Page 6 of Last First Kiss
Joey leaned forward and opened a folder, skimming something. “Says here, twenty-four-seven security. Armed.” He closed the folder and looked back at Rocco, crossing his arms and sitting back. “By definition, that’s a bodyguard, Mr. Monroe.”
Rocco glared at Joey. “Fine. Bodyguard, if that’s what you want to call it. But I have a life, I have commitments. I don’t need, nor want, someone hovering over me as if I’m incapable of defending myself. I also have a personal life and I don’t want some man hanging around, making my guests feel uncomfortable, while I’m entertaining.”
Finally, Annie spoke, her demeanor casual, sitting back on the chair, her legs crossed, her spine straight. “Our staff are professionals. They would not be there to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Further, we can’t protect someone who refuses to cooperate. We require compliance. No amount of money from you or from NHN will change that. If you are unwilling to cooperate, ICS will be unable to assist you, Mr. Monroe.”
Fuck, she was feisty. He looked over at the men, thinking they were going to shut her down. He was, after all, a high-profile client whom NHN was surely paying top dollar for. This was the assignment of a lifetime for a small security firm like ICS.
“She’s right. You cooperate or we will simply part ways. Up to you, Mr. Monroe,” Jax added. It wasn’t hostile, just matter-of-fact.
Damn it. Paul’s words replayed in his mind. He needed to be cooperative or Spelling would find someone else who was. This film would be his big break from sex symbol to serious actor. He took a gulp of water and cracked his knuckles.
“I’ll cooperate. I give you my word. But I want someone low profile. Discreet. It’s unnecessary and inconvenient.” And it was a blow to his ego. What would his fans think?
“All our employees have had extensive military training and are armed at all times. They are all skilled and can surely be discreet, but if you’re in danger, they will take a man down, Mr. Monroe. When we pull the trigger, we aim to kill,” Joey said, his features tense. He looked annoyed by Rocco’s presence. He didn’t seem to be the kind of man who wanted to impress him in order to get the gig. And even though Rocco should have been pissed by the fact Joey wasn’t trying to kiss his ass, it was oddly refreshing.
“That’s fine. I would expect that, although I’m perfectly capable of taking a man out myself.” He heard a snort come out of Annie’s mouth, but Joey and Jax both gave her a death glare. She shook her head and rolled her eyes, then went back to writing something down.
Why he couldn’t take his eyes off her, he didn’t understand. She was beautiful but she showed absolutely no interest in him. In fact, she looked completely unimpressed. Day after day, women went through shameful lengths to get his attention and this woman seemed completely indifferent.
Rocco shifted in his chair and turned his attention back to Jax. “I don’t want to be seen around town with a man at my side twenty-four-seven.” What kind of pussy would that make me—the action star, the heartthrob—needing a bodyguard? “This is all bullshit, but it’s bullshit I have to put up with for NHN. So he needs to stand behind me, try to blend in. As little communication as possible.”
“And not disturb you while you’re . . . entertaining,” Annie added, using air quotes for the last word.
“Jesus Christ, Annie, would you please just shut your mouth,” Joey groaned.
Rocco, however wasn’t insulted. In fact, he chuckled. Maybe I’ll ask her out after the meeting.
“We understand. We have shadows. It’s not a problem. The contract NHN sent over says that they need us to begin in a week. Is that correct?” Jax asked.
“Yes. We start initial shooting at a studio and in various sites here in Miami. Some shots will be done on location, though.”
Joey’s eyebrows furrowed. “I thought the location shots were cancelled.”
“They were, but it’s looking as some of them will be back on. And, of course, the studio will cover all the expenses.”
“The majority of the problems are taking place in Colombia. So if the shoots abroad end up happening we may need to send you with additional men.”
“No. Just one. I stand firm on that.”
Joey clicked and swiped quickly on his iPad as he spoke. “How ’bout we discuss that if and when it happens? Meanwhile, we have a few guys that I think you’ll find will fit your needs for this immediate job.”
As he pulled up some head shots, Annie, who had been relatively quiet and looking introspective, interrupted. “I’ll do it! I can do it,” she said, this time a little less eagerly.
“Annie . . .” Joey warned.
Rocco couldn’t help but laugh. Was she being serious?
“What’s so funny?” Annabelle’s voice was hard and dangerous, definitely not the response he was used to.
“Wait? You’re being serious?” Rocco’s eyes darted over her in a thorough once-over. Sure, she looked toned and definitely hot, but he was certain she wasn’t what the studio had in mind. At all. He wasn’t trying to be a dick, and he instantly regretted laughing, it just caught him off guard that she had volunteered.
“Dead serious. I know hand-to-hand combat, I can hit a target the size of a baseball with my Glock from a football field away, and I can hack into almost any computer system.”
“I’m sure you’re lethal, honey.” That body—it looked deadly. But there was no way a woman who looked like she did was capable of protecting him. He kept saying all the wrong things, apparently. Because she looked pissed off. The fact was, he thought her beautiful and would love to spend more time with her on a personal level. In fact, he was looking forward to it. But as a bodyguard? No. That just didn’t make sense.
She was . . . a girl.
He reached for the iPad Joey had offered and looked back down to the head shots, swiping over the screen one by one. The sound of Annie’s chair, grating roughly against the floor when she stood up abruptly, caused him to look up. Annoyance was written all over her face as she walked toward him.
