Was seven thirty too early for a drink? “I need you here, Cali.”
For the first time in all the years he’d known her, Cali didn’t hide the disappointment from her face. “I didn’t get my master’s degree so I could be your assistant for the rest of my life, Luke.”
“And you won’t be,” he promised. “I’m going to find a great position for you. One that will suit all your talents and will be timed right. But at the moment, there are just too many outside factors at play. I can’t take the chance that something will be messed up during your transition.”
“Don’t be a fucking coward, Luke.”
He jerked his head back. He didn’t think Cali had ever cursed at him before. “What?”
She shook her head and crossed to the door. “You and I both know there’ll never be a good time to transition me out. So if you were never planning on transferring me, you should tell me instead of stringing me along like one of those bimbos you’re always with.”
“I don’t string along the bimbos!” he called after her, but she was already walking out, shutting the door behind her.
Damn it. Maybe it was time to let Cali go. He didn’t know how many more raises he could give her before she finally got tired of this game. She was too smart to be twiddling her thumbs at the assistant’s desk, but she did so much more for the company as an assistant that he’d probably need two or three different people to replace her.
And he probably wouldn’t like any of those people as much as her.
He ran the towel over his head and through his hair. He was a sweaty mess and would need a good shower before he could get any work done. Just one more thing to add to his ever growing to-do list.
Luke pulled off his sweat-soaked shirt and set it in the coat closet in the back corner of the office. He didn’t want to set it in his bag until after it had dried but didn’t want it sitting out either.
He heard the doorknob twist behind him. “Just tell me how much of a salary increase you want to make you happy, and it will be done,” he said as he turned. But instead of Cali, Evelyn stood in front of him.
“I’ve always wondered how great it would be to cross over that six-figure hump.” Evelyn crossed to set a black bag on his desk.
Luke took a calming breath and set the towel down. Evelyn, as always, looked damn sexy. Her discount suit hugged her ass in just the right way, and the jacket, which actually seemed to match her pants today, wasn’t enough to hide the way her blouse stretched over her generous breasts.
He was starting to think this whole working out thing wasn’t a good distraction when it came to Evelyn. But he wasn’t sure there was anything at this point that would get his mind off her and her body. Especially now that he knew what it looked like. Felt like.
“I have a feeling that if you weren’t working for the FBI, you could be making as much as you wanted to.” Luke knew she used to be in the military with Jace, and although he’d chosen to go the private sector path, Evelyn had stuck with the government. Luke was sure someone with her skills would have done very well for herself, taking jobs on a freelance basis.
“I guess I’m still holding out for a sugar daddy.” She winked.
He had a feeling she tried to keep her eyes firmly planted on his face, but he noticed as they trailed down over his still overheated chest and stomach. Suddenly all those hours in the gym were completely worth it. She tried to stay cool and collected, pretending that last night never happened, but he could tell he’d gotten under her skin.
If only he’d gotten inside her the way he’d wanted to.
“So what’s the plan to set up for today?” he asked, giving her a reprieve. As much as he’d like to continue what they’d stopped the night before right now on his desk, he knew that now wasn’t the time for that.
“I thought a bit about how things are going to go down today. I think that Brian is still on damage control after Ken tried to kill Lori. He wouldn’t come into your domain like this if he was going to give up any sensitive information. Your main goal for today is to get him to agree to do something outside the office with you.”
He raised a brow. “Like go out for coffee? I don’t think that’s in the cards.”
“Whatever bored billionaires do to bond. Play golf or drink Scotch. I don’t know. Go swimming in pools of money?”
“That sounds unsanitary.”
“Probably fun though.”
He cracked a smile. “So what happens when I go swimming in piles of money with Longineu?”
“You talk. You talk your ass off. Talk about your family. Talk about your women. Talk about your secrets. You do that, he’ll talk too. Human psychology.”
“He’s not the kind of guy I want knowing my secrets.”
“Then tell him the ones he already knows. Talk about Rourke. What you two fell out over.”
Luke clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck do you know about that?”
Any joking expression fled. “It was in your file,” she said quietly.
“And you’ve known this entire time?” Shit. He’d known she’d done her research but didn’t think she’d go that deep.
“It was a long time ago. But secrets like that will make Brian think he can trust you.”
“It wasn’t that long ago for Rourke.” Considering the last time he’d seen his brother was after Rourke tossed him through a window in anger, it felt as though it was all too recent.
Evelyn shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Wining and dining rich people is your specialty. You know what you’re doing. Just make him like you. Hopefully he’ll spill. You already have a big chunk of money with the Thirteen Stars, so it shouldn’t take much to get him saying things we’ll make him regret later.”
“And you’ll be listening to every word?”
She nodded. “Give me your phone.”
He crossed to behind his desk and pulled it off the charger. As soon as she had it in her hands, she pulled off the back and started to install something on the inside of the battery compartment.
Luke bent closer to get a better look and Evelyn went still. “Do you mind?”
