Dawn Endeavor 1: Fallon's Flame Read Online Free

But she'd handled tougher interview questions, so she'd answer this one.
    “I can handle myself. In addition to staying fit, I take self-defense classes. A single woman living alone can't be too careful.”

    “True.” Mrs. Sharpe smiled, the first indication she liked Olivia. “Just one more thing. I'd like you to meet the men you'll be working with before I make my final decision. And if you get this job, you do know you'll train here before going out? That means you'll be required to eat and sleep here—in your own room, of course—alongside the team. A cohesive unit means less possibility for mishap out in the field.”
    So she wouldn't be translating here. The possibility of leaving the States thrilled her. “Yes, ma'am.”
    Mrs. Sharpe nodded. She turned and pressed an intercom. “Jack, could you please find the gentlemen?”
    “I'm on it.” A deep voice boomed back.
    “That's Jack. He's our resident handyman who used to work for the government. A Mr.
    Fix-It who can handle a gun as well as a wrench. His wife, Melissa, is our cook. A pretty little blonde with a mind as quick as a computer. We also have two girls who come in to clean twice a week, Jack's nieces.”
    “Not such a large staff for a place this big.”
    Mrs. Sharpe didn't say anything, but Olivia caught the shimmer of her anticipation. At the thought, the woman smiled, as if reading Olivia's mind. That smile probed at something in Olivia's past, something that reminded her of…
    “You called?” A giant of a man lumbered inside. He wore jeans, a button-down shirt, and no shoes. Odd.
    Olivia considered herself tall, but this man had to be a foot and a half taller. Blond and blue eyed, he looked like a first-class brawler. As he caught sight of her, his frown turned into a smile. She wanted to call him handsome, but the word didn't capture the raw power and wildness vibrating inside him. She sensed a strong frustration and sizzling desire bursting to be set free.
    “Well, hello there. And who are you?”
    Mrs. Sharpe took charge. “Olivia, this is Gunnar Tersch, our resident weapons expert.”
    “Weapons expert, yeah.” He snorted. “So who's this? Another experiment, Alicia ?” She glared at him, and he glared back before shifting his gaze away.

    “Sorry, Mrs. Sharpe. I haven't been the same since I've been off my meds.” The smile he flashed did little to inspire confidence. “Nice to meet you, Olivia.” He turned and left with what sounded like a growl.
    “You'll have to forgive Gunnar. He's off his usual regimen, and it's made him more aggressive than usual.”
    More aggressive? Meds? Though she hadn't sensed an imminent threat from the man, she had no doubt he could break her in half, should he choose to.
    “Mrs. Sharpe?” A tall, dark-haired man entered the room. He stopped at a respectful distance from them and waited. He had Asian features tempered by an Anglican ancestor.
    Handsome and somber, he seemed a direct opposite to the giant who'd stormed out just a minute ago.
    “Olivia Lynn, I'd like you to meet Kisho Hayashi. Kisho is a demolitions expert who can do all manner of things. He's the calm in our storm.” Olivia stood and was still dwarfed by the man. Unlike Tersch, though, he didn't leer. His dark eyes held respect and a polite distance. But when she shook his hand, she nearly trembled at the need pushing at his internal barriers.
    She forced herself to show no expression, but the narrowing of Kisho's eyes told her she hadn't been totally successful. She subtly withdrew her hand from his larger one and stepped back. “Nice to meet you.”
    “You too.” He turned to Mrs. Sharpe. “What else can I do for you?”
    “Nothing, thanks.”
    They watched Kisho leave, and another man took his place. This one stood almost as tall as the blond but seemed even more commanding. He had to be their leader. Dark haired, but with light gray eyes that seemed to miss nothing, he looked every inch a warrior.
    “Ah, Jules.