The Knotty Hacker

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

NIKKO ASTER

Nash came to me with an idea a few weeks later.

There hadn't been another murder, and not a mummer of new from Cree.

"T&T LTD is holding a charity ball this week. I have arranged for the board to find a reason to invite Terran Cruz." I gasped and gaped, I wanted to kiss this man. His stern look had me calming down to listen. "Beau and Maddox cannot come with us. They're not on the board, and it is best to keep MC business separate for these types of things."

"Just you and me?" I asked with a tilt of my head, my mouth pulling at the sides.

His eyes dropped to a small smile, his palm already cupping my cheek. "I'm not letting you anywhere near Cruz alone, Nikko."

"Then what is the plan?"

"Ply him with food, drink, and the company of a beautiful woman--harmless." I was shocked that Nash was even open to this idea, let alone coming to me with it. "We just have to be attentive to any slips."

"And if he doesn't?" Nash thumb traced over my lower lip, and it was an exercise on control not to suck it into my mouth.

His eyes darkened. "Then we make him."

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NASH CORBIN

"I don't like this." Huffed Maddox, his arms crossed as he paced the entryway floor. "This is a bad idea." He was grinding his teeth so hard I could hear it over the shuffling of his boots. "You're putting her in the same room as the man who tried to kidnap her."

"She won't be alone." I leaned against the wall, watching him from a distance. "I'll be with her the entire time."

"That's not good enough!" He yelled and kept pacing, fists curling at his side. "We should handle this our way. Not suits and politics." He glared at my bowtie and tails.

I only rolled my eyes at my sometimes--simple minded--brother. "It is the best way without rising suspicion. Cree will be there if that helps."

Maddox out-right growled, his knuckles white with how hard he was clenching his fists. No doubt wanting to pound my face in for even suggesting this plan. "How did that scumbag get an invitation?"

"Resourceful fucker. I kept him in the loop as requested, and the next thing I knew his name was on the guest list." Maddox knew why he couldn't be in attendance. MC and suits rarely mixed. Cruz wasn't in an MC, he ran his Vipers in his own way. That meant wearing a suit and playing whatever fucking mask I had to, to help my Mate and my club.

And seeing that Terran Cruz ends up six feet under.

Maddox stopped pacing, but I could see that he was struggling, it was obvious to anyone with eyes. He was spiralling himself into a panic. "What if he recognizes, Nikki?" His dark eyes filled with grief and promised cold death.

"I'm counting on it." I pulled at my cuff links, my hands steady. "And if he tries anything-- he's dead." I smiled softly at the possibility of what this night might yield.

"You two done swinging dicks?" Beau yelled from the living room, standing to sauntering in, leaning on the door frame.

"Shut up, Beau." We barked simultaneously, he only grinned back at us.

"You know Mad's is right, Nash. And I know you..." His blue eyes piercing. "So what's plan B, big guy... because I know you have one."

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