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)
But Isabel isn’t exactly the damsel in distress type, and she's not thrilled about being cooped up with Mr. Tough-and-Taciturn. Sparks fly (and not just from the danger) as they work together to figure out who's after her. Between trying to crack the case and keeping their growing chemistry in check, Lincoln realizes that keeping Isabel safe might be the easiest part of the job—keeping his heart out of it is another story entirely.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Chapter 1
Lincoln
“I know she’s my sister, but you’re the only one I trust to keep her safe,” Dean says, his gray eyes practically begging me to understand.
When he first asked me to attend this month’s Maddox Security meeting, I assumed it was to talk about my hard work—maybe even a promotion. I was prepared for a conversation about stepping into a management role, overseeing the operations instead of always being in the field. After all, I love security work. I served in the military, and when I retired, I wanted nothing more than to protect people using the skills I’d honed in special forces.
Plenty of companies courted me because of that background, but Maddox Security offered the best compensation by far. Over the years, Dean and I have become friends, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the firm grow into one of the most successful security outfits in the world. We deal with clients from every walk of life, and there’s no limit to what we’ll do to keep them safe.
I glance at the glittering Atlantic Ocean visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking a moment to process what Dean’s asking. “You want me to do what exactly?”
“Just take her to the safe house,” he explains. “Keep her safe while a few of my men and I look into who’s been threatening her.”
The idea of Isabel Maddox—someone I’ve known for years—being targeted makes my blood boil. She’s essentially my second boss around here, especially since Dean was off chasing Bishop Blackstone. She keeps the entire operation running in his absence, which is no easy feat.
“What does she think about this plan?” I ask, narrowing my gaze at Dean.
He shifts his eyes toward the ocean. “Uh, well...” he starts, then trails off.
I fold my arms. “You did tell her, right?”
He exhales. “Not exactly.”
I sigh, running my hand through my hair as I pin Dean with a questioning look. “What exactly did you tell her?”
Dean winces, almost like he’s bracing for impact—and knowing Isabel Maddox, it’s no wonder. She’s a real firestarter when she’s angry. I’ve seen her flare up once, and I’d advise anyone to avoid winding her up. “I, uh…texted her that she needs to stay with you for a while.”
“Texted her?” I shake my head in disbelief. His sister is a partner in this company, and he chose texting to deliver this kind of news?
Dean holds his hands up defensively. “Listen, whether she likes it or not, she needs you to keep her safe. You’re the best man for the job.”
A row of thick, manila folders sits on the table in front of Dean, each stamped with the Maddox Security logo. I stare at them for a moment, letting the full weight of the request settle in. I can’t stand the thought of Isabel being threatened, and I know Dean’s right—she needs protection until we figure out who’s after her.
It shouldn’t matter that I’ve had a thing for her ever since she started working here. Every time I look into her deep gray eyes, my brain stalls out like a broken engine. I’ve always kept things strictly professional, though it’s been a struggle not to dwell on the taste of her lips or the warmth of her skin. But that’s not what this job is about.
I straighten and meet Dean’s gaze. “I’m the man for the job,” I say, gripping his outstretched hand. The moment I do, the conference room doors swing open, and Ranger steps through.
“Hello,” he drawls in a casual greeting. Dean and I exchange nods, and then Boone appears behind Ranger, strolling in with his usual confident swagger.
“I’m here. The meeting can begin now,” Boone announces, taking the seat beside me and running a hand over his beard. He glances at Ranger. “Sorry to hear about your sister.”
Ranger only shrugs. “It’s fine.”
Boone cracks his knuckles, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “If you need me to knock out the motherfucker, you just say the word.” Fighting is Boone’s favorite pastime.
I frown. “Knock who out?”
Ranger sighs. “My sister had a rough time with her ex. The guy cheated on her—really shattered her confidence. She’s been a wreck ever since. It’s probably why I’ll never fall in love.”
Dean cracks a smile. “Love isn’t all bad.”
Boone smirks at Dean. “I’m surprised you’re even here today.”
Dean shrugs like he’s heard it a hundred times. “What can I say? I’m not sorry I fell in love. Sophia’s everything to me. We had to pretend to be married to catch Bishop Blackstone, and it wasn’t easy. But when you know, you know.” His gaze flicks to the paperwork on the table. “Funny enough, this job I’m giving Asher is a little similar: high stakes, forced proximity...”
Before he can finish, the conference room door swings open again, and Orion stumbles in looking like he had zero hours of sleep. He narrows his eyes at Dean.