Page 16 of Protecting The Gray Wolf
“Yes, it’s safe.” Or it soon would be. “When would you like to meet?”
“I’ll catch a cab. Be there in about forty minutes.”
“I’ll come to you.” Having followed her home last night, he knew exactly where to find her. Even if he hadn’t, her home address had been included in the information the broker had sent him. His people were nothing if not thorough.
“No. I’ll see you shortly.” The line went dead.
Frustrated, he stared at it and growled. If he left now, he ran the risk of missing her. “Damn it.” He raked his fingers through his hair. She’d be here soon enough. In the meantime, he had plans to put into play.
This could be a trap. Create a situation where Luna could pretend to be upset and the painting was in jeopardy. It played on his attraction and amped up his natural instinct to protect. If her boss was part of the conspiracy, it would be easy to do. If it was a trap, it was brilliant. If he didn’t suspect her, he might very well go to another location if she suggested such a thing.
A muscle flexed in his jaw as he swiftly and efficiently packed his belongings. Chelsea and Tony and possibly the mysterious buyer were aware of the location of his hotel. It was compromised. When he was ready to go, he pulled out the burner phone and made a call. It was answered on the first ring. “Was the information not satisfactory?” There was no anger or sense of impatience from the broker. It was almost a rhetorical question. He knew damn well how good the information was.
“I have another situation.”
“How may I assist?”
“I need a package retrieved immediately. There will be another within the hour.” Assuming Luna actually showed. “Both are to be delivered to a secure storage facility.”
“Are the items stolen?”
“Not your business.” He wasn’t giving any more information than necessary.
“I disagree. Stolen puts my people at a higher risk, which affects the price of the service.” For the first time in all his dealings with the man, his tone shifted, becoming harder.
Kade liked that he protected those that worked for him. It upped his respect for the broker. Not many humans had that kind of loyalty—not in his line of business. Assuming the man was human and not “other.” He knew nothing about him, other than the sound of his voice. And that might not even be accurate.
“It’s mine, but someone else has decided they want it. Assume it’s dangerous. I’ll be making another purchase shortly and will need that package secured, as well.”
“Location?”
He gave the name of his hotel. “I’ll be in the lobby.”
“Codes will be sent after payment.”
“Understood.” Kade ended the call and waited for the text. As soon as payment was confirmed, the codes came through. He memorized them before turning off the phone and stuffing it in his pocket. Shouldering his bag, he grabbed the package. The keycard was on the table. He wouldn’t be back.
When he stepped off the elevator in the lobby, he scanned the area, taking note of everyone. Nothing seemed amiss. No one worried his wolf. He settled into a chair in a seating area enclosed on three sides by lush plants, making it semi-private. Keeping one eye on the door, he completed the online checkout and then made reservations at another hotel, using a different alias from the one he’d used here. He had several active at all times, drawing on them when necessary, discarding them and getting new when one was compromised.
A sharp-dressed man entered the building. His brown hair was neatly styled, his features unassuming. He could easily pass for one of the many businessmen who lived and worked in Manhattan. Except for the fact his suit had not only been tailored to fit his large frame, but also to help conceal his weapon. His gaze moved leisurely over everyone before zeroing in on Kade. He strode across the lobby, angling his body to give him the best view of the area.
“You have a pick-up?”
“I do.” He rattled off the code he’d been sent and waited for the return one. When the man reached for the package, he held onto it, loath to allow the wolf painting out of his possession. “Keep it safe.” There was an underlying warning that wouldn’t earn him any favors with the broker if his employee mentioned it.
“You have my word. And that of my employer.”
Kade reluctantly released it. The man handed him a slip of paper. “Another contact will be here within the half hour for the next package. These are the security codes.”
“Thank you.” He glanced at them before tucking the paper into his pocket.
The man nodded and headed for the door, package secured under his arm, and not a second too soon. Luna gave the doorman a distracted smile, practically brushing shoulders with the courier. Glancing frantically around for Kade, she never glanced his way, never noticed the package he carried.
Satisfaction filled him. She’d come. That was one hurdle cleared. His wolf preened, having never doubted her. Kade was withholding judgment, but his heart began to pound in anticipation.
…
Relief took the edge off her worry but didn’t soothe it completely as she entered the upscale hotel. Her fingers gripped the handle of her portfolio so tightly they ached. She chewed on her bottom lip, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
