“Brody works for a high-end private security firm here in town,” Ro quickly shared. “R.I.S.C. Delta Team. Maybe you’ve heard of them?”
Clayton slid his attention to her before returning his focus to Brody. Wearing a camera-ready smile she’d seen too often, he transformed himself into his public persona.
“Of course,” he nodded. “I believe the acronym stands for something like Rescue, Information, Security, and…”
“Capture.” Ro couldn’t help but chuckle. “And it’s intel, not information. But you were close.”
That’s it, Ro. Correct the man who’s helping pay your bills. Good choice.
“My mistake.” Clayton continued to hold the weight of Brody’s intense stare. “R.I.S.C…. That’s same security firm that’s owned by Jake McQueen out of Dallas, right? I believe I read somewhere that every field agent within the company is former military. Is that also correct?”
Feeling as though she were watching a tennis match, Ro looked at Brody before bouncing her gaze back and forth between the two men.
“It is,” Brody confirmed.
“Which branch did you serve with?”
“Navy.”
The teasing tone in Clayton’s voice was more than a little obvious as he jokingly quipped, “What were you, a SEAL?”
Ah, hell.
Ro cringed, not missing the way Brody’s jaw muscles flexed beneath his beard.
“Yes.”
Clayton started to laugh, but thankfully the idiot stopped when he realized Brody wasn’t smiling. A look of surprise widened his blue gaze. “You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
He’s down to one-word answers, Ro. That’s not a good sign. Not good at all.
“Oh.” Clayton’s brows arched in surprise. “Well…in that case, I should shake your hand again.” He held his out a second time. “On behalf of myself and my family, I’d like to thank you for your service.”
Ro watched breathless as Megan’s brother took the other man’s hand once more. The look on Brody’s face said he was less than impressed by Clayton’s show of appreciation.
It also says he’d rather put that fist of his through Clayton’s teeth than share a handshake with the guy.
Deciding to end the bizarre interaction between the trio on a high note while she could, she inched closer and said, “Well…Clayton, it was great seeing you, but we should probably be getting back to the party.”
“Of course.” The wealthy man lowered his hand back to his side. “I didn’t mean to keep you from your celebration.”
“It’s okay,” she lied to him again. “Oh, Monday’s meeting is still on, right? The one you told me about the other day?”
If he told her he’d cancelled the PR staff meeting he’d requested she attend, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
“The meeting is still a go, yes,” he burst her hopeful bubble.
Wearing a wide, fake as heck smile, Ro was finally able to end the uncomfortable conversation. “Great. I’ll see you in a couple days, then.”
“Looking forward to it.” Blue eyes that appeared to hold far too many secrets remained fixed on hers half a second longer before turning their attention back to the man standing beside her. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Brody. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday soon.”
“Count on it.” Those bearded lips curled for the first time since he’d joined her and Clayton, his smile more sinister than polite.
“Okay, then.” Ro used her free hand to pull on Brody’s sinewy forearm. Ignoring the searing arc of electricity the innocent touch created, she gave him a not-so-subtle tug and a prodding, “Shall we?”
The wall of muscle could have easily stood his ground, but thankGod,he let her guide him away. When they got back to their table, Megan spotted them almost instantly.