Strategic Maneuvers - Jemma Westbrook Page 0,30
a familiar intensity. “I’m very serious, mi amor.”
Lennie rolled her eyes. She grabbed the potted plant, jerking it away from Rico. “You’re going to have to do way better than that, Romeo.” She wrestled it onto one hip, the height of the tree towering over her head as she walked back toward the door to the walkway.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Loba.”
Lennie’s steps slowed, her face tipping Rico’s way a tiny bit before she took off again, this time faster.
“I think she might chew you up and spit you out, man.” Brock started pulling out the smaller plants and lining them down the desk.
Rico leaned to watch as Lennie disappeared down the newly-enclosed walkway. “I sure as hell hope so.”
The speaker on Brock’s shoulder barked to life. “We got someone coming up to the gate.”
Brock leaned into the mic. “Any idea who it is?”
Pierce checked his watch.
Damn. The morning had not at all gone how he expected. “It’s Zeke.” He pointed to the plants as he caught Elise’s attention. “Take care of those.”
She lifted a brow.
“Please.” The addition wasn’t something he was yet used to. “And thank you.” He turned to Brock. “Send Zeke to my office.”
“I don’t get a please and thank you?” Brock yelled down the hall after him as he hurried to Intel’s office.
He’d hoped Mona would come to him. Be intrigued by his offering this morning.
It appeared he was once again, incorrect.
“Mona.” Pierce stopped at the door. “I am in need of your assistance.”
Heidi grinned at him. “Yeah you are.”
Pierce scanned the room. “Where’s Mona?”
Heidi’s eyes dropped to her computer screen. “Maybe you shoulda checked your office as you passed.”
He started to turn.
“Hey.” Heidi’s tone was a little sharp.
He glanced her way over one shoulder.
“If she gets hurt because of you I’ll stab your eyeballs out with a spork.” She popped a chunk of cheese from a plastic baggie into her mouth. “And then I’ll make you eat them.”
“Noted.” Pierce didn’t wait for her response.
Mona wasn’t getting hurt.
Heidi’s threat didn’t matter.
Pierce walked into his office. Mona stood at the window next to the plant he foolishly thought would be enough to show her he listened to what she said. “You’re here.”
She turned. “Is our meeting with Zeke canceled?”
His excitement at her presence dampened. “He is pulling in now.”
“Good.” Mona turned from the window, not even glancing at the plant at her side as she walked past it to the chairs in front of his desk. She sat in one, spine straight, chin lifted.
Prepared to take on a man who killed people as easily as he protected them. The same man she slapped across the face with a fierceness Pierce longed to see in his own presence.
“Zeke!” Heidi’s howl carried down the hall. A second later a blonde flash flew past the open door.
Pierce backed out of his office, ready to run interference if Shawn caught sight of his lady chasing down another man.
Heidi skidded to a stop in front of an uncertain-looking Zeke. “How are you feeling?”
Zeke’s eyes went to the door of Shawn’s office as the team lead for Rogue stepped out, leaning one shoulder against the door jam. He took a step back. “I’m fine.” He edged back a little more. “How are you?”
“Pshh.” Heidi waved one hand at him. “I’m fine.” She grinned. “Are you back now?”
Zeke’s eyes lifted to Pierce. “That’s not up to me.”
Heidi turned to Pierce, one side of her nose lifting. “Are you kidding me right now?”
“It’s not up to me if Zeke comes back either.” Pierce tucked one hand in his pocket, trying to appear at ease. “I’m not the only one he’s betrayed.”
Heidi crossed her arms. “It was for a good reason.”
“That’s a matter of opinion.” Pierce ran his thumb over the bullet he kept close, a reminder of the lengths he was willing to go to in order to keep all under his watch safe. “Do you believe I should be allowing everyone to act based on their own thoughts and agendas?”
Heidi’s lips pursed.
At least one of them wasn’t arguing with him.
“That’s a lot of plants, Pierce.” Vincent appeared at the end of the hallway. “You starting a greenhouse?”
He should have anticipated Vincent would accompany Zeke. “Good morning, Vincent. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No thanks.” Vincent passed Zeke and walked straight into Pierce’s office. He tipped his head Mona’s way. “Ms. Ayers.”
“Good morning, Vincent.” She eyed the head of GHOST. “I wish I could say it’s nice to see you again.”
And now she wasn’t