“Deacon, do you really think your handlers have that much power? The amount of training that goes into each contractor comes with a hefty price tag. Hirings and firings get a lot of scrutiny.” She paused. “And when one of you wants to quit? It takes an act of God to make that happen.”
“Yeah?”
“But Noel was different. I don’t know how or why, but they released him without a problem.”
Something he’d have to let Noel know. Deacon was starting to get an ugly feeling about all of this. It felt like each time they cut off the head, the hydra of conspiracy grew a new one. “What do you think, Brenda? Is someone on the inside involved in this mess? Burleigh seems to be a real problem, but the Business hasn’t made much of an effort to track him down.”
“I know.” She drank more wine. “I can’t explain it. And you know? I’m glad I don’t have to. I’m heading out to Molesworth in a few days.” She paused and looked at him from under her lashes. “I’m staying here tonight. Until Wednesday…if you’re interested.”
Deacon had always liked Brenda, and he had no desire to hurt her feelings. “Brenda, have you looked at yourself lately? Who wouldn’t be interested? But our timing has never been right. You’re moving on. I’m busy with a job, and I don’t want it to touch you. Just being here was a risk, as I’m sure Noel told you.”
Noel had better have let the woman know to be on her guard, or he’d answer to Deacon.
“He told me.” She shrugged. “But seeing you was worth it.” She studied him. “I don’t know, though. Something’s different about you.”
“Different how?”
“You’re more… I don’t know. Quiet, contained. You’re not flirting with me the way you usually do.”
“What can I say? I’ve had a lot on my plate, lately. I think it’s time I headed out.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it. “I wish you success with the new job. You’re beautiful, smart, and a catch by any means. I’d say break a leg, but I don’t want anything but the best for you.”
“That’s so sweet. You take care of yourself, do you hear me?”
“I will.” He stood. “Shoot me a message when you get to the U.K. Keep in touch.”
“You too.” She waved to him as he left, but his thoughts had already shifted to Solene. Had she woken yet? Did she hurt anywhere? Could she tell him anything new about the attack?
He was careful as he left the restaurant, making his way back to the hotel. He had much to tell Noel…and an overwhelming need to see Solene again.
Brenda watched him go,as smooth, debonair, and handsome as ever. Deacon Shaw had been on her must-have list since the first day she’d seen him. Gorgeous, charming, and intelligent, he knew how to make a woman feel as if she mattered. He fit her criterion of a potential lover. Deacon wouldn’t cling. If anything, he’d advance her standing among her peers.
Everyone in the admin section had loved the lothario who spent more time gabbing with the staff—and picking up information from those dimwitted bimbos—than with his handler.
Brenda had known the score. Flattery for information. But she’d been happy to let Deacon think he held the upper hand. Since she’d planned to have him at some point, she’d let him flirt and build a more solid relationship.
Truth be told, she liked him. And she didn’t like many of the men who worked in the Business.
She picked up her cell phone and made a call. “He knows.” She paused, listening. “No. I made the offer. He didn’t accept.” Which stung, but she’d anticipated that might happen. “Should I meet you for dessert?” she purred, then laughed when she heard a suggestion she wholeheartedly agreed with.
After finishing her wine, she tried to pay her bill, only to find Deacon had already done so for her. What a sweetheart. Too bad she’d never get a taste of that fine body. Not now that he had an expiration date. Ah well. He should have tried harder to win her favor. Then maybe she’d have put a good word in for him with her new boss.
Brenda left the restaurant and took a cab to her destination. She entered the townhome, ignored the rough looking men loitering in the main room, where a European soccer game played loudly on the television.
“Where is he?” she asked.
One of the men eyeballed her with interest, then nodded to the stairs.
She hurried, needing to report in. In person.
With a sly grin, she raced up the stairs and toward his room. But the sounds that greeted her as she drew closer made her frown. The door wasn’t closed all the way, and anyone passing by could see inside.
A woman lay on the bed next to a couple fucking like animals. Brenda could see welts on the passive woman, but the one clinging to the large, sexy man thrusting into her did nothing but howl like a bitch in heat.
He continued to move, his lovely ass pumping, the sight of it a reminder that her time with him had been all too brief. A few quickies at work when she should have been filing.
She’d never had all of him to herself. Now, she didn’t think she wanted to.
His loss. She watched him race to the finish, the woman under him squirming, the one next to them not moving, likely passed out. As he neared his end, he withdrew, rose to his knees, and jerked himself to climax, jetting all over his whore’s belly.
