Nine Rules of Engagement (Barrington Billionaire's Series Book 9) Read online

  Nine Rules of Engagement

  Jeannette Winters

  An original work of Jeannette Winters, 2019.

  All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Contents

  Jeannette Winters

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Epilogue

  Also by Jeannette Winters

  By Jeannette Winters & Lena Lane

  Jeannette Winters

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  Hate to say goodbye to your favorite characters? The perfect solution is a Synchronized Series! One world. Three authors. Character cross-over. Triple the amount of books. Binge reading at its best.

  Each author’s books are full stories you can enjoy individually! But putting them all together weaves an even more pleasurable reading experience.

  Nine Rules of Engagement

  Roger Patrick isn’t in the DEA any longer, but that doesn’t mean he’s giving up the fight. He’s only changing the rules, and in some cases, the target. It didn’t matter who that was, even if it was a Henderson.

  Gia Gravel has worked hard to get where she is. But when one client crosses the line, she is instantly at risk to lose everything. She’s resourceful, and landing a job with the Henderson’s, will solve all her problems.

  The Hendersons need answers, and will go to any lengths to find them. Roger is the key. When he crosses paths with Gia, he finds himself torn. Where does her loyalty lie?

  Gia thought she knew what she wanted. But when Roger enters her life, she questions her choices. Do they need to face their pasts in order to have a future? Or will they break all the rules and follow their hearts?

  Dedication

  This book is dedicated to my sister-in-law and friend Deborah Plante. You have inspired me and so many others. Your smile and positive attitude are contagious. Don't ever lose them!

  Karen Lawson and Janet Hitchcock, my editors, you are amazing!

  To my readers who continue to inspire me with endless messages and kind words. Always make time for romance.

  Chapter 1

  Gia Gravel couldn’t believe it. Fired? The word didn’t seem possible. Standing on her principles shouldn’t mean losing her job.

  “You can’t be serious. I’ve been busting my butt for this company, and because I won’t tolerate some”—she bit her tongue, thinking piece of shit would be a more accurate description—“some man making a very inappropriate proposition.”

  “Gia, I’m not saying I condone what he said, but your actions were . . . over the top.”

  “I don’t see how a slap across his face was too much.” I actually wanted to kick him in the balls. At first she thought the jerk had been joking when he’d suggested she get down on her knees. That quickly changed when he grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand to the zipper on his pants. Disgusting pig.

  “He’s one of our biggest clients.”

  “And that gives him what, the right to abuse your staff?” Gia could feel her heartbeat pounding in her head. This was something you saw on television, but not what you’d expect in your own life.

  “I spoke to him. He understands that was . . . inappropriate.”

  “It was outright wrong. But not as wrong as you still doing business with him.” Gia got up from her seat, her blood still boiling, and headed for the door. Turning one last time, she said, “We agree on one thing. I don’t want anything to do with you or this place again.”

  As she stormed out of his office, she knew that wasn’t how it would be explained to her colleagues, and unfortunately it was her reputation that would be tarnished. But at least she was leaving with one thing. Her pride.

  The moment her feet hit the pavement, the reality of what had just transpired hit her. Gia couldn’t remember the last time she was unemployed. She’d been working since she was fifteen, right through college, and, since she graduated, Gia had worked for that company. And what does my loyalty get me?

  Thankfully the rain had slowed to a drizzle; the showers were supposed to be over by the time she was to leave work, so she hadn’t brought an umbrella. The bus came by often enough that she shouldn’t get too wet.

  But like the rest of her day, it wasn’t meant to be. As she rushed toward the bus stop, a dark car flew by. It was too late. She had no time to move. The tires made contact with a puddle, and the water headed in her direction. Within seconds, the cold dirty water covered her from head to toe.

  Really? She wanted to scream and stomp her feet. The vehicle stopped, and she saw the reverse lights blink on. They were backing up, but right now, talking to her wasn’t really a smart thing to do. Her fuse was short, and she didn’t want to take it out on the wrong person. The car stopped beside her and the passenger window rolled down.

  A deep voice boomed, “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you walking there until it was too late.”

  That’s okay. It’s not like I have to return to work. “Thank you. It’s only water.”

  “Let me pay for the dry cleaning,” he said, holding out a fifty dollar bill.

  She rolled her eyes knowing that was way too much. Her local dry cleaner would only charge five bucks, and her dress was wash-and-wear. Gia didn’t bend down to see who she was talking to. It didn’t matter. She didn’t know him. His car was enough to confirm that. Even her former boss didn’t drive a Maserati.

  “That isn’t necessary,” Gia said as she continued walking to the bus stop.

  The car kept pace with her. “Then at least let me give you a lift to wherever you’re heading.”

  She wasn’t born yesterday. There was no way she was getting into a car with a stranger. Money didn’t make him a good person; it only made him rich. Without stopping, she replied, “No thank you. I’m all set.” She picked up the pace. “Have a good day.”

  Thankfully the bus had pulled around his car, and she was able to sprint to it. The doors opened and she stepped in. Dropping her token into the box, Gia made her way to the back. Slumping into the seat, she felt her wet dress clinging to her. Looking down she noticed her choice of white today definitely didn’t work in her favor. It also explained the looks she had received from the other passengers as she walked down the aisle. Crossing her arms in front of her she glared at the spectators. Sorry, no free show here.

  It wo
uld take about half an hour before the bus approached her stop. Hopefully her dress would dry some by then. If not, at least she didn’t have a long walk, and she knew her neighbors would still all be at work.

  Work. This was the worst time to look for a job. All the college kids were out and filling in as interns during the summer. Not that there was a good time to look for work, but some times were better than others. She also didn’t have an updated résumé. Until now, she had no idea she’d need one.

  She racked her brain thinking of places that might be looking for someone right away. Nothing came to mind. If she waited too long, what happened might get out. Even though she was right, it would work against her. That really pissed her off. A victim shouldn’t feel victimized twice. Who would listen to her side of the story? If her boss wouldn’t, why would a prospective new employer want to?

  Maybe it’s time to get the heck out of Boston and go back home. There was something to be said about living in a small town. They didn’t really follow what was happening in Boston. They sat around and talked about each other instead. Not in a malicious way, just a nose-in-each-other’s-business way. If she moved back to Maplesville, she could tell them she lost her job. The details never needed to come out.

  There was no way she’d make enough money in Maplesville to pay for her apartment in Boston. The lease didn’t end for another four months. That wasn’t a long time, but without a solid income, she would quickly fall behind. There really wasn’t a choice. Tomorrow she’d need to seriously find another job here in Boston, even if it was temp work.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a few help-wanted signs, but a coffee shop or diner wasn’t going to pull in enough to keep her afloat. Trying to smooth out her still wet dress, she laughed to herself. Maybe I should’ve taken that fifty. Actually if enough people splashed and paid her, she might just make enough to make it a business.

  The bus pulled over, but it didn’t appear to be one of the usual spots. She watched as the driver got out and went around to the back of the bus. She swore she heard some cussing going on in the back, and by the look on the driver’s face when he returned, she understood why.

  “Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but the bus has a flat tire. I called, and it will be almost two hours before another bus is available to come and transport. But they will be towing the bus shortly, so I’ll need to ask you all to exit the bus.”

  That was ridiculous. They were in the business section of town. There were taxis everywhere, but actually getting one to stop wasn’t easy, and it was going to be expensive if she wanted it to take her all the way home. She always watched her spending, and now would need to more than ever.

  Totally frustrated, Gia grabbed her purse and did as she was asked. Her shoulders, normally held high, now slumped. Was this day ever going to end? Or if she was lucky, maybe it hadn’t started and all this was only a horrible dream.

  The moment she stepped onto the sidewalk the sky opened and rain came down in buckets instead of droplets. She looked around for shelter. There were a few small trees planted curbside, but they were more for show than anything. If there had been a coffee shop or café, Gia would’ve scooted in and bought a coffee, which would also buy her time until the other bus arrived.

  But there were only tall buildings, all offices, with no loitering signs posted all around. Her dream was to work in one of those someday. Standing in front, looking like a wet cat, wasn’t the first impression she’d want to make. So she did the only thing she could. She started walking toward the closest bus stop to hop on another bus.

  As she passed one of the tallest buildings, she noticed a familiar vehicle illegally parked in front. It could be a coincidence or a different car all together. She hoped he wasn’t following her because that would be too creepy. As she made her way by, she crouched down and looked inside. It was empty. I should’ve known. Too rich to care about following the rules.

  Gia wished she could take that no parking sign down and put it on his windshield. Maybe through it.

  She realized once again her frustration from the scumbag at work was being taken out on this stranger. People illegally parked, double parked, and heck sometimes totally blocked the road. None of it was her concern. She was angry at the universe for not playing fair. Maybe when she got home, took off her wet clothes, and had a hot cup of tea, things might look better.

  As another car, this time a limo, came by and once again splashed her, she thought, maybe a glass of wine instead.

  “You really need to talk to Bennett,” Brice Henderson said.

  There was no way in hell he was working for Bennett or any of the Hendersons. He never wanted to feel indebted to anyone, especially a family like theirs. The Hendersons may have come out clean this time, but they were far from without blemish. As far as Roger Patrick was concerned, there wasn’t anything to discuss. It was over, and it seemed as though the Hendersons were one big happy family. He shook his head and replied, “I’m not the work-for-someone-else type of guy.”

  “We could use someone with your . . . talents on our team.”

  Roger heard the difference. How it changed from Bennett to “we.” That’s how the Hendersons worked. They took care of each other above anyone else.

  “From what I heard, you have plenty of people in your . . . pocket already.” He wasn’t sure if the Hendersons had any idea how much he knew about them. He’d done a lot of digging for his best friend, Caydan Pintino. Which of course abruptly ceased once Caydan found out he was a Henderson by blood. Roger still found all this fucked up and disturbing.

  “I’d like to tell you you’re wrong. We’re not known for always . . . playing nice. Then again, you’re not either. We haven’t forgotten your part in trying to bring down the New Hope Resort,” Brice said.

  Roger wasn’t going to deny it. Hell, he’d crossed the line several times helping Caydan. He was good at his job and actually a bit shocked the Hendersons knew it had been him. Most likely they’re just guessing. “Your point?” he asked, glaring at Brice. Their money and power didn’t impress or intimidate him. If anything, he knew it made them a better target. That’s all.

  “I’d like to think we could be on the same side now.”

  “I’m not for or against your family,” Roger responded. That was the truth. They weren’t his enemy. But for a long time, they were Caydan’s. He was happy his friend had found his family. That didn’t mean Roger trusted them, and his loyalty still was with Caydan. If things go wrong, Caydan isn’t the only person you’ll answer to.

  “That’s good to hear, because I’d like to hire you.”

  “I already told you, I’m not the team type,” Roger snarled.

  “I know. And that’s what I’m looking for. This is personal, and I need someone I can trust.”

  Roger laughed. “And you believe you can trust me? Why?”

  “You’re not the only one who has done his research.”

  There were things in Roger’s past he didn’t want to discuss. Things he wished he’d done differently. They haunted him to this day. But going back and second chances weren’t possible. At least not for him. Some things were unfixable.

  “Brice, save us both time. Tell me what the hell you want. If I’m interested, I’ll let you know.”

  Brice stared at Roger for a moment as though he wasn’t sure what to say. That piqued Roger’s interest. “I want a full genealogy done on my family.”

  “You don’t need me for that,” Roger stated. “Hire a genealogist.”

  “Can’t do that.”

  “Why?” Roger asked.

  “When you dig, sometimes you find shit you don’t want anyone to know.”

  Roger had discovered enough of that when he did the research on them. Skeletons in a closet had an entirely different meaning with them. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know any more.

  “If you’re looking for trouble, I’m sure it will eventually find you.” One thing he’d learned: the Hendersons didn’t stay out of the public
eye for long. Rarely was it anything good either. Something or someone always stirred the pot, and he didn’t want his name associated with them when shit hit the fan.

  “And that’s why I need you. Finding out that we . . . that I have an older brother was a shock.”

  Never mind knowing how that all came about. James Henderson was one sick mother fucker. He hated the man even though he’d never met him. But what he’d done to Caydan’s mother was unforgivable. Roger cared for her as though she were his own mother, and she accepted him as family as well. But there was a part of him that struggled to deal with everything he’d learned. And I’m not really family.

  “Are you worried Caydan is going to take your spot as head of the family? Because I’ve known him quite a while, and trust me, he doesn’t want it.” Roger was shocked at how welcoming they had all been to Caydan. Too welcoming.

  “If he did, he could have it. It comes with burdens I wish I didn’t bear,” Brice said, shaking his head. “It’s not what we know that concerns me. Every time I think I’ve heard the worst of it, I find out I’m wrong. My family can’t keep going through this. We can’t change the past, but we can’t keep getting blindsided either. It’s no longer just the six of us. We’re married with children. None of us want this shit to fall on them. Not if we can help it.”

  He’d met the entire family at Caydan and Allyson’s wedding a few months ago. Roger knew he wouldn’t do this for Brice or his other siblings. But, for Caydan and his nephews and nieces, he’d at least hear Brice out on exactly what he needed.