Page 2 of Under the Radar

Jason gasped and cradled his wrist as Nick let go. Perspiration glistened across his upper lip. He stood, adjusted his suit jacket, and sneered. “Do you have any idea who I am? I’m the lead counsel for Reardon Industries. You’ll be hearing from my legal team.”

Derek snickered. “Dude, you should’ve said earlier that you were a lawyer. We would’ve reminded you that crashing a wedding reception is trespassing. And bruising the maid of honor’s arm is assault.”

Mac stroked his close-cropped dark beard thoughtfully and glanced at Mo. “Remind me to take photographs of your arm after the bruise blooms.”

Mo nodded, a smile creeping across her face.

Mac widened his stance. “Not to mention that you’re Mo’s ex, and judges these days have no tolerance for domestic abuse.” Something in him just couldn’t resist initiating a pissing contest with this guy.

Nick groaned. “Oh man, I’ve got no patience with anything that resembles domestic abuse. Dark spots invade my vision when I think about it.”

Derek cocked his head toward Nick. “Don’t worry, bro, if you slip into the dark side, I’ll haul you back before you cause him any permanent damage.”

Jason took a step back. “Why the muscle, Mo? You’ve got no reason to be afraid of me. You’ve hired bodyguards now?”

Mo pulled her chiffon wrap tighter and crossed her arms. “Of course not. They’re friends.”

Jason nodded. “Friends, huh? Judging by their reaction to my presence, they’re a little more than friends. You were never willing to do a ménage thing with my friends.”

A protective heat rocketed through Mac’s chest. “That’s it. Time to take out the garbage, gentlemen.” He nodded at Nick and Derek.

Jason howled in pain as Derek dropped him with a second pressure point grab. He and Nick hauled the guy from the ballroom, out the front door and down a few stairs. They deposited his dead weight by the curb leaving him kneeling and gasping for air.

Mac stood over Jason a minute, fighting off the volcanic fury coursing his veins. “If you ever touch Mo Reardon again without her permission, I will take you down. Permanently. No matter how important you think you are.”

Mac sauntered over to the gaping valet parking attendant and handed him a fifty. “Let me know as soon as that guy drives out of the parking lot. He might need a few minutes.” He walked back inside.

Mo was waiting for him as he entered the marble floored foyer. “Thank you, Mac. My right hook’s a real killer. I’m sure I could’ve taken him down myself, but not in this dress and these shoes.” She shook her head and chuckled.

He adjusted his tie and stared into her teasing, cool gray eyes. His chest eased as he cracked a sly grin. “I would’ve liked to have seen that.” He lifted two fresh champagne glasses from a passing waiter’s tray and handed one to her.

She tucked an escaped tendril into her updo. “How did you know that he’s my ex?”

He caught the distrust in her voice. Tell the truth, Mac. “I’m sure I read it somewhere.” A half-truth would have to do for now.

Mo sighed. “I’ve sworn off dating because of him.”

“The world still has a few good men, Mo.”

She smoothed her dress and adjusted the wrap. “Not in my world.” Squaring her shoulders, she glanced at him. “You guys were awesome, though. I really appreciate your help.”

He cocked his head and whispered into her ear. “Save me a dance? We’re planning a tango.”

She wrinkled her nose. “A tango? That’s a sophisticated dance for a wedding reception, Commander.”

“I guarantee we won’t be the only people on the dance floor. All the Sanctuary operatives know how to ballroom dance. We’re not a bunch of gorillas.”

Mo laughed with a little snort and covered her face with a hand. “I’d give anything to see Ethan and Tia dance a tango.”

The band gave a soft drumroll as they stood in the doorway. He offered her his arm. The ballroom twinkled with thousands of mini lights and candles as the ceiling lights dimmed.

He inclined his head toward her. “So, the tango’s mine, right?”

“I haven’t done a tango in years, Mac.”

He smiled at the crowd as they entered the ballroom. “Just watch my eyes and follow my lead. I’ll make it easy.”

Mo rolled her eyes. “You’re really going to pin me down on this, huh?”

He groaned inside. Today, tomorrow, however long it takes, I will pin you down a thousand different ways, cupcake.

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