Page 37 of Oblivion

He abruptly pushed back in his chair and ignored another uproar of laughter. “I’m off to get another beer. You fuckers can get your own.”

With him huffing toward the bar, I got to my feet and offered another round of beers. Tate gave me the side-eye when I arrived at his side and set my elbows on the bar.

“Seems like you’ll fit in well here, Bateman.”

I chuckled and indicated to the barman. “It’s nice to be around guys who’ve served, even if itwaswith the Navy. At least you guys get the other shit that comes with being Special Forces.”

Tate grunted. “I’m hearing you, brother. Aside from my SEAL team, Cole Security is the next best thing to military life.”

“What team were you in?”

“SDVT-2. Plus did a couple of tours on the parachute team, just for kicks.”

“SDVT-2?” I questioned, the Naval terminology being foreign to me.

“SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team Two. In other words, cool shit. What about you?”

I ordered beers for the team, then returned my attention to Tate. “Bit of everything. Counter-terrorism was always a big one. Special recon, of course, hostage rescue, and at times, high-risk security assistance.”

Tate nodded and squinted slightly. I couldn’t tell if he was impressed or otherwise.

“No wonder Jackson was foaming at the cunt about bringing you onboard.”

“Fucking whatever,” I bit back. “Though, he’s finally got some talent up in here.”

Tate punched my shoulder and let out an unexpected laugh. “Yeah, and you’re lookin’ at it, Manbait!”

Scoffing, I nodded thanks to the barman when he placed beers on the bartop, and handed over my credit card.

“I’m gunning for the overseas missions. Can’t wait to get back into it. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen some decent action.”

“So, why’d you leave the military?”

My gut tensed. “Long story.”

Hetskedand lifted his beer to his lips. “Always is.” He then grabbed a handful of bottles and nodded toward the guys. “I’ll carry these over for you.”

After receiving my credit card back, I gathered the rest of the drinks and re-joined my new team.

Tate shoved bottles around the table, and once everyone—including myself—had a fresh beer in hand, he raised his.

“Initiation time, Manbait. See you pussies at the bottom. Last one there buys the next round!”

And that was how I got shitfaced on my first day working at Cole Security.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

Dante

A slap to the outer wall of my office pulled my attention away from the computer to Jackson filling the doorway.

“Got a minute, Manbait?”

“I’ve got several,” I drawled despite scowling at the nickname that wouldn’t fuck off. “What do you have for me?”

I’d been impatiently waiting for my first task. Sitting around twiddling my thumbs for three weeks was a long slow crawl to the grave. Hopefully, the file in Jackson’s hand would bring a little adventure to my Monday.

He tossed it on my desk, then parked his ass on the corner.

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