Desire Among Thieves

By Tressie Lockwood

Chyna's sister was killed after she took on a dangerous job. She was heartbroken over her boyfriend leaving her. Later, when Chyna has to opportunity to take her sister's place, Chyna accepts. The only problem is, her partner in this dangerous assignment is none other than Neko Long, her sister's ex. Chyna hates his guts but can't deny how she's always been attracted to Neko.

When Neko Long, leader of a notorious ring of thieves and a lynx shape-shifter is caught at last, Neko is offered two choices--work for the government in a group named Bad Boys, Inc., or spend a very long time in prison. Neko doesn't see that he has a choice at all, but what makes matters worse is working with his ex-girlfriend's younger sister. Why didn't he notice before just how sexy Chyna Dawkins is, and how can he explain why he left her sister? Either way, he's got to keep his hands off Chyna and his mind on the job, or he could get them both killed. They've got one night to make everything right.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tressie Lockwood
• Release date: Feb 9, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507067383

Book preview

Prologue

I want to do it, Chyna said, lifting her chin and squaring her shoulders. She hoped Mr. McCoy wouldn’t see how scared she was, that he’d overlook the fact that she’d never stolen anything in her life besides a few pens from her office job. Her sister Eden had always been the bold one, the one to who took risks—from her boyfriends to her line of work. Chyna had admired Eden for choosing a career as a stunt double. At least, that’s what Chyna had thought her older sister did until a few days ago.

Wolfe McCoy sat back and crossed his arms over his chest, a frown marring his handsome face. If he aimed to intimidate her, it worked. Are you sure about this? You’re not exactly experienced. The only reason I’m even considering you is because of how much you look like your sister. He scrutinized her face making her squirm. You weren’t twins, but my people are good at what they do. They can make your own mother mistake you for Eden.

At his last words, Chyna looked down at her hands and blinked away tears. She would not cry in front of this hardened soldier. She’d done enough of that the past few weeks, and the time for that was over."

She cleared her throat and glared at him. Yes, I’m sure. I want to do it. I’m ready.

McCoy grinned and unbent. He’d taken the stance he did on purpose, she realized, to see if she’d get scared off. Little did he know she had not much left in her life to go back to—nothing worthwhile anyway.

Great. McCoy nodded. Now, to settle things with the protector we will assign to you. He’ll be by your side the entire time to be sure you come out alive and with the acquisition in hand. Katie will show you your next step while I speak with Neko.

Chyna had stood up to leave but froze at the name. I’m sorry, who did you say? It had to be a coincidence because life would not be so cruel to her twice.

McCoy seemed unaware of how she hung on his next words. Your protector? Oh yes, perhaps you know him. He happened to be an old boyfriend of your sister’s. His name is Neko Long.

Oh hell no! Chyna shouted. I will not now or ever do anything with Neko Long!

* * * *

"Look, I don’t know what you think you have on me, but I assure

you—"

Sit down, the man barked at Neko.

Neko considered ignoring the command. He was not intimidated by anyone, least of all these government stuffed shirts. He could smell them a mile off and knew he’d covered his ass from start to finish on his last job. That hadn’t stopped this bastard from tracking him down in one of his D.C. safe houses. Neko had barely enough time to toss his clothes on and press a few choice buttons before they burst into his house. After that, they’d dragged him in to this place for questioning.

Now, Mr. Long—I’ll call you Neko—I’m Wolfe McCoy. Neko, you’re in a very precarious position. You’ve been singled out as the leader of ring of thieves wanted for crimes both in the U.S. and internationally.

That’s a lie. Neko gritted his teeth. The bastard didn’t give a fuck what Neko said in defense of himself or if he had alibis for whatever jobs they’d pin on him. This was how the government did things. He knew that, but what irked him was that they had men smart enough to name him. I assure you my lawyer—

Will try to convince me you’re not a lynx shape shifter?

Neko froze. What the hell? No, they couldn’t know his secret. That was impossible. Even the men he worked with didn’t know all there was to know about Neko. He liked it that way, even if every one of his group had their own abilities, inherited traits passed down in their bloodlines.

I don’t know what you mean, he hedged.

No? McCoy’s grin was cold and calculating, executed no doubt just to piss Neko off. So, you don’t come from a long line of shifters, the gene affecting the first son of each generation and no other? You can’t shift into a small animal in the feline category and camouflage yourself almost to the point of being invisible? My intel on that is all wrong, huh?

Neko forced a laugh. That’s absurd. No one can do the things you described. I think you’ve been watching too much television, sir.

McCoy’s patience must have snapped. He slammed a hand down on the table where Neko sat and leaned into his face so they were nose to nose. "Let me break down what the rest of