Bolton waved his hand. “Not necessary. Let’s discuss this by the pool.” He glanced at Nik. “You can stay for drinks.”
“Most generous, sir,” said Nik.
Emma released a quiet breath. He was really good at his cover. He must have come to his senses and realized it was best if she stayed to infiltrate the group. Otherwise, he would have compelled Bolton to do as he was told or he didn’t want to play it that way unless necessary. She lifted her backpack. “I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”
“One of my attendants will take you to the cabana and fit you with a bathing suit. A bikini might be nice.”
Nik visibly stiffened.
Nik followed Bolton to the poolside bar while Emma went to change. Like every Bond movie, four beautiful women wearing tiny bikinis lay by the swimming pool. Two of them were topless. Bolton had been divorced three times and had a reputation as an international playboy. According to Emma, he had no children, despite the fact each wife had been twenty years his junior. Probably sterile.
The bartender was an attractive brunette wearing a halter-top, and extremely short shorts that showed off her long legs. She wore high heels. Sexy. His wolf didn’t mind the hot women, yet none measured up to Emma. No way in hell would he leave her alone with the playboy. These women probably came for the easy money.
Bolton turned to him. “Would you like vodka?”
Nik shook his head. “I’ll take a plain orange juice.”
The bartender chuckled. “I can make you a mimosa.”
“No alcohol, just fruit juice.”
“Orange juice it is.” She turned to Bolton. “And you, sir?”
“I’ll take a Mojito. Actually, make it two.” He pointed his chin toward Emma. “My guest, Jane, will have the second one.”
Nik followed his gaze. His wolf roused from his lair. Desire ripped through him like a tidal wave. Emma wore a tiny red bikini that barely covered her private parts. Long legs, svelte but sweet curves and the top pushed up her cleavage making him salivate. His protective wolf took over. Surely, there had been a more decent bathing suit. There is no way I’ll leave her alone with this sex maniac.
Bolton grabbed the two Mojitos and walked toward Emma with Nik following him like an obedient lap dog. Part of him was turned on, and the other ready to cover her with the guest towels. “Come sit here, my dear.”
She wiggled her ass toward the chair. Nik bristled and narrowed his eyes. Had Emma been trained as a sparrow? He didn’t imagine Emma was a woman who obtained secrets by seducing and even sleeping with the enemy. Surely, Rylee didn’t expect her to go that far?
Bolton smiled. “I thought you might like a Mojito.”
“Thank you.” She took the drink and sipped. “Yum.” Her tongue licked her luscious lips. “Very good.”
Nik stared at his orange juice. Now she was flirting. Why did her behavior provoke his possessive wolf? She was his comrade, nothing more.
Emma turned to him. “Why don’t you take your shirt off and get some sun?”
“Good idea.” He stood and removed his top. Good thing Emma encouraged him on the plane to use her makeup to cover his Team Greywolf tattoo. The women looked at him and shouted, “Woohoo!” One whistled the classic wolf call.
“You must belong to one hell of a gym.” Bolton narrowed his eyes. “According to your file, you were in the Russian army.”
“Yes. Special Forces.”
“Although we don’t have a job in the lab for you, how would feel about working as a soldier? For me?”
“I’m done with fighting. I prefer wolf tracking.”
“You’ve probably lost friends or nearly died yourself,” said Bolton.
“That is correct.”
“And a recovering alcoholic?”
“No, just a health enthusiast.”
“Good. Exactly the type of men I’m looking for.” Bolton sat back and formed his fingers into a steeple. “What if you became stronger than you already are?”