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Of all the explanations she could have given him, that was the least expected He mentally scanned over the brother’s and sister’s files until he hit on the one factoid that ical father That honor went to a low-level gangster in New York They’d been born in the United States and therefore had dual citizenship Add to the ency froton and everywhere in betanted to keep tabs on Rolf Macintosh’s cri Jasper into a protected asset made perfect sense

“You’re sure” He already knew the answer, but had to ask

Clausen nodded

“Are you fucking kidding istered, even if the a off her could be reed to this whole farce to protect you”

The smart-ass slid off Jasper’s face, replaced by a softer, more concerned look “Rubes, how many times have I told you that I don’t need your protection anymore? You, however, are in way over your head You can’t be here for what’s about to go down”

She crossed her arainst the knot of her robe “What exactly is that?”

“The less you know the better,” Jasper said

Her brother may have known Ruby for his entire life, but even after only a few days, Lucas knew she wasn’t going to let go that easily

She jerked her chin up “I already know about the gun sale”

“Jesus Are you trying to get her killed?” Jasper glared at Lucas, his gaze dropping to Lucas’s aret some entertaine? She’s not one of us She doesn’t know the rules She could get hurt—or worse”

It took everything Lucas had not to look over at the twisted sheets on the bed What happened to Ruby after the operation was finished wasn’t his concern He had to focus on keeping Elskov safe Theelse Still, he et between them

“That’s not going to happen” He wasn’t fooled by the bored look on Jasper’s face as he looked between them and then the rumpled bed

“Oh really?” Jasper asked when his attention landed square on Lucas

“Dammit, Jasper,” Ruby hissed “I’m not an idiot”

“No,” Jasper said, his voice low and tight “You’re just a cover”