Page 14 of Silver Fire

“A penny,” Derek said softly, casting a glance at her. They were driving to AGS headquarters to introduce her to her new security detail.

“I was thinking about Beth, how I was so mad at her this morning,” she mumbled.

“She was only trying to help.”

“Help, why is that helping?” Sophie asked.

Derek angled his eyes at her. “You know, no twenty-six-year old man should seduce a sixteen-year old virgin.”

“I am not discussing this with you, Mr. Lockwood,” Sophie said coldly. “We are business partners, nothing more. Our episode this morning did not happen, is that understood? ”

The air turned frosty in the silver Escalade. She chanced a look at Derek and noticed a muscle ticking in his clenched jaw, his eyes narrowing as he kept his gaze on the road. He had been remarkably easy-going for the most part, even after she had given him blue balls this morning, but this time she could have pushed him too far.

They pulled into an underground parking garage and he swung the car sharply into an empty space. Without a word, he un-clicked her seat-belt, hauled her upper body toward him and kissed her. Hard. Brutal. All tongue. Just as quickly, he released her and said, “I’ve tasted you, Angel. I’ve had my tongue in your mouth and I like it. We are not damned business partners.” Derek smiled and gently brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “We’ll talk about that later. Right now we need to find out how AGS is going to protect you.”

* * *

Derek flashedhis badge through a security scanner while a guard waved them through the entrance into AGS. He guided Sophie down a circular tunnel that led into the main headquarters. A Guardian, who Derek recognized as Braden Connelly, was already waiting for them at the reception area. He had met the sandy-haired man at a bar when some of the Guardians decided to enjoy a night on the town a couple of months ago. Derek remembered that night clearly because one—it was the time he had an epiphany about the state of his personal life and two—Jack had dragged him to the bar to watch his six while he sorted out his mess with Maia.

“Dr. Leroux?” The Guardian addressed Sophie. “I’m Braden Connelly. I’ll be heading your security detail for the next few weeks.”

Derek refused to be ignored. “So AGS is handling this internally?”

“For now,” Braden replied, finally acknowledging him. “Maia and Victor agreed that it would be a good idea until all the threats are known.”

Another Guardian came through one of the doors and hurried to meet them.

“Sorry I’m late. I’m Thalia Guerrero,” the newcomer said. She had Latina features and looked so petite standing next to Sophie’s willowy frame.

“I’m Sophie Leroux, as you may know. And this is Derek Lockwood, a business associate of mine,” the blonde woman said. Derek’s brow shot up in amusement. She was determined to hold her ground.

They exchanged further pleasantries before Braden led them into a small conference room.

“I think we can take it from here, Lockwood,” Braden said and to Derek’s ear, there was a hint of smugness. He had felt animosity emanating from the Guardian when they first arrived, but Derek thought he had imagined it. Now there was no doubt Braden had an issue with him, and Derek had no clue what it was.

Before Derek could reply, his phone rang. It was Laurie. He nodded for them to proceed and walked back to the reception area to take the call.

“Derek, where are you?” Laurie asked when he answered.

“I’m at AGS, didn’t Jack tell you?”

“No. Jack didn’t. What the hell happened last night?” Laurie demanded. “All Jack said was that Maia and Sophie nearly got toasted in a fire. Now they’re in Richmond, and you were supposed to be here. I’m just calling to remind you that you have a meeting with the design engineers in an hour.”

“I’ll give you the details later. Last night is a long story,” Derek replied and glanced at his watch. “I’ll be there in half-an-hour.”

As he made his way back to the meeting room, Derek tried to recall what he knew of Braden Connelly. He was a relatively new recruit. Maybe six months. Ex-Army Ranger. Jack had mentioned him a couple of times, his friend becoming more pissed each time. The first time, Jack had watched Maia and Braden grappling on the mat on the AGS’s CCTV. Jack had not told his wife that the scene had bothered him, but he had plenty to say to Derek. Derek thought his friend was overreacting (as he always did when it came to Maia), but after meeting Braden Connelly, now he wasn’t so sure. That young pup was definitely cocky, like he was some hot shot new recruit—so what was Derek, an old fart?

He rapped quickly on the door before he walked in. Braden was leaning over Sophie closely, showing her something on the tablet. Yes, he did not like this guy one bit.

“Angel,” Derek said as he spun her swivel chair toward him, deliberately shifting Sophie away from the Guardian and noting with satisfaction how Braden had stiffened at his pet name for the blonde physicist. “I need to head back to MDI, but I’ll call you later about your plans this afternoon.”

“Mr. Lockwood, we need to limit Sophie’s social activities,” Braden began abruptly.

“I am not about to change my routines for those assholes,” Sophie said tartly to the two Guardians. “Do what you need to do to keep me safe but do not think for a minute that I will be hiding.” Shifting her attention to Derek. “I’m busy all day.”

Derek angled closer, Sophie had to lean back, but her eyes looked at him challengingly. “Don’t you need to shop for clothes?” he asked softly.

“I do but—”

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