Ghost takes a seat beside Saint, perching on the edge. “We need those fixes implemented. Soon.”
“I can start this week,” I say, thencatch myself.
The job hasn’t been offered yet, and here I am, already planning the work.
Rowan smiles at my enthusiasm. “The position is security consultant, exclusive contract. You’ll oversee all locks, access points, and security systems for The Blue Note and associated properties.” His fingers steeple beneath his chin. “Retainer plus hourly rate for installations, paid weekly in cash. No paperwork beyond what you need for your records.”
I freeze. What Rowan is offering is my dream job. No more job insecurity, no more meeting people in back alleys, wondering if the cops will come knocking on my door for letting someone into a place they don’t belong.
But if I quit Ironclad to work for Rowan, and his interest in me fizzles out, I’ll have no job on my resume to prove my work ethic, which will make finding a new job that much harder.
Rowan cocks his head to the side. “What’s the hesitation, precious?”
I lick my lips. “I want a severance package in my employment agreement, pre-funded.”
The corners of his lips lift. “How long?”
My pulse races as I reach for the stars. “Six months.” As Rowan’s lips part, I rush to add, “And a ninety-day termination notice, effective today.”
Rowan throws his head back and laughs.
Fuck, I shouldn’t have been so greedy and asked for so much.
But then Rowan stands and holds out his hand. “Welcome aboard, Ash.”
Heart in my throat, I reach out to shake it, and as his hand closes around mine, I can’t tell whether it’s a door opening or a lock sliding shut behind me.
14
When Rowan said he wanted me to meet the crew, I didn’t think he meant right now.
However, while I was reading over my employee contract, he sent out a message. Before the ink was even dry, he ushered me back to the bar area, where the afternoon patrons were escorted out and the sign flipped toClosed.
Saint stands at the bar, arms crossed over his chest, tracking our movement across the room. Beside him, Ghost works behind the bar, lining up glasses and pouring amber liquid into each without measuring.
My fingers twitch at my sides, uncertain. I slidethem into my pockets, then pull them out when I realize it makes me appear nervous.
Rowan’s hand finds my shoulder with a gentle squeeze. “It’ll be okay. You’ll fit right in.”
My throat tightens as I realize what’s happening here. This is more than a job offer. This is Rowan carving out a place for me in his world with a position that matters. These people respect him. They defer to him without question. And now he’s telling them I belong here, too.
The back door swings open, and two men enter. The taller one moves with lethal grace. His dark hair falls in waves over his forehead, and he scans the room before he settles on me.
A jolt of awareness goes through me as I recognize an Alpha, and Rowan’s hand shifts to the back of my neck, over my nape guard in a clear show of possessiveness.
A flush works its way through me, and I shift my attention to the other man.
Shorter, but no less striking, the younger man has honey-blond hair and an almond-colored nape guard close in color to his pale skin. He focuses on a tablet clutched in his hands, thumbs tapping at light speed across the screen without looking up as theyapproach, trusting the Alpha to guide him through the space.
“Kain, Reef,” Rowan greets them. “This is Ash.”
Kain assesses me with a single sweep. “The new security guy?”
“Locksmith,” I correct.
Kain’s mouth quirks. “Same difference in this place.”
Flashing lights spill from Reef’s tablet. His head lifts, curiosity sharpening behind rectangular glasses. His scent carries notes of citrus and electronics, muted by regular use of suppressants. “Hey.”
