Page 108 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

“See? You’re doing great, kid. Keep your head down like you’re checking your phone. You’ve got a camera at your three and nine.”

Blaz did as instructed, scrolling his phone as the line moved forward.

“Doing great,” I murmured, smirking when Tessa shot nervous electric blue eyes my way. I shrugged, covering my mic to hiss, “Isn’t he?”

“We’re about to see,” she whispered back. “Still want me to drain the other accounts as soon as he’s out?”

“Yeah,” I said, grinning like an idiot. Revenge tasted sweet in every flavor, but my favorite kind was the slow and steady dismantling kind—with a sprinkle of pain-in-your-assery. “But not a minute sooner.”

“Obviously,” she said dryly, popping her knuckles. Sometimes I wondered what it would be like to work with my brain instead of my hands. Then I had moments like this, where it took everything I had not to bolt into the building after him.

“Retie your shoe,” I murmured. “Don’t answer—just kneel. Let the guy who came in after you go ahead. You’re going to the teller on the right.”

Much to my satisfaction, he did. And continued to, throughout the entire transaction—seamlessly reciting the new security answers we’d programmed.

I was starting to think we might get out scot-free when Tessa elbowed me in the ribs, manicured nail tapping the screen. The alley camera showed two men—faces shaded by rat-pack hats, collars popped—approaching fast, and pissed.

“Don’t run,” I warned. “But we gotta go. We’ve got company.”

“On it,” Tessa said, passing me the computer and untangling herself from the cords. She ran delicate fingers along her cute laid edges to smooth them, then turned and swiped Ajax’s coffee right out of his hands.

“Hey!” he barked, but she was already gone.

I hadn’t planned to put Tessa in anyone’s path—but she was the only one who wouldn’t need to stick around. Much less likely to show up on camera later.

Plus, she was gorgeous. Killer body. Nice rack.

Men are men.

“Steady, Blaz,” I murmured, watching him move through the lobby at the same pace as the men in the alley. “Not too fast, but don’t slow down.”

Tessa made a beeline down the sidewalk, pulling out her phone. I flipped back to the overhead cam, unsure which angle would be best. She was speed-walking—head down, braids swaying, coffee rising to her lips just as she slipped between the buildings⁠—

And collided directly into the taller man.

He spun, hands out to catch her. The cup must’ve burst—judging by the puddle spreading at her feet. Outraged, she flung her hands, shaking off the coffee. Her head snapped up—pissed.

Right until Stretch grabbed her arm, apologizing with his other hand.

She resisted. Then relaxed. Shook her head. Glanced at her shoes.

Oh my God.

Was he flirting with her?

They really can’t help themselves.

The car door whooshed open and I jerked my head up to find Blaz sliding in beside me.

“Get in,” I hissed, waving him forward as he climbed in, pale but upright. Brody still watched Tessa’s little scene unfold.

She shook her head, waved the men off, and continued down the sidewalk.

When she crossed the street and slid in next to me, she was grinning—expression all feline.

I couldn’t help but wonder if she took after her mother or father when she shifted.

“God damn,” she said, fanning herself. “They make them pretty in the South.”