“Well, it’s my phone you’re messing with. That’s kind of important.”
“Can you at least put on a shirt while you’re invading my personal space?”
So that was why she wanted him to step back. Luke smiled. “Haven’t you heard? Invading personal space is much more fun with less clothes involved.”
She let out a small laugh. “Dick,” she muttered as she finished putting the chip in the phone and sealed it back up. “So I’m now officially listening to whatever you’re saying around your phone. So don’t talk shit about me when it’s around.”
“Only behind your back and away from the phone. Understood.”
She gave him a look, but he couldn’t tell whether she was more amused or annoyed. “The recording quality could be compromised by where the phone is located. So try to keep the microphone unobstructed. On your desk would be best. If you have it on your person when you’re out, try to wear slacks, not jeans, since the material is lighter. Or, better yet, a belt clip that holds your phone but doesn’t cover the mic part.”
“So there’s no way for them to sense this? You don’t think they’ll wave me down like the movies?”
“If they were going to search you for a wire, they would ask you not to bring your phone inside.”
It wasn’t the quick rejection of the idea he was expecting. He’d just go ahead and assume that it wouldn’t be like the movies. “I will do my best to catch every syllable the bastard says.”
“I’m glad we have an understanding.” She was quiet then, and they stood like that for a few long seconds. Eventually, she finally let her gaze trail lower, and he couldn’t keep the smile off his face. No matter what she said, he was going to get her in bed. It might not be until after this whole thing was over, but it was going to happen.
Evelyn finally let out a sigh. “I’m going to try to stay sc
arce today. I doubt Longineu would tag me as FBI, but better safe than sorry. I’ll have my door cracked and will be thoroughly eavesdropping, so I’ll hear if Cali brings him over.”
“I’ll feel very safe knowing that you’re nowhere to be seen.”
She narrowed her eyes but didn’t give any witty comeback. Instead, she turned to head out of the room, taking her bag with her.
“What’s all that?” He pointed to the bag.
Evelyn shot him a grin over her shoulder. “Toys. I don’t think we need to completely wire up the office for this one meeting, but I like to have the tools here just in case.”
“Never get between the feds and their toys.”
“Got that right.” She reached the door. “Remember, I’ll be right across the hall if you need anything.”
“Trust me, I’ll remember.”
Evelyn had listened in on a lot of people in the past decade, and she couldn’t think of one who she liked more than she had before hearing all their private conversations. But Luke was the first.
For some reason, the cocky, arrogant ass she was so used to wasn’t around when he spoke to anyone else. After overhearing a phone call between him and one of his male managers, she’d assumed that maybe he was just that way with women.
But he was also a perfectly decent human being around Cali too. No sexual innuendo, he listened to her ideas, was respectful even when he disagreed and never once said anything rude. He was charming, polite, and most of all, smart. He was able to maneuver people to his way of thinking without even making it seem as though he was disagreeing or sounding like some oily used-car salesman.
Evelyn managed to get a few items of paperwork done in the few silent moments that Luke wasn’t on the phone or in some meeting, but for the most part, she tried to familiarize herself with Brian Longineu as much as possible.
The forty-five-year-old was heir to a Texas oil fortune. He had a beauty queen trophy wife but was known for his side relationships. Based off correlating travel and credit card records, the agency thought that his affair with Joslyn Devereaux had lasted for about six months. His tax returns showed a steadily increasing wealth consistent with legit investments, but Evelyn had a feeling that if they knew where to look, they could at least get him for tax evasion.
Because if he was in the Thirteen Stars, and a leader of them from what Evelyn suspected, he was making a lot of money he wasn’t reporting on those tax returns.
“Luke, there’s a Mr. Longineu here for you,” said Cali from the hallway.
Evelyn perked up and turned up the volume on her earbuds. She didn’t want anyone else knowing that she was listening in, and this way she could have the volume as loud as possible.
“Great,” said Luke. “Send him in.”
Evelyn pulled open the drawer and grabbed out a pen and paper to take notes. The entire conversation would be recorded, but she wanted to write down anything that stuck out to her just in case.
She tapped the pen repetitively on the paper as she waited for Longineu to get there. Please be something, she thought. This case was dead end after dead end.
Not that public corruption cases she worked in Texas moved much faster, but at least she was home when she was working those. Not stuck in New York, working white-collar. This could be the break in the case she was waiting for, and if they could bust Longineu for tax evasion, that would be enough to make her career—even if none of the Thirteen Stars went down with him.
If there was one thing the government liked, it was money. And the agents who found the money.
She could hear Cali and Longineu’s footsteps before they spoke. Cali did a quick introduction before she left the men to it and Evelyn leaned in closer.
Only to practically jump out of her chair as someone knocked on her slightly open door. She regained her composure and cursed under her breath, taking out one of the earbuds as she turned to look at the intruder. Cali.
“Hey,” she said with a forced smile. “What’s going on?” Hopefully it was something small and she’d be out of Evelyn’s hair ASAP so she could go back to listening.
