Theron peered back down to his bracelet. His tan fingers worked on the game with concentrated speed. “What is it?”
Godric sucked in a sharp breath, and then grumbled, “I’ll be away for a few days with no contact. I need you to run this place while I’m gone.”
I jerked my head in his direction.
What?
Who the fuck was this guy?
Theron’s fingers kept tapping, his attention still on his freaking game. “Trouble?”
“No, nothing like that. It’s personal.”
Dark eyes did peek up then, even if his head was still lowered. A too-pleased smile lifted his lips.
Godric rumbled in exasperation, “Will you?”
“You’ll owe me.”
Godric’s nostrils flared as he exhaled heavily through his nose. “The usual?”
“Yes. In a week.” He tapped his bracelet, shutting off his game, and looked at the four silent men sitting before him. “That goes for the four of you too, since he’s not asking you for this favor.”
Four pairs of furious eyes shot to Godric and glared daggers. But they nodded their heads once in agreement.
Theron smirked as he strolled away, his flip-flops silent in the oddest way as he moved. “See you in a week, gentlemen.”
We all watched him until he slipped inside the King Corporation, whistling the entire time as he strolled along, no one else even glancing his way.
“I hate you,” Rune hissed.
Godric growled, “It’s just dinner. Get over it.”
My jaw went slack, and my eyes darted between all of them. “You five have to be the weirdest group I’ve ever met. That’s saying a lot too because I’ve met some really freaky people all over the world.” I flicked a finger where Theron had disappeared. “And I don’t even know what the hell to think of him.”
Other than he was a scary sonofabitch.
Godric huffed. “Just stay away from Theron.”
“I planned on it.” My head turned toward the sidewalk where Major Wilcox was now standing and checking her bracelet. I glanced at my own and quickly shut my game down. “I’ve got to go. Lunch is over.”
Godric’s golden eyes speared mine. “Take my sandwich with you. I’m not going to eat it.”
I stared. “The test is going to be long, isn’t it?”
He shrugged with nonchalance.
That was answer enough for me.
I leaned over his leg and grabbed the chicken sandwich. My thigh muscles ached as I stood up from sitting crossed legged for so long. “Thanks for the food.”
“It was my pleasure.”
I started walking, but I couldn’t look away from his powerful regard. His eyes were gorgeous with the sun sparkling on the golden hue. My brows rose when his gaze widened, his mouth opening in a hurry, and his right hand shooting up in the air for me to stop.
Smack.
“Motherfucker!” I shouted and held the right side of my head. My eyes turned to glare at the tree I had run right into. I kicked the trunk, growling, “Fuck you and your scratchy bark too.”
I kept rubbing my head as I marched.
Masculine roars of laughter erupted behind me.
I chose to ignore it—as I was doing a lot today.
The line was already forming with the other nine girls, so I quickened my pace and ate the sandwich as fast as I could. I chewed with such a large mouthful my cheeks were puffed out as I fumbled with my sunglasses. I finally got them over my eyes and stopped at the back of the line.
Major Wilcox strolled in a bored manner until she halted directly next to me. Her head tilted, and she asked, “Have a good lunch?”
Her fingers wiggled down by her sides.
I quickly took another bite, knowing what she was going to do. My cheeks were round once again, and my voice was muffled from the chicken. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Good for you. It’s over.” The major moved fast as she yanked the remaining half sandwich out of my hands and chucked it into a wastebasket nearby. She bent and placed her face in front of mine, and whispered quietly, “I don’t give a fuck who you sit with at lunch. When an order is given on my watch, you follow it. Do you understand me, recruit?”
Of course, she had noticed. Everyone had.
I swallowed the chicken down. “Yes, ma’am.”
It was excellent.
I licked my lips for any lingering juices.
She glared at my pleased expression. “Do you find this funny, Ms. Carvene?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Then why are you smiling?”
“Because my food was wonderful.”
“Was it?” Major Wilcox mocked.
Then she jabbed me in the stomach.
I belched right in her face.
Megan choked next to me and quickly looked away.
I hastily covered my mouth with my hand, the most horrified expression on my face.
“I am so sorry, ma’am.”
She blinked as she straightened. “Peach cobbler?”
I didn’t remove my hand from my mouth as my other one rubbed my belly where she had poked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Her grin was wicked.
Shit.
“Okay, recruits.” She peered down the line of candidates. “Ms. Carvene here had peach cobbler today. And not only did she enjoy it, but she also didn't share it with anyone. So I’m going to teach you all a little something about sharing.”
Major Wilcox stared straight down at me, even as she talked to the entire group. “We’re all going to share the love of running. Right now. Seven miles. If you stop, you’re gone.”
She yanked my sunglasses from my face and tossed them into the wastebasket too. “Those aren’t regulation, Ms. Carvene.” Then she snapped her fingers at the group, her voice rising to a shout. “What are you waiting for, recruits? Share! Share!”
The front of the line started jogging.
Major Wilcox winked at me. “Isn’t this fun?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered through clenched teeth.
She started running as the middle began.
Megan glanced back over her shoulder. Glared.
“Fuck,” I groaned.
I peeked out of the corner of my eye.
Godric and gang were watching.
They’d had an excellent view too.
The only plus side?
They weren’t laughing this time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO