Ignacio’s face reddened under the too-dim lighting along the wooden walkway to their right. “Where is she, asshole?”

“Kara’s…tied up,” he replied. “She couldn’t make it.”

“My uncle specifically said I was to transport you both. I’ll have to call him.”

Blake yanked his phone from his belt. “I’ll do it for you.”

“I’m here!”

Blake froze at the sound of Kara’s voice, every muscle in his body turning to ice and then heating with anger. How the fuck was she here, and why hadn’t he tied her up? And while he wasn’t on mic with his brothers, he was sure they were nearby and cursing, too. They all knew how dangerous this meeting could get and Kara had no business being involved. He’d flipping warned Kyle she was skilled and she’d proven it, clearly outsmarting him.

At the sound of Kara’s heels clattering over the wooden dock, Blake turned to stare at her, watching her hair and the red silk of her dress flutter around her. She looked sexy and feminine and a ripe target for a human-trafficking operation. What part of that didn’t she understand? Blake ground his teeth at the sight of two goons stepping behind her and stopping to guard the walkway, their weapons glinting in their shoulder holsters like shined silver despite the barely there light. There was no way he could get her out of this trip. She was here. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was damn sure going to try.

“I made it after all.” She stopped between him and Ignacio and shivered, hugging herself. “I forgot my jacket. I’m freezing.”

Blake almost laughed at her obvious attempt at playing the innocent little secretary after she’d clearly just outwitted one of the best damn men Walker Security had on their team. Innocent, and held a gun at one of the cartel member’s heads only hours before.

“Where exactly were you?” Ignacio demanded.

Blake grimaced and before Kara could reply, answered for her. “What the hell business is it of yours?”

Ignacio cut him a hard look, his gaze flicking over Blake’s jeans and leather jacket, before raking an obscene path down Kara’s body and back up. “She’s late, but at least she’s dressed for a meeting with Alvarez.”

Blake curled his fingers into his palms and told himself not to punch the living crap out of the man. He’d had a lot of urges to pummel people since meeting Kara, it seemed. Pulling her to his side and under his arm, he would keep her close. He didn’t give a damn how tough she thought she was—she didn’t belong here. If there was any way he could get her out of here, he would. He lifted his chin at Ignacio. “Just get us to Alvarez.”