Embrace the Darkness (The Maura Quinn Series Book 1) - Ashley N. Rostek Page 0,105

pulling into the garage, I was out of Jamie’s car before he even shifted it into park. A woman on a mission, I walked briskly through the house. Blake and Josh stepped out of the control room as I rushed by. They did a double-take and I groaned internally. I bet I was a sight. I was still only wearing the Show 'n Tail T-shirt, my underwear, and Louboutins. Brody and I entered the foyer from opposite ends at the same time. Pausing in his steps, he gaped at my appearance.

“Stefan?” I asked him, confirming I was headed in the right direction.

“In his study,” he replied, eyes following me.

I nodded my thanks and continued on.

Approaching Stefan’s study, the hairs on the back of my neck rose. I knew without a doubt Jamie was closing in on my heels. Forgoing knocking despite the door being closed, I barged in not giving a damn what I might be interrupting.

Per usual, Stefan was sitting at his desk. He appeared to be having a private meeting with a stranger sitting across from him. Both of them turned their heads in my direction, startled by the abrupt intrusion. With one glance at my shirt, Stefan’s demeanor hardened instantly. Jumping to his feet, he directed his livid attention behind me. “What the fuck is she wearing?” Whoa, Daddy-O is mad.

I stepped into Stefan’s line of sight. “I am perfectly capable of answering that for myself. Alone.”

At the sound of rustling footsteps on the carpet, I risked peeking over my shoulder. Behind Jamie, who was currently glaring a hole into the back of my head, stood Dean and Louie. “Dean, please go get Vincent and grab Mark’s file,” I ordered. Dean nodded before turning to leave.

Jamie hadn’t moved. Like a petulant child, he folded his arms over his chest, blatantly ignoring my request to speak with Stefan alone. “I said alone, Jamie,” I bit out, voice noticeably strained.

Louie looked between us. Frustrated, he shook his head. He was wise enough not to argue and left the room.

I had to turn away from Jamie. If I got sucked into his rage filled eyes, I was going to lose my shit. I didn’t have time for that. I looked to Stefan and for the first time in probably my whole life, I tried to convey my need for backup with my eyes.

With what sounded like an annoyed sigh, he sat back down in his chair. “Jameson, wait outside.”

There was no argument, just the wall-shaking slam of the door as Jamie stormed out.

The stranger stood from his chair, eyes traveling from me to Stefan. “I think I’ll give you two a moment.” Up until this moment, I had ignored his presence entirely. There was more stressful shit steering my focus. Looking at him now… Damn. He was a beast. The muscles on him were huge, bulging, and very apparent as they stretched the fabric of his button-up blue dress shirt and black slacks. He reminded me of a hunky lumberjack or one of those really ripped Navy SEALs you saw on the cover of romance novels. He had the most stunning aquamarine eyes and tan skin that made them pop. His brown hair had a slight red tint and was cut short. The length of stubble along his jaw, chin, and lips was bordering on a beard. He had to be at least six and a half feet tall. By how bulky he was, I swore he could crush someone with a hug.

“Who’s Hercules?” I asked Stefan. The corner of the stranger’s mouth twitched, and his eyes squinted slightly.

“Your new security,” Stefan answered.

“Right.” I stepped closer and held out my hand. “Maura Quinn.”

My new goon stared down at my offered appendage before his big hand engulfed mine, making it look somewhat childlike in comparison. Jeez, he’s part giant. “I know,” he said, shaking my hand. “Asher King.”

I tilted my head slightly, mulling over his words. “I’m so glad Daddy Dearest was able to get someone who was part of the team he hired to spy on me for the past six years.”

Stefan sighed again, drawing both mine and Asher’s attention. “Is there an issue, daughter?”

“Not at all. Just making conversation. I’m sure he got to see a lot.” Understanding my meaning, Asher smirked. Yup, he’s definitely seen me naked. “When does he start?”

“As soon as we sign the contract. You said you wanted to meet him first. I was just about to call you, but you saved me the trouble