Page 123 of Knox

“Because there are maybe twelve people in the world who can execute a hack via a Diameter attack,” Björn laughs from the front seat. “And our sexy nerd happens to be one of them.”

“Oh…”

“I know this is scary, Little Prince, but you’re in great hands. We’ll find the stalker.”

With that, I move Cillian back to his seat, buckle him up, and take his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together.

He squeezes tight, and I swear I feel it in my soul. I shouldn’t be doing this.

I need to let go of his hand right now.

But I don’t.

Instead, I lie to myself, agreeing I’m only doing it to keep the client calm, and we stay like that for the rest of the drive.

— ¤ —

We reach the marina thirty minutes later, and find a gorgeous speedboat already waiting for us at the dock.

As soon as we step out of the Hummer, Tae comes over, pulling a penlight from his pocket. “Mr. Harrington-Hale, let me see your eyes.”

While Tae distracts Cillian, checking his pupils and pulse, Björn sidles up right next to me, leaning his shoulder against mine with a grin.

“Shut up,” I say before he can even open his mouth.

“I didn’t say a single word,” Björn says, raising his hands in fake innocence.

“Well, you and Leif had better keep it that way.”

“Leif is pure and adorable, but my silence isn’t free, Knoxy.”

“Oh, fuck no… I’m not covering for you in Alexios’s D&D campaign. Those shits last like ten hours.”

“Nej, this is going to cost you some anecdotes about what went down in that cabin.”

Of course that’s his price.

I think it over, surprised by the sudden urge to tell him, only so I can relive it all again.

Fuck… that’s not good.

“One story,” I say, grabbing a rifle and our bags as we head toward the boat.

“Ten stories,” Björn counters.

“Zero stories.”

“Okay, fine. Five stories.”

I turn and glare at him. “Two. Filtered. And if you ask for details, the deal is off.”

Björn claps his hands together excitedly. “Deal.”

We board the boat and cross the water to the private island.

The boat docks at a beautiful wooden pier lined with torches, benches, and flowers.

Oh, wow…