Total pages in book: 165
Estimated words: 166103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 831(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 166103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 831(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
But the reminder was enough to wipe any smile off her face.
She wasn’t free to flirt. She wasn’t free to do anything.
She was owned by the narcissist currently walking in front of her.
After walking into a small meeting room behind Hux and Jonathan, she came to a sudden stop.
Holy. Crap.
Did they breed them hot around here or what? Okay, she knew that none of these men had likely been born here in Escana. Hux had a Texan accent. She could easily imagine him riding on a horse wearing cowboy boots and that cheesy grin.
There was a muscular guy in the corner, pouring some coffee. He had his light-brown hair closely cropped. And when he moved, his T-shirt stretched over his broad back. Turning, he stared at her, then at Jonathan for a long moment, giving nothing away.
Another man sat at the table behind a computer screen. He didn’t look up as they entered. But that gave her a chance to take in his short, dark hair. He was wearing a white shirt that looked crisp against his tanned skin.
When he finally glanced up, she sucked in a breath at the bright blue eyes that hit her.
Wow.
When his attention was on you, it was like no one else in the room existed. Finally, his gaze shifted, and she could breathe again.
Damn.
Had she been drugged? Sure, it was warm, but she liked the heat. She’d grown up in Florida. This feeling couldn’t really be blamed on the temperature.
The last man was standing at attention.
The way he held himself screamed of a military or law enforcement background. Stiff and stern-looking, he studied her. He’d be gorgeous if he didn’t appear so cold. He looked her up and down before turning away.
Whoa.
That was rude. She was used to being overlooked, most of the time she preferred it. Going unnoticed meant that no one would bother her.
But for some reason, his dismissal really rankled her.
She sucked in a deep breath, then let it out slowly. Whatever this man thought of her, it didn’t matter. She was here for a job, nothing more. And as soon as Jonathan had what he wanted, they’d leave.
“Let me make some introductions. This is Lord Fothersam and his assistant Ms. Reed. These are my colleagues and the rest of the beta security team that works for the Princes. Sitting down is Owen Kingston. Drinking coffee like he needs it to live is Beck George. And the grump is Judd Stark.”
“Hux,” Judd warned.
“Sorry, the not-grumpy leader of our merry band of men is Judd.”
Judd just sighed. “Let’s get down to business. We’ll have a security briefing and then we’ll take you to see Prince Kassim. While you’re here, there are some rules to follow. I’m sure you understand we take the security of the Princes, their intended bride, relatives, and the people of Escana seriously.”
Whoa. This guy was intense. They hadn’t even taken a seat yet.
Chloe could feel Jonathan growing increasingly tense.
The explosion was imminent . . . and she needed to make sure there were no witnesses around.
“Of course,” she said smoothly. “Lord Fothersam and I are more than happy to comply with anything you deem necessary. But is there really any need for His Lordship to be here? I’m sure you could explain everything to me while he meets with Prince Kassim.”
She gave Judd a pointed look. This sort of meeting was something Jonathan was going to find extremely insulting.
“No,” Judd replied.
Really? Just no?
“I’m afraid he has to stay. But this should only take a few minutes, right, Judd?” Hux asked with an easy grin. “And I know Prince Kassim is eager to meet with you, Your Lordship.”
“Please, call me Jonathan. And, of course. Whatever you need.”
Chloe observed him carefully as he took a seat, his hand twitching slightly.
Shit.
She sat as well while Judd sat across from them. When she looked up, Judd was glaring at her. Sheesh. What had she done to get on his bad side?
“While you’re both here, you’ll be under our protection. My team and I will see to your security and any needs you have,” Judd said.
Any needs?
Shoot, Chloe, get your mind out of the gutter.
It had been way too long since she’d gotten laid.
“I can assure you that we do not need security,” Jonathan replied. “I’m sure there’s no danger to us here.”
“The Princes insist,” Judd replied coldly. “Now, we have a document for you both to look at. It’s only around ten pages long, shouldn’t take you both long to read and sign.”
So. This was going to be fun.
2
The head of the security team was a jerk.
A grumpy, stuck-in-the-mud, follow-the-rule-book jerk.
And somehow, she still managed to smile politely up at him as she stood in the doorway to her suite. Even as he scowled back at her.
He needed something to loosen him up—like a knee to the balls. Satisfaction filled her at the thought of him writhing on the ground, cupping his crown jewels.