by Jane Cousins
Hadleigh couldn’t keep the frown off her face as gorgeous sandy haired Nate stepped up, took her left hand and brushed a kiss across the knuckles. “Enchante, if you need anything … anything at all.” His dark amber eyes glittered with interest and good humour. “Perhaps a guide to show you around this fair city or escort you out of an evening? A beautiful lady such as yourself...”
He came to a sudden halt as Hadleigh squeezed his fingertips in a vice like grip.
“What are you doing?” She enquired through gritted teeth.
He managed a tight smile despite the fact that he had to be in some pain. Hadleigh was willing to give him credit for that.
“Just a little harmless flirtation.”
“Don’t.” Hadleigh ordered. Releasing his fingers abruptly, unable to explain that when a man flirted with her it always felt false, as if he were secretly making her the butt of some private joke. She returned her attention back to Vaughn, a little perturbed to find he still had her right hand clasped securely in his. She tried a small experimental tug but he only smiled, a flash of white teeth that made her stomach dip and her mouth water. “I’m going to need that hand back.”
Vaughn loved the way those clear grey eyes focused so intently upon him. Damn he loved everything about her, that plump kissable mouth, that perfect straight nose, even the way she’d frowned at Nate had been downright delicious. Now that he had the opportunity to study her up close he found he couldn’t stop looking.
“My hand..?” Hadleigh reminded him again.
“You look hungry.” He announced suddenly. “Are you hungry?”
Hadleigh shrugged, slightly off balance by the change in topic. “I could eat.” Let’s face it she could always eat but she wasn’t going to tell the golden god that.
“I think I’d better feed you. And whilst we’re eating we can talk.”
He flashed those pearly whites again and she noticed the faintest gold burr of a five o’clock shadow along his jawline. For a split second she contemplated reaching out to test whether it would be rough or soft under her touch. Okay maybe he was right, her blood sugar must be low or something. Frowning once again she tugged harder on her hand but Vaughn retained a firm but gentle grip on her. This man was a complete enigma. Men did not casually hold her hand.
“Okay so it’s settled. I’m going to feed Hadleigh and you guys can … be elsewhere.” Vaughn didn’t really care where they went or what they did as long as they left him alone with Hadleigh.
Rafe held up a hand in protest. “Vaughn we really need to get Hadleigh fitted out.”
This caught Hadleigh’s attention. “No way am I wearing those sparkly purple shorts!”
For a moment there was complete silence in the room as seven men contemplated the thought of Hadleigh wearing tight short shorts. Vaughn caught a glimpse of his team mates’ expressions and fought the urge to strike every one of them down. Gosh if he felt like that with his own men, no way could he deal with Joe public getting the opportunity to leer at Hadleigh. He doubted there was enough swampland in all of Florida to deal with the bodies. “You’re right, no shorts for you.”
Ouch, Vaughn said it so vehemently it stung Hadleigh’s ego a bit. It was one thing for her to be insecure about the size of her butt. It was another thing when a man so whole heartedly agreed that it was huge.
There were mutters of ‘Killjoy’ and ‘No fair’ from the men but other than that they seemed disinclined to make a big deal out of it.
Rafe cleared his throat, swallowing a grin. “Actually I was referring more to the earpiece and armour. We’re not exactly overstocked with vests that will fit Hadleigh’s … measurements.”
Hadleigh rolled her eyes. A moment ago every man in the room was contemplating her butt, now every single eye was locked on to her cleavage. She hadn’t received so much male attention in well … forever. “Hey!” She clicked her fingers. “Eyes here!” She pointed to her face, secretly amused that several of the men had the grace to blush. Not Vaughn though, she caught a glimpse of anger flashing like fire in those burnished eyes. Great, no doubt he was unamused, already reconsidering the idea of bringing Hadleigh into the mix.
Giving his men a hard golden look he growled. “Go! Be busy.” Turning his head he gave Hadleigh a warm sunny smile. “Come on you, we’ll go eat and talk.”
