Her thin brows curved. “When have I ever made rules for you? You’ve always done what you wanted to do, like when you reenlisted without talking to me first.”
“It’s just like you to bring that up.” He studied the flicker of expressions passing over her face.
She placed her hand over her chest as if to settle the beating of her heart. “If you and I plan to work for Mr. Langley there are a few guidelines that we must follow. One, it’s best we act like we don’t know each other. Second, don’t try any funny business. This is my job.”
He picked up a tendril of her hair and pretended to study the silken tress. Wrapping the strand around his knuckle, he enjoyed how her cheeks flushed and her bottom lip quivered, but what he appreciated more was how she seemed to soften some. “Now what type of funny business are you referring to?” He took a step forward, blocking her between his body and the wall. He didn’t touch her, or hold her hostage, and she was free to move, but she didn’t. He examined her face as if he were relearning every line of her delicate features. Overcome with a need to kiss her, he forced the desire away.
A pink hue covered her cheeks, matching the innocent color of her lips. He could smell her need and it hardened him.
“We won’t land between the sheets again, Egan. We’re divorced,” she whispered.
He dropped the strand of hair and let his hand fall to his side. “And you think I need to be reminded of that?” Heat scorched his insides. Old wounds were ripped open. “Or maybe you have to remind yourself?”
She blinked. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
“I know how to keep my personal and professional life separated, sweetheart. While I’m on a job I’m focused,” he growled. “Second, don’t flatter yourself. I’ve moved on too.” He took a step back, adjusted his tie and forced a plastic smile to his lips. “So now that we’re clear on the do’s and don’ts, I have work to do. Don’t worry. I won’t need you to show me around. I can find my way.”
“Good because I have some place to be,” she stammered.
“Yeah? Where?” Sure, he’d take the bait.
“If you must know, I have a date.”
He laughed. “Lord help the man.” With a wink, he turned and headed down the corridor, leaving her standing there probably fuming.
CHAPTER FOUR
A FLY BUZZED around Egan’s head and he swatted at the pest.
“It’s almost an injustice for one man to have this much money,” Pao Noel laughed. “Is that really a 1955 Jag?” He stretched his gaze down the row of expensive vintage cars parked in Langley’s insulated garage.
One of the perks of the job with Langley was being given the freedom to bring one of his men from VK. Egan and Pao worked well together and could watch each other’s backs. “I’d take the ’72 Ford Falcon.” He pointed out the pristine classic car that was built for racing.
“Hell, probably just one of these beauties is more than I made in a year getting shot at by the enemy.”
“Just think of all the invaluable things you’ve learned over in the sandbox.” Egan pounded his buddy on the back. “How to take a bullet and live to tell about it.”
“Honestly, you going to vote for him?” Pao scratched his temple, grinning.
“Not on your life,” Egan growled and turned to leave the garage. “Even though he has some good taste when it comes to cars.”
They locked up the building and Pao asked, “Where do you want me?”
“Check the perimeter and then get to know the men on the security detail. Find out anything you can from them. If you need to reach me use the radio on the private frequency.” The two men had served together in their Special Forces unit and they had been trained not only in handling terrorists and bombs, but to move about stealthily.
They’d arrived early at Lake Jade, hours before Langley was due to arrive. The importance of any job was to acquaint themselves with the layout of the property and house, and to meet the existing security team. Egan had a strong feeling that a lot went down here on the resort. At some point he wanted to debrief his ex-wife to see if she knew anything about Langley’s relationships with criminals. Sometimes people didn’t realize the importance of what they were seeing until it was brought to their attention. She’d never work for someone like Langley if she had any clue who he truly was…
Would she be angry with him?
Didn’t matter. He had an ethical duty to protect Americans. If supporters knew about Langley’s connections, they wouldn’t vote for him either.
After Pao and Egan parted ways, he headed toward the mansion when he heard,
“There he is.”
Egan spotted the tower of a man strolling toward him across the immaculate front lawn. “Banner, nice to see you, buddy.” The two exchanged a firm handshake. They’d met each other years ago during a mission. Banner had retired and became an agent for the FBI until he left to work for Langley’s security. “So you finally took a leap and left the bureau.” Egan whistled through his teeth. “Big move, my friend.”
“Yeah and look where I am now.” Banner laughed, sliding his fingers down his fancy striped tie that looked a little too tight. “And look at you. No longer in uniform. Glad to have you aboard, Banks. The men are proud to work with a hero.”
“Hero? Where?” Egan gave a dramatic glance around the perimeter.
“You saved my life, man. I owe you.”
Banner referred to the ambushing of American forces in remote northern Badakhshan, Afghanistan. Ten soldiers were killed
