Impulsively (Dante's Nine MC) Read Free Page A

baffling me further. “It’s not the most
typical background for an FBI agent, I’ll admit, but extremely useful all the
same. And you proved yourself a physical force to be reckoned with at
Quantico.”
    I allow myself a smug smile, remembering how shocked my
fellow FBI trainees had been at the Academy when I was able to outrun them all,
not to mention beat many of them in a good old fashioned arm wrestle. I may be
small, but I’ve been using exercise as a natural antidepressant since I was
fifteen. When it comes to physical stamina, I can certainly keep up with the
boys.
    “Let me cut to the chase, Quinn,” Mitchell goes on, leaning
toward me in his chair. “I’ve got a tricky case underway in Las Vegas, and
you’re perfectly suited to work on it. This opportunity is practically tailor
made for your expertise.”
    I stare back at the senior agent, floored by his confidence
in me. I’m good at my job, sure, but there are plenty of other cyber-savvy
agents working in the FBI. He’s probably got ten of me at the Las Vegas field
office alone. What makes me so special that Mitchell would come all this way to
recruit me?
    “You’re wondering why I’m asking you, specifically, to come
on board here, right?” Mitchell smiles.
    “That I am,” I reply. “There must be other agents—”
    “None as perfect for this job as you are,” he cuts me off. “This
is a one-of-a-kind assignment, a chance for you to distinguish yourself. You
must be dying for a new challenge, after two years stuck behind a desk.”
    “I really am,” I admit. “Not that I don’t enjoy my work—”
    “Save it,” Chuck says. “We’re not going to report you for
being a little bored. You need to take this assignment, Quinn. You’ll be
happier working from the Vegas field office.”
    “Trying to get rid of me, Jones?” I tease.
    “Since the day you got here,” he winks. “Come on, Collins.
You’re destined for bigger things than that cubicle of yours can hold.”
    “This sounds like an amazing opportunity,” I say to Mitchell,
“but can you tell me a little bit about the case?”
    “There’ll be plenty of time to discuss the details after
you’ve transferred to Nevada,” he replies. “We’ll get you set up with an
apartment, introduce you to the other agents—”
    “Wait a minute,” I interrupt him, “a transfer is no small
thing. California has been my home for two years. My whole life is here now.”
    “Collins, what life? You practically sleep here,” Chuck
quips.
    “Is there any time for me to think this over?” I go on,
ignoring his all-too-true jibe.
    “You can think all you like,” Mitchell replies, “but I’m
sure you know that the FBI has the authority to transfer agents at any time,
regardless of their preferences?”
    “Right, of course,” I say, “I was just hoping to talk this
over with someone first.”
    “Not that sad sack boyfriend of yours?” Chuck groans,
rolling his eyes. “Do yourself a favor, Quinn, and take this chance to leave
his sorry ass in the dust.”
    “Gee, Chuck,” I drawl, “tell me how you really feel.”
    “Your options, Quinn, are to transfer or leave the Bureau,”
Mitchell says shortly. “I’m sure your, uh, boyfriend will understand the
importance of this opportunity.”
    “Oh, I’m sure,” I mumble. My boyfriend, Milo Beckett, is
many things. Brilliant, cultured, well-off, stubborn, and mightily arrogant for
someone so physically slight. But understanding, he is not.
    “Why don’t you head home a little early and think this
over?” Mitchell suggests, standing to see me out. “Call me this evening when
you’ve made your decision.”
    “Will do,” I say, shaking his hand once more. “It was a
pleasure to meet you.”
    “Trust me,” he says, meeting my gaze with pointed interest,
“the pleasure is all mine.”
    Chuck walks me to the door of his office. He leans close as
I skirt across the threshold and hisses, “don’t you dare blow this,