The Fall of East: Book 3 in the Hear No Evil Trilogy, Malone, Nana [inspiring books for teens txt] 📗

forgeries, in a car park in London and has been using it as an outpost for buyers. Some pieces she kept for herself. Things they couldn't unload. One of her former accomplices gave up the location."

AJ's eyes went wide. "Wow, okay. There really is no honor amongst thieves." I scowled at her. I knew she was making fun of me. She continued. "So best bet is protecting the Ackerman.”

I nodded and sat up. "If it were me, strictly speaking, I'd go after the piece that got me caught. There’s a poetry in acquiring the one that got away."

Denning snorted. "Okay, Mr. Billionaire, I knew you lot were unscrupulous, but let's not pretend you know anything about art theft.” He was forced to agree with us though. “That said, she had another copy of it in her warehouse. So we do think she will make another attempt."

This time, Nyla didn't have to say anything, but Roger Kincade glowered at Denning. "You left files sitting around your house about this very case, and it detailed how the rest of the gang was caught. You don't think that would mean poetic justice for her?"

Denning frowned. "No, it's just… She wouldn’t be that careless."

"You mean like shagging an Interpol agent to get intel? Reckless, but smart. If you can go undetected, you can get all the information you'll ever need. And if they're on to you, you’ll be the first to know. So, if I were you, Agent Sinclair, I would sit back, shut up and listen while the grownups talk."

I blinked, trying hard not to laugh, but it was Nyla's expression that took me aback. There was pity. Not smugness, like that on Amelia's face. Pity. Because she knew what it was like being on the receiving end of one of her father's lectures. She knew what it was like when he didn’t believe in you and thought you were the fuck up. Damn it. I wanted to pull her into my lap and wrap my arms around her, because I never wanted her to feel that again. And part of me wanted to take a piece out of Roger Kincade's ass.

But I knew that Nyla didn't need his approval anymore, and I turned my attention back to my sister. "Okay, so AJ, notify your security team that she's coming for that particular piece. Where is it located?"

"Well, it's on display. Centerpiece of the exhibit."

Nyla asked, "Do you think she's going to attempt to replace it? What's the play here?"

I frowned. "I don't know. They tried that one before, and it didn't work, but only because her brother got caught. But if there's another way to replace it, I bet you she'll find it."

I watched the conversation back and forth, and some of Nyla's penchant for pity rubbed off on me. "If she's going for it, we'll get her. AJ, alert your security team. Agent Kincade, setup your team anywhere you need them. I will take a personal watch on that painting if I have to."

Nyla grinned at me. "Mr. Hale, that’s a kind offer since your expertise is in security,"

Denning scoffed. "What? He owns a bloody hotel. How is his expertise in security?"

Nyla just ignored him. "Would you mind taking a look at the electronic security they have here at the museum?"

"Of course."

AJ grinned at me. "Yeah, my brother set it up in the first place, so why don't we double-check to make sure no one can get past our systems?"

I frowned. "I built the systems. No one's getting past them."

Roger Kincade pinned a scrutinizing look at me. "Oh, Mr. Hale, another interesting thing to learn about you. You're a force to be reckoned with."

I met his gaze back. "Absolutely. Learn everything you need to know."

And then I turned to smile at Nyla. "You know absolutely who you can count on and who you cannot."

* * *

Nyla

East's voice was hushed as he checked my bulletproof vest. "Are you okay?"

"Of course. You know, just that feeling of knowing you were right all along, knowing something wasn't right and not being able to put your finger on it, it’s disconcerting."

"I can imagine."

"But yeah, I guess, I'm fine."

He inclined his head toward the rest of my team. "It seems that Denning is in the doghouse."

I double-checked my straps. "Yeah. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about that."

He laughed as he finished strapping me in. "Well, the best thing about feelings is you just sort of feel how you feel. It's not really about how you're supposed to act on it. You can do that after you sort situations out."

"I know. It's odd, I guess. I'm used to being the one getting admonitions from my father."

East winced. "Yeah, I know. As long as it's not you, I won't step in."

"Thank you, by the way."

"For what?" he gave me a soft smile.

"Well, for doing all of this for me. Private jets and all, and on such a short notice. You put up with my father and his constant scowling. You even put up with Denning. You want anal, don’t you?"

East coughed a laugh. "Oh my God, Nyla Kincade, that is shocking that you would suggest something so lurid to me. Also, can we try it tonight?"

I snorted a laugh. "You're impossible."

"But you love me."

"Yes, I do. As for the anal, that's a conversation we'll have to have later, because I'm about to go and get shot at, probably."

"No, I already learned that when making a deal, force them to take the deal on the table. Never let them walk away, or you might not get to negotiate those basics again. You brought it up. Is it on the table?"

I flushed deep. And then I lifted on my tiptoes to kiss him. "With you, East Hale, everything is on the table."

The kiss he gave me was deep. Thorough. "Excellent. I've always wanted to try a threesome."

I shook my head. "No, that’s not on the table. Well, actually it is, so long as it's up for negotiations