“Hello.” Cali’s smile looked genuine. “I wanted to check in and make sure everything was working out so far.”
Great, she was trying to be friendly at exactly the wrong moment. “Everything’s fine. Luke has been keeping me really busy,” she said briskly. Hopefully Cali would take the hint and leave.
Cali’s gaze quickly scanned over the desk and Evelyn bet she was noticing that there was no paperwork in front of Evelyn to signify she was busy at all. “Well, if you have a spare moment, I’m taking a long weekend and could use some extra hands.”
“Of course. I can probably stop by after lunch to see if you need anything.”
“Sounds great.” Except Cali’s expression practically screamed how suspicious she was.
Evelyn didn’t care about Cali being suspicious. As long as she didn’t mention it to Longineu on the way out, which Evelyn thought was highly unlikely considering Cali’s normal professionalism.
But after a few seconds, Cali was still there. As though she wanted to voice her concerns but was working up the nerve to question not only the new girl, but the boss Cali had worked with for years. Evelyn didn’t have time for patience, though. She needed to be listening to Luke and Longineu right now.
“If that’s all, I really need to finish this up for Luke.” She pointed her pen at the empty notebook as though it was filled with a mile-long to-do list.
Cali’s frown deepened, but she finally nodded. “Sure. Come see me when you want some more to do.”
After she was out of the doorframe, Evelyn reached out with a leg to kick the door shut. It bounced on the frame but didn’t latch. Close enough. She wasn’t going to get up and miss any more of this conversation.
She shoved in the other earbud and leaned forward, trying to orient herself with what they were saying. It sounded as if they were exchanging pleasantries still. Talking about the stats of some sort of sports players...football.
Not her favorite sport, but not the most boring one. They went on about the most recent game for a while before Longineu got down to business. Apologizing for the way the Ken situation went down and making sure Luke knew they were a professional organization.
Evelyn held a hand over her ear, trying to listen for any tense undertones or any signal that Luke might be uncomfortable. But he sounded like the easygoing guy she was so used to. As they got back to football and discussed the newest draft picks for Rutgers, Evelyn rolled her eyes.
But it made sense that Luke would be into it. She knew from his file that he’d played in high school, and judging from his still cut body, he still enjoyed sports.
And then her mind was back on his abs. She’d been so damned determined to put last night behind them, and of course she’d walked in on him all...sweaty. Why was that so hot? Sweat was gross and smelly, but seeing those biceps and chest all shiny had been anything but gross to her in the moment.
Nope. That man would be haunting her fantasies for the rest of her life probably. Which wasn’t exactly professional. Or logical, for that matter. But Evelyn was coming to understand that her attraction to that man didn’t give a flying fuck about what was logical.
She picked up the pen and started to draw the rough outline of a man as the conversation went on. She added on a few ridges and planes until the shape started to resemble Luke more and more.
And then the conversation finally went to the good stuff.
“I have a meeting coming up,” said Luke. “I can move it over, or we can continue this later. I’d love to know a bit more about the operation.”
There was a pause and Evelyn held her breath as she waited to hear Longineu’s response.
“That sounds great. I’d love a chance to get to know you better too.”
Good grief, it sounded as if they were going on their first date. But Evelyn didn’t care. This was perfect. One on one, private location—Luke could ask all the quest
ions he wanted. Yes. Please say yes, Luke.
“I have a busy week coming up,” said Luke. “Let me check my schedule...”
No, you son of a bitch. You agree to whatever day that man wants!
“Hmmm. I can do Friday evening.”
“Friday it is. I think there’s a club opening happening that night. I’ll make sure you’re on the list.”
Club? What kind of club did too-rich-for-their-own-good tycoons go to? She supposed she’d find out soon enough.
“I look forward to hearing from you,” said Luke.
She listened for any sound of them leaving or final good-byes, but didn’t hear anything. Maybe Luke wasn’t one for long good-byes. Guys tended to be more short with the pleasantries. Especially once they got what they wanted.
Evelyn let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Two more nights and she might be all set to get arrest warrants. So close, yet so far...
“Excuse me,” said a masculine voice from the hallway.
Evelyn was able to contain her surprise this time and calmly removed the earbuds before she turned to face the one person she didn’t want to see. Brian Longineu. She let the confusion show on her face. “Hello. Can I help you?”
He had a sheepish grin on and she tried to determine how genuine it was. He had crow’s feet in the corners of his eyes and some of the hair at the top of his temples was starting to go gray, but Longineu was still an attractive man.
This was also the man Joslyn had blackmailed for six figures a month and the one who put a hit on Emma out of fear for what she would discover.
“I was looking for the restroom. Could you point me in the right direction?”
Every nerve was on high alert and Evelyn made sure her breathing stayed calm and smooth. “The executive bathroom is right around the corner.” She pointed in the direction of Cali’s desk. “It has the little man figure on the door, so you should see it.”
Devereaux Billionaires Complete Series: Books 1-4 Page 38