"Oh, all right," she grumbled. "You're hired."
"Good." He kissed the top of her head.
She looked up. She could just see an earlobe beyond the curve of his lean jaw.
"Are you sure you want to do this? Silken could be a problem."
"I'm sure she will be."
"And some of the Kolnari got away. You know what they're like."
"Yes," he said comfortably and stroked her back. "I do."
Joat wriggled unhappily, enjoying the sensation but not trusting it. She couldn't help wondering what he really wanted.
Bros smiled. I'd love to tell you that I bought Wyal back for you with my retirement fund, but I don't dare. You'd never let me get away with that.
He'd also resigned from CenSec over their refusal to help Joat. Though to be honest, he'd been disappointed and surprised when they'd accepted it so quickly.
Still, it was the least I could do for you, he thought. Considering what Belazir would have done to you if… He let the thought slide, his embrace tightening unconsciously.
"And we can still work for Central Security sometimes. Right?" he asked. After all, I'd hate to feel completely cast off.
"Don't push your luck," she said and pulled away to grin up at him.
That's better, she thought, feeling more in control. All she'd needed was a handle, a reason behind his behavior. Clearly CenSec thinks they can use me, so they've sent Bros along to be their agent-in-residence. Hah! Still… might be fun. In fact, she was already looking forward to it. She'd enjoyed bargaining with Sperin. Especially since, in the end, I got the better of him.
Bros smiled down into her amused blue eyes, aware that she thought she had his number, and sighed in his mind. This thing is going to take a lot of time, he thought. Good thing I've got plenty to spend. There was a slight pang at the thought of his lost career.
"So," she said stepping out of his arms, "let's get going."
"Yes, Boss."
Joat snapped him a look.
"You realize that you're not going to be making big credits right away."
"Yes, Boss."
"I'll bet you expect me to make you a partner one day, don't you?"
"Yes, Boss."
"Don't count your chickens before they're hatched, Sperin. You'll have to earn it."
"Anything worthwhile has to be earned, one way or another," he said.
Joat let out a long breath, feeling the stiffness flow from muscles she hadn't known were tense. She smiled, and turned her head away.
"Yeah."