Page 99 of Bossy Hero

Apparently, I make a nauseating impression.

Can’t say it’s myfirstimpression, though. I met her a week or so ago on the night several senior members of my team carried out a dangerous mission to raid a trafficking house to free her.

Without fucking telling me.

When my gut signaled something wasoffat my company, I logged in and saw them in full tactical gear, carrying more than a dozen abducted girls out of one of Lenkov’s flesh trade prep houses. Lettie was their primary target, but they saved the others while they were there. I’d have ordered them to do the same, but the fact that they didn’t come to me is a cut that won’t soon heal.

I was waiting in the lair when they returned to debrief.

The fuckers.

And she was there. I had no idea she was my...daughter.

That night, she was a battered shell of a girl, so unlike the woman who just rocked my entire world to its core.

The conference room is dead silent for five seconds before Mia and Leo scurry to the door. Klein trails a step behind. I’d imagine they’re going to see if they can help her. It isn’t like them to insert themselves into drama.

Ha. Gotcha. That’s the Redleg fucking creed these days.

Shep and Sawyer head in that direction next. They’re going to see the show.

As per tradition.

Snapping into action mode, I dismiss our audience. “Meeting adjourned for one hour. Everyone fuck off for now. But stay in the building.”

I storm over to the doorway. Everyone breaks apart, following my orders. Some more reluctantly than others. Nosy as they may be, they’re all good kids who know this isn’t the time to test my patience. Or Tomer’s.

With the spectators dispersed, only one person remains.

My Maddie stands resolute two feet behind Tomer and Lettie, who are hovering over a trash can at my assistant’s desk.

I watch silently, unsure what to do first. Or second. Or third.

Murder Tomer?Nah. He’s likely punished himself enough already.

Console my alleged daughter? How the fuck do I do that?

I go with option C, standing rooted to the floor like a dumbstruck asshole who’s running on caffeine, spite, and rage. A splitting headache settles in the base of my skull.

Once Lettie has her stomach under control, Tomer helps her to her feet. They exchange words before Maddie leads her down the hall.

And I’m left with Tomer.

Where do I even fucking begin with this kid?

Balling my fists at my side, I husk out, “My office. Now.”

Tomer’s shoulders tense as I bustle past him. As expected, he follows wordlessly.

Disappointment and confusion swirl in my chest. He’s been lying to me. For fuck knows how long. After everything I...

Nope. Not thinking about what I’ve done for him.

Or was that for me?

I’m too tired to unpack that shit now. I’ll be lucky if I get through the next few minutes without firing everyone, closing the company, and absconding to an island to live out the rest of my days in peace. I hear Costa Rica is nice. Wonder if my boat will make the trip.

Scratch that. Maddie won’t go with me while her daughter is pregnant. So that idea can piss off.

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