Page 74 of Grayson’s Challenge

“If he’s still using the same number,” she added.

“He has no reason not to.” Grayson made a few key strokes on his phone. “I’ve just sent it to Thomas, so he can get started on it.”

“Good. We need a win.” She cast him a hopeful smile. “Where did you get Abel’s picture from?”

“I had Zach text it to me when we were in New Orleans. I’ve already sent it to Thomas to distribute to everybody at Scanguards so they know who to look out for. Just in case.”

“Good thinking. Mom and Dad made us memorize his photo since we were kids. I guess they were worried that one day he’d be back and try to hurt us.”

“Not for much longer,” Grayson said confidently, putting his arm around her as they walked to where he’d parked the car.

She loved the affection he showed toward her, the warmth of his regard, the encouraging tone in his voice. With every hour they spent together, her feelings for him became clearer to her. She knew what was growing between them, trust and love. And a deep appreciation for their individual strengths. They complemented each other, trading leadership almost instinctively depending on what the situation demanded.

“Thanks for letting me deal with him my way,” Monique said.

“You kidding?” He chuckled. “You going all Rambo on him was such a turn-on. I almost envied the guy.”

She gave a soft laugh. “You got turned on by me manhandling a guy?”

“Totally.” Arriving at the car, he pressed her against it and leaned in. “You can do that to me anytime.”

“Threatening your life with a stake?”

“As long as you don’t plunge it into my heart, and rub your hot body all over me instead.”

“How about tying you up?” she suggested, enjoying teasing him. She craved a few hours alone with him, away from their problems, but she knew there was no time for that right now. A few teasing words would have to tide her over.

“Tied up or not, you’ll never get rid of me,” he promised, his eyes suddenly shimmering golden.

A shudder went through her, and it was evident that he noticed it. His mouth turned into a satisfied grin, before he dipped his head to hers and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her deeply. She sighed contentedly and kissed him back. But too soon, he severed the kiss.

“Let’s get back to HQ,” he said, “before I do something I shouldn’t be doing in broad daylight and in view of way too many witnesses.”

32

On the executive floor of Scanguards headquarters, they ran into Sebastian.

“Hey, Sebastian. Any news about the phones?” Grayson asked.

“Just got done with it. We ran a scan on all Scanguards registered landlines and cell phones. Nothing. And your parents’ house is clean of bugs too.”

“So nobody is tapping our phones?” Grayson asked, his forehead furrowing.

“No,” Sebastian replied, “definitely not. Not that I expected to find anything. The security we have in place makes it virtually impossible to bug us without alarm bells going off everywhere.”

“Thanks, Sebastian.”

Grayson exchanged a look with Monique. “Then we have a leak somewhere.”

“But where?”

“I wish I knew. The bodyguards who’re protecting my parents’ house are absolutely trustworthy. They’ve been with us forever,” Grayson assured her. He would put his life in their hands without hesitation.

“You’re not saying that somebody on my side is the leak?” Monique shook her head. “William is the second-in-command of the Kings’ guard, and he’s been with us for two decades. He practically raised me and my brothers. He’s one hundred percent loyal. Besides, he nearly died saving my mother’s life during the attack. And the other two guards were killed. Both our mothers confirmed that. Nobody else came to San Francisco with us.”

“I know, and I’m not saying it’s William. But the entire palace was compromised. We don’t know who else Abel has in his pocket. Maybe somebody is leaking information without even knowing it.”

“Hmm. Are you sure about the bodyguards at your parents’ house? Have they all been with Scanguards for a long time? Can you trust them?”