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sneakers. “Really, Vincent? That’s how you want to play
it?” Not giving him an opportunity to answer, she continued. “I thought we had
something good going. Did I miss a clue?”
    Not a good time
for this conversation yet the glare she shot his way as she laced up the shoes
guaranteed she’d wait him out for an answer. “No. You didn’t miss anything.
Stuff came up.” Could he sound any more lame? “Work stuff.” Totally blowing
this. He finished on a sigh. “Not you.” Never Helen.
    Helen straightened
to her full five four. “I see.”
    Her face told
another story. Shadows darkened her eyes and they stared at one another across
more than just the distance of the office. Seconds ticked by and when Vin said
nothing further, her lips pressed into a frown. “Fine. I’m sorry if I made you
uncomfortable in front of your team earlier when I asked.” She shrugged into a
light weight black jacket with the now familiar LS&G logo over her right
breast. “I’m ready.”
    “Helen.” Vin
wished things were different. But they weren’t. The only thing he could do was
guarantee her safety. He’d protect Helen with his dying breath, ensuring her
light continued to shine even if it no longer shined on him. She grabbed her
cell as she breezed by him. Shoulders back and spine straight, she headed for
the door and opened it.
    “Nothing left to
explain, Vincent.”
    Fuck. Ice dripped
from the dismissive words and Vin knew he’d missed his golden chance. It was
probably better this way. On the slim chance it was possible, she wouldn’t want
the man he was now anyway. He let her lead but gripped her wrist when they
reached the hall where his men waited. “We go in order. You in the middle at
all times. When I say stop you don’t take another step. When I say go, you
hustle that sweet butt forward. Understand?”
    She could be
pissed all she wanted but she’d follow his orders in this situation. If all
went well, he’d have her out of here in a flash. Then he’d do what he did
before and let her go. The toughest decision he’d ever made in his life was
about to be on instant replay.
    “I understand
perfectly.” No expression on her smooth face. No glare from those pretty brown
eyes. No pleasure or any other defining emotion looked back at him. Just the
blank stare of a stranger.
    Just moments ago,
he’d been her hero. Now he didn’t exist in her universe. The feeling sat like
hot coals in his gut despite the fact he knew it didn’t change matters between
them. “Let’s move out.” Vin dropped her wrist.
    Curtis took the
lead and they all went down the hall back toward the stairway, Harkum bringing
up the rear. Vin flicked his ear com back on and spoke. “We’re heading out.”
    He received an
affirmative from the others. At the entrance to the stairs, Vin passed his
weapon to Harkum again. Curtis, Bransen and Harkum jumped over the pit to wait
for the others. Vin signaled Nathan, Zander and Rock to do the same.
    No one could miss
the power in each man’s action. Muscles barely strained from their smooth leap.
Helen swallowed thickly. Her eyes darted from his men waiting at the bottom
landing of the stairs then back to him.
    “Yeah. Okay. I can
do that, too.” She braced herself, took a deep breath making the shirt tighten
over her full breasts then bent her knees. Vin caught her at the waist before
she could attempt the deadly leap. His arm tightened as she struggled. “I said
I can do it.”
    His men all
chuckled at her declaration. It wasn’t hard seeing what they all thought. Hot
chick in hip hugging athletic pants, her designer clothing letting all see she
had zero interest in truly working out.
    “No worries, baby.
I’m taking you over.” Thus the reason he handed off his weapon to Harkum.
    “What?!” Her head
jerked to face him. Outrage pulled her brows into a frown.
    Ignoring her
startled protest, Vin swept his arms under her legs and shoulders, cradling her
soft frame against his chest.