Page 23 of My End
Then, louder, Jim said, “We’ll be ready forhisarrival.”
His?I frowned slightly.
Boone turned and looked toward the rest of us.
Jim stepped forward again. “Let me introduce you to Jake. He’s the final hire to round out the security.”
My pulse jumped as Boone’s eyes locked on mine.
He and Jim approached, their footsteps measured and precise.
Boone’s eyes were sharp and calculating. Like he could read your soul if you stood too still.
I held my ground.
I didn’t flinch.
Boone extended his hand. “Jake.”
I took it with a firm grip. “Mr. Drake. It’s an honor, sir.”
He studied me as we shook. “Where’d you serve?”
“Private sector,” I replied evenly. “Fifteen years of close protection detail and tactical response.”
Boone nodded slowly. “Good. You look like the type of man I need next to me.”
He turned to Jim. “Who’s assigned to my personal detail while I’m home?”
Jim didn’t blink. “The usual.”
Boone’s gaze shifted back to me. “Switch Kevin out for Jake.”
A flicker of something passed over Jim’s face. Irritation, maybe. Surprise? But he nodded. “Whatever you want, sir. Jake will be with you at dinner. I’ll get him up to date with everything before then.”
Boone nodded. “Good. I’ll be in my office until dinner. No interruptions.”
He turned without another word and walked into the house with Mick and James trailing behind him like shadows.
The second the door closed behind them, Jim turned to me. “I don’t know if you’re up for this.”
I met his gaze without hesitation. “If that’s what Mr. Drake wants, then I think that’s what we should give him.”
Jim snorted softly. “He’s going to test you.”
“I’m ready.”
Jim studied me a second longer, then muttered, “His associate, Mr. Gibbs, will be here for dinner as well.”
It took everything I had not to react.
Not to smile.
Not to let my hand twitch toward my side.
Boone and Gibbs.
The two men responsible for more pain than most people could imagine.
