Into the Whirlwind by Kat Martin Page A

know someone,” said Dirk.
    Luke flicked him an amused glance but made no reply.
    â€œOkay, so let’s talk to this guy you know,” Dirk said. “See if he knows where to find Santini.”
    â€œUnfortunately the two of us aren’t exactly chummy. Quan Feng’s his name. Runs an illegal gambling parlor in the International District. Mid- to higher-level play, manages to stay off the grid.” Luke’s gaze shifted to Meg. She could feel the power of those intense, laser-blue eyes as if they had reached out and grabbed her.
    â€œSantini’s a gambler,” Luke continued, his eyes still on her face. “Odds are that hasn’t changed. Feng knows everything that goes on in the gambling world. Everything and everybody. He caters to the kind of people who prefer to keep their personal business on the down low. The ones who like to move around in the shadows. The bad news is, if we want to talk to Feng, we’ll need a way in.”
    Luke was sending her a message, Meg realized. A little chill ran up her spine. She understood where he was going. “You think a woman will help you get in.”
    â€œNo way.” Dirk moved between her and Luke. “That isn’t going to happen. Meg’s a mother, for chrissake. Her boy’s been kidnapped. No way are we involving her in this.”
    â€œI’m already involved,” Meg said.
    â€œYou might be recognized,” Dirk said, scowling.
    â€œI don’t work for La Belle anymore and I’ll change my appearance. I won’t be recognized.”
    â€œThe boy’s her son,” Luke said. “Should be her decision.”
    Meg’s gaze went to Dirk. The muscles in his jaw were tight. He looked ready to plow a fist into his best friend’s face.
    â€œWe need to find Santini,” Meg said before the tension in the room could escalate any further. “I’ll do whatever that takes.”
    Dirk stared at Luke. “You sure this is the only way?”
    â€œThere’re other ways. We just don’t have time to dick around and figure them out.”
    Dirk must have read the resolve in Meg’s face. “How rough is this joint?” he asked Luke. “Doesn’t sound like a safe place for a woman.”
    â€œShe’ll be fine. There’ll be other women there, and we’ll be right beside her. We just get in, find Feng, get him to answer our questions, then get the hell out.”
    Dirk released a frustrated breath. His hazel eyes returned to Meg. “Okay, you’re in. But you do what I tell you. Exactly what I tell you.”
    For some crazy reason his macho, overprotective attitude made her feel better. He was worried about her, taking care of her the way he had before. If it weren’t for Charlie, she would have smiled. “I’ll do whatever you say.”
    The tension in Dirk’s shoulders relaxed. He reached out and touched her cheek. Meg fought not to close her eyes and lean into him.
    â€œOkay” was all he said.

Chapter Ten
    â€œWear something sexy,” Luke said to Meg. “Not too classy, a little on the trashy side.”
    â€œChrist,” Dirk swore.
    â€œFeng loves women. Especially beautiful women. He thinks having them around is good for business.”
    â€œI thought you didn’t know him that well,” Dirk grumbled, thinking the last thing he needed was to see Meg dressed in something that showed off her perfect body. He’d been hard half the day just watching her walk around in jeans and a loose yellow sweater. Wrong time, wrong place, definitely the wrong woman, but there it was.
    â€œIt’s common knowledge on the street,” Luke said. “Feng’s a little kinky. Show up with a hot lady and you’re in.”
    â€œKinky? Son of a bitch.”
    â€œYou and Luke will both be with me,” Meg reminded him. “I know you’ll keep me safe. I just need a little time to get