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“I’m told you’re engaged to the Lieutenant.”
“The Lieutenant? Is that what you call Blane?”
“He’s our commanding officer and earned my loyalty.” She paused. “I know that he has been through a lot. Most of which I doubt you know.” There was a hint of derision in her voice. Anne gritted her teeth as the injection continued. “I’d hate to see that someone, perhaps looking for wealth or fame, attach themselves to him. As a matter of fact, I think we’d all take a very dim view of that person.”
Despite the pain, Anne nearly laughed. She was the only child to a family worth millions. Her mother was the daughter of one of the most prominent families on the East Coast. Her father was revered in the business world. The idea that she’d “attach” herself to Blane to use him was absurd. But she wasn’t going to defend herself to someone who had no business passing judgment on her life choices.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The injection finally finished, Indah removed the needle and began tightly wrapping her ankle. Anne decided it was an ideal time to get more information about Blane’s brother and the team leader: Kade.
“So how long have you worked with Kade?”Be casual…be casual…
“Since I’ve been on the team.”
Okay…vague much? Anne tried again.
“Was he in the military, too?” Where he might have learned how to kill people…
Indah pulled the wrapping tight across where the steroid had been injected and Anne winced.
“You’d have to ask him,” she said. “I don’t discuss team members to outsiders.” She taped the wrap and stood. “Finished. You should be good enough.”
Her tone said otherwise and Anne didn’t mistake the not-so-subtle message.
Just then, Blane returned and a surge of conflicting feelings hit her. She’d fallen in love with this man, agreed to marry him. Made love with him. Lay in his arms and dreamed of a future. Agreed to stand by his side in his career, arduous though it was going to be.
But his brother had killed hers. He’d known. And he’d lied to her about it.
Did he think she wouldn’t find out? That she was that naïve? They were in this mess because she thought he was behind murdering her brother. And then to parade the murderer right in front of her?
Doubt evaporated. Anne had no idea why he’d decided to fixate on her to be his wife. Did he love her? Doubtful. Infatuation and sex were more like it. Also, she’d led him on a chase, something she doubted he’d experienced from a woman in a very long time.
“Ready to blow this joint, babe?” he asked, drawing her to her feet. The ankle felt almost brand new, the steroid and tight wrap giving her pain relief and support. That was a good thing because she was going to need it.
“You bet.” Her smile was as fake as saccharine, but Blane didn’t notice.
“Let me introduce you to the team.” He drew her into the front room where three men waited besides Kade and Indah.
All three were dressed and outfitted identically. Completely in black with bullet-proof vests, handguns in thigh holsters, what seemed to be a machine gun slung across their chests, black knit caps, black gloves, and boots that could stomp on a man who wouldn’t get up. Two were linebacker size, the last was wiry with a build like a runner. All looked as though they could crush bones and wouldn’t break a sweat.
Blane gestured to the man on the left of the lineup. “Tate,” he said.
Tate gave her a solemn nod. “Ma’am.” He was fair skinned, and Anne would bet that blond hair hid under that cap. Bright blue eyes took her measure.
The second man was introduced as Rodriguez. Latin with warm bronze skin and brown eyes, he gave her a smile with brilliant white teeth, but said nothing. Anne had a feeling he probably didn’t talk much.
The third took the initiative and stepped forward, gloved hand outstretched. Freckles rained across his face and his smile was crooked. When he opened his mouth, echoes of Biloxi spilled out.
“Nevah’ thought this day’d get here,” he said, vigorously pumping her hand.
“And what day is that?” He was still shaking her hand.
“When LT here finally found himself a lady.”
Heat flooded Anne’s cheeks.
“Jay,” Blane’s voice was dry. “Let go of her hand.”
