From Sanctum with Love (Masters and Mercenaries #10)(62)

“I didn’t need money,” his brother ground out. “I needed someone who gave a shit whether I lived or died. Hell, I didn’t even see any money.”

“What is that supposed to mean? I sent it to you every month. It’s not my fault you spent it on hair gel or whatever the hell you spent it on.”

His brother’s eyes widened. “Are you f*cking kidding me? The great and mighty Kai has no idea. Well, that’s rich, brother. I guess you don’t know everything.”

What had happened? “I sent the money, Jared.”

The elevator doors opened and Lena was standing there. She was dressed in what looked almost like a copy of the dress she’d worn the day before, though this was a slightly different shade of black.

“Thank god. This place is horrible,” Lena complained as Jared stepped off the elevator. “Everything about this particular movie is simply awful and you need to think about that proposal I sent you. You’re better than this.”

Jared gave her a smile, but Kai was starting to realize that Jared smiled at everything and everyone and in every circumstance. There was a difference though. This smile was tight and didn’t come anywhere close to Jared’s eyes. “It looks pretty nice to me.”

“Ugh, they have babies and everything. It’s like a suburban nightmare in there. And they could use a decorator.” Lena looked down at her phone. “I’ve already gone by and done all the stuff for the police report and Ms. Williamson will find I’ve filled out all the insurance forms as well. Someone is coming at one this afternoon to pick up the car and she’ll have it back by four. The tires will all be top of the line, but there’s nothing I can do about the fact that the car itself is pathetic and sad.”

“Less opinion, please,” Jared said.

“Fine,” Lena continued with a sullen sigh. “I’ve set everything up for the club next Tuesday, but the big scary guy asked if he could be included along with some chick he’s trying to bang.”

“Scary guy?” Kai asked. That could likely be anyone at McKay-Taggart.

“One of the big Viking dudes. The young one. Chase? Maybe. I called him Sven, but he didn’t answer to that.” Lena continued checking off things on her phone.

“Case Taggart. He’s been very helpful so far. If he thinks hanging out at the new nightclub will help him get laid, he’s more than welcome. Call the manager and tell them to expect two more. Also find out what his lady drinks and make sure it’s available.” Jared stepped up to the main doors. “I got the schedule you sent me. I’ll be here most of the afternoon if anything changes, but I don’t particularly want to be interrupted. And work on the hospital thing.”

Lena made a gagging sound. “Fine, but I’m taking the limo and going shopping.”

She stepped into the elevator Kai had been holding for her, and never once had she looked his way. She seemed to have the preternatural ability to walk in high heels without ever looking up from her phone.

“What hospital thing?” Watching his brother with Lena had been interesting. Jared had shoved all the emotion from the elevator down and dealt with her professionally. He would bet his life Jared hadn’t f*cked her. They seemed to keep a certain distance.

Jared’s jaw tightened as though now that they were alone, the emotion was back. “I like to visit children’s hospitals in the cities I’m in. A lot of kids watch Dart. It makes them happy.”

“I’ve never seen articles about you doing that.” All the articles he’d seen were about Jared’s love life. Not that he really read them. They sometimes came into view on the Internet.

“I keep it quiet. The kids are terminal or very sick. They don’t need reporters in their faces. Look, I can handle hanging out here on my own. I’ll rent a car so I don’t inconvenience you again.”

“Apparently we should talk. I think there’s something I don’t know about that day.”

Jared was about to speak when Grace walked into the lobby. Jared immediately plastered a brilliant smile on his face. This one definitely reached his eyes. Jared’s smile for all the pretty women of the world. “You must be Mrs. Taggart. I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and let me say, Serena’s descriptions of you in The Mercenary I Loved don’t do you justice.”

Grace flushed a pretty pink and let Jared take her hand. “That is very sweet of you to say but don’t believe everything you read. Serena makes us look more exciting than we really are. Please call me Grace. Welcome to McKay-Taggart.” Grace looked over and seemed to notice Kai. “Hello, Kai. How are you today?”

Confused. Elated. Excited. Wary. All the good emotions had to do with the woman he’d left at the office and the bad ones with the man standing in front of him. He had to admit that his brother was different in some ways. The old Jared wouldn’t have thought to visit a bunch of kids. “I’m great, Grace. I’m supposed to meet with Ian. Is he here?”

“Go on back to his office. He’s waiting for you.” Grace smiled back at Jared. “And how can I help you?”

“You could get me reservations at your husband’s restaurant for starters. I have to warn you, though, I’ll probably have some photographers following me.” Jared frowned as though it would be an imposition. “If that’s trouble, I can order takeout, but I’ve heard your husband is an amazing chef.”