Seth chooses the chair closest to my desk, dropping his ass to the seat before stretching both long legs out in front of him. He really is an impressive specimen. Based on the weapons strapped up and down his toned body, he’s also likely a lethal one.
Which trips me up a little, because I know what an untrained man is capable of doing. I can only imagine what someone like the three staring at me expectantly could accomplish.
I go behind my desk, but don’t sit. I feel better being above them. On my feet, so I can make a run for the door if anything gets weird.
“I apologize for not being better prepared. I’ve been out of the office for a few days.” I put on my best professional front. “Could you explain to me the parameters of your planned activities here?”
I hope I’ve managed to make my actual question—what the fuck are you doing here—sound intelligent and businesslike.
It must not be too bad, because Seth gives me an easy smile, the tiny dip of a dimple peeking out from one cheek. “Our understanding is that the Bradshaw brothers were hopeful we could provide support and assistance during this tumultuous time.”
I nod along, like I know exactly what he’s talking about. “I see.”
To some extent, I do. I wasn’t here for it, but I know there was some pretty scary stuff that happened. Maren is a wealth of information, especially since she was right in the thick of it. Even if she wasn’t, her position as the company supply clerk affords her the opportunity to hear what’s happening just about everywhere within the building. And since we seem to be developing a friendship, that means I get to hear all about what’s happening in just about every part of the building while we share lunch.
Except Tobias’s wing. It must be the most boring area ever, because Maren never has anything interesting to say about the goings on there.
Speaking of Maren, where in the hell is she? It can’t take that long to pour three black coffees.
“I’m sure they are exceptionally appreciative of your willingness to come help out.” I’m being as vague as I can so I don’t back myself—or anyone else—into a corner. But at a certain point, these guys are going to figure out I’m full of shit. That I don’t know anything.
And it might annoy the crap out of them. Make them take back the offer they’ve made and leave Tobias and his brothers high and dry.
And it’ll be my fault. My lack that causes it.
Finally, I hear Maren’s footsteps practically running our way. I appreciate her rush, but it does concern me for the state of her outfit. And her skin.
I find a genuine smile, mostly out of relief, as my eyes jump to the open doorway. But it’s not Maren headed for me. It’s Tobias. And the expression freezes on my face. Because heseems to have found the annoyance I was worried the three men looking at me oddly would develop.
I shouldn’t have brought them in here. I’ve overstepped. Yes, the security guards sent them to me, but I should have figured out some other place to make them wait. Found someone with actual seniority who could answer their questions with some sort of actual knowledge.
As he steps into my office, Tobias’s eyes snap to the group of men taking up more than their fair share of the space. His scowl deepens as he looks them over, feet continuing to bring him closer to me. It’s not until he’s directly behind me that Tobias stops, the broad width of his front brushing my back. He reaches out to grip the chair pushed under my desk, effectively caging me in on one side.
I try to maintain my composure, and I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job until Maren finally wanders in, three large cups balanced in her grip. Her eyes fuse on my face, bouncing to Tobias’s head above mine before returning to me.
“Are you okay?” She essentially shoves the steaming beverages at the three men. To their credit, they manage to grab their respective cups before they wear any of the scalding hot liquid. “What happened?” She turns to the trio. “Did one of you upset her? Because I will kick your asses.” She narrows her eyes. “Don’t think for a second I won’t figure out how to accomplish it.”
Oh God. Now it’s getting worse.
“I’m fine.” My voice is tight. “Everything is fine.”
“Everything is finenow.” Tobias corrects from behind me.” He steps a little closer, the hard lines of his body now fully touching mine. “I see you boys met my—” He clears his throat. “I see you met Brooke.”
Seth angles a brow. “We did. She has been very helpful andhospitable.” His eyes are directly above my head, I assume looking at Tobias. “You’re very lucky to have her.”
Maren looks around the room. After a few seconds, she seems to decide no one is in need of an immediate ass-kicking, and she slowly fades out the door. But I can still see a peek of her shoe where she stands almost out of sight.
And holy shit do I appreciate it. I appreciate her. The way she didn’t bat an eye at threatening three men lined with weapons. I can’t even threaten one single worm of a man, much less three visibly dangerous ones.
Tobias leans down, his words warm against my ear when he asks, “What would you like for lunch?”
What? I don’t get what’s happening. He’s mad. Upset that I’ve bungled the arrival of Seth and his team.
But when I turn to peer up at Tobias over one shoulder, the gaze he levels on me is anything but angry. It’s assessing. Questioning. Filled with concern.
“I don’t know. I haven’t even thought about it.” I keep my voice low, because it doesn’t seem right we should be discussing our lunch plans in front of the new arrivals. “Can we talk about it later?”
“We can talk about anything you want, whenever you want to talk about it.” Tobias is focused on me like no one else is in the room. Like Seth and his cohorts don’t even exist.
