“I have a right to understand what’s going on, it ismy lifeat risk, and you’re the man who can provide me with the reassurance I need to sleep comfortably tonight.”
“Well,hell,” Gray rubs a fingertip over his eyebrow. “Did your brother teach you interrogation techniques?”
“I taught him,” I deadpan.
He shakes his head, and for the first time, I hear a break in Stone’s strict control. A muttered curse covered with a cough.
“Diesel, Caleb and I decided on a personnel change.”
So it’s true. The fact that Diesel and I got… close—crossed a line—is the reason. “I’d like to void Caleb’s contract.”
This time Gray reacts immediately looking at me like I’m sprouting hay out of the top of my head. “That’s not happening.”
“Then I’ll assume control of the contract.” Before he can react, I add, “I’m not rich, but I’m good for my word. I’ll make payments.”
Gray’s pale eyes seem to grow darker. “Again. Not happening. Why are you asking this?”
“I don’t want Stone.”
Gray shifts his attention to the man behind me and then back to me. His lips twitch. “What’s wrong with Stone?”
“Are you going to play games with me, Mr. Calhoun?”
He smoothes his mustache down, leaning back in his desk chair until the leather creaks. “Why would you think I’m playing games?”
“Because youknowI don’t want Stone. I want Diesel and the reasons are not up for discussion.”
“Shit.” He mutters. “Just like your damned brother.”
I cross my arms and refuse to blink. “Since he’s one of your favorite people, you should like working with me too, then.”
“I understand what happened to Diesel now,” he mutters. “But even if I could accommodate that request, I can’t, Diesel’s not available.”
Not.Available.
My neck burns so hot I tug at the collar of my shirt. The new shirt that Diesel paid for.
For a minute I simmer until my mouth takes over. “I would appreciate it if you would get him on the phone.”
Again Gray glances at Stone. “Can’t do that. He’s working.”
“It’s been less than an hour. I find it hard to believe that he’s already with another client.”
I’m not even going to think about Diesel guarding another FEMALE client.
There might be shrapnel all over Gray’s desk if that happens.
He watches me for a few seconds, then nods to Stone. “Leave us.”
Heavy boots clop on the wooden floor and the door closes, sealing me in alone with the owner of Lone Star Security.
“He’s not with another client, I know what you’re thinking.” he says, looking directly at me like a man who doesn’t have a problem delivering bad news.
I chew on this and don’t like the taste of the line I’m being fed.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he continues. “I need to ask you about another lead. “Does the name, Cleveland Raleigh sound familiar?”
“No. I don’t know the name.”
