Steel

STEEL SENTINEL SECURITY #4 ANNA HACKETT Steel Published by Anna Hackett Copyright 2023 by Anna Hackett Cover by Mayhem Cover Creations Cover image by Wander Aguiar Edits by Tanya Saari ISBN (ebook): 978-1-922414-74-8 ISBN (paperback): 978-1-922414-75-5 This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form. CONTENTS What readers are saying about Anna’s romances Anna Hackett Box Set 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 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Epilogue Preview: Stealing from Mr. Rich Preview: Norcross Security Also by Anna Hackett About the Author WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANNA’S ROMANCES The Powerbroker - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) winner 2022 Heart of Eon - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) winner 2020 Cyborg - PRISM Award Winner 2019 Edge of Eon and Mission: Her Protection - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) finalists 2019 Unfathomed and Unmapped - Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) finalists 2018 Unexplored – Romantic Book of the Year (Ruby) Novella Winner 2017 Return to Dark Earth – One of Library Journal's Best E-Original Books for 2015 and two-time SFR Galaxy Awards winner At Star’s End – One of Library Journal's Best E-Original Romances for 2014 The Phoenix Adventures – SFR Galaxy Award Winner for Most Fun New Series and “Why Isn’t This a Movie?” Series Hell Squad – SFR Galaxy Award for best Post-Apocalypse for Readers who don’t like Post-Apocalypse "Like Indiana Jones meets Star Wars. A treasure hunt with a steamy romance." – SFF Dragon, review of Among Galactic Ruins “Action, danger, aliens, romance – yup, it’s another great book from Anna Hackett!” – Book Gannet Reviews, review of Hell Squad: Marcus Sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances. Click here to get started: www.annahackett.com CHAPTER ONE “You’re a scary man, Mr. Hawke.” Killian Hawke lifted his glass of bourbon and drank the last of it. It was one of his favorites. The Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year Old. “I’m just sitting here enjoying the last of our excellent meal and even better bourbon, Robert.” Killian’s potential client, Robert Hawthorne—the wealthy owner of HT Industries smiled—cradling his own glass. “And yet, my son fidgeted through the entire meal, and has now escaped to the bar. He kept looking at you like he expected you to leap across the table and take him down.” They were sitting in the Per Se restaurant, one of New York’s best, but a little stuffy for Killian’s taste. He flicked a look at the bar, where Andy Hawthorne sat, waiting for the bartender to pour him another cocktail. “I’m sorry he felt that way. He seems—” “Lazy, entitled, and just out to have a good time and spend my money.” Robert sighed. “He skates along, doing the bare minimum at HT. I worry about when I’m gone.” Robert’s concerns summed up Killian’s thoughts on Andy, as well. The man didn’t appear interested in work, and every time Killian had looked at him, he’d twitched and had another drink. Killian didn’t have time for lazy people who didn’t take responsibility. Responsibility was the cornerstone of his life. For as far back as he could remember, he’d taken care of his mother and sister. Then, he’d joined the CIA. Being a CIA agent meant you had to take extreme responsibility for everything. On a mission, it was vital to ensure success. Vital in order to survive. Killian now ran his own business, Sentinel Security. His clients depended on him and his team for top-notch security, and his employees depended on him for their livelihoods. He couldn’t ever be as frivolous as Andy Hawthorne. He had too many people depending on him. He’d never had the safety net of a wealthy father. “I’m sorry, Robert.” The older man waved his hand. “It’s not your fault.” He shot Killian a small smile. “I wish I had a son like you, then I wouldn’t have to worry. Loyalty, hard work ethic, trustworthiness. Your traits are ones that aren’t always appreciated by the young.” Killian’s grip tightened on his glass. He hadn’t been anyone’s son in a long time. His father had left when he was young, and his mother hadn’t coped well afterward. She’d suffered, grieved, and checked out, which meant Killian had needed to run the house and care for his younger sister. Mentally, he shook off the past. He knew there was no point dwelling. For a second, he missed Saskia. Not too long ago, his sister had fallen in love and moved across the country to San Francisco. He missed their lunch dates, and the occasional late-evening phone calls. She was happy, that was the important thing. And if Camden Morgan ever made her unhappy, Killian would kill him and make sure no one ever found him. That thought cheered Killian up. “I can’t help you with your son, but I can help your business with cybersecurity,” Killian said. “Good.” Robert nodded. “Everything you’ve outlined is exactly what we need. We can’t afford another attack. Bloody criminal hackers. Let’s sign the paperwork.” The man glanced at the bar, then sighed. Killian followed his gaze and noted that Andy was chatting up a voluptuous blonde. “Luckily, I have a young daughter who’s demonstrating that she has a sharp brain and likes to work,” Robert said. “I think I’d better get her trained up.” “I’ll have my assistant send the contract over, and set up a date for our team to start.” Killian stood, and slipped into his suit jacket. “Thanks for dinner, Robert.” The man nodded.