The Promise of Love by Billi Jean Page B

after. He might also dabble in creating super soldiers, but David’s money was on Duke wanting to market his take on the Sentinel drug as a sex cocktail that would make Ecstasy a thing of the past.
    “And we’re to train men, sir? Do they have any prior military training?” he asked.
    “No, I’m afraid not, but that’s where you two are essential.” Duke had been told they were both black ops from a private firm, CRCT—Combat Ready Combat Trained—one of the mercenary groups that ran under the radar. “Your training is perfected by years of combat, something my men lack. I’ve picked only the most handsome, most physically fit men. With my enhancements, I dare say they will be ready for anything you throw at them.”
    David doubted that. It took more than looking good and taking drugs to make a soldier. But he nodded as if that made sense. “Sounds solid, sir. When do we start?”
    “Ah, now, no need to rush. I’m still pulling in men, but if you would like to sample what I’m offering to the markets, I have prepared rooms and dosages for you both.”
    “Sir, to be frank, we need to know that drug is foolproof before we take it,” Will said. “Without a doubt it sounds like it’s got some power to it, and based on what Petrok has said, your modifications to Chung’s formula are good, but until its market ready, we will have to keep our heads on the task you’re assigning us.” Will leaned forward. “But after,” he said, smiling for the first time, “we can give it a go for you. Especially if your offer comes with a partner more than willing and able.”
    Duke laughed, throwing his head back, clearly thrilled at the ego boost and buying Will’s eager agreement to try out the man’s sex drug.
    “Oh, my dear Mr. Bryson, I assure you you’ll have more than enough willing partners.” He sobered up after a few more chuckles and poured himself a glass of water. “Water?” he asked, and filled two more glasses at their nods. “Ah, gentlemen, and my dear Ms. Petrok, I believe this project is going to be successful. Very successful,” he said, after taking a sip. “So much so I am eager to get things ironed out in DC. Ms. Petrok, I’m hoping you can handle that end for me while your associates begin training. I think some of the weather might hold us back, but I have enough vehicles with the capability of moving this snow out of the way to get you to the airport. And I believe some of the training you could offer would be snow and hazardous