Page 33 of Dark Embrace

“You forgot to mention he could have come from 1500 and vanished into 1700—or any damned time he chose.”

“Don’t I know better than anybody?” Jan asked softly. “Let’s hope someone spots her somewhere, in some time.”

He drummed his fingers on the table. “I’m running out of time. Brie is not a field agent. She isn’t tough. She hasn’t had any PES training—or any survival training, period. That empathy could kill her…if he doesn’t do it first.”

Only field agents took Past Era Survival courses. Nick decided that policy was changing.

“I know. I’ll get back to the fivers.” Jan stared closely. “Are you really okay?”

Jan knew more about him than anyone. He instantly closed off to her. This was not the time to revisit his past. In fact, his life was a closed book, and he intended to keep it that way.

She retreated. “When you need a shoulder, let me know. Hey, Nick? Sometimes even macho men cry.” She shrugged. “Her cousin is waiting outside. Said you called her.”

He glared at her. Jan had come to his family’s funeral, all those years ago—the last time he’d ever shed tears. “Send her in. I want another report at 5 p.m. After that, I’m taking matters into my own hands.”

Jan appeared worried. “Nick, for God’s sake, don’t do anything foolish. That last sortie did not go well.”

Nick waved her out.

Sam strode into his office, her blue eyes sparking with anger. “Great job, Forrester. It’s been twenty-four hours, and my cousin is still in the hands of a Master gone bad.”

“Sit down,” he said, annoyed.

Sam sat and deliberately flashed her tanned thighs at him, crossing her legs. She wore a short denim skirt, a muscle tank and leather jacket and biker boots. It was impossible not to look at those sculpted legs and she knew it. She carried a large purse that he already knew contained weapons, because he’d watched her coming through that security earlier. Every video camera in the building had a feed into his computer. He’d especially liked how cool she’d been when his security team had frisked her, removing the stiletto from her thigh.

“I’m really worried,” Sam said tersely. “And Tabby is out of her mind with fear.”

He took his own seat behind his desk. “Want a job?”

She gave him a look. “Not if you’re my boss.”

“Thanks, Rose. There are laws against the way you play at night.”

“Nick’s laws?”

He raised his brows, exasperated. She’d be a pain to control. “You know damn well the Clinton-Feingold Anti-Vigilante Act was passed in 2001, making your extracurricular activities a felony.”

She leaned toward him and he saw the black lace of her bra. “Arrest me.”

“What’s with the attitude?”

She was filled with fear for Brie, the anxiety making her sick and desperate. He softened. This woman would never admit to fear and never cave to it. He wanted her, bad, but not for himself. He liked his women soft, easy and not all that bright. He wanted her at HCU.

“I can’t stand this. Why am I here? We both know I’m too independent and outspoken to work for you.”

“I guess Brie’s mentioned I’m a royal pain in the ass?”

Sam finally smiled. It made her shockingly beautiful. “Yeah, she did.”

He leaned forward. “How long do you think our little friend can last while in Aidan of Awe’s control?”

Sam’s smile vanished. “She’s a Rose. Rose women handle the worst tragedies.”

“How long do you think she’ll last in the medieval world, if he’s taken her back there?”

“She’ll rise to the occasion, but damn it, we have to find her!” Sam cried.

He slid a folder over his desk toward her. When Sam reached for it, he laid his hand on the file, preventing her from taking it. “In or out?”