Code Name Genesis (Jameson Force Security 1)

Straightening, I meet Rachel’s eyes. “I know exactly how Kynan feels about me. Yet, I’m still here. He’s the one for this job.”

“Why?” she asks, tilting her head in question. “There are a lot of other great security firms out there.”

That’s true. I’ve researched them over the years since the stalking started. Even used a few for personal security services. I could easily use the same ones again.

I curve my lips into a sardonic smile. “No matter his feelings toward me, Kynan is a man of integrity. He’ll take this far more seriously than anyone else would. I trust him.”

“All right then,” she says, then grabs the handle to her door and opens it. “Let’s go on in.”

I follow Rachel up the sidewalk, which is flush with cacti and tropical plants. Even though it’s June in Vegas, I pull the sides of my zip hoodie around me for protection. I’m not looking my best, that’s for sure. After I refused an ambulance to the hospital, I gladly accepted a police officer’s offer for a ride straight to the airport. I’d thrown on some yoga pants, a tank top, and grabbed my hoodie from the closet. I was so eager to leave the area I didn’t bring anything else other than my purse. I have no makeup on, my hair is a rat’s nest, and I don’t even have a brush because I don’t carry one in my purse. No, I wouldn’t do something as sensible as that. In addition to my purse, I usually always brought with me a huge cosmetic/vanity bag, which carried all the essentials needed to make sure I always look glamorous. Never even thought to bring that with me because my only thought was getting out of Santa Barbara and to Kynan for help.

There was never any doubt of where I’d go once I approached the ticket agent at the airport. The police officer kindly came in with me, and he stayed by my side until I made it to the security line. Still, I didn’t stop looking over my shoulder until I was on the plane to Vegas and every last passenger had boarded. My life was now one led by fear and survival instinct, and I knew I couldn’t survive it alone.

To my surprise, we get to Kynan’s front door and Rachel punches in a security code to unlock it. She pushes it open, then motions me inside.

The splendor of his house is lost on me—not because I’m immune to opulence, but because it’s not important to me. Over the years, many things I’d thought were important just aren’t anymore.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I scan around with minimal curiosity. Mostly, though, all I feel is nervousness over seeing the man I once loved who now hates me.

Rachel shuts the door, and I follow her into the open living room with a view of a spacious veranda. It’s filled with potted plants, a huge grill, and high-end furniture, but I barely take it in.

The sound of a door opening above catches my attention. I sweep my gaze up the massive, curved staircase that sits between the foyer and living area. There’s laughter—both male and female—and then Kynan appears with a ravishingly beautiful woman wearing nothing but a short, silky robe. It’s tied so loosely at her waist that her breasts are bared. His arm around her waist, he’s whispering something in her ear that causes her to giggle again as they descend the staircase. Kynan’s wearing track pants and a t-shirt. His dark blond hair is mussy. It’s clear they just rolled out of bed.

The first time I see him in twelve years, my only thought is about how time has been damn good to him. His hair is worn the same way, along with his trademark facial hair that hovers somewhere between a short beard and a five o’clock shadow. Clearly, he takes his health seriously as his body is as buff and cut as it was when he was twenty-six. Those arms, sleeved with tattoos, were always my weakness. Apparently, they still are because I stare at them too long.

My face flushes with embarrassment over being in Kynan’s home, unannounced and clearly ruining an evening with his girlfriend. Even worse is that I continue to ogle him shamelessly.

When he reaches the bottom of the stairs, his eyes come to me, but they linger only briefly and without a flicker of emotion before he addresses Rachel. “I don’t need anything else tonight, Rach. Get home to Bodie and Tony.”

Rachel inclines her head, then gives me a last reassuring smile that misses the mark with me. “See you later, Joslyn.”

“Bye,” I whisper, my throat feeling extremely parched from nerves and still raw from last night’s attack.

When the door closes behind Rachel, Kynan drops his hand to the woman’s ass and squeezes. “Be a love and get me a club soda from the bar.”