Red Awakening (Red Zone 2)

“I’m not sure Houston’s the best place to look for the kind of man you want,” Abigail said.

“I need to push for CommTECH to hold a press conference in Alaska. I’m sure I’d have better luck there.”

Abigail shook her head. “CommTECH doesn’t have any facilities in Alaska. Trust me, if they did, I’d ask for a transfer. Way less people there.”

“Sounds like it’s time to campaign for a new research facility in Juno. It could solve both our problems—I’d get a hulking throwback of a man, and you’d get the isolation you need to come up with new tech ideas. Perfect. Now, let’s quit torturing ourselves and go home. I love you so much for suffering through this for me, but it’s time for kittens and cake.”

“That sounds so wrong,” Abigail said with a giggle.

Threading her arm through her friend’s, Keiko turned toward the exit. And that’s when she felt it. A hum throughout her body, a visceral awareness of something else in the room. No, not something—someone. Her skin tingled and her heart raced as she found herself turning around to see what had caused the strange sensation.

And there he was.

A Viking.

Striding through the crowd. His eyes fixed on her.

He had to be more than a foot taller than her, and that was with her in heels, and his shoulders made him three times wider. His charcoal gray suit fit like a second skin, skimming over muscles that rippled and flowed with power. Overgrown honey-blond hair fell across his forehead. It looked bedroom tousled, as though someone had run their fingers through it one too many times.

As he came to a halt in front of her, she looked up to find a wide jaw sprinkled with stubble, a nose that had been broken and never set properly, and deep-set eyes that were the clearest blue she’d ever seen. He didn’t smile, and Keiko’s mouth went dry as her hand tightened on Abigail’s arm.

“I’m Mace Armstrong,” he rumbled in a voice so deep it sent chills down her spine.

It was only when Abigail cleared her throat that Keiko realized he was holding out his hand for her to take. She slid her hand into his, and something wild within her awakened.

“Keiko Sato,” Abigail said when it became clear Keiko wasn’t going to respond. “She’s Keiko. And I’m Abigail.”

Mace blinked once or twice before glancing at Abigail. “Pleased to meet you.” He didn’t offer his hand, which still held Keiko’s.

“Could you excuse us for a second?” Abigail said as she yanked on Keiko’s arm and ripped her from Mace’s grasp.

“Sure,” he said with a flash of impatience that he quickly covered with a smile.

Abigail dragged her a few steps away and leaned in. “He’s a Viking!”

Keiko tore her eyes from the man behind them. “He’s a businessman.” She could read the information stored on the club’s network just as easily as the next person. In fact, his details were scrolling across the lens in her eye as they talked.

“A businessman with a broken nose. One he’s never had cosmetically adjusted. That has to count for something. He looks rough. Like. A. Viking.”

Rough wasn’t the word Keiko would use. Sexy. Lickable. Hot. Huge… Yeah, there were definitely a lot more words.

“You need to go for it,” Abigail hissed.

“What?” Keiko jerked her attention back to her friend. “No. I can’t. We’re here together. I’m not leaving you alone.” For a start, she wasn’t sure Abigail would make it home without her. She had a reputation for turning around in the ladies’ restroom and not being able to find her way out. “But I will get his number.”

“You’ll do more than that.” Abigail frowned. “Look, we both know I’m the worst wingman in the history of wingmen.”

“Um…” There was no denying it. There were years of proof to back up that statement.

“Don’t you see?” Abigail gave her a little shake. “This is my chance to turn that around. This could go down in wingman history. This is the most epic setup ever. I found you a Viking! I’m going to be a legend.”

Yeah. Right. “Basically, you’re telling me I have to hook up with this guy to make your reputation. That this is all about you.”

“Yes.” Abigail struggled not to laugh.

“I really wonder about your IQ,” she said to the woman who’d made her name as a child prodigy in the world of scientific research.

“I know.” Abigail beamed. “Now go get lucky.” She shoved Keiko toward Mace, who stood where they left him, his arms folded across his chest.