Page 45 of The Tycoon

“Why?Won’t we have an easier time here?He’s already proved he can evade my security measures.”

“Yes, and that’s exactly why.If we stay here, he’ll figure it’s a trap and won’t come around.At the ranch, it’s more open…at least, I hope it is.We can have more people on the ranch for security, but it’s still more open than the apartment.Sykes will think it’s a better shot.I just hope his plans, or those of his colleagues, don’t include killing you on sight.”

“I hope they don’t, either.”He was silent.

She thought he was probably considering her idea, and she didn’t interrupt.

He took a sip of his coffee and pointed at the chair across the table from him.“Have a seat.We’ll go get breakfast and then head out to the ranch.I’m trusting you because you’re my bodyguard, and I have to believe you’re good at your job or Mason would never have brought you in.”

“I am good at my job, and I don’t intend for you to blacken my record.”

They returnedto the diner for breakfast and then gathered their things together for the trip to the ranch.

In the garage, a black SUV was waiting.Their driver was Raoul, the same man as last night.He held the back driver’s side door open.

Regan looked all around the garage and finally entered the vehicle.

Cole climbed in right after her.

Raoul shut the door and loaded their luggage before he slid behind the wheel.“Headed to the ranch, Boss?”

“Yes.But there is no hurry.”

“Sure thing.”

Regan put her weapon in her purse.Her clothing didn’t allow for any concealment.

The ride to the ranch was about forty-five minutes from his apartment.Raoul pulled up to the guarded gate.

“Mr.Kincaid returning home.”

The guard, a large man with arms that had muscle on top of muscle, nodded to Cole.“Go on through.They’re expecting you at the house.”

Raoul pulled through the gate and headed down a long driveway, which ended in a circular drive in front of a two-story mansion.

“This is your ranch house?”She couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows at the sight.

Cole chuckled and exited the SUV while Raoul held his door open.

Regan got out on her side and waited for Cole to round the rear of the car to her.

“Come on.”He took her hand.“I’ll show you around.Raoul will take your bag to the guest room.”

“Seriously, this is not a house.It’s a mansion.”

“What’s the problem with that?Are you afraid I can’t afford it?I assure you I can.And I designed the house myself.I wanted a home that would grow with me.When I built the house I’d planned on marrying and having children.”He stopped and took a deep breath, then let it out.“Plans changed.Now it’s just me here, along with my live-in staff of Mrs.Underhill, my cook and Mrs.Fullwood, my housekeeper.Both are widows and don’t mind living here full-time.”

“That’s nice.Do you often bring home women?Will they find my appearance unusual?”I have no idea why I asked that question.It’s none of my business if he brings a different woman here every night.Though I don’t believe he does.He works too much for that.Why do I even care?

“Actually, I’ve never brought anyone here.So yes, they will find your stay quite unusual.But neither of them are gossips, so no one else should know you’re here.”

“Good to know.Now, I want you to be visible as much as possible.I want him to know you’re here and that he can come on the property.Tell your men not to notice when he crosses the perimeter.We want him to come all the way in.Then I need?—”

“Weneed.You’re not taking Sykes down by yourself.You need help, even if it’s just as a distraction.”

That would make it a lot easier.She pulled her hand down her face.“Okay, I could definitely use a distraction when I confront him, especially if he’s armed.”

“So, I’m the bait.I’d really appreciate it if you could apprehend this guy before he shoots me.”