“I need another man on my team. Chick. Lady. Whatever you are.” He crossed his arms over his chest. He looked like a bulldog, broad, muscled, and barely fitting in his black shirt. “What would it take to steal you from the CIA?”

What the hell?

“Excuse me? Are you offering me a job?” She couldn’t wrap her head around his question. She closed her eyes, opened them, and he was still there, looking annoyed she hadn’t given a good enough answer yet. “I have a contract with the CIA. They own me.”

“I couldn’t care less about stupid government paperwork. I can have that cancelled with a text message. Here’s what I’m offering: no double agents, no bullshit games, and me. I’m the toughest boss you’ll ever have. Smartest asshole you’ll ever meet. And I’ll pay you more than you’ve ever dreamed.”

Her mind ran a million different ways. Questions bubbled and excitement coursed through her veins.

“You have three seconds to accept the job, princess, or I’ll deny it was ever suggested.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Maybe you are as smart as your file says. Your contract’s sitting on Cash’s doorstep, waiting for you to sign it. God, that’ll fuck with him. He hates when I get through his security.” Jared turned toward the door, then looked over his shoulder. “By the way, you should check your personal bank account. A nice six figure signing bonus posted this morning.”

Her jaw fell open.

Jared smiled. “What, princess? You think I didn’t know what your answer would be? I just wanted to be sure about the phrasing. The sooner you figure this out, the better off you’ll be: I know everything. I see everything. And I am everywhere.”

Jared went out the door, and Cash came in.

“What was that all about?”

“Can I see your phone?”

He looked puzzled. “Yeah, sure.”

She took it from his hand, opening the web browser and pulling up her bank account summary. “Oh my God. That crazy bastard.”

“What’s going on?”

Nic handed the phone to Cash. “Look at that. Deposit made last night. Posted today. Description: Merry Christmas in July, princess.” She pointed. “Do you see all those zeroes? Do you see that? I’m going to pass out.”

Cash wrapped an arm around her. “Well, well, Double-Oh-Seven. Congratulations and welcome to the team.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead. “That’s freakin’ awesome.”

“Are you okay with it?”

“Me? Are you kidding? Nic, you saved my life at that warehouse. You’re good—like you said—better than good, and you’ve proven it. Are you excited?”

“I never would have… God, yes. This rocks. I need to call Beth. Oh wait. Beth. We’ve been together since day one.”