Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36118 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
His phone rang and without addressing Aidrian’s comment, he answered, “Ryker.”
“You shouldn’t leave your woman alone like that.” The same computerized voice that had taunted him before poured through the phone. Without thought, he put it on speaker and set the phone on the table.
The other four men instantly fell silent but Aidrian was on his phone typing far faster than Ryker would have thought possible.
“What makes you think I’ve left her alone?”
Disembodied laughter. “Please, I know you’re not even in the same state as she is. I hope you said your farewells. She’s not making it to the end of the day.”
The phone cut off as he pushed up from the chair.
“Sit down.” Aidrian’s tone cut through the haze surrounding his brain.
“No offense, former Ensign O’Shea but you’re not my CO nor my boss.”
Aidrian cut black eyes at him before tipping his head in a silent command. “When a sentence is started with ‘no offense’ there is plenty to be taken. I have someone tracing the call and another reaching out to where your woman is.” He took a quick glance at his short, square nails. “And I’ll be your boss soon enough, once you join Tungsten.”
Slowly, as if he were molasses in winter, Ryker lowered himself to the chair. “Is she okay?”
He needed to lay eyes on her. And hands. Lips. Tongue. Dick.
Being out in Virginia wasn’t going to accomplish his goal. Not when she was in Alabama.
Surrounded by southern men who may not be as stupid as the idiots in DC who looked by her beauty and soul.
He wasn’t used to being sidelined but here he was. Not in the action. Depending on others to help him. Across the table Preston gave him an understanding smile.
“Got it.” Hondo rose and the rest of the table followed suit. “Wheels up in ten.” He walked off, everyone aside from Preston following after him.
“What the fuck is going on?”
Preston smacked him on the shoulder. “Change in plans. The family is moving now. We’re going to get your woman. Let’s go.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Unless you don’t want to be part of this.”
The private jet was nice, he couldn’t ignore that. But he was antsy. This was worse than any mission he’d ever participated in prior. Never once had he been so out of sorts prior to plummeting out of plane.
But this, sitting on this private jet flying a shortish distance had him wrapped up in knots.
I hate it.
More than that though, he hated the thought of her being in danger.
They landed in Birmingham and disembarked before climbing into two waiting black SUVs. He climbed in with Mac, who was at the wheel, Preston who rode shotgun while he sat in the back.
They went one way, the other SUV with Aidrian and Jason went another.
“How did this get put together so fast?” He leaned forward and glanced through the seats.
“Five hours is a bit longer than usual for Tungsten,” Mac said, expertly driving through Birmingham traffic like he did it every day. “Preston gave us a heads up when he talked to Cade and Harrier about hiring you on.”
Cutting a glance to his friend, who merely shrugged. “You’re out, I’m out and I found a second home with them. You need that too.” When they screeched to a halt outside a towering building, he reached for the door.
Preston glared at him. “You, fucking stay out of the way. You’re not cleared to carry and I’m not entirely sure you’re covered by Tungsten yet.”
“Let’s go.” Mac shot him a grin, blue eyes twinkling despite the seriousness of the situation. His reddish brown hair cut short to his skull and he sported a few days growth of scruff on his face. “He’s covered.”
Chapter 9
Rayla followed Xavier down the hall. She had been helping him coordinate events with his company to show others what he did and what they could offer him. She’d planned some things for her family in DC before but this, actually excited her.
And it wasn’t only to big conglomerates that it was for, he did things for schools and veterans centers as well. Trying to make sure if you were online, you knew how to protect yourself or you could hire him and his company. There were quite a few classes for self-employed entrepreneurs and she understood that was because of his wife.
Readjusting her grip on the tablet in her hand, she didn’t bother looking up as they entered the boardroom. At least, not until a shiver went up her spine. Ever so slowly, she lowered the tablet from where she held it in front of her, she lifted her gaze and inched it around the room.
Men. Large men stood there. A bald black man who looked like he could chew her up and spit her out without hesitation had his feet shoulder width apart and she swallowed as she took him in.