Page 100 of Untamed Sinner

"Stay," I say as I get out.

She looks at me.

The guard glares at me.

I stare steadily at him. "She stays in the truck until I say otherwise."

His grip tightens on his rifle.

Good. We understand each other.

The search is thorough. Weapon first. Then my phone. Keys. Wallet. Everything we expected them to take. Everything I need them to believe matters.

The guard holds out his hand. "Watch."

I take it off and drop it in his hand.

When he finds the wire, his eyes lift to mine.

I don't react.

He pulls it free and holds it between two fingers. "You expecting trouble?"

"I'm making a delivery to a man who surrounds himself with armed security. I plan accordingly."

“I’ve heard about you. Expected someone scarier.” He puts the wire on the table in the gatehouse.

Exactly where I expected it to end up.

"Turn around," he orders.

I do.

Another man searches the truck and then Mandy. I watch his hands.

She catches my eye over his shoulder. Behave, she mouths.

I wonder how well behave would go over if our positions were reversed.

“You can pick up your belongings on the way out.” The guard steps away. "Clear."

The gate opens.

I get back behind the wheel and Mandy climbs in beside me.

Neither of us speaks. We don't need to.

The truck rolls forward, and the gate disappears behind us.

“Still with me?” Jake murmurs in my ear.

“Clear,” I reply. The guard found what I wanted him to find.

“With my virtue intact,” Mandy adds, reaching across the console and laying her hand on my thigh.

Covering it with mine, I glance at her. "One last chance."

"Now it makes six." She squeezes my leg. "We finish this."