Page 45 of Lion’s Den

Rhys went next. “I’m a spotter, ma’am.”

A moment passed before Sedona said, “Who do you spot for?”

Oh, yeah. Cam sighed. His woman was sharp. He had to give her points for that. Was he about to lose the best woman to walk into his life? When Rhys glanced at him, Cam gave a slight nod. Better to know now than fall deeper for Sedona only for her to dump him and stomp all over his heart.

“I spot for Cam and Isaac, ma’am.”

She rolled her eyes. “Look, I’m too young for you to call me ma’am. My students call me ma’am because we’re trying to teach them manners and respect for their elders. When you do it, I feel ancient. What’s wrong with using my name?”

“Not a thing, ma’am. Uh, Sedona.”

She shook her head, amusement lighting her eyes as she turned to Isaac. “So, you’re a sniper.”

“Yes, ma’am, Sedona. Sorry,” he apologized, holding himself at attention.

Cam realized Isaac expected Sedona to be like many others who had called all of them baby killers and mercenaries for hire to the highest bidder. Those same people spat on them when they came home from grueling missions that took everything they had to complete because failure wasn’t an option.

Sedona held out her hand and shook his. “Thank you for what you did to protect us all.”

Isaac stared. “You don’t hate me?”

“Why would I? I’m glad someone is doing the job so those who want to hurt us all can’t come here and kill innocents like my students.”

“I…thank you, Sedona.”

“You’re welcome.” She turned to Cam. “Where are the rest?”

“This is it.” Would she kick him to the curb for trusting her safety to a small team rather than bringing in an entire unit?

“Okay.”

Cam exchanged wary glances with his teammates, then refocused on Sedona. “That’s it? Just ‘Okay’?”

She held up one finger. “Actually, no.”

Here it comes. “Let’s hear it.”

Instead of talking to Cam, she included Thunderhawk. “Do any of you cook?”

The silence seemed as loud as thunder in the kitchen. Finally, Dario held up his hand. “I can hold my own, ma’am. I’m no professional chef, but what I fix is usually edible.”

“You’re hired as my helper.” She smiled at the others who were shuffling their feet. The relief on their faces was obvious. “The rest of you are on dish duty.”

Their expressions darkened.

“What is dish duty?” Spencer looked at his hands. “I can’t damage these magic hands.” He winked at her.

Cam glared at his friend.

“Tough, buddy. If Dario and I have to cook, the rest of you will clean up the kitchen and table afterward. If you don’t work, you don’t eat. Simple rule.”

“Man, Cam, she’s a tough one.” Rhys chuckled. “She reminds me of you.”

“You have seen nothing yet. Sedona can keep thirty kindergartners in line and make it look easy. We’re nothing compared to those munchkins.”

Sedona motioned to the table. “Sit down. Coffee will be ready in a few minutes, and I might come up with a meal if you’re hungry.”

“Anything easy, ma’am.” Isaac smiled.