Page 42 of Iron Willed Warrior

But starting tomorrow, I’d be all business. All of my focus would go to this mission. Defeating Garon Westwick and Stillwater.

And after it was over…

There would be nothing but friendship afterward. Not for me and Cole.

I couldn’t let myself fall for the wrong guy again. Notever. The damaged remnants of my heart just couldn’t take it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Cole

Five days later,we were on our way to Arizona. The undercover mission had officially begun.

After driving all day, we walked into the Sunset Rocks Resort. Desert plants grew all around, creating a lush atmosphere despite the arid climate. Palm trees, saguaro cactuses. Blooming bushes with pink flowers. Calming music played overhead. It was like a fancy spa.Waytoo fancy for me. At least it was warm.

I straightened my linen button-down, feeling way out of place here. But at least I was a confident guy. I was good at storming into places that I didn’t belong.

In contrast, Brynn strode into the lobby like she was born to do it. She wore a sundress that swirled and flowed around her curves. Tall wedge sandals that made her legs look a mile long.

The clerk at the desk looked up, smiling. “Checking in?” His gaze bounced from Brynn, to me, then back again.

“Sure are.” Brynn swept her dyed honey-blond hair over her shoulder. “I saw the pool on the way in. Can’twaitto get out there.” Her Brianna voice was far bubblier than her real one. In fact, everything about her was slightly off the Brynn Iknew. Brighter and sunnier, which made me feel even more like a grump by comparison. Luckily, that fit my cover.

The scent of her new perfume filled my nose. Coconut and pineapple layered with tropical flowers. The blond hair and the new wardrobe were disorienting, given how little they fit the real woman beneath. But my reaction to her was the same.

She rested her elbows on the counter, and the clerk’s eyes darted briefly downward to her cleavage. The movement was so quick it would be easy to miss. But I caught it. I edged in right behind her and scowled at the guy to make sure he knew I’d seen.

“Cameron Clay and Brianna Waverley,” I said gruffly.

His Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed. His name tag readLance. “Yes sir, of course. I just need your ID and a credit card.”

I took the fake from my wallet. I’d tried out the credit card a time or two, but this would be the first real test of the documents the FBI task force had created. Sweat dampened my armpits, though I wouldn’t let my nerves show.

Brynn studied her nails beside me. Meanwhile, Lance studied my ID.

I put my hands on the counter and leaned forward, doing my best to be intimidating. And my best was usually pretty strong. “I want a bottle of your most expensive champagne delivered to the room. And no housekeeping service during our stay unless we ask for it. We won’t want to be disturbed.”

“Yes, Mr. Clay. I can put in that request.” Finally, Lance smiled, handing back my fake ID. “Great news. We’ve upgraded you to a Jacuzzi suite. No additional charge.”

Brynn squealed and nestled into my side. “Doesn’t that sound romantic, baby?”

I grunted an affirmative, still frowning, though my innerrelief was palpable. No issues with my ID. The FBI hadn’t screwed that up, at least.

Nearly everything else, including the gear hiding inside a secret compartment of our vehicle, was from the Protectors. Them, I had more faith in. But either way, we were here. Past the first test and in the door.

Brynn slid away from me, flitting around the lobby as if admiring the luxurious decor. But she was scoping out the place, just like I was.

“You’re here for the small business seminar?” Lance asked.

I nodded. “But we plan on making the most of the trip.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” He grinned. “Ms. Waverley seems very…energetic.”

I glared at him until he went back to tapping on the computer.

Lance the hotel clerk gave us our keys and a map of the resort, and then we were on our way to the room. I carried our bags myself, having declined the bell hop service.

Brynn slid an arm around my waist. “Nice touch with the champagne,” she murmured.

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