Page 28 of Retaliation
“Did you hear what I just said?!” Tibby screeched. “I asked for no drama, and you just made plans with two of our deadliest targets. Can’t you just stay home and read a book like a good girl?”
Well, she wasn’t wrong. Maybe I’d skip the gym and go for a run. I needed the exercise, but I suppose I could avoid Ty this evening. “Fine,” I conceded. “I’m still going to the firehouse, but I’ll be your good little girl tonight and stay away from the Princes after that.”
Tibby snorted. “You will never be anyone’s good little girl, but I appreciate the effort.”
Since this wasn’t a fancy adventure, I opted for sexy but casual. I slipped into a pair of forest green leggings with mesh cutouts on the sides. I paired them with a black sweater that hung off my shoulders to show off the lacy straps of my dark-green bra. I left my hair loose and wavy and my makeup minimal—mascara and a fire engine–red lipstick. I smiled to myself in the mirror. The lipstick was hot, and I hoped it would draw in a few gazes and get Levi’s blood pumping. My insides heated thinking about it, and I grimaced. Sara you slut, get it together.
I stomped my feet into my favorite boots and slipped out the fire escape. I didn’t feel like dealing with Dev today. I couldn’t avoid him forever because I needed to stay close, but after the mindblowing orgasm, my brain got all fuzzy around him, and I needed a clear head. Although, he wasn’t messaging as much, and that was odd. Maybe Tibby was right and something was off. I slipped my tiny backpack over my shoulder, with a few cameras tucked away for me to plant at the firehouse. I didn’t think Levi would honestly do any shady cult shit at his day job, but I needed eyes on the Princes at all times.
Levi’s firehouse was about fifteen minutes from Dev’s bar, and as usual, I saw that as a challenge. I zoomed between cars on the highway, enjoying the feel of the cold wind biting into my skin. Goosebumps littered my flesh as I sped through traffic and relished in the freedom I always found with my motorcycle rumbling between my legs. For a few minutes, nothing mattered and I let my mind go quiet, pretending my life wasn’t a dumpster fire.
The ride took less than ten minutes. I jumped the short curb and parked right up on the sidewalk in front of the station like a jackass. Levi would love it. I didn’t block the open doors for the trucks, I wasn’t that big of an asshole. Curious looks from several firemen peppered my skin when I pulled off my helmet and placed it on the handlebars. I whipped my hair like a fucking supermodel and spun around, giving them a bright smile as I walked just inside the doorway of Engine 33.
“Hello, boys.” I let my eyes linger on their faces, noting their reactions.
I knew them all, of course. Tibby and I went over every fireman to find connections we might be able to use. Only one of them was a low level member of The Obscuritas and he wasn’t any of these men.
“Hello, gorgeous.” The flirtatious voice made me turn. It belonged to a man named Derrick Stromwell. No criminal record and had a cat. What a softie. He was average height with stacked arms, but looked like he could use a couple more leg days. His bald head gleamed in the sunlight, and he smiled as he approached me. “Can we help you?”
I nodded, glancing around. “I was promised a tour of the firehouse today.”
“Is that so?” Another man, Xavier Saladino, stepped up. Taller than Derrick and muscular all around. He had curly blond hair and pretty blue eyes. Also unaffiliated with The Obscuritas, but he was in a nasty gang. He could potentially be useful.
I looked up into his baby blues and nodded. “It is.” I drew closer to him, and his eyes dilated as I tiptoed up to reach his ear and whispered. “I was promised a ride on a pole too.”
Xavier let out a low chuckle, his cheeks coloring slightly as his eyes dragged over my body hungrily. “Well, baby, you’ve found the right man for the job.”
I smiled and tilted my head to the side, my eyes widening innocently. “Oh yeah? Well—”
“Sara,” a deep voice growled, and I jumped back with a start.
I nearly crashed into Xavier as Levi hovered behind me. He wore a black ribbed tank and dark washed jeans, his muscles and swirling tattoos on full display, as if it wasn’t the middle of fucking winter. He looked fucking delicious too as his dark blue eyes lured me in.
“Levi! I was just getting to know all these hunky firefighters. I honestly thought I’d wandered onto the set of a Magic Mike movie.”
Levi narrowed his eyes slightly before his face broke into a smile and he laughed. The sound of his laughter was infectious and the other men chuckled as the tension broke. “We sell calendars, diabla. I’ll get you one before we leave today.” Levi held out his arm for me like we were headed into a ballroom.
I smiled and threaded my arm through his, noting his use of the word “we.” Apparently we had plans after this little tour. “And what month are you, Levi?”
He grinned and winked down at me. “July. Hottest month of the year for the hottest fireman of the house.”
Xavier snorted a laugh. “You wish.” His gaze turned to mine once more. “Nice to meet you Sara. If you want something to really get your blood burning, check out December. Have a seat on Santa’s lap, and I’ll make all your wishes come true.”
I licked my lips, and Levi’s biceps bulged as he gripped my arm tighter. He leaned down, and his lips brushed against my ear, making me shiver.
“Xavier’s pretty eyes might get you all hot, but my tongue will be the one setting your body on fire, diabla.”
My whole body heated at his words. Levi was bold, and I loved it. He grinned, and I smiled back, unable to stop myself from enjoying this crazy man.
“We’ll see. Can I have my tour now, or will we just stand here trading fire related pick-up lines all day?”
The men laughed, and I felt their gazes trailing my ass as Levi guided me further into the station, pointing out the trucks and tools all neatly placed. These men were incredibly organized. Everything was shiny and clean. I plucked a pack of mints out of my bag, popping one in as I discreetly pulled out the tiny cameras. I asked Levi questions, and he told me facts about the firehouse, from its beginnings in the late 1800s to today. It was actually interesting, and I half-listened as I brushed my hands along the equipment lining the walls, placing cameras throughout. Levi guided me upstairs to their offices, kitchen, and sleeping rooms. We passed other men, and Levi briefly introduced me to them, always keeping a possessive hand around my waist. The others cocked eyebrows curiously but were apparently too scared of Levi to say anything more than a hello.
“Why are there no women at this station?” I arched an eyebrow in his direction, genuinely curious about his answer.
Levi frowned slightly. “We had two women working this Engine about three years ago. There was a horrible fire and both died. One of them was a close friend of Xavier’s and the other was Derrick’s wife. It was a difficult year for all of us, and since then, we just haven’t had any.”
“Oh. But men die in fires too, don’t they?” I asked.
