Page 6 of Jack

He shrugged his big shoulders. “Maybe. But as you say, you’re over it, so it makes no odds.” Before she could react, he handed her a thick A4 envelope and moved back to the safety of his side. “We have a lot to get through, so let’s get started.”

He was all business again, and it was as if that little flirtation had never happened. Whether he meant it or was using it to tip the balance in his favour again, she didn’t know, but she had no intention of finding out. Jack Granger was dangerous, and not just because he killed people but because he was the first person in a long time to really see through her shell to the vulnerable woman beneath.

“You’ll act as you did on the previous operation as the Queen’s personal lady in waiting. When she’s outside of her private rooms, you’ll accompany her to all engagements. Once inside, she’ll be guarded by one of the Eidolon team.”

“Have there been any actionable threats?” Astrid might be a flake where this man was concerned, but she was also good at her job and a professional.

“No, but as you know, there are outstanding threats that have made it clear they want her dead, and I don’t just mean my father.”

She knew it took a lot for him to say those words and had to give him kudos for facing it head on. “I’ll be kept updated on all threats, minor or otherwise?” she asked as she read over the packed itinerary.

Jack linked his fingers together on his desk, leaning in slightly. “Yes, absolutely full transparency.”

“There are a lot of formal functions and walkabouts.”

He sighed. “I know, and I tried to talk her out of some, but she wouldn’t hear of it. So we go with the flow.”

“I’m going to have to ship some of the clothes I’ll need.”

“Have Pax take care of it and bill Eidolon or buy new stuff when you get to each location, and we’ll arrange for it to be delivered.”

“I can get Pax to handle it. She knows my size and style and will keep it appropriate for the job. What about weapons?”

“All guards will be carrying handguns and their own personal choice of weapons, but only the registered stuff will get through passport control so be aware of that. If you have specific items you can’t live without, let me know, and I’ll have them shipped with our stuff when we fly out.”

“This looks fine so far. I’ll read the rest tonight after I pack. Should I meet you and the team here tomorrow?”

“Yes, and I need you to sign a contract.”

“I didn’t sign one last time.”

“I know, but this is a long-term assignment.”

“Fine, give it here.” Astrid took her time reading over the contract, which was detailed but not unreasonable and signed.

“That was quick.”

Astrid raised an eyebrow. “You do know what my previous job was before Zenobi, right?”

“You’re former CIA. Disavowed when your team got caught in South America.”

Astrid wanted to laugh at the simplistic way he said it when it was anything but simple. “Yeah, in a nutshell.”

“Maybe you can tell me about it one day?”

Was he offering the hand of friendship to her? “Surely Will has picked apart the details and relayed them to you already?”

Jack didn’t even try to lie, and she found that was another point in his favour and hated to feel another chink in her armour where he was concerned. Maybe grumpy Jack was safer than honest Jack. “He has, but I’d like to hear it from you.”

That was surprising and rattled her a little. “Maybe one day.” Astrid wasn’t sure exactly what he thought he knew, but he certainly didn’t know all of it. After all, the reports documenting events were written by the people who’d betrayed her.

Feeling exposed suddenly, she stood and wiped her hands down her legs. His eyes followed her movements as he slowly stood, too. “I should get going. I have a lot to get done before the morning.”

Jack walked her to the door, and she felt awkward for the first time. Her snark and attitude had somehow left her hanging. She held the envelope up to him. “I’ll read this tonight, promise.”

He nodded, his lips twitching slightly, and she couldn’t pull her eyes away from his mouth. He had his hands in the pockets of his black trousers, and she refused to look down and see the way it pulled the fabric taut across his thighs and other areas she wouldn’t think about.

“I’ll see you in the morning. We leave at five am sharp, so don’t be late.”

“I’m never late.” Her reply was terse and prim, and the lip twitch grew, making her shake her head at him. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“So I’m told.”

Having no response, she walked back towards the road where her car was waiting.

“Astrid!”

She turned to see him still watching her. “What now?”

“Say hello to BOB for me later.”

She’d thought she’d got away with that, but he’d proved once again that he missed nothing. Having no response, she gave him the middle finger salute and put even more strut into her stride, earning her a deep chuckle she just knew would haunt her dreams that night.