Vaughn gave her hand a small tug leading her over to the elevators. Trailing behind him Hadleigh couldn’t have been more confused. One moment the man’s sending out death looks, the next he’s got her knees melting again with that sexy smile of his.
“You know…” They had reached the elevator and she watched as Vaughn pushed the up button. “You don’t have to lead me around like this.”
The elevator door opened with a soft swish, Vaughn stepped in pulling her gently in next to him. Hadleigh tried to step away, create some much needed space between them. The elevator wasn’t small but with Vaughn next to her it felt miniscule. She managed to take two small steps to the left before Vaughn shifted over and filled that space.
“Careful.” He admonished, those gold eyes glowing with heat. “We don’t want people getting on and separating us do we?”
Hadleigh glanced at the overhead display dubiously. “It’s an express elevator.”
“Still.” Vaughn rested his warm arm lightly against her own. “Better safe than sorry. It’s your first day on the job, can’t have you getting lost.”
“So I have the job then?”
“The job was yours the moment Flynn hit the mat. Nice moves by the way.” Vaughn hit the button for the top floor. Seeming content to stand there in silence, just holding her hand as they waited for the elevator to rise to the 85floor.
Chapter Seven
Hadleigh wasn’t sure exactly where she thought Vaughn was taking her, but his own apartment on the 85 floor was not one of them. She had assumed that perhaps there was a restaurant or staff canteen up there. Instead she found herself seated at a bench in his personal kitchen watching whilst he grilled chicken and chopped salad ingredients. He’d tried to push a glass of wine on her when they first entered but she’d insisted upon soda. Whilst he went about getting things together she studied the kitchen, a gleaming modern affair, with lots of bench space, hardwood floors and every mod con one could wish for. She wondered if he knew how to use all that equipment, he certainly seemed confident enough, all his actions so far capable and quick.
Vaughn divided the salad between two plates, added the now slightly cooled chicken pieces, drizzled a mysterious liquid over the chicken and for a final flourish threw a handful of cashews on top of each salad as a garnish. “Wa-lah, my famous chicken and cashew honey mustard salad.” He handed her a plate and fork, taking a swig from his own soda as he took up a standing position across the kitchen bench from her and commenced digging into his own salad.
To say Hadleigh was a little stunned would be an understatement. She didn’t think a man had ever gone to the trouble of cooking a meal for her. Even Declan was a disaster in the kitchen, barely managing edible sandwiches when it was his turn to organise a meal.
“Thanks, this looks wonderful.” She dug in, more to give herself the opportunity to look away from those intense dark gold eyes of his which seemed lit from behind with avid interest.
“You don’t talk much?” He commented.
“I’m lousy at small talk. Lucky for me that’s not why you hired me.”
“Which raises a question, where did you learn to move like that?”
“Mostly my Dad, he’s been training me since I could walk to work in the family business.”
“What’s the family business?”
Hadleigh paused for a moment. “Security.”
“Did you enjoy the work?”
“Still do … I’m just taking a break for a month or so.”
“So you’ll only be with us short term?” Vaughn’s tone was neutral but there was an edge to it that Hadleigh couldn’t quite interpret.
“Yeah, I hope
that’s okay. My … Aunt is a huge fan of the show. She was concerned when she read online about Serena’s departure and asked me to take some holiday time and see if I couldn’t help your show make it through the season.”
“You must really love your Aunt.”
Hadleigh couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Actually to tell you the truth I’m slightly terrified of her.”
Vaughn froze, it was the first time he had seen her laugh and it was all he could do not to launch himself over the bench, sweep her up and carry her off to his bedroom. That husky full throated sound made his insides clench and his poor cock which hadn’t been at less than half mast since meeting this woman was back to full attention demanding satisfaction.
“It’s not a problem is it, the short term thing?”
“Not at all, it might even allow us time to track down Serena and coax her back.”
“She’s missing?” Hadleigh probed.
