Page 2 of Defending Love
If those occurred, it could be chalked up to an automatic loss. Wins came by avoiding or evading danger and developing a system of mutual trust.
According to Ben, Sinclair wanted both physical protection and increased technical surveillance. The threat from his brother peaked recently due to family drama. The Guardian’s protection would be temporary, but the technology we left behind would keep the Sinclairs safe beyond our stay.
The three of us turned as Silas Hartman walked toward the receptionists.
“Fuck,” Tara whispered. “Do you think Ben told Sinclair what this team will cost?”
“I don’t think Sinclair cares,” Deidra answered. “I checked out his portfolio. He has the capital. Something spooked him, and he wants to protect his wife and sister.”
With a grin, Silas came toward us. “Old gang’s here.”
That wasn’t completely true, and that memory was enough to make my smile dim.
Silas patted me on the arm. “How are you doing, Eli?”
“Fucking lethal as always.”
The two women laughed.
A young man with strawberry blond hair, wearing a suit, came our direction. “Eli Rhodes?”
I took a step forward. “Yes, sir, I’m Eli Rhodes.”
He offered his hand. “I’m Johnathon, Mr. Sinclair’s assistant. Please follow me.”
Johnathon swiped his badge to open the door to the far-right of the reception desk. The long hallway led to a set of double glass doors. Another swipe of his badge and he opened the glass doors.
Nodding, I was impressed so far by the security measures within the office.
Down the hallway, Johnathon led me through an open door. The office inside appeared to be Johnathon’s space. He went to a desk and lifted a folder. Next, he knocked on one of the tall wooden-panel double doors before opening one. “Mr. Rhodes is here to see you.”
While I’d expected Damien Sinclair, I wasn’t expecting the two women standing near him. Mr. Sinclair came forward, his hand extended. “Mr. Rhodes, it’s nice to meet you.” He turned to the woman with the long dark hair wearing a skirt and blouse. “This is my wife, Ella Sinclair.” I’d learned in my research that they’d only recently married. Her name was Gabriella Crystal prior to their marriage.
Next, he turned to the other woman. I sucked in a breath at her penetrating dark-blue eyes and light-brown hair. She wore a white lab coat over her blouse and slacks.
My mouth went dry.
“This is my sister, Dr. Danielle Sinclair.”
Doctor.
Impressive.
I could assume that meant she was intelligent. However, I’d interacted with my share of people with an alphabet behind their names who were simultaneously inept at keeping themselves safe.
Straightening my shoulders, I nodded. “Eli, please. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Eli,” Mr. Sinclair repeated. “Please have a seat. We’d like to ask you a few questions.”
This was the part where he thought he was interviewing me.
“Leo Conner,” Mr. Sinclair said, “recommended that Ella and Dani be present during this process, as if you’re hired, you’ll be spending your time with the two of them.”
That was a good suggestion. Client compliance could make or break an assignment.
I unbuttoned my suit coat and took the chair near the windows; the other three found seats. While Damien’s wife sat on the sofa at his side and to my right, Dr. Sinclair sat in a chair facing me, her gaze narrowing as if she too were assessing me.
As Mr. Sinclair began talking about how he’d found Guardian Security and that he was impressed by our standing, my gaze repeatedly went to his sister. To be completely honest, after her assessment, she appeared tired and bored.
