I open my mouth, then close it. “I...don't have one,” I admit.
She raises an eyebrow. “At least you're honest. Now, call your boss. I want to know why they sent me an incompetent voyeur instead of a professional.”
I nod and lower my gaze. Getting fired on the first day would be a new record. Actually, it’s not even the first day. I haven’t officially started yet.
I dial the number.
“Mercer,” he answers.
“I’m with the client. She wants to talk to you.” I look into her angry blue eyes. “And she’s pissed.”
“Want to give me some background?”
“I thought she was in trouble and broke in,” I say.
Silence falls on the line for a few moments. “Put her on.”
I hand her the device, my fingers brushing against her soft skin for a moment, and electricity courses through my body.
I watch her facial expressions as she listens to Zane.
“Dad said he’d hire me the best for the job,” she says. “And I’m not sure at all that he’s suitable.” She fixes me with a stare, her eyes narrowed until you can barely see their color.
She listens and then presses the speaker button so I can listen with her.
“Trust me, Ryder is your man. Your dad asked for him. You won’t find anyone who’ll protect you like him. He’s loyal. He thought you were in trouble, and he acted without hesitation. That’s a point in his favor, not against him.”
I swallow hard as she shifts her gaze to me. It looks like she’s examining me, my soul. I’m not sure she believes his words.
“Can you put Ryder back on?”
I extend my hand, and she passes me the phone. I turn off the speakerphone and press the device to my ear. “Yeah?”
“Can't handle a little challenge, West?”
I turn around and whisper. “I can handle challenges. It's hurricanes in heels I'm worried about.”
“Don’t mess it up West. You still want a place on my team, right?”
“Of course, but?—”
“No buts. You’re the right person for the job. Finish this gig and we’ll talk.”
I remain silent.
“I need to go on a field mission, and I’m going to beout of reach for a some time. I need to know you’ve got this. I want to leave with a clear head,” Zane says. “Can I count on you?”
“Yeah,” I sigh. “You can.”
I end the call and turn to Cora Valeur, my new client.
Four
CORA
Ifix my gaze on Ryder West, my new bodyguard. My ability to read people is usually razor-sharp, but this man is an enigma wrapped in muscle and leather. The late afternoon sun streaming through my living room windows casts dramatic shadows across his chiseled features, highlighting the intensity in his dark eyes.
“Your boss claims you’re the right man for the job,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Are you?”
