7

I grinned at the man and said, “Hello.” I closed the file and got to my feet, putting my palm forward for a handshake.

“Miss Brianne Delmont.” His palm was interestingly smooth as he gripped my palm. Hardin's were coarse from hard work. I remembered massaging his palms with healing ointment after a long tiring day.

Shaking off my nostalgia, I put some distance between the man and I. Looking away from his piercing gaze, I asked, “What is in it for you? You would not help without getting something out of it.”

Edward peeled off his suit jacket, revealing an austere white shirt and green tie underneath. His shoulders heaved a bit as he sank into his seat. “I want just one thing; the end of Atlantis.”

“But the organisation is an ant compared to yours,” I said, with my arms folded.

“But there are other men deserving of you,” he quipped.

“Have you been spying on me? How did you get my private number?”

His eyes twinkled as his mouth quirked at the corners. “I have many sources.”

Or h