by Tia Didmon
Jenny nodded. “Yes.” The pain in her voice was thick.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
She grabbed a muffin and water. “Thanks.” She left quickly.
Brock turned to Jane “What was that? This is her break room but she wouldn’t stay in here with you?”
Jane let the accusation roll off her. It wasn’t the first and it wouldn’t be the last. “Her brother worked for Kevin.”
Brock’s face hardened. “What specifically did he do for Kallan?”
“He was a member of Kevin’s personal security.”
“An enhanced soldier?”
Jane stood immobile. She was surprised Brock knew about the Superior Soldier Program but she didn’t let it show. She had perfected her stone exterior years before she met Brock Cascade and no man would make her crumble now. “Yes.”
“So, he flamed out and Kevin had him killed.”
She frowned. “He doesn’t have them killed. They have extremely dangerous jobs.”
“You honestly believe that bullshit?”
She frowned before her emotionless expression returned. “Yes.” She didn’t like feeling Brock knew something she didn’t. However, she was confident she could even the playing field.
Brock took a sip of his soda. “What was Jenny told about her brother’s death?”
“The truth. Sam was shot while on a mission in Spain.”
“Nothing to do with the Garcia family, I’m sure.” Brock said sarcastically.
“How did you know that?” Jane asked then mentally kicked herself for allowing the slip.
“Lucky guess. Are you planning on answering all my questions truthfully? You haven’t lied once.”
She had hoped he wouldn’t catch on to that for a while. “Yes.”
Brock smirked. “Well this just got interesting, didn’t it?”
Part of her wanted to say hell no. For the first time since working for Kevin Kallan she felt her mission was one step ahead of her. Another part of her purred its satisfaction and wanted to give him the truth. “Unexpectedly so.”
They stood beside the doors that led to Brock’s office. Jane hadn’t seen anything in the brief that was of use to her. She needed a better look at the area surrounding the facility. She took a sip of her cola. “Is this it? The plant seems small compared to the size of the property.”
Brock appraised her before answering. “Brian Marksmen built the plant, not me.”
She shrugged, not letting her irritation show. “I’m surprised he would buy such a large property and not utilize it.”
Brock shrugged. “Sarah said her father had planned to build a house here. He was killed before he could break ground.”
He was looking at her as if looking for a reaction. She didn’t know why. “His death was unfortunate.”
Brock eyebrows shot up. “Was it?”
She knew he was hinting at something. She didn’t want to play games. “Yes, he was Kevin’s partner and friend. He was also Kevin’s largest supplier of weapons. I am authorized to revive past weapons contracts between the Kallan Corporation and Marksmen Enterprises.
Brock huffed in disgust. “You’re unbelievable. You don’t strike me as the naïve type, so that makes you one cold hearted...”
The door slammed open catching Jane’s arm. Her drink tipped against her chest. The cold fizzy liquid bubbled on her chest before running between her breasts, turning her white dress shirt, brown.
Marcy rushed over to her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there. I thought you had joined Mr. Danov at the hotel.”
Jane casually passed the empty can to Brock. She brushed the excess liquid off the lapel of her jacket. “It was an accident.”
Brock’s cat growled with interest. He pulled his gaze from her wet shirt that exposed the white lace bra beneath. “Will you allow me to take you to the hotel for a change of clothes?”
Jane nodded regally, seemingly unphased by her predicament.
Brock escorted her to the rooms they were staying in. They had separate entrances but an adjacent door inside. One that was locked. He closed the door to her side of the suite and held out his hands.
Jane backed up. “I am capable of changing on my own.”
Brock laughed. “You give yourself too much credit. I’m only helping you with your jacket. It’s wet and sticky.”
For a split-second Brock thought he detected confusion on Jane’s face. As if she were surprised by simple manners. He was yet to get a real reaction from the stone princess and it was starting to piss him off.
She turned to allow him to help her with her jacket. “Proceed.”
Her cold demeanor irritated him. He was positive he would have bald patches in his fur by the end of the week.
His fingers touched her neck as he moved her hair out of the way. It was soft and beautiful. Her muscles tensed under the soft stroke. She didn’t move or make a sound. He learned one thing. This statue could react. She chose not to. He admired her discipline, knowing he would do everything to break it. “Hold on, you have some pop on the side of your neck.”
He proceeded to rub off the imaginary stain while she waited in silence. His touch was gentle and thorough as he massaged her creamy skin.
“I believe it is gone now,” she said curtly.
He caught the undertone of irritation in her voice. She hid it well but his cat detected any form of lie. She didn’t have that advantage. He almost felt sorry for her. Then he remembered who she worked for.
She turned, taking a step back. “I will change. When would you like me back at the plant or are we meeting Racheal at another location?”
Brock recognized her attempt to throw him off. “I haven’t decided yet. I thought we would grab dinner at a local restaurant and discuss the logistics.”
Her lips pursed. “What time?”
Brock smiled letting the predator shine through. He motioned the side door. “That door connects to my room, just knock when you are ready.”
She stared at the door. “You booked us connecting rooms?”
“Yes, but don’t get any ideas. It’s locked.” For now.
Jane walked into the restaurant in Hemphill Texas, down the street from the hotel they were staying at. She glanced at a family in the corner with two children jumping on the seat across from their frustrated parents. She had chosen a plain black dress and was thankful when she had opened her door to find Brock had changed into jeans. He still wore his white dress shirt from earlier but she still felt overdressed although she didn’t let it show.
Despite her surroundings, she still needed the armor of her professionalism. She sat in the chair Brock pulled out for her, surprised he picked a central location. She ran scenarios in her head to counteract his questions about Kevin Kallan without lying.
Brock took his seat and thanked the waitress for the menus. The young girl smiled shyly at Brock. Her gaze ran over his body as he glanced down at the special.
Jane couldn’t remember the last time she was at a restaurant that had a special. With her parents maybe? It seemed a lifetime ago. She forced the memories from her mind. “What do you recommend?” she asked.
“I haven’t been here before but places like this always make the best burgers.”
“A burger?” she asked.
Brock looked up. “Are you a vegetarian? They have a vegan option.”
She looked around the restaurant. It was neat, clean and clearly popular yet the leather seats were cracked and a dark brown color that went out of style years ago. “No, I just... haven’t had one in a long time.”
Brock looked perplexed. “How is that possible?”
“Kevin prefers upscale eating establishments. We only eat five star.”
Brock scowled, putting the menu down. “Well if you’re too good for a place like this then...”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I used to eat at places like this. I loved them. I just don’t get the opportunity anymore.” She mentally kicked herself as soon as
the words left her mouth. She had made a mistake and, she hadn’t even ordered yet.
Brock picked up his menu. “Okay. Kevin doesn’t eat at family restaurants. That I get, but surely you go out with your friends on the weekends. They can’t all hate burgers.”
Jane took a sip of her water. “I don’t socialize away from work.”
“Why?”
“I have other obligations.”
Brock’s eyes narrowed. “What obligation’s? Do you have children?”
Jane tensed. “No.”
The waitress returned. “What can I get ya?” she asked pleasantly.
Brock motioned for Jane to go first.
Jane looked down at the menu. “I will have the bacon cheeseburger with a salad please.”
The girl nodded. “And you sir?” she smiled flirtatiously.
Brock handed her the menu. “I’ll have the same with fries and gravy. Grab us a couple of beers too.”
“Sure sugar,” she said grabbing Jane’s menu before leaving.
Jane looked after the girl. “Do women always flirt with you like that?” she asked.
Bruck shrugged. “Some women know a good thing when they see it.”
Her face dulled. “Some women need to get out more.”
Brock’s eyes glinted when he smiled. “Since you just told me you don’t socialize, would you be one of those women?”
Jane picked up her water glass and tipped it toward him. “Touché Mr. Cascade.”
The girl came back and placed a blue labelled beer in front of each of them before leaving.
Brock picked up his beer holding it out to her. “To us.”
Jane picked up her beer, holding it out. “Us?”
Brock clinked her bottle. “Yes. You have made what would have been a boring week, very interesting.”
Jane took a sip of the beer then coughed. “Dear lord that’s vile.”
Brock laughed. “You’ve never drunk beer?”
Jane couldn’t get the scrunched look off her face. “No, I drink wine, sometimes cider.”
Brock continued to laugh as he motioned the girl over. “Can you get Jane an apple cider?”
The girl nodded and left.
Brock grabbed her beer. “I’ll take care of that.” He laughed, taking a sip.
She watched his throat move in fascination as he tipped back the bottle. She had seen other men do it before yet now it seemed sexy.
She thanked the girl for bringing her cider.
Brock crossed his arms on the table, leaning toward her. “Now tell me about you.”
“Me?”
“You sound surprised.”
“I thought you’d want to discuss safety protocols in relation to my meeting with Racheal?”
Brock leaned back in his chair. “I’ve taken care of it.”
“What are the protocols?”
“You’ll find out tomorrow and for the record, your bodyguard will not be present.”
Jane nodded. “Then why are we having dinner?”
“So, I can get to know you. We will be together... working.”
Jane was suspicious, but she needed Brock on her side if she was to complete her mission. “Alright.”
He winked. “Now, about you.”
Jane folded a paper napkin over her lap. “You have a dossier on me already.”
Brock picked up his beer. “It says you have worked for the Kallan Corporation for a little under three years. That you are a valued employee and that you work as a customer service representative.”
“Yes.”
Brock sipped his beer and put it on the table. “That’s bullshit and you know it.”
Jane crossed her arms and leaned lightly against the table. “I am a customer service representative. I simply assist with Kevin’s less reputable clients.”
Brock lifted his chin. “And I fall into that category?”
Jane’s jaw clenched. “You are unique and fall into a category of your own.”
Brock’s head tilted to the side. “You are an enigma, aren’t you?”
Jane’s finger played with the fork on the table. “How so?”
“Now and then you show a hint of emotion but it’s so fleeting I almost think I imagined it.”
“I’m simply being a professional,” she said too quickly.
Brock’s eyes hardened. “You agreed not to lie to me.”
Jane pursed her lips. “What exactly do you want to know?”
“Tell me where you grew up. About your family.”
Jane rolled her shoulders stiffly. “How does my childhood in any way further our negotiation?”
Brock’s eyebrows went up. “Negotiation? I thought we were past that part. I thought we were working toward solidifying this deal.”
Jane caught the undertone of double meaning. “I think we should keep our discussions work related.”
“No.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“You heard me. I like to know who I’m working with. If that’s unacceptable you can take your samples back to Kallan.”
“I can’t do that. You made a deal.”
“And I intend to honor it provided you show the same courtesies I would ask of any person I was working with.”
“You would insist an employee or co-worker divulge their personal life,” she said with irritation.
“That’s the thing Jane, normal people talk. They don’t have to insist. It’s human nature to want to talk about the people you love. The ones that are important in your life.”
Jane took a long breath. “I’m sure I should be angry. You implied I’m abnormal.”
Brock tipped his beer. “Touché.”
Jane watched him take a drink. The action was as sexy as it had been the first time. “I grew up in Vancouver.”
“You’re Canadian?”
“I was born in Vancouver and lived there until I was ten. My father is American, and we moved to Colorado when he was offered a new job.”
“So, you live in Colorado?”
“No, I travel around most of the month. When I get a few days off I visit my sister.”
“You live with her?” he asked.
Jane looked down. She knew her facade was slipping. It was the one topic she’d never been able to fake her way through. “My parents were killed in a car accident when I was seventeen. My twin sister was injured.”
He reached over and lay his hand over hers. “I’m sorry, Jane.”
His touch was reassuring in nature but her skin heated beneath his hand. She smiled curtly, pulling her hand away. “Thank you. It was difficult at first but we have moved on.”
Brock’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t move on from losing part of your family. You accept it. You try to remember the good times you had together. You let time lessen the pain but you don’t move on.”
“You sound like you’re speaking from experience yet your entire family is alive.”
Brock nodded. “The things you think you know about me. My family. Barely scratch the surface of what... who I am.”
“You lost someone close to you?”
“Many people actually, the downside to a longer life span is losing the human friends we come to know and love. Every gift comes with a price.”
Jane studied him. “My parent’s death was difficult...” she looked away, pretending to be distracted by the boisterous children in the corner booth.
“Are you and your sister close? I have twin brothers. They’re inseparable.”
She looked back quickly. “I was aware you had seven siblings. I’ve seen pictures of them. I don’t know all their names but none were identical.”
Brock leaned over. He shook off his irritation. “They’re fraternal twins.”
Jane couldn’t hide her interest. “They’re always together?”
“Pretty much. They joined the service together. Now they work together. You’ll meet them tomorrow.”
“They work for you?”
Brock laughed. “No. They’
re part of Racheal’s protection detail.”
“Devon isn’t escorting her?”
“Of course he is. He’s her mate, but we don’t take chances with our family members.”
“I understand completely.”
Brock lifted his chin. “How did you come to work for Kevin Kallan?”
“Are you asking me why I applied for a job?”
“You didn’t ask to work for Kallan, you were forced to or coerced into it.”
Jane’s body went stiff. “What makes you assume that.”
“Because, despite your well cultivated stone princess routine, you care about the people around you or at least your sister.”
Jane knew there was no way around the truth about her sister or Kevin Kallan. “My sister’s injuries were severe. She almost died. We didn’t have sufficient insurance to cover the care she needed. I was out of money and options prior to my nineteenth birthday. We were about to transferred to a city hospital when Kevin stepped in.”
“How did he become aware of you and your sister?”
Jane chose her words carefully. “We were patients at a local clinic that he owns. I had never met him before he walked in my sister’s room at the care facility.”
“What did he offer you?”
“To take over Carla’s care and transfer her to his new state-of-the-art facility. To help her in any way possible.”
“What did you have to do?”
“Work for him. Complete any assignment he asks of me,” she said.
Brock shook his head. “Fuck. Just when I think that snake can’t sink any lower, he finds new ways to disgust me.”
“I needed his help.”
“You were a traumatized minor. He took advantage of you.”
“Perhaps but I’m not a child anymore,” she said sternly.
Brock looked her over suggestively. “I’ve noticed.”
Jane leaned forward. “My services include getting the task at hand done by any means necessary. They have never nor will they ever require me to have sex with a client.”
Brock growled low. “Is that what I am?”
Jane frowned. “Of course.”
Brock took another sip of his beer. “We’ll see.”
The waitress brought over their burgers, winking at Brock as she set his on the table.
