“Apparently, yes,” Shadow replies. “I’ll look over our current schedule and get him hooked up with each of you so he can get a feel for things.”
“How much does he already know about what we do,Sjef?” Wraith asks in his slightly Norwegian accent.
“Enough. He’s exactly what I thought he was. From what we’ve seen, he’s skilled with a weapon. He may need coaching when we want something different from a straight kill, but that can be learned. He’s going to be an asset for us.” He taps his fingers on the table. “I put him in the room next to mine.”
Shadow’s gaze turns to me.
“What?”
“You haven’t said anything.”
I shrug. “What do you want me to say? Sounds good, boss?”
A slight smile tugs at his lips. “Just making sure you heard me.”
“Always do.”
After our meeting breaks up, I follow Shadow to the office. Once we’re inside, he gestures to one of the leather chairs in front of his desk.
“I’m ready for a new assignment.”
Shadow nods. “I know, but I want you to take a few days off. You’ve been working nonstop for months.”
“I’m fine.”
“It’s not up for discussion, Specter. I need you at your best at all times.” He sits at his desk. “Rest is part of it and it’s mandatory.”
I already know arguing is pointless. “Yes, boss.”
“Do me a favor? Keep an eye on Foster like you did when Carnage got here. I can count on you to be objective.”
I nod. “I’m on it.” I linger for a moment, even though I know the conversation is over, at least in Shadow’s eyes. “I’m happy for you.”
His gaze shifts up to me. “Why?”
“Heard you had some company last night.”
His pale cheeks actually blush pink and he swallows hard. “Can’t keep anything private from you guys.”
“We weren’t gossiping, just happy for you. You deserve fun too.”
“Thanks, but it was nothing. Just a casual thing.” He blows out a slow breath. “Stress relief, nothing more.”
That may be true, but I know my boss well and I’m pretty sure he’s never blushed before.
“Cool.” I get up and glance around the office for a second. “I’m gonna hit the gym.”
He waves me off, turning his attention to his computer screen. I leave feeling a little lost. My work keeps me focused, and without it, I’m not sure how to spend my time if it doesn’t include hovering around a pretty boy named Cashmere.
He did say he had something fun planned for tonight though. I can kill a few hours working out and cleaning up before I see him again. Every time I talk to him is another chance to get him in my bed. Or I’ll go to his. I’m not picky.
Hours later, I pull up in front of Segreto, parking near Cashmere’s car. There’s another man a few rows over sitting in his car, and I vaguely recall his face from last night. Hmm. He could be here to see anyone, but just in case, I’ll keep an eye on him.
I approach the door, nodding to Gus.
“Welcome back,” he says.
“Thanks, man. Heard Cashmere has something fun planned tonight.”
