Page 16 of Her Ruthless Protector

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A.J. wondered if it was because she was a woman that Kane seemed reluctant to brief her. She hoped not, because he was the first interesting man she’d met in a hell of a long time.

“How about if we brief Ed and you at the same time?” Asher asked.

“Look guys, Ed’s off site right now. I expect him back in three hours, but if what you’re saying is critical-—”

“It is,” Kane interrupted.

“Then you can quickly sum it up to me, and I’ll get Ed’s ass back here. Is it a deal?”

“Were you ever in the service?” Kane asked.

“No, why?”

“You sure do know how to take command,” he grinned. “Maybe you’re a really young mother of teenage boys?”

“Nope, no kids. I’ve never been married, and nothing on the horizon. It’s been all about work for the last few years. I guess you could call me a cat lady.”

“You brought cats to Oman?” As soon as the question was out of Asher’s mouth, A.J. and Kane laughed.

“Shit, stupid question, herding cats, I remember,” Asher smiled ruefully.

A.J. saw a flicker in Kane’s eyes when she’d explained her single status. Good, maybe there would be a silver lining as she had to deal with yet another stupid-assed threat.

“So now that we’ve established I can take command without being a mother or a former member of the service, spill it.”

Kane’s lips twitched, then he answered. “We were able to obtain a hard-drive of a known terrorist. There was a lot of security on it, but we were able to find out that al Qaeda definitely has the Eurovision Song Contest in its sights.”

A.J. didn’t say anything, instead taking a minute to sit back and consider what Kane had just told her.

Navy SEALs?

Al Qaeda?

Python Sexton?

Thirteen days until the show finale?

How many ways could she consider herself fucked?

A.J. took a deep breath and slowly let it out. She pulled her mobile phone out of her back pocket and dialed Ed. As soon as he said hello, she started talking.

“Ed, we’ve got a hot one. I have two Navy SEALs in my trailer and the shit’s serious. How soon can you get back here?”

She nodded as Ed told her that he could be there in a half hour. “Good. Call me when you’re in the stadium.”

“Okay, guys, Ed will be here in a half hour.” She gave them a considering look. “Would you like a tour?”

“Absolutely,” Asher said as he popped up from the sofa.

“I suppose it’s required,” Kane said reluctantly.

“Not into showbiz?” A.J. guessed.

“I’ve never enjoyed the carnival, except maybe if they had a decent roller coaster.”

“You might want to find something that will entertain you,” she suggested. “Otherwise it’s going to be a long thirteen days.”