Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“Why do you schedule these meetings so early?” he grumbles.
Dean snorts. “It’s nine a.m. Not exactly the crack of dawn.”
Orion sinks into the chair nearest the door and drops his head onto the tabletop with a groan.
Boone tilts his head, all concern masked by his usual cocky grin. “Looks like someone had a rough night.”
Orion’s only response is another muffled grumble, face still planted against the wood.
I let out a breath, trying to keep my focus on the urgent matter at hand—keeping Isabel safe—and not on the fact that she might fight me every step of the way.
Asher steps through the door, looking slightly out of place but eager enough. He’s younger than the rest of us—fresh-faced in comparison—but no one’s had a bad word to say about him, so he’s got my respect.
“Thanks for being here,” Dean begins, running a hand over the files scattered on the table. “I know the past couple of months have been tough with me chasing Bishop Blackstone. I appreciate everything you did to help find him. Hopefully now we can finally have some peace.”
I listen, though my mind drifts to my new assignment: protecting Isabel. And I know just how hard Isabel worked in Dean’s absence, making sure this place ran smoothly.
Dean glances my way. “I’m lucky Isabel’s so involved. We’d be lost without her.” His gaze shifts to the stack of folders. “Now, we’ve got some new assignments that need handling.”
He slides a file across the table to Ranger. “The G-Summit Meeting is this weekend. This is Tory Ann,” he says, tapping the front page.
Ranger opens it, scanning the details. “Is she attending the summit?”
Dean shakes his head. “No. Her father is Frederick Malser, the world-renowned scientist who’ll be a keynote speaker. He’s bringing his own security, so you’ll be overseeing Tory while she travels.”
As Dean continues, my focus keeps wandering to Isabel. It’s been a long time since I spent any significant time alone with a woman—especially one who has always had this…effect on me. I don’t date much, and it’s no secret I’ve had a thing for her since day one. But we work together, and she’s Dean’s sister—I’d never cross that line.
Besides, the trust Dean’s placing in me means everything. If I succeed, it could lead to a higher position in the company. That kind of responsibility is a huge deal. I can’t risk messing it up.
When the meeting ends, Dean asks Asher to hang back. The rest of us make our way into the hallway.
“We should all catch up again soon,” Boone says, stretching his arms behind his head. “Last time was a blast.”
Orion smirks. “Once I’m done protecting some poor girl from her ex, we can do a poker night.”
Ranger’s grin is as wide as I’ve ever seen. “I’m down.”
I press my lips together. “Maybe.”
Boone nudges me. “You’re not fooling anyone. We all know you want in on another chance to lose to Ranger’s card skills.”
I roll my eyes, laughing along. “Right. Because I love handing my money over to this guy.”
Ranger’s chuckle rumbles through the hall. “I’ll happily take any free cash.”
Boone lifts a brow. “Then again, your job sounds like it might keep you busy for a while. ”
I tense at the mention of my job. “It’s Isabel.” My voice lowers. “Someone’s been threatening her. No idea who, yet, but Dean has a few leads.”
An immediate hush falls over the group. Isabel’s family to all of us, in one way or another.
“Where is she?” Orion asks, brow furrowed.
Before I can answer, the clicking of high heels against the tile snaps our heads around. Isabel strides down the hall, looking every bit as fierce as I remember—sharp suit, steely gaze, and enough attitude to fill this entire floor. Her eyes lock onto mine in an instant, and the guys all scatter like they’ve got somewhere else to be.
“You,” she says, pointing at me.
I glance around—she obviously means me, but I feign ignorance. “Who, me?”
Her heels bring her closer, and she pokes me in the chest. Hard. “I can’t believe you and my brother are pulling this stunt.”
I catch her wrist before she can jab at me again. Her skin is warm against my palm, and the brief contact is enough to send a wave of want rippling through me. “You can’t believe we’re protecting you?” I keep my voice steady, though her nearness is already messing with my head.
She wrenches her hand free and plants both fists on her hips. “Care to explain yourself, Lincoln?”
I hold her gaze, trying not to get lost in the deep gray of her eyes. “Isabel, you have to know your brother and I only want what’s best for you.”
Her stare hardens, anger rolling off her in waves. “I don’t need you or Dean babysitting me. I can take care of myself.”