Page 72 of The Ranger
I leave the plant and head straight to Nathan’s office.
“Cole, sorry, he’s in a meeting.”Jan, his PA says, but I ignore her and walk straight into his office with a brief knock.
Nathan, along with the two men he’s meeting with, look surprised at the sudden intrusion.We lock eyes, and the CEO stands immediately.
“Sorry everyone, we need to cut this short.”
The visitors gather their things and shake hands, then walk out, while Jan remains standing in the doorway unsure what to do.
“Close the door.No one comes in,” Nathan orders her.
“Yes, sir.”
I grab a pen and notepad as I do the zipped lip thing.We did a bug check, but this is not worth the risk.
It’s Chen,I write.
“Fuck,” Nathan shakes his head, running a hand through his graying hair.“What do I do?”
I pull out my phone and type a message to Josh, giving him a quick update and asking for his advice on how to proceed.
Bring Dr.Whitaker to the BHS offices.The security team will watch Chen while we discuss next steps.
I show Nathan the message, and he grabs his jacket and briefcase, and we head out the door.Walking through the office, I don’t know what I’m expecting.A fucking bomb.Chen to jump out with a shotgun.
A few of the BHS guys glance my way casually, but I know they’ve already been updated.
When we’re inside my car, we both let out a breath.
“Goddamn.”Nathan clenches his fists.“Do you know how many times I lay awake telling myself I was a racist asshole for suspecting Chen?”
“I get it.”
Paying attention to the road, I drive us towards the office and go over all the facts in my head.
“I mean,ishe actually North Korean?”His hands lift in question.
Nathan is feeling betrayed and probably a bit fucking terrified right now.I truly do get it.What QuantumCore does is far more dangerous than making orange juice.
We will have to loop in the authorities, but I’ll leave that shit to Josh and Aidan.My job is to get Nathan to the BHS offices so we can work out our next step and keep the doctor safe.
My mind flickers to Scarlett again for the tenth time today.She isn’t taking my calls.I’m pissed, but I’m giving her space.
We are about to become parents, and our relationship is getting complicated.Feelings I never expected are growing—fast—and I know she’s going into protective mode.Of the baby and her heart.
We have time.
This is nearly over, so once it’s wrapped up, I’ll show up at her house and make her sit down and talk to her.
I’m not stupid; I’m taking chocolate.
That is, unless she gives birth immediately, in which case my plan sucks.
Right now, I’m consumed by this job and the escalation happening.
A few days away from one another is a good thing.It will give Scarlett and me time to think about what we both want.I’m clear now, but she needs to work out what she wants.
I know she wants my cock, but will she admit her feelings and let us be a couple?For us, for our baby?
