Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128812 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
"What the actual fuck?" a familiar voice snaps when Zara steps out of the way.
My smile grows wider, even though there's a slight tremble in my hands, and my heart tries to beat out of my chest as I turn every ounce of my attention toward him.
"Long time no see," I say, wondering if everyone in the room can hear the slight waver in my voice.
The man seems to be trembling at the sight of me, and I know better than to think it's a tremor of excitement.
"You two know each other?" my new boss asks.
"No," the part of my history I never thought I'd face again growls.
Well, that just won't do. This isn't exactly how I planned to introduce myself, but it's better to find out early on whether these guys are going to have a problem with the man I am. I spent too much time undercover, pretending to be someone I'm not. I'll be damned if I'm going to do it in the place I'm supposed to feel most comfortable.
"Frankie and I used to suck each other's dicks in high school," I inform the room, waiting for the change in behavior from the men and women witnessing the situation.
Silence fills every crevice of empty space, but instead of disgust and lack of acceptance, I register it all as shock.
"You're gay?" Lark, a man I recognize from the dossier I was provided, asks, his attention on Frankie.
I swallow thickly, unsure of how things are going to go, because there was a little something in Lark's tone that I can’t decipher.
"I'm not gay," Frankie assures him, his hands clenched into fists as if at any second he'll rip my head off, and he's just trying to figure out the best time to do so.
I never expected the man to be happy that I'm here, but the denial has always rubbed me the wrong way.
"That's exactly what he told me right before he joined the Marine Corps and disappeared," I say, turning back to Zara.
Hemlock steps in close, pulling his woman to his side when I throw her a friendly little wink.
She rolls her lips between her teeth as if she has a million things to say, but she knows better than to say them in mixed company.
"I hope you had a safe trip," Hemlock says, his smile more a sneer than anything welcoming.
I know the look is a warning for me not to get any ideas about his woman.
"It was incredible," I say, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, doing my best to ignore the tension coming from the man ten feet away.
I want to get along with these guys, and even pretending to flirt with Zara isn't in anyone's best interest.
"The traffic on forty was pretty rough," I continue.
"It always is," Zara assures me.
"You rode your bike?" Hemlock asks. "What about luggage?"
"I have a few things on my bike, but the rest will be delivered within the next week. It's my understanding that I'll get started to work right away, but my style and what will be needed for the job aren't exactly the same. I figure I can grab that stuff in the next day or so."
Hemlock raises his hand and waves someone else over.
I grin when I see Casper. I recognize the man from multiple video chats I've had, preparing for my move here.
"Casper," I say, holding out my hand as he approaches.
"Zayne," the other man says with an easy grin, our hands clasping.
"Were you able to get the clothes he needs for this next job?" Hemlock asks.
"Yep," Casper answers. "I've already had them moved to his room next door."
"We talked about this before," Hemlock says, his arm around Zara's waist loosening some as if he no longer sees me as a threat to his woman. I take a half-step back to give the two a little more room. The man is intimidating as hell, and I've got no interest in getting on his bad side. "You're in the other cabin like you requested."
Zara's eyebrows draw together, but she doesn't question it.
With a slight tilt of my head, I offer an explanation because I don't want anyone to think I'm alienating myself from anyone here.
"Deep undercover is mentally exhausting," I begin. "When the job is done, it's best just to get reacquainted with yourself again before getting too involved with others."
"Makes sense," she whispers. "I can't even imagine the toll it takes on you guys. We're always over here if you need us."
"Thank you," I tell her with an easy smile.
I know the woman has become a mother hen of sorts, watching over all the guys here. And I know there may come a time I'll take her up on it if I'm given the chance, but from the way Frankie is glaring at me from the other side of the room, I may not have a position here very long if he has anything to do with it.