Free Circle of Danger by Carla Swafford Page B

her from crazy testosterone-filled men. “I’m going to the armament room to pick out a gun.” She turned away and headed toward the door.
    â€œI’ll be down there in a few minutes.” Ryker waved over Liam. “Go with her to the basement shooting range and pick out a gun for her to use. Something that’ll fit into her small hand.”
    She gritted her teeth. He was determined not to listen to her. She would figure out a way to make him. For now, she’d give in and let him teach her how to shoot.
    â€œOkay, boss.” Liam walked toward the door. His vivid blue eyes and ebony hair touched with silver at the temples gave him a Pierce Brosnan look. He’d joined The Circle, as he liked to say, “when he was a wee lad,” playing up his beautiful accent. If ever asked about returning home to Ireland, he would shake his head and change the subject. The man was a genius at finding any kind of equipment or supplies The Circle could need. Plus he was a dangerous man to cross. The gossip was he never met a weapon he didn’t like. Since the previous security officer defected to the OS, he handled security and logistics for The Circle.
    She’d just stepped out into the hallway when someone shouted.
    At the other end, two guards had the arms of a man with neon-blue hair pulled back into a long braid. He used their hold to jump up and twist his body, taking the men down with him. Before they could recover, the man was running toward her.
    â€œM ove!” Ryker shoved her behind him. “Stop, asshole.” He pointed his gun toward the threat.
    The man slid to a stop. He slowly raised his hands and focused his dark almond-shaped eyes on Ryker.
    â€œCollin Ryker sent me.” Instead of the expected Asian accent, he spoke English with a slight drawl. “The Wizard has something of mine. So you can let me go with you to find him or I’ll follow.”
    â€œHow’s it going, Ice?” Jack moved to the side and nodded toward the man. “My brother’s still having problems with his ex-fiancé since she’s working with him now?”
    â€œA. J.?” Ice Takahashi cocked his head. “I stay out of Rex’s business. Safer that way.”
    Ryker knew of Ice, that he’d acquired his name from what ran through his veins. Of all the stories bandied about, one was that he’d tracked down and killed his own father.
    If a man didn’t protect his family, he was a man not to be trusted. In Ryker’s way of thinking, a good reason for him to leave.
    â€œI don’t give a damn what he has of yours.” Ryker lifted his chin. “Go back to Collin and tell him to keep his nose out of my business.”
    â€œHe said you would say that. He told me to tell you that you owe him.”
    Ryker straightened his shoulders and stepped closer to the man. “I don’t owe him jack-shit.”
    â€œHe said you took his kill.” Those cold dark eyes stared back.
    Ryker knew most would agree he had the greater right to the kill if they knew all of the facts.
    â€œBoss, you want me to throw him out?” Liam shouldered his way through the crowd surrounding Ice.
    Ryker had to give his little brother credit. Collin was a smart man. He had to be to escape Theo’s perverted clutches all those years ago. If only Ryker had known too. The years of pain and depravity the man had forced on him. The way he made him beg. Now wasn’t the time to think of that.
    His brother was known for being a master strategist. Whatever reason he sent Ice would most likely be revealed in its own good time.
    Ryker nodded. “Okay. Jack’ll get you up to speed on our plan.”

 
    C HAPTER S EVEN
    R yker pressed the gas a little harder after rounding the curve. The roads in and near Gatlinburg were narrow and curvy. He heard Marie moving around, probably trying to get comfortable. A few miles back he’d stopped to tie her up and place her