Rogue - Michele Mannon Page 0,71

will report to the Ranch or assigned territory previously agreed upon.

“Sign on the line and then we’ll chat,” I tell him.

For all my bravado, I swallow hard as he sits back in his chair, folds his arms across his chest, and stares at me. Damn it. If he won’t agree to let me go home to Mama . . . and Madelyn, though I’ve kept my lips firmly sealed about her existence. Not even Jaxson knows. “I’d like to meet your family,” he’d told me. Yeah, I’d been about to confide in him but I’d fallen asleep.

“I like my ducks to be lined up a bit neater than what you’re requesting.”

Ducks. Right. “You mean you demand absolute control over my life. My every movement.” Or you think you will—I’m a bit of a rule bender, buddy. You’re going to have your hands full roping me in.

He doesn’t respond. He doesn’t have to.

“I can only sign if you agree to my amendments.”

He taps his pen on his desk, and I readjust myself in the leather chair, preparing for a long, drawn-out wait.

“Here. I signed without a single change.” Francis thrusts his contract at Hayden, but when Hayden doesn’t take it, he’s forced to drop it on the desk.

“If you screw up, they’ll be consequences.” The warning is directed at me.

Yeah, it’s abundantly clear what the consequences will be. Case in point being the three men listening carefully from their seats to my right. Two of them have had to repeat Hell Camp twice. Jaxson, an astonishing five times in five years. Yeah, I understand what might happen if I mess up.

“You talk to anyone about TORC, unintentionally spill the beans, or intentionally rat me out, give me any reason to doubt your commitment, and you’ll be terminated. Unconditionally.”

Holy shit. Did he just threaten us?

“Mierda,” I hear Diego swear. A hush falls over the room as I turn my attention toward Diego . . . and the man seated next to him.

Jaxson’s eyes connect with mine. He shakes his head, slightly and ever so quickly, before turning his attention back to the paperwork.

But I catch his meaning, nevertheless. No. Don’t do it. Don’t sign. You’re making a mistake.

Or maybe this is what I’m telling myself at the moment. My job description reads simply: “member of task force sworn to secrecy and hired to prevent threats to national security.” Vague as hell, like Hayden himself.

Am I really ready to give up my life for a job? Yet what choice do I have? Besides, if he agrees to the necessary amendments . . .

“We have the same goal, you and I. Remember?” I say sweetly, and flash my new boss a faux grin.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Hayden signs my contract, then passes it back to me, along with a thick, letter-size envelope busting with what I think are bound hundred-dollar bills.

My hand shakes. From nervousness. From my excitement at having the means to pay Johns Hopkins up front, and in turn force away any reservations about offering Mama their precious miracle drug. Supply and demand . . . and I’m in a position to demand it. Hey, money talks, right?

The thought causes me to clutch the pen tighter and to firmly pen my signature by the X. Just like that, my life changes. For the better or for the worst, that remains to be seen.

Kylie Smith.

Private security contractor.

Mercenary.

“Now about our folders . . .” Francis prompts.

“If you ask me for a folder one more time, I’ll rip this contract up, then rip your throat out. Not necessarily in that order.” Hayden glares at him. “Practice having a little finesse. You’ve got the qualities of a great snitch. Except when you start yapping your trap and drawing unnecessary attention upon yourself. Don’t make me regret hiring you. There’s a hell of a lot more disciplined, capable men waiting for my call. But for this assignment, I’m taking a different approach. So you’re it. Don’t question me again. What I say is the law. Now get the fuck out.”

“But—”

“Go,” I cut the suicidal fool off. “I’ll fill you in . . . if I can.”

Hayden stands and Francis immediately sprints for the door.

“Take care working with him, muchacha. Something about him is off.”

“Did I ask for your opinion?” Hayden snaps.

“So we’ll work together? All five of us?” I interrupt, drawing our boss’s attention off of Diego.

“It’ll be you and Francis.”

I frown. Jaxson and I won’t be working together?

Hayden continues, “The two of you will