"You're a big motherfucker, aren't you?" Declan asks, cutting through the silence. "What, six-four?"
"Six-six," I say, looking over my shoulder at him.
"Shit," he says, pushing off the wall and walking toward me. "And special forces, too? You ever thought about boxing? We can make some serious cash."
Callum shakes his head.
"Have a seat." Callum gestures to one of the leather chairs in front of the desk.
I sit and Declan takes the other.
Callum leans back.
"So, I finally get to see the man I'm trusting with my sister's life," he says.
"You do."
Declan snorts. "You, uh, always this quiet?"
"No. Sometimes I'm asleep."
Callum doesn't smile. Neither do I.
"Let's get this clear," Callum says, voice firm. "You understand what you're walking into?"
"High-profile protection detail. Your sister. Escalating threat levels. All I need to know for now."
Callum's jaw tightens, and he pulls a file from a drawer, sliding it across the wood toward me.
I don't pick it up. Not yet.
"Itinerary of Keira's routines," Callum says, nodding to the folder. "Charity galas, city appearances, fundraisers, foundation board meetings, high-profile speeches in rooms full of people who'd sell her out for pocket change more than likely." He leans forward. "You'll become her driver. Take her where she needs to go, always at her side at these things, always keeping her in view."
I nod. "Of course."
"And she's not just any asset," Declan adds. "She's family. My twin. Which means you don't get to break her to make your job easier, and safety is non-negotiable."
"She'll stay alive," I say, turning to look at him.
"Good," Declan nods. "Because she sure as hell doesn't take threats seriously, so I'm hoping having you around changes that."
I place my hand on the folder and slide it in front of me. "I'll know her routine better than she does in 48 hours."
Callum stands now and rounds the desk, stopping just close enough to make most men uncomfortable, and sits on it.
"She's going to push every boundary. She'll test your patience, look for a way around you, manipulate every inch of the job. Don't mistake her for soft."
"I don't make mistakes."
He nods.
"All her events, are any on secure ground?"
Callum sighs. "Some, but not all."
I shake my head and sit back in the chair.
"You brought me in to keep her alive. That's what I'll do. I don't need her to like me."
