Page 41 of Guarding Zuri
Roland set the plate down on a table in front of them, snatched up a cookie, and took out the iPad he had tucked underneath one arm.
“Did we get the maritime update from Parker?” Daemon asked.
“I thought that’s what you were looking at.” Roland peeked over Daemon’s shoulder and then smiled viciously.
“Don’t even start.”
“Maritime update. Mmm-hmm. You two are stalking each other. That’s so sweet. Are you inviting us to the wedding?”
“She’s right over there,” Daemon ground out without looking in her direction.
Roland’s grin persisted. “I know, boss.”
“Then why are you talking so loud?” Daemon grunted and ripped another piece of cookie off with his teeth.
“I’m not. You’re just hypersensitive because you’re attracted to her.”
“I am not,” Daemon flat-out lied.
“Aren’t you worried she’ll catch you?”
“Have you met me? I’m good at sneaking around.”
Roland laughed. “How long have we known each other, man? We were in the same unit for years. Don’t tell me I don’t know when you’re lying. And you really like her. Doesn’t take me seeing your iPad to figure that out. You’ve been grinning since you’ve been back. Blaine and Archer told me about what almost happened on the plane.”
“Blaine and Archer are like a couple of hens.” Daemon took another bite of a cookie. He and Roland had been on several life-or-death missions in Africa during their military days. Daemon had relied heavily on Roland’s leadership to get their team out alive. He trusted the man without question.
When Roland left the service, Daemon offered him the position as the VP of Knight Shield. In the event Daemon was to step into the role of overall CEO of Knight Industries, he’d gladly promote Roland to President. There wasn’t another man who could do the job better.
Daemon gave his friend the side-eye. Right now, he questioned the guy’s ability to discern.
“I see you looking at me like that,” Roland said while keeping his eyes on his laptop screen. “Don’t try to act like you don’t want her. Half the guys want her.”
“I don’t. And Knight Shield is about to pay out a lot of disability if I catch you guys looking at her.”
Roland showed teeth. “Good thing we have a perfect example to emulate.”
Daemon groaned. Roland did know him—so well that he had probably guessed that Daemonwasn’ta perfect example.
Roland rubbed his thick, black goatee. “Guess who was on early shift this morning?”
“Who? What are you talking about?” Daemon looked at his watch. It was after seven p.m. “Did I miss something? This morning…” He trailed off, remembering he was in the gym—with Zuri.
The cameras.
Daemon closed his eyes to his friend’s chuckle. “Mmm-hmm. I figured it would dawn on you at some point.”
“You were watching me workout?” Daemon said sternly, looking at his friend through slits. “You didn’t have anything better to do?”
“I just happened to be passing the security feed. Saw you lifting without a spotter. You know I’m a stickler for that.”
Which was true. On several of their missions, Roland and a few other guys in their unit had the role of bringing up the rear, keeping their eyes open for enemy engagement. They had the team’s back.
“What you got going on with her looked pretty hot and heavy to me,” Roland said in a low voice. “She’s got a mouth on her—from what I hear—and I know how that can set you off.”
“You make it sound like I’m not in control.”
Roland held Daemon’s gaze. “Maybe you wish you didn’t have to be.”
