Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46078 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Unlike Boone.
Speak of the devil. He’s next to arrive. Boone defines mountain man—burly and bearded, with a presence that fills the room. His steps are heavy and purposeful. He does outstanding work, the kind you can always rely on when things get tough.
We’ve all got our strengths, so I see why Dean has all of us on his payroll. Each of us brings something unique to the table.
“I’m here, the meeting can begin now,” Boone jokes, his deep voice rumbling through the room. He scrubs a hand over his beard as he takes a seat and casts his brown eyes over at me. “Heard about your sister.”
I nod. “It’s fine.”
It’s really not fine. She was in love with a man she thought she trusted, but he turned out to be somebody he wasn’t. The betrayal hit hard, leaving her heartbroken and me seething with a protective anger. We’ve always looked out for each other, and seeing her hurt cuts deeper than any wound I’ve ever had in combat.
“If you need me to knock a motherfucker out, just say the word,” Boone offers, his voice tinged with a mix of seriousness and dark humor.
I grin. “I’ll let you know.”
I already asked Greta if I could pummel him with my fist when she caught him cheating on her, but she said no. However, she didn’t say Boone couldn’t. Greta is a non-confrontational woman, always looking to avoid conflict. Me, I love a good fight. Sometimes, people say I seek it out. And they might be right. There's something about the rush of adrenaline and the clear-cut resolution that appeals to me.
Lincoln turns toward us, his curiosity piqued. “Knock who out?”
While Lincoln, Dean, and Boone listen intently, I explain the story of my sister finding her guy tied to their bed with his assistant riding him like a cowgirl.
“Damn,” Boone says, shaking his head in disbelief. “That’s pretty harsh. She wore Greta’s cowboy boots?”
“Yep. And Greta’s been devastated ever since she kicked him out. I tried to warn her not to get wrapped up in the love bullshit, but she never listens.”
“Love isn’t all bad,” Dean says with a slight lift of his lips, his tone softening.
He’s the exception to the rule. There’s no denying the happiness in his silvery eyes. He met his girl, Sophia, on a job, and she’s been smitten with him ever since. The way he talks about her, the way his eyes light up, you can tell she’s changed his world.
“I’m surprised you’re even here today,” Boone says to Dean with a smirk. “I thought that’s why your sister was helping run things so you could traipse around the globe, holding hands with Sophia.”
Dean doesn’t bat an eye at his teasing. “Isabel’s doing a terrific job, but I wanted to hand out today’s assignments.” He smooths a hand down his red tie and winks. “Sophia will get a reward later for our time apart.”
Dean launches into the sordid tale of his happily ever after, recounting the details with a mix of amusement and nostalgia. I already know how they pretended to be married to enter the world of Humphrey Hollingsworth, infiltrating the circles of one of the most notorious men we’ve ever encountered. I’ve heard of Humphrey’s late-night parties and the lascivious activities that take place. Not my scene. Not Dean’s scene either, so I know it must have been a shock to bring along a woman he barely knew.
As Dean talks, I find myself half-listening, my thoughts drifting back to Greta and the mess she’s in. Love may not be all bad, as Dean claims, but it sure as hell isn’t easy. And sometimes, it’s downright painful. That’s why I’ve vowed never to fall in love.
“Actually, the pretending to be in a relationship goes along the same lines as the job I’m giving Asher today.” Dean shuffles through the papers on the table, the rustling sound adding to the anticipation in the room.
The door opens, and Orion Locke walks in with a deep frown etched on his face. I’ve known Orion for years, and he’s been an angry bastard the entire time. His presence is imposing, with his tall, muscular frame and perpetually brooding expression.
“Why do you have the meetings so early in the morning?” His dark eyes appear tired, shadows under them suggesting lack of sleep.
“It’s nine a.m. I wouldn’t call that early,” Dean says, his tone firm yet understanding.
Orion slides into a chair with a heavy sigh, his movements slow and deliberate.
“Someone had a rough night,” Boone comments, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
Orion only grunts in response, a typical reaction for him when he’s not in the mood to engage.
Asher is the last to arrive. He’s younger than the rest of us, fresh-faced and eager to prove himself. As the newest employee on the team, he’s still learning the ropes but shows a lot of promise. He rushes into a seat and stares at Dean, waiting for the meeting to begin, his eyes wide with anticipation.