Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
She could make her own choices. The past didn’t have to affect her future, and that might mean trying to come to an understanding with the only man she’d ever… She wasn’t ready to say loved yet. Cared about. Wanted. Longed for.
“Because there’s money to be made,” Owen said with a sigh.
“When there’s more money to be made curing the disease than there is treating it, they’ll make it available,” Rebecca said. “But they want the choice.” Rebecca moved toward Taylor, holding out a hand. “I suspect you’re our Agency friend. I only know you as Constance. It can stay that way if you like.”
“Constance will work,” Brad agreed.
Taylor took the doctor’s hand in hers. “It’s Taylor. I don’t know why he thinks I should hide it. My uncle isn’t going to call me Constance. There are a lot of people here who knew my father. You have to forgive my handler. He’s got the whole Agency employees’ guide shoved up his ass.”
“I do not.” Brad frowned and seemed to realize nothing had changed. “Also, it’s online now, so even if I did it wouldn’t be a big deal.”
At least he’d found something of a sense of humor. Although he might be serious. Sometimes she couldn’t tell.
“Hayley, dear, would you mind showing the lads what’s new with the building?” Damon asked. “I’d like a moment to talk to Taylor, and I think Owen and Rebecca should be involved. I also doubt your husband will leave.”
“I will not.” Nick leaned over and kissed his wife’s forehead before looking back to Damon. “I consider her my family, and I will watch out for her.”
Damon nodded. “You’ve made your thoughts on the operation clear.”
Nick had thoughts? She hadn’t heard them, but then it wasn’t like she’d reached out since her dad had died. She’d avoided him and anyone who might have made her feel something other than rage.
She watched as Hayley led Jax and Tucker out. Rebecca and Owen settled onto one of the plush sofas that lined the lobby, while Brad took one of the big chairs and Damon stood by the reception desk.
Nick looked to Brad. “I was rather hoping we could have a moment alone with Taylor. She’s family.”
“She’s my asset, so no.” Brad sat back.
“The fact that you call her an asset makes me uncomfortable,” Nick said with a frown. “I don’t like the idea of her being used by the Agency, and neither would her father. He’s not here to watch out for her. You should understand that makes it my job. I owe Lev Sokolov. I will not fail his daughter. No matter what I have to do or who I have to do it to.”
A weird, warm feeling swept through her at Nick’s words. His Russian accent had thickened with his emotion, like her father’s used to.
“This is an important operation, Mr. Markovic.” Brad’s jaw had tightened, a sure sign he was going stubborn. “It has far-reaching repercussions to not only American interests, but the whole world. If your organization isn’t interested in helping us, I assure you we can find somewhere to stay. Personally, I would welcome the change.”
“Taylor, if you don’t want to do this, we’ll find another way.” Rebecca had a hand on her husband’s thigh, his arm around her. They were connected, giving each other comfort. “I’m ready to announce that I’m pulling out of the conference for health reasons. It’s a good cover, and it should buy us some time to lock down.”
“Are you okay?” Taylor asked. She hadn’t heard anything about Rebecca being sick.
“I’m perfectly fine, but we can put a rumor out that I’m pregnant and cutting back on work for a while,” Rebecca explained.
“She’s not. Nope. I just got our youngest in preschool.” Owen shook his head and had visibly paled. “We’re done.”
Rebecca grinned. “He’s been a stay-at-home dad for the last couple of years. He’s ready to get back to work. But seriously, if you want out we can make it happen.”
“She doesn’t want out. She’s worked hard on this op, and she’s not about to walk away now,” Brad replied, not waiting on her to speak for herself. “And again, if you have a problem, I can have Agency support here by tomorrow. I would actually rather do that.”
“Brad,” Taylor began.
Nick proved he could be an overbearing parental figure by cutting her off and moving so he could loom over Brad. “You need to understand that I will not allow this to move forward if I suspect that you won’t take care of her. I will not allow her to go into the field on such a dangerous mission without someone who truly cares about her backing her up, so don’t think you can walk out of here with her.”
She was about to point out that not only was she a full-ass grown adult but also an employee of the Agency, and she would make those decisions.