Chapter 1
ONE
Lincoln
“I know she’s my sister, but you’re the only one I trust to keep her safe,” Dean says, his gray eyes practically begging me to understand.
When he first asked me to attend this month’s Maddox Security meeting, I assumed it was to talk about my hard work—maybe even a promotion.
I was prepared for a conversation about stepping into a management role, overseeing the operations instead of always being in the field.
After all, I love security work. I served in the military, and when I retired, I wanted nothing more than to protect people using the skills I’d honed in special forces.
Plenty of companies courted me because of that background, but Maddox Security offered the best compensation by far.
Over the years, Dean and I have become friends, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the firm grow into one of the most successful security outfits in the world.
We deal with clients from every walk of life, and there’s no limit to what we’ll do to keep them safe.
I glance at the glittering Atlantic Ocean visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking a moment to process what Dean’s asking. “You want me to do what exactly?”
“Just take her to the safe house,” he explains. “Keep her safe while a few of my men and I look into who’s been threatening her.”
The idea of Isabel Maddox—someone I’ve known for years—being targeted makes my blood boil. She’s essentially my second boss around here, especially since Dean was off chasing Bishop Blackstone. She keeps the entire operation running in his absence, which is no easy feat.
“What does she think about this plan?” I ask, narrowing my gaze at Dean.
He shifts his eyes toward the ocean. “Uh, well...” he starts, then trails off.
I fold my arms. “You did tell her, right?”
He exhales. “Not exactly.”
I sigh, running my hand through my hair as I pin Dean with a questioning look. “What exactly did you tell her?”
Dean winces, almost like he’s bracing for impact—and knowing Isabel Maddox, it’s no wonder. She’s a real firestarter when she’s angry. I’ve seen her flare up once, and I’d advise anyone to avoid winding her up. “I, uh…texted her that she needs to stay with you for a while.”
“Texted her?” I shake my head in disbelief. His sister is a partner in this company, and he chose texting to deliver this kind of news?
Dean holds his hands up defensively. “Listen, whether she likes it or not, she needs you to keep her safe. You’re the best man for the job.”
A row of thick, manila folders sits on the table in front of Dean, each stamped with the Maddox Security logo.
I stare at them for a moment, letting the full weight of the request settle in.
I can’t stand the thought of Isabel being threatened, and I know Dean’s right—she needs protection until we figure out who’s after her.
It shouldn’t matter that I’ve had a thing for her ever since she started working here.
Every time I look into her deep gray eyes, my brain stalls out like a broken engine.
I’ve always kept things strictly professional, though it’s been a struggle not to dwell on the taste of her lips or the warmth of her skin. But that’s not what this job is about.
I straighten and meet Dean’s gaze. “I’m the man for the job,” I say, gripping his outstretched hand. The moment I do, the conference room doors swing open, and Ranger steps through.
“Have a minute, Dean?” he asks. “We’ve got something. Possibly.”
“Please say you’ve figured out who’s been trying to breach this place the past month?”
Ranger nods, and Dean stands.
“I’ll be right there,” Dean states. “Also, we’re moving. Found a place on the outskirts of Saint Pierce, it’s a huge compound.”
“Good. We need better security.”
“Agreed. We need a new place we can see all angles.” Dean walks out the room, but before he leaves, he glances over his shoulder and says, “Keep her safe.”
“You have my word.” I glance down at the folder in my hand, and then step out the door. I walk toward the elevator, when I hear the clickity-clack of Isabel’s high-heels coming down the hallway behind me. I spin around.
“You,” she says, pointing at me.
Every time I see her she takes my breath away. She’s gorgeous. Beautiful. Every man’s fantasy come to life. Long dark waves, with fiery gray eyes. Her lips press together as her eyes narrow.
“Who, me?” I ask, trying to give her my best ‘innocent’ voice.
Her heels bring her closer, and she pokes me in the chest. Hard. “I can’t believe you and my brother are pulling this stunt.”
I catch her wrist before she can jab at me again. Her skin is warm against my palm, and the brief contact is enough to send a wave of want rippling through me. “You can’t believe we’re protecting you?” I keep my voice steady, though her nearness is already messing with my head.
She wrenches her hand free and plants both fists on her hips. “Care to explain yourself, Lincoln?”
I hold her gaze, trying not to get lost in the deep gray of her eyes. “Isabel, you have to know your brother and I only want what’s best for you.”
Her stare hardens, anger rolling off her in waves. “I don’t need you or Dean babysitting me. I can take care of myself.”
It’s like she wants a fight, and damn if I’m not half-tempted to give her one.
My frustration bubbles over, and I step closer, pressing her gently but firmly back against the wall.
My hand braces beside her head, and I can feel the heat radiating off her body.
“I don’t care if you think you can handle this solo.
Your brother gave me a job, and that’s what I’m going to do. No matter how much you protest.”
She opens her mouth like she’s about to argue, and for a second, I catch a flicker of something else in her eyes—maybe surprise, maybe something hotter.
My pulse kicks up a notch, and suddenly, every inch of me is aware of how close we are.
Her breath hitches, and for one electric moment, the tension between us shifts from anger to something that has my blood racing.
I clear my throat, forcing myself to focus on the problem at hand. “It’s not safe for you,” I say, softer this time.
She presses her lips together, still fired up but maybe realizing I’m not going to back down. “I’ve got leads. I can help. This isn’t over,” she hisses.
“I know,” I whisper, stepping away from her with a controlled exhale. My heart is pounding, my nerves buzzing, and all I can think is: This is going to be a hell of a lot harder than I imagined.