Page 3 of Defending Love
When there was a break, I spoke to the woman across from me. “Dr. Sinclair, I excel at reading people. I’m afraid this arrangement won’t work if you’re not on board. I sense that this is your brother’s idea, not yours.”
She looked up, her eyes opening wider and her chin jutting forward. “Eli…? That’s your name?”
Sassy—I was intrigued.
“Yes, Doctor, that’s my name.”
“My brother is a worrier. Our eldest brother is many things, but I don’t believe he’s dangerous.”
I turned to Mr. Sinclair. “You do.”
It wasn’t a question. I wouldn’t be here if he didn’t feel his concern was warranted.
“I do.” He turned to his sister. “You agreed.”
She pressed her pouty lips together. “I agreed to pacify you.” She waved her hand. “But now this seems unnecessary.”
“Amber.” Mr. Sinclair said, the name hanging in the air.
Dr. Sinclair nodded. “She’s batshit crazy.”
Mr. Sinclair turned to me. “Leo told me that you will be in charge of the team.”
I nodded. “Correct.”
“He said that the four of you have worked together on other occasions.”
“We have worked together and apart. We all know one another. However, I’m not certain this assignment requires four people. It could easily be accomplished with only two for half the expense.”
“Expense isn’t my concern.” Mr. Sinclair squeezed his wife’s hand. “Safety is.” He stood. “I want one person always available for Ella and one for Dani. It seems that by sharing the duties between two guards a piece, Guardian will be able to accomplish that goal.”
I stood, tugging my suit coat. “Once you’ve had a chance to speak to everyone, we can iron out the particulars of the assignment.” As my gaze found Dr. Sinclair’s, she stared my direction with a mischievous grin. “Doctor, please settle this with your brother. Otherwise, we may have problems.”
She sighed and looked at Mrs. Sinclair and back to me. “The only problem will be between Damien and me. If it will stop his high blood pressure, I can agree to a short time.”
A short assignment.
That was why I was here.
I bristled as I made my way back out to the waiting area. There was something about that woman—something that affected parts of me I was certain died on that fateful day. This assignment needed to be completed soon. Dr. Sinclair sparked my dried and crusty heart in a way I didn’t want or need.
“Thoughts?” Silas asked as I pushed through the door and faced my team.
“I don’t want to negate a possible threat.” I patted him on the shoulder. “Talk to them. Give me your feedback. If we’re all agreed, we can do this. We’ll get the Sinclairs set up with improved technology and pacify Mr. Sinclair with a stint of hands-on driving and protection.” I shrugged. “Two weeks tops.” I turned to Tara. “Can you stay that long?”
“The senator will be back in a week.”
“Even better,” I said. “A week and we’re out of Indianapolis.”
Chapter
One
Marsha Sinclair
Autumn, the following year
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