Page 33 of Dark Angel
“Gabriel, you need to leave the country,” Z said matter-of-factly.
“Fine by me, as long as my destination is Italy.”
“The six mobsters you were tasked to take out with Teddy and Greystone had been sent here to assassinate several high-ranking military officials,” Z said. “Their elimination was intended to stop them?—”
“Which we did,” Teddy said.
“But also to send a clear message that we knew what they were up to,” Z said, finishing his thought.
“Too many games,” Gabriel muttered.
“I agree,” Sin said, “but when Gabriel took out theentiregroup out at their Russian restaurant, it became personal.”
“G, Sin was tipped off that they’re coming for you,” Z said.
Gabriel hands curled into fists as the frustration streaked through him. “It woulda been good to know thatbeforethey ambushed me. Now, it’s my turn. Revengeismy business.”
“Nothing in this quiet war we’re fighting is ever simple,” Sin said.
“It is for me,” Gabriel replied.
“Gabriel, give Z’s suggestion some thought, that’s all,” Kathrine said. “By staying, you put your family—including Elsa—at risk.”
Anger had Gabriel shoving out of his seat. With his half-eaten plate and empty mug in hand, he slowly made his way to the sink. The pain in his leg would be the motivation he needed to find the thugs who did this to him.
“Fine, whatever,” Gabriel said. “Make the arrangements.”
He said “yes” to get them off his back. Gabriel wasneverone to follow orders.
Not about to start now.
“Thank you both for coming to see me, and for breakfast,” Gabriel said to Stoni and Kathrine. “Teddy, I’m outta here.”
“Where are you going?” Sin asked.
“Home to pack,” Gabriel replied.
HALSTON
The hotel door opened wide,the woman stepped aside, and Halston crossed the threshold. A quick glance around the suite. A large living area, a closed door she assumed led to a bedroom. No one else in the room but the brunette.
The stranger shut the door.
“Welcome, Halston. I’m Evangeline Develin. Are you hungry? I ordered dinner for us. Can I get you a drink?”
Halston had no idea who this woman was. Was she foe or friend? Who did she work for? Yes, Halston was starving, but information first, food second.
A knowing smile touched Evangeline’s eyes. “I’ve arranged for someone to meet us here.” She opened the door to the bedroom and a woman walked in.
“Nice,” Halston said as Caroline Austin broke into a grin.
Her former CIA handler and current friend was super pretty with long blonde hair and a beautiful smile. She was smart, loyal, and someone Halston had liked—and trusted—from the jump.
After they hugged, Caroline said, “Welcome, home, Halston. Evangeline asked me here so you’d feel comfortable working with her.”
Halston shifted toward the tall brunette. “Thank you, and yes, I’m starving.”
“Let’s eat while the food is hot and you two can catch up,” Evangeline said.
