Orion stared into her eyes, willing her to believe him finally, and answer one question he'd always wanted to know. "My priorities have always been the same. You just never take me at my word. Why is that?"She pushed up and crossed her legs. A little wrinkle developed between her brows. She reached for a cracker, cheese and slice of meat, creating a mini sandwich. He didn't quite hold his breath, but it was a question he'd always wanted an answer to."You have flirted with me from the day we met." She locked eyes with him and that wrinkle deepened. "I have always assumed I wasn't special. I was just another woman..."Jennifer glanced out at the water.She was so very strong. What had happened to her to create the need for that strength? These walls?Orion licked his lips, considering his words very carefully."There was a period of my life when your assumption would have been correct. But, at that time I lived in California. I'd like to think I was a different person. When

Part of Jennifer wanted to be a little hellion and push him. But the rest of her had a grudging respect for him. Here she'd thought he was the type to take what he wanted when it was offered. Instead, what he wanted was serious and potentially long-lasting. It was the kind of thing that would utterly change her life. He could say all he wanted was the opportunity, but she knew how this would go. She'd make time. He'd want more. And it would be up to her to rearrange her life to fit him.Jennifer didn't know if she had it in her. Hell, it wasn't even until after she'd left that Army that she got control of her life. Before then, her grandparents or social worker got to make her decisions. Then her commanding officer. The first real choice she'd made for herself, without feeling pressured into it, was going to work for Aegis Group."Hey?" Orion leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Where'd you go?""Um..." She pushed up on one arm. "Maybe you're right.""Yeah? What makes you say

Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.JENNIFER WALKED TOWARD THE main house in a daze.What the hell had she just seen? What in the ever loving hell was that? When was it?She hadn't left Milan's side in the last two weeks. Scratch that, the last month. That meant the footage was from before her birthday party. Jennifer combed back through her memory, trying to recall a black, slinky dress. But there was nothing. Milan had been all about color lately.Only...Jennifer had taken three days off. It was on that last long weekend when Milan had been at home. Jennifer had the long weekend because they'd known the birthday trip was coming. Since Milan was going to be around her father and his security, a little time off had been reasonable. Jennifer hadn't needed to concern herself with Milan's safety. The head of security was top-notch.Fuck.It had to be that stretch of time. That was almost six weeks ago.But, why?Milan had a more than generous allowance f

Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.ORION FINISHED HIS REQUIRED half hour schmoozing at the cocktail bar. It couldn't have come at a worse time. Every Tuesday and Thursday he hosted this casual event. Many guests came just to talk to him. There was no getting out of it on short notice. Not without drawing more attention.Jennifer had opted to stay in his office talking over the weak points in their security with Mateo. Damn it, Orion should have been there with her. His ego said there was no one better at keeping his guests safe than himself. But that wasn't true. Mateo had around five years on Orion and had been an Army Ranger until three years ago. Mateo saw everything. His warm demeanor hid his struggle with the demons that had followed him from battlefronts the world over.Mateo would protect their guests with his life and smile while he did it.Orion could trust the man with Jennifer. He knew it, and yet it was hard to keep his mind on his guests while he m

Jennifer watched Orion as he pushed up off the sofa and crossed to a panel she'd assumed was a dressed up fuse box. He pressed a button, and the doors opened on a dumbwaiter. Carefully, he reached in and lifted a heavily laden tray out."How many people are you feeding with that?"He grinned at her. "Wasn't sure what you'd pick, so I had them make a little of everything. Come sit at the table?"The dining table was a circular, wooden thing with deep scars. It looked like it had come out of someone's ancestral kitchen. The four chairs were mismatched yet sturdy.She had no doubt Orion was rolling in cash, yet this was how he chose to decorate his private space. It said something about him, though she didn't know what.He placed three dishes in the middle of the table, then handed her a smaller plate."I figure, we take what we want. Sound good?" He slid into the chair across from her."Yeah. You always have the best food here." And the finger foods they'd enjoyed on the bo