Page 29 of Snow

“That’s one way to put it,” she muttered.

He smiled sheepishly and continued. “Officially, Silverman Petroleum is purchasing Gulf Tide Ventures. But there’s more.”

Nova’s brow arched. “More?”

Commander Connors spoke up. “Ms. Hart, before we go any further, I need your word that what is said in here doesn’t leave this room, as it does relate to national security.”

National security? Nova swallowed hard and nodded. “Of course, Commander. My client is present. So, I’m also bound by client-attorney privilege.”

Derek nodded, then continued. “Several government agencies are currently investigating a few incidents that have occurred in the Gulf. And they believe one of the rigs that Gulf Tide owns is connected in some way.”

“When you say connected, what does that mean?” she asked.

“That there could be some illegal activity happening out there that is tied to the accidents that have been happening in that sector. Right now, nobody knows exactly what they’re dealing with. But enough red flags have surfaced that multiple agencies are suddenly very interested in Gulf Tide, specifically that rig.”

“Illegal?” Her lawyer’s mind began to consider all the implications this could have for Silverman.

“That is what we are trying to find out.”

Nova looked between the commander and Silverman, trying to process the shift from a simple acquisition review to a potential national security threat. “So, you brought me here? I don’t work for the government, and last time I checked, I’m just a lawyer, not law enforcement.”

Mr. Silverman gave her a pointed look. “True. However, we do need an attorney to make this work. And your reputation speaks for itself. You have an eye for detail that most people don’t. You catch things like small discrepancies, irregular patterns in contracts, inconsistencies that others overlook entirely. You are also very trustworthy. That’s exactly what I, and,” he gestured toward the group of men, “they need.”

She placed her hand against her forehead for a moment, still trying to understand the situation. When she looked back up, all eyes were on her. Even Mr. Sexy Blue Eyes looked like he was scrutinizing her.

She looked at Commander Connors. “I have questions.”

Derek grinned. “I would imagine you do. And we’ll help answer them.”

“First, who are you guys?”

“I guess we probably should have started with that. We are all part of an elite unit.”

“Elite? Like security contractors?”

Derek’s lips quirked. “Not quite. We are all active-duty Navy SEALs.”

Nova’s eyes widened as they moved around the table again, this time with new awareness.

Well, she thought wryly, that explains why they look like a lineup for a military-themed GQ shoot meets survivalist calendar.

Nova then glanced between the Commander and Mr. Silverman, trying not to let her expression betray the absolute chaos of thoughts currently stampeding through her brain.

She felt like she had walked into a deleted scene from Mission: Impossible. The one where the lawyer was very much not supposed to be there.

“Let me introduce the rest of the team,” Derek said, and gestured toward the guy sitting on the other side of Mr. Silverman. “We’ll start with our team leader, Bear. Beside him is Jay Bird, followed by Duke, Joker, Playboy, Aussie, Nails, and Snow.”

So, Mr. Sexy Blue Eyes’ name was Snow.

Each man gave her a respectful acknowledgment, such as a slight smile or a nod, except for Snow. Nova’s gaze locked with his for a split second. She couldn’t help it. Those light blue eyes were impossible to ignore. But whatever warmth she thought she had seen earlier on the plane was long gone, replaced with a chilly glare. One corner of his mouth tipped up in something that wasn’t quite a smile—arrogance, maybe?

She felt that weird sensation in her belly again. But the intensity of his glare made her look away quickly, and she focused her attention back on the commander.

“All right. So, we’ve got Bear, Duke, Joker, Aussie, Nails, Playboy, Jay Bird, and Snow. Tell me this doesn’t sound like the cast of an R-rated Disney reboot.”

A few chuckles echoed around the table. Even Mr. Silverman was hiding a grin behind his hand.

“I like her,” Nails said with a grin.