Vaughn shrugged. “She left a note saying she was burnt out, needed some down time. Definitely her handwriting. But it was pretty abrupt and we haven’t heard from her since. Marcus has his researchers looking in to it. So tell me about yourself … married?”
“No.”
“Boyfriend? Partner? Significant other?”
“No, no and no.” Hadleigh managed between another forkful of the delicious salad. “Are you allowed to ask employees those sorts of questions anymore?”
“I’m just trying to get to know you better. What makes you tick so when we’re in the field I’ll feel confident about who has my back. Do you live locally?” Vaughn shot off another question.
“No.”
“So you need somewhere to stay?”
“I suppose...”
Vaughn cut her off. “You’ll stay here, it makes sense logistically.”
Hadleigh glanced around the spacious apartment unsure. “When you say stay here?”
Vaughn flashed a warm smile. “I don’t mind sharing but I was actually thinking of the guest apartments we have available on the 83.”
“I could commute.” Thinking it might be easier to transport in and out at the end of each day rather than expose herself to twenty-four hour a day Vaughn temptation.
He shook his head determinedly. “No won’t work. During the season we’re on call. Often our destination is interstate so we have to be ready to travel as a team a-sap.”
“Okay.” Why did she feel out manoeuvred, first by Great Aunt Alma and now by Vaughn? “Why don’t you tell me a little about the show and what exactly my role involves?”
Vaughn sent her another grin. “You’ve never seen the show have you?”
“No” acknowledged Hadleigh. “But based upon what I’ve seen so far I could take an educated guess.” She lay down her fork, crossing her arms, leaning intently onto the kitchen bench.
Vaughn gave himself credit for not drooling when the V-neck of her top gaped ever so slightly when she leaned forward. “Enlighten me.” Grateful that he could still form words.
“Let’s see, what would Maat’s seven seekers of justice, balance and truth be doing working on a reality TV show? Unless they were using it as cover to track down magic nasties that threatened chaos. How am I doing so far?”
Not only beautiful but intuitive as well. “How did you know?”
“The name of your company and the mural in the front office were my first clues. Seven men gathered together in one place, who just happen to be super-sized warriors; tall, buff and sun kissed. I’d have to be a complete ninny not to put it all together. But why a paranormal reality TV show as cover?”
Vaughn laughed softly. “Keeping our identities off the grid became a lot harder with the introduction of computers. So we became the Maat Corporation and went hi-tech. Plus embracing the internet age made our jobs that much easier. The average person in the street will tell you anything if they think it will appear on TV or the internet. It’s kind of embarrassing how eager people are to contact us regarding paranormal sightings, rumours and spill their most intimate secrets. We found a front man and the guys and I keep our identities on the show pseudo secret with code names, camouflage paint and caps.”
“And what type of nasties do you track down?” Hadleigh enquired, intrigued despite herself.
“Any week we’re tracking four to five active cases. Off book we deal with the usual: grommets gone techno-mad, harpies, imps and the stray pixie. We reserve the wraiths, poltergeists and things that go bump in the night for the camera. The show is about verifying the paranormal.” He gave her a quick sardonic grin. “And the ghostly set is the hardest to capture on film so we leave it up to the audience to interpret the shadows, flickers and blips. It all comes down to editing. If you like I can add you to the rotation for all missions not just the token ones we do for the camera.”
“Absolutely. And can I use the work out area for my training?”
“That’s what it’s there for. So this family business of yours, I’m thinking with a surname like Valhalla it must have something to do with Odin.”
Hadleigh shook her head in the negative. “I work for my Mother’s side of the family.”
Vaughn quirked an eyebrow up, his gold eyes remaining fixated on her.
Hadleigh shot him an exasperated brief smile. “Honestly you’re not going to be happy until you know everything about me are you?”
“That’s the plan.” Vaughn confirmed.
“I work for the Southern Sanctuary as a Guardian slash family enforcer.”
“I’ve heard of the Sanctuary but don’t really know much about it.”
“When the European magical persecutions began several centuries ago my mother’s ancestors made their way to the new colonies. First stop was the Americas. Not perhaps the best choice of destinations considering the type of people who were settling there at the time. Long story short, two days after the first witch trials commenced my ancestors and several other like-minded individuals departed the area post haste. My Great Great Great Grandfather eventually settled the family in Australia, on the coast just over the Queensland border. The Sanctuary now encompasses three neighbouring towns, which also includes a rather flamboyant artistic community, great cover for when we need to explain the more bizarre occurrences to the norms. With that much magic in one place we attract a lot of attention from the magical set. That’s where the family guardians come in.”
“Do you get a lot of action?” Vaughn queried, trying to wrap his head around the idea of three whole towns inhabited by magically inclined people.
“Sometimes too much. The problem with that many of us in one locale is that we act kind of like a magnet for magic users. Plus a lot of my relatives are elderly and border line eccentric, they like to experiment with old lores and spells. It can be challenging at times.”
“But you love it.” Vaughn could tell by the way her grey eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
“I do, it gives me a chance to utilise my magic on a daily basis.”
“And just what is your magic?”
Hadleigh studied Vaughn for a moment before coming to a decision. He was a Maat warrior, hopefully he would appreciate what she could do rather than think she was some kind of freak. Hopping down from the stool, she took a couple of steps back from the counter. She waved her right arm out in a big figure eight. At the beginning of each arc a weapon appeared in her right hand. First a wicked sharp dagger to be replaced a split second later by a curved scimitar, then a broad sword, then a bowie knife, then finally a Swiss army knife.
Vaughn was looking at her with those intense golden eyes. “I am so jealous right at this moment.” And turned on, but he didn’t announce that little fact out loud.
Hadleigh grinned, appreciating his response. “I’m a blade caller. What about you? How did you come to serve the Goddess Maat?”
“She made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I could either cross the river Styx to join my ancestors or I could return to the earthly plane to act as one of her warriors of justice and balance.�
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“You died?”
Vaughn shrugged. “The Goddess takes away the memories of our previous life … and death when we make the agreement.”
“But aren’t you at all curious? About who you were? What your family was like?”
Golden eyes glowed with amusement. “Not really. If I was, I believe I would have chosen to cross the river to be with them. The seven of us have discussed it occasionally, what we can recall is hazy at best. We have managed to determine that each of us was plucked from different eras, different cultures and transported through time. Our biggest clues come from Maat; she likes to drop teasing hints.”
“And you? Do you know anything of your former life?”
Faint colour rose in Vaughn’s cheeks signalling that he was clearly embarrassed by what he was about to share. “I believe I was a Viking.”
“Cool.”
“You don’t find the idea of me being of the plundering and pillaging set to be somewhat disturbing?” Amusement shon in those golden eyes.
“Well if you put it like that, yes. But somehow I doubt very much Maat would make her offer to anyone but men who had lived their human existence seeking justice and balance. Why, do you feel any sudden plundering or pillaging urges?”
Vaughn laughed. “Previously I would have categorically gone with no, but you know all of a sudden I’ve come over with a distinct urge to plunder.” His sunlit eyes swept down to her cleavage and back to look her once more in the eyes.
Thank the Goddess she didn’t blush. Right now she’d be fire engine red she was sure of it. Why did gorgeous men make flirting look so darn easy? And why was this one practising on her of all people? “Uh-huh, what did I say about flirting?”
“That was to Nate. Anyway I wasn’t flirting with you.”
Hadleigh wanted to sink through the floor, oh Goddess of course he wasn’t. She was a hulking great warrior. His normal type probably ran to women who were slim, petite and sweet of nature. Goddess what must he think of her when she couldn’t even tell when a man was flirting with her or not? Caught up in her humiliation and self-recrimination it took a few seconds for the rest of what Vaughn was saying to sink into her consciousness.