Page 66 of Power
“I’m not sure if that makes me feel better or worse,” Simone said.
“Red, we got this. ALPHAs beta-testing bodycams and I’m the guinea pig.”
“Nice.”
Just thinking about The Bomb Maker spun her up in the absolute worst way. While she wanted to tell Frednotto go, shewould never. Her friend was a trained ALPHA Op, an excellent markswoman, and she’d be surrounded by other well-qualified people.
“Be careful,” Simone murmured.
“Babe, it’s me,” Fred replied with a cocky smile. “Once he’s arrested, I hope they find evidence it’sTheBomb Maker.”
“He killed thousands, injured so many others, and destroyed too many lives.” Anger made her flush and she chugged down her chilled water.
Fred twirled pasta on her fork. “It’ll be freakin’ awesome to get him off the streets. But I am curious… where’s he been the past five years, and why resurface now?”
“I think about him ghosting every single day. I’ll be sending you good vibes.”
“We’re gonna rock the mission. HQ meeting at one in the morning to review the plan, head out by two, latest. I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know if we got him.”
Simone’s phone buzzed again.
Fred eyed her empty plate. “I want more, but I don’t want to be stuffed. Plus… dessert.” She carried their empty dinner dishes to the sink.
Simone pulled two dessert dishes and two forks.
“Check this out.” Fred held out Simone’s phone. “You’ve got texts from Luciano Santini. Is Mr. Big Bucks interested in my girl?”
Simone read each of his texts.
Sorry I bolted the other night. Can’t stop thinking about you. Dinner Saturday?
Carole Jeans in Tysons?
After dinner, a ride on my yacht or dancing at a private club?
Excitement permeated her entire being. He was pursuing her. Plus, he’d apologized. She had to give him props for that.
Fred chuckled. “You look like you’re in heat.”
“I do not.”
“Your cheeks are flushed.”
“From the spice I added to the red sauce.”
“You’re talking tome,” Fred said. “I see right through your BS.” She leaned over, read the messages, then grinned at Simone. “Holy hell, mama. He likes you.” She waggled her eyebrows. “You gotta lock this one down.”
Simone laughed. “Lock him down? And that’s coming from Ms. Independent?”
“Lemme tell you something sister… if I had a gorgeous billionaire asking me out, I’d be closing him on the big M.”
“Big M?”
“Marriage, baby. The big ring, the big house, the whole shebang.”
Simone laughed. Hard. “That’s your advice? What if he’s a jerk? Or he’s crazy? Or he’s a workaholic and he’s never around? Wait, he could be a total tool who can’t keep his dick in his pants.”
“With you? Don’t you wanna get boned by your man?”
