Chapter 6
BELLA
It’s Friday, which means we get to leave work early. I deliver all the discrepancies to the slimy toad before I leave. I’m not sure what to make of his surprise when I hand him not only the list but also the ledger. I’ve balanced it as much as possible and shown him how I’d done it.
I know we won’t be able to move on all the numbers without blowing my cover, but now I know what to look for. I’ve noted which colleagues have the same ledgers and where they’ve stored them. Most are in locked drawers, but they can be easily accessed if you know how to pick locks.
I’ll pass that on to the Skulls because while I can easily pick the locks, stealth isn’t my strong point. They’ve had centuries to perfect sneaking into different places. I’ll draw them a floor plan and send it to Ramzi in a secure email.
A flicker in my rearview mirror catches my eye, and a smile breaks over my face as Copper pulls out behind me. Lifting a hand from my steering wheel, I wave.
We’re entering a dangerous period of this assignment, and I’m glad I’m not doing it alone this time. Having Copper at my back feels right.
It doesn’t take long for us to reach our flat.
I park in my designated spot as Copper pulls in next to me.
Switching the engine off, I grab my bag and open my door to get out.
Without thinking, I take hold of the hand waiting for me.
Over the months, I’ve grown used to his being there as soon as I open my door.
I smile as I get out. “Hey, Sug.”
A smile tugs at his lips as he lowers his head and presses his lips to mine in a soft kiss. “Spice.”
My heart beats a little faster when he says my nickname and with the unexpected kiss. It’s almost as if Copper is no longer holding back now that I’ve made the conscious decision to move on.
“I know it’s Friday, but I have to email new information to Ramzi. Can we put off movie night for an hour or so?”
“Yeah, of course. No problem. I need to contact Coal and Thea anyway.”
Concern flows through me; it’s not like him to be in contact with them so often. “Are they okay?”
He cups my face and rubs his thumb over my cheek. “It’s all good, Bee. Thea is making us tracking jewellery and needs our sizes. She and Coal are looking for a secure place for us to meet so we can pick up some merch.”
Relief fills me. I was worried he’d have to go home. “Oh, okay. I can help with a secure meeting place if they don’t have one.”
Copper smiles. “I’ll let him know. Come on, let’s get work out of the way, and then we can relax.”
He takes my hand like he’s done a million times since I met him and leads me towards the flat. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.
Because I do.
It makes me feel cared for and wanted. Something I’ve not felt in a very long time.
Once inside, I send Ramzi all the information I’ve found, including a rough drawing of the interior of my office and the desks where they can find the other ledgers. Now that they know what to look for, it should be easy.
“Bella, what’s your ring size?”
I look up from the laptop to see that Copper has showered while I’ve been busy and is ready for a night of relaxation.
His beard is trimmed and oiled, and I know it feels as silky to the touch as it looks.
His hair hangs loose past his shoulders in long, black curls.
He’s bare-chested and wearing a pair of sweatpants tied low on his hips.
My mouth dries up as I take a proper look at him.
I don’t often see him like this, as he tends to wear T-shirts when we’re training.
He’s always been well built and fit, but our additional training has made him even more ripped.
He’s developed a chiselled six-pack, and I have no words for his shoulders.
The man is sex on a stick, and he doesn’t even realise it.
My ogling is interrupted when he waves a hand in front of my face. My cheeks heat with a blush, and long-forgotten desire hits me square between my legs. Well, fuck.
Copper tilts my head back to look at him. “Are you okay, Bella?”
I clear my throat. “Yeah, I’m good. What did you ask?”
He smirks, and I narrow my eyes at him. His smirk turns into a full grin as he repeats his question. “I asked for your ring size. Thea’s making trackers for us.”
I ignore the stab of disappointment that flows through me at his practical question. I’m in no position to start a relationship with anyone. Not yet. I have things I need to put to rest first.
“Oh, yeah, I do. Here.” I grab a Post-It note and write my ring size along with an address for a safe meeting spot. “If they need somewhere secure, this is a good place. It’s not too far from them and only an hour from where we’ll be. It should be safe for everyone to meet there.”
He takes the note, his eyebrows raised in surprise. “How do you know this is a safe place?”
I bite my lip before admitting, “I own it, but it’s under a company name, so it won’t be traced back to us.
This is the code for the gate. If they arrive in the afternoon, it will look as if they’ve rented it for the weekend, and you can see your family.
I know you miss them. They’ll have to take food, though, because I don’t keep anything there.
It has seven bedrooms, and the couches pull out, so there’s plenty of space for everyone.
We can spend the night and come back on Sunday. ”
My heart flutters and my stomach dips as Copper’s face breaks into a wide smile. I like making this man happy.
“Really?” he asks. “Did you check this with the Skulls?”
I turn the laptop towards him so he can see the reply I received from Ramzi.
Thanks for the information, Bella. We’ll take it from here. Good work. Proud of you.
Also, Silas and Cahir both agree that seeing Copper’s family this weekend at your safe house is fine. Silas hasn’t seen anything about this. Go ahead and take a break.
Silas asked me to pass this message along: ‘Saying goodbye and healing is okay. Stop punishing yourself. Life is short. Live it.’
Look after yourself, Bella. Be careful.
Ramzi
“Fucking fantastic!” Copper whoops, plucking me from the chair and twirling me around the room.
I laugh as he squeezes me tight before putting me back on my feet. My head is spinning, and I’m a little unsteady as he pushes me towards the bedroom.
“Go get changed. I’ll let Coal know.”
I smile as I reach our bedroom.
“Bella.”
I turn to look at Copper, unsure what to make of the look on his face.
“Thank you.” His words are heartfelt.
Smiling warmly, I reply, “You’re welcome.”
Leaving him to tell his family the good news, I strip off my clothes and head for the shower. I’m looking forward to spending time with the man who’s thawing my heart, one sweet action at a time.
Tomorrow won’t be fun. I’m dreading it and all the old feelings of worthlessness it will bring up. But I also know that it’s time to put the past behind me for good so I can move on.
And moving on means not returning to Feannag. I’ll find somewhere else to live. It’ll hurt my parents, but in the long run, it’s better for everyone involved.