The Hunter by Gennita Low Page A

decoded it, it meant I lost.”
    Llallana chuckled, shaking her head. “So he’d get you either way. He’s got you figured out, you know. Knows that you think in terms of challenges. He’s a smart one, Amber. Since he won, I guess you’ll have to work with him.”
    Amber arranged the plates of food on the tray and handed them to Ona to take out to the guests. “He didn’t win,” she declared. “He gave me a choice. I prefer to lose than have him win.”
    “Oh, that makes sense, then. You two ought to make a good team.”
    Amber paused as she wiped her hands. Team. The idea of being partners with Hawk McMillan sent an unexpected shiver down her spine. He would use unorthodox methods. And he would constantly challenge her. Both thoughts excited and troubled her.
    “We’ll see what he wants,” she said noncommitally.
    “My, all these men wanting something from Amber H.” Llallana sighed. “Busy girl.”
    Amber unrolled her sleeves and arranged her shirt. “I have a feeling that things are going to get busier. We have to really get our shit together now that Dilaver is back in town. Not going to be as easy to get his trailers.”
    “We’ll worry about that later. Now you go and entertain them out there while I make a few phone calls. I want to make sure everything is okay.”
    “All right. Hey, Lily? Call Brad and tell him that Dilaver’s here. Maybe he can raid one of his kafenas .”
    Amber watched as Llallana hesitated, knowing that she didn’t want to make that phone call. She also knew her friend wouldn’t say no, not when it had to do with saving more girls. When she nodded, Amber mouthed a silent thank-you before slipping back into the study. She took a deep breath. She could handle Dragan Dilaver. It was the new guy who would be a little harder to manipulate.
     
    Maybe it was just all these months of thinking about it, but it was the most delicious hamburger Hawk had ever tasted. The mouthwatering smoky smell alone made his taste buds cry out in delight. It was exactly how he dreamed of one—a big fat slab of juicy hamburger, seasoned and charred, the works and squishy with mayonnaise. It dripped out in between the sesame buns as he took hungry bites.
    “I think this is the most animated I’ve seen you yet,” Dilaver observed, highly amused.
    Again, Hawk wished that he could enjoy this particular meal alone. He was surprised at how much he had been looking forward to it. In his job, he’d gotten used to going without, be it food or physical comfort, and it was very rare that he allowed his needs to rise to the surface like this. It wasn’t as if he were starving; he just had been dreaming about hamburgers.
    “Amber! Look at how much my friend’s enjoying your cooking.”
    Hawk looked up to see Amber walking toward them. He quickly wiped his hands and stood up to pull a chair out for her.
    “Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Is your meal to your liking?”
    “Exactly how I wanted it,” he replied.
    “He’s been talking about hamburgers,” Dilaver said. “You must have read his mind.”
    Her smile widened slightly and she glanced back at Hawk. “It was incredibly easy.”
    Hawk didn’t say anything at her dig, preferring to finish off his hamburger. She arched her brows at him, refusing to be the first to break off.
    “Aren’t you eating with us?” Dilaver asked.
    She finally looked away. “I’m not very hungry, but I’ll have a beer. What can I do for you today, Dragan?”
    Dragan pointed a spoon at Amber. “You know. Missing trailers. I’m being robbed.”
    Amber took a sip from her mug. “I’ve heard about it, but I’ve also heard that there’s been a lot more highway robberies, so it’s not just you.”
    “What else have you heard?” When Amber darted Hawk a look, Dilaver continued, “Don’t worry about Hawk. He’s one of us. In fact, he might give you some useful information in exchange for some…hot meals.”
    Amber smiled politely as Dilaver laughed at