East Bound by Nana Malone (big ebook reader txt) 📕

"I am not territorial. I'm just trying to keep everybody alive."

Amelia put up her hands. "Look, I know. Two weeks ago, I was coming after you. I get it. If I were you, I wouldn't trust me either. But Nyla trusts me."

Nyla nodded. "Yeah, I do. When things look bleak, Amelia is the one I turn to. She can help us. And at least she's not persona non grata at Interpol. The higher ups will listen to her."

"Right now, I have no clue what your intentions are, Amelia. Zero. So if you want to take part in this mess, do it on your own. No disrespect, but you can't stay. I can’t be sure you're not going to get us all killed."

Nyla was unimpressed with my speech. I could tell by the set of her jaw. "And I'm telling you, we need her. Imagine what we can do with two Interpol agents, instead of just one. Just think about it. She's an asset. And you’re being ridiculous if you think shutting her out is a good idea."

"Nyla, be reasonable. It's my job to make sure we stay protected and covered. Adding Interpol to the mix is not the best way to do that."

Nyla glowered at me. "Like I said, you're being ridiculous."

"I'm just being cautious. You might not like it, but it has kept us alive so far."

"Look, I hear you, but this isn't just your call. You guys are a team, right? And you have a leader. Who is the team lead?"

Ben grinned. "She got you there mate. But I’m sorry, Agent Kincade, when it comes to matters of security, we defer to East. But… If I do get a vote, I think it’s not the worst thing in the world to have Interpol on our side. It certainly can't hurt adding one more agent."

"Can't you all see how this could benefit us? Denning Sinclair is after you."

Amelia came forward. "Look, I get it. I came for you, and I wasn't nice about it. I tried to put you in jail that one time, and I owe you for that. But you've forgiven Nyla, so I’m hopeful you’d do the same for me. Keep in mind, the real bad guys are out there, and that's who we're trying to deal with. I came to you without any inhibitions or any ultimate goal. I just want to help. But I get it. You have to do it your way. I'm not going to fight. I'm not going to beg."

Jesus. "So, what? I'm the hold out now?"

Ben shrugged.

At that moment, Bridge walked in with Emma in tow. "Jesus Christ, Emma too?" I blurted out, though a part of me knew that Emma had more right to be here than any of us.

"Ah, this looks tense. What are you voting on?" Emma said.

Bridge scowled at her. "You don't get a vote."

"Oh yes, I do. Ben invited me, so I get a vote. What were you voting on? Come on, tell me,” she pleaded before joining me with a broad grin. “Hey, handsome.”

“Hey, little Tobes.” I hugged Emma, and Nyla eyed her up and down.

"Hi, I'm Nyla, East’s girlfriend."

They exchanged glowers. I grinned then, seeing Nyla’s jealous move for what it was. "Yes, she’s my girlfriend."

Emma laughed. "You have a girlfriend? Be still my heart."

"Hey, even the best of us fall sometimes."

She laughed and extended her hand. "Hi. Emma Varma. Toby was my brother."

Nyla nodded and shook. "I'm really sorry. I didn't know him, but from what East tells me, he was the best."

Emma nodded. "He was. So, why the grim faces? I know Bridge doesn't want me here, but Ben asked me to come, so I assumed you need all hands on deck."

Bridge scowled. "We can't let Emma in on this. And the same goes for Amelia. No offense, but we barely even know her. You all know full well what’s at stake here."

Drew laughed. "I say they're both in just because it means getting to watch you two bicker and lose your shit."

Nyla laughed. “Amelia can actually keep government secrets, so she’s not a security risk. Besides if she goes, I go."

My head snapped around, and I could hear my low, feral growl. “You’re going nowhere.” She merely lifted her brow.

Ben rolled his eyes, and Livy snapped her fingers loudly. "Enough. They both stay, because we've been trying to do this ourselves and so far, we don't have any answers. So, welcome to the team, you two." Then she turned to Bridge and I and leveled a direct gaze at each of us. "Both of you, deal with it. Figure it out or whatever you have to do. I don't care. But get over yourselves."

Nyla turned and grinned at me, and I knew I was going to regret this.

Nyla

After dropping Amelia off at home, I headed back to my townhouse. East would be by after he finished some work, and I had just the thing to surprise him. My breasts grew heavy just thinking about it.

You really think this is going to last, don’t you?

A frisson of dread snaked up my spine, but I refused to let it take root.

I waved at the doorman before jogging up the stairs to the hallway, where I saw my neighbor, Mrs. Briggs. She gave me a wide smile that wrinkled up her face like tissue paper. "Hi, love."

"Hi, Mrs. Briggs. How are the new flowers?"

"Oh, my hydrangea? I keep trying, but I have the worst black thumb."

I laughed. "Well, maybe we should get you another hobby."

She chuckled and waved her hand in the way of old grand mums. "No, I just love them. And sometimes, I get lucky."

I grinned at her. "Well, I wish you all the luck then."

She passed me in the hall, and then she paused. "Oh, I think your visitor went inside. It wasn't the usual young man I've been seeing you with, but anyway, he's in your flat."

I kept a smile plastered on my