The Six: Genesis | A Reverse Harem Novel

Seven

I'm not ready for this.

Not ready for this discussion or the inevitable fight warring to break out between us. Ryker stands at my side, eyebrow raised, daring me to challenge him in front of the pair of guards. Despite the rage tearing through me, I'm in no position to argue.

"Nice to meet you," I mutter snidely.

Trenton Westhill is classically attractive. He's not much older than me, in his mid-20s, with neatly coiffed dark brunet hair. Matching eyes stare at me over a thin nose, a slight mustache and a cleft chin.

"It's nice to meet you as well, ma'am," he bows at the waist, bringing attention to his tall, lanky frame and unsymmetrical lips. The top is slightly thinner than the bottom and they're lightly bruised, as though he's been bitting them recently.

"Of course. Welcome to the team."

Chris Gatlin remains silent, peering bright blue eyes down at his younger colleague. He simply turns back to me and nods his head, bowing in a similar fashion before straightening his back. And my gosh, I have no business feeling this way for a man I just met.

Hubba, hubba.

At least four inches taller than Trenton, Chris is a mountain of a man. He's broad-shouldered with finely tailored muscles beneath his black t-shirt and dark wash jeans. Dark blond eyebrows, matching his slicked back hair, sit atop a pair of navy eyes, a straight nose and pouting pink lips. Chris is all male, sporting a full beard, a massive wrist watch, and a forbidding scowl.

I don't think I've ever been this wet.

"It's nice to meet you, Gatlin," I whisper, clearing my throat. Nervous, I glance down at my hands, remembering the paralysis with a grain of happiness. They don't betray the attraction simmering through me.

"We'd like to get back to work, Mr. Daniels."

My heart drops as he ignores me, not even bothering to respond.

"Of course," Ryker agrees. "Retake your posts outside of the room. Once I'm finished here, we'll meet in my office to finish our discussion regarding your duties."

Trenton winks, turning to follow Chris, who doesn't look at me again. His towering frame is nearly soundless as he walks, thick black boots seamlessly gliding over the floor. The attraction I feel dies instantly, cut off like chaff at his cold reception.

It's a brutal reminder: hotness doesn't equal kindness.

"What do you think?"

I sneer at Ryker. "What do you think I think?"

"They're for your protection, Blue. The way I see it—the more people between you and the threat, the longer you have to escape."

"Where did you even find these guys? They could be murders."

"They're not. They came highly recommended."

"From whom?" I ask, daring Ryker to name the person he'd trust to spill my predicament to. He pauses, glaring at me.

"Blue... it has been years since you were truly in danger and, consequentially, we became complacent. If you refuse to think of your safety beyond this augmentation, I'll do it for you."

"I hate this. I feel like a bug under a microscope."

"If we can neutralize the threat, this'll only be temporary."

"And if we can't?" I already know the answer, but I ask anyway.

"Then I suggest you get used to Trenton and Chris because they aren't going anywhere."