Page 84 of Iron Willed Warrior

Brynn put her arm through mine and whispered into my ear. “Mr. Perfect wouldn’t be late to the start of his seminar. Would he?”

I knew what she was thinking, because I was wondering the same thing. Had the guards at the solar plant realized their colleague was missing? Had they sounded the alarm?

But the next moment, Westwick walked into the event room, dressed in a suit and an easy grin. I put an arm around Brynn’s shoulders, feeling her exhale with relief. Ryker and Manning filed in behind Westwick, taking up a post near the exit. Ryker’s eyes immediately flew to us. But I couldn’t read the expression on his face.

Manning, though, lifted his chin in a friendly way whenhe caught my eye. I nodded back. O’Hanlon wasn’t here, and I had no idea what to make of that. But we were on track.

The other guests chatted while we grabbed breakfast. Adding bacon to my plate, I leaned into Brynn. “I guess the friend isn’t coming today.” I meant Eric Masterson, and her nod said she understood.

She glanced in Westwick’s direction. “Solves one problem.”

We hadn’t known if Masterson would stick to Westwick’s side today, and how much of an issue that could be. It would be easier for her to get Westwick separated without having to deal with his buddy. A stroke of luck.

As we ate and guzzled coffee, one of the hotel’s staff announced the first session would begin in fifteen minutes. “Eager to get started with all of you soon,” Westwick added with a grin.

I squeezed Brynn’s hand, then let go. “You’re on, B,” I murmured. This was the first time today we would be separated, but not the last. Dropping one more kiss to her temple, I left the room, heading for the restroom.

Brynn needed a couple minutes alone to chat with Westwick, so I was giving it to her.

I used a urinal in the men’s room. Then paused by the sink. I had dark circles beneath my eyes in the mirror, like a guy who hadn’t slept a minute last night and was too old to get away with it anymore.

The door swung open, and Manning stepped inside. He lifted his chin at me as he passed. He went to the urinals, while I washed my hands.

I was about to leave when Manning said, “Clay. Hang on a sec.”

I glanced back over my shoulder. The bodyguard strode over to the sink. Took his time rinsing his hands like I should wait all day for him to speak. And with each second thatpassed, the tension around my spine increased. What did he want?

Manning dried his hands on a paper towel. “Could I bum a smoke?”

Carefully sliding the pack out of my pocket, I held it out. He took it. Flipped the lid and eased a single out. “Hey, where were you and Brianna last night?” he asked conversationally. “You weren’t in the lounge. Your girl was missed. She’s pretty popular.”

I studied him. The man seemed relaxed. But there had to be a reason Ryker trusted Manning as one of Westwick’s personal guards.

I thought of the mercenary Brynn had killed last night. How he’d recited that creepy Stillwater motto right before he died.

“She wanted me to take her out stargazing.”

“Romantic evening?” Manning winked. “Women eat up that shit, don’t they?”

Had he been the one to search our room last night? Had he touched Brynn’s things? The thought of this guy rifling through her silky underwear made me stabby.

Manning stuck the cigarette in the corner of his mouth, so it bobbed as he spoke. “I should try something like that with my girl. Hopefully soon. According to the boss man, we’re going to be out of here tonight.”

“That right?” So it was a good thing we planned to snatch him today. Westwick’s schedule was constantly shifting. “Brianna and I will be enjoying a few more days by the pool.”

Manning held out my pack of cigarettes. “With your girl providing a view like that, I can’t blame you.”

I snatched the pack from his fingers, hoping my grin didn’t give away how much I wanted to end him.

Back in the breakfast area, I saw Brynn talking quietlywith Westwick. Then she nodded and walked away. I met up with her by the coffee jugs.

“Progress?” I asked as I poured myself another cup.

She glanced around subtly to make sure no one was in earshot. “I’m meeting with him before dinner. I mentioned you have a phone call scheduled, so I’ll be free. He was very interested in a private conversation to discuss business strategy.”

“I’m sure.” I took a gulp of coffee. It singed my tongue.

This was good news. If Westwick hadn’t wanted to meet before dinner, Brynn would have suggested later tonight. But late afternoon was ideal. Most everyone, even bodyguards, got tired around that time, looking forward to a break and a hot meal. Westwick’s bodyguards wouldn’t be at their sharpest. Especially if they were prepping for a departure later tonight.

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