Quinn Jamieson is of average height and build, but average doesn’t equal ordinary. Every single one of her beautiful curves is exquisitely accentuated by her lycra gym gear. Her shoulder-length hair is a silken curtain of chocolate brown, casting shadows that highlight sharp cheekbones and full lips that are already making my mouth water.
The eyes appraising me are the color of pewter at first glance, but if you look closely, there’s a halo of amber around Quinn’s pupils. I know this because I’ve stared at her photo for far too long in preparation for today’s mission. At twenty-five, she’s a year older than me, but I quite likethe idea of an older woman. I especially like the idea of Quinn.
I try to play it cool and offer a confident smile. “That’s some welcome,” I say casually, willing my eye not to twitch as I stare down the barrel of a gun. “I’m Michael St–”
“You’re Reid Griffin,” she says before I can complete the lie.
Fuck.
“Fuck.”
Is that why Quinn’s eyes flared? I had hoped she’d been blown away by my dazzling good looks. She wasn’t supposed to recognize me. Mace has an army of bots that erase our images from the internet within minutes of photos appearing. If you don’t know us – you don’t know us.
Barrett knows us, obviously, because he’s family – sort of. And although Quinn works for him, it’s not as if he’d have photos of his brothers scattered about the place. And even if he did, they wouldn’t include me. I’m the Griffin brother lucky enough not to be related to that bastard. He’s the half-brother of my half-brothers. Thank god I never had a mother like Alice.
In an attempt to appear unfazed, I let my gaze travel the length of Quinn’s body then back up again. I linger on her mouth before our eyes lock.
“And you’re Quinn Jamieson.” I quirk an eyebrow. My only defense right now is my charm and false bravado. “But I’m guessing that isn’t your real name either.”
Mace had carried out a background check on Quinn when she turned up in Poulton Springs a few months ago. Barrett was interviewing for the role of project manager, and although Quinn had all the right government records, her digital footprint was negligible, which raised a major red flag. Real people aremessy.
Quinn doesn’t flinch. From the self-assured way she’s holding the gun, I’d say her current resume doesn’t list all her skills. She’s been trained, but so have I. I just haven’t had much practice in the field. I hope it doesn’t show.
When I broaden my smile, I’m crushed that Quinn doesn’t respond. My smile is fucking devastating, and my specialty is inflicting it on beautiful women. And damn, is she beautiful. I just hope the rumors aren’t true. Apparently, Barrett is in the market for a new wife for his new home, and it’s possible he wants to offer Quinn more than employment. I hope she crushes him. On second thoughts, I’d rather she crushed me.
“What are you doing here?” Quinn asks.
I shrug. “Assessing your security. It’s what you hired me for.”
“You’re not a security consultant. And as convincing as Ridgemont Solutions references were, clearly the company doesn’t exist,” she says with a snarl.
“And yet you hired me,” I point out. “I can already highlight a few issues if you’d like? Did you know your security let me through without bothering to check my ID? And I went to so much trouble getting a nice photo for my driver’s license.” I slip my hand inside my suit jacket as if I’m reaching for it.
Quinn flicks the gun’s safety off. “Don’t try anything,” she warns.
“Please don’t say she’s pointing a gun at you,”Mace mutters.
“OK, I won’t,” I say to both of them.
I’m still holding the listening device, and I drop it into my inside pocket as intended before slowly removing my hand. I waggle my fingers to show QuinnI’m no threat.
“Reid, play for time. I’ve called for back-up. They’re on their way.”
“Not necessary,” I say. “I can handle her.”
“The fuck you can.”
“The fuck you can,” says Quinn.
“Quinn,” I say patiently. “I came here at your invitation, and I made myself known to your security guards. I’m unarmed.” I take a chance and step closer. We’re less than ten feet apart. “And I’m not threatening you, or attempting to steal or damage Barrett’s property. I haven’t broken any laws, so if you shoot me now, you’d better know how to hide a body and clean up a murder scene, because that’s exactly what you’d be creating.”
“Jesus, don’t put ideas in her head,”Mace moans.“Next you’ll be telling her where to shoot so there’s less blood to mop up.”
“Are you expecting me to let you just walk out of here?” Quinn asks coldly. “Believe me, it’s worth doing jail time if I get to remove a piece of scum like you from the earth.”
I was about to take another step, but the venom in her voice stops me. “I’mscum?” I ask. “And who exactly do you consort with, Quinn? Should we start with Barrett Emerson?”
“He’s a good man who deserved better from his brothers,” Quinn hits back. Her eyes narrow on my earpiece. “Is that Mace you’re talking to?” Her nose scrunches. “I’m surprised he isn’t here to do the job himself. Is he trying to take control of Barrett’s security systems so you can carry on victimizing him?” Her gaze flicks to the bookshelves behind me, then back again. She chokes on a laugh. “You were going to plant a bug, weren’t you?”
