My heart squeezed at his admission. “That’s very noble, and I appreciate it, but I’ve never been very good at letting men do things that I know I can do myself.”
Admiration entered his gaze. “I understand, but you can’t fix this if you’re dead.”
Breathing a laugh, I leaned forward. “An astute observation from my very serious FBI agent. I’ll stay safe. Can I keep texting you with updates and questions?”
“Yes. As you’re aware, the number you have is my personal phone, not my work phone. I want you to keep me in the loop.”
“Yes, sir,” I said with a mock salute.
Something flared in his eyes, causing the flush to return to my skin. Oh, yes. Mr. Serious FBI Agent had enjoyed hearing those words from me.Interesting.
“I really appreciate your help, Leo,” I said, my tone becoming softer. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Text me an update once you speak to Michael.”
My lips twitched at his commanding tone, and I nodded.
Rising, he pulled out his wallet and I held up my hand. “The least I can do is buy you a coffee. Please, Leo.”
He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling and making him look incredibly sexy. “Thank you. Text me later. See ya.”
He pivoted and strode out of the café, his frame broad as he exited through the doorframe. Swallowing thickly, I took a moment to digest the past few minutes.
Leo’s insights would help during my meeting with Michael later, and I felt more confident having him on my side.
What I hadn’t expected was my body’s reaction to him. My eyes narrowed as I contemplated my frazzled nerves and the heat that still pulsed over my skin.
“What the fuck, Katia?” I murmured to myself, taking a sip of coffee as I glanced out the window.
Unfortunately, the sidewalk held no answers, so I finished my coffee and headed to the club, ready to speak to Michael.
Chapter 4
Katia
Isat at my desk, buried in my laptop as a knock sounded on the door. Michael breezed in and I rose.
“Sure, come on in,” I teased, smiling as he approached.
“You’ve got me worried,” he said, striding toward me and glancing at my laptop. “Please tell me there’s not another crisis I need to handle. We were having a good run.”
Sighing, I gestured toward the chairs in front of my desk. “Have a seat and I’ll show you everything.” I brought my laptop around and situated it on the desk before sitting beside him.
Pointing to the screen, I showed him the transactions. “These are three transactions that I’ve identified as fraudulent. I’m going to the bank to speak to Gerald this afternoon, and I’ll be ensuring they’re reversed and blocked moving forward.”
Michael’s eyebrows drew together. “Where did they come from?”
“The Cayman Islands,” I said, my tone relaying the seriousness of the situation. “I met with Leo this morning to pick his brain, and here’s everything I know...”
I brought Michael up to speed on the situation, my heart beating a bit quicker as his features contorted with anger.
“Those mother fuckers,” he said, harshly rubbing his forehead. “They want to put me in prison.”
I nodded. “Leo thinks they’ll come for me first, try to turn me, and hope that I implicate you to save myself.”
Michael expelled a frustrated breath. “Should I be angry that Leo knew about this before I did?”
“No,” I said, confidently straightening my spine. “I knew you’d want me to come prepared, and Leo was able to give me valuable insight.”