce little thing with some wicked tricks up her sleeve. “I plan to spend some time on the mat with her. She’ll be more likely to need skills to escape from men rather than women. Hugo surrounds himself with male bodyguards.”
Bridget’s gaze sharpened. “You found more information?”
“He views women as adornments instead of bodyguards. He’s well known for hiring men instead of women.”
She frowned. “I didn’t think to look into his personnel to see if he’d hired a mix of men and women.”
“You will. This is your first exposure to a Fortress mission from this side.”
Adam’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then his wife. “We need to take this. We’ll be back,” he said to Trace and Bridget, and led his wife from the room.
“Do I look all right, Trace?” she asked, voice soft.
He wrapped his arms around her and tucked her against his chest. “You look amazing, Bridget. I’ll have to keep a close eye on you. Hugo may decide to add you to his collection of beautiful things and people.” Another source of worry for him. He leaned down until his lips brushed her ear. “I prefer you as Bridget rather than Bree. You’re beautiful and courageous with a backbone of steel. You have a kind heart and care about people. You attract me on every level, sweetheart, and I’ll have a difficult time keeping my heart safe from you.”
“The feeling is mutual,” she whispered.
Trace kissed her neck, smiling when she shivered in his arms. “Good to know.”
His phone signaled an incoming call. Keeping one arm around Bridget’s waist to hold her in place, Trace glanced at his screen and swiped it with his thumb. “You’re on speaker with Bridget. What do you have, Z?”
“Two things. First, Bridget’s background story is complete. I emailed a copy to you and her along with your revised background as Trace Rawlins. Second, I made contact with Hugo in the chat room. He took the bait. Hugo wants to meet in two days to discuss terms of employment.”
Two days. Not nearly enough time to teach this woman how to deal with vipers. “Details?”
“Forthcoming. He’s wary.”
“Not surprising. Inform Maddox. I’ll bring Nico and Adam up to speed. We’ll need one of the jets tomorrow. Did you mention Bridget?”
“Nope. Figured I’d let you handle that chore when you showed up with her on Hugo’s doorstep.”
“Good. The less he knows and is prepared for, the better.”
“Let me know if I can help.”
“Copy that.” Trace slid his phone away and eased Bridget closer.
Adam and Veronica returned to the living room a moment later. Adam’s eyebrows rose when he saw Trace’s protective hold on Bridget. “What’s up?”
“Torino made contact. He wants to meet in two days.”
A soft whistle. “Doesn’t give you much time.”
“You can do it,” Veronica said. “You’ll help Bridget be ready. You’re a great operative, Trace. Your lady doesn’t have to go hand-to-hand with all Hugo’s thugs. She must have the skills to fend off an attacker long enough to disable him and run.” She smiled at Bridget. “Southern ladies are never caught without their lipstick.”
Trace frowned. What did that have to do with keeping Bridget safe from Torino or his thugs? “Explain.”
The operative smiled. “No, sir. Ladies don’t spill their secrets.” Her gaze shifted to Bridget again. “Talk to Sam or our medic, Jake. One of them will give you another weapon to add to your arsenal.”
“Where is the meet?” Adam asked before Trace could pursue that odd statement.
“Don’t know yet. He’s keeping the details close to the vest for now. I’m betting it’s south of the border, though.”
A nod. “Good bet. His father’s strongholds are in South America and Mexico. As soon as you learn more, I want to know.”
“Adam, you and Vonnie should be prepared for another mission in Mexico.”
Veronica stilled, swallowing hard. Adam’s expression darkened. “Let me guess,” he muttered. “The Chihuahua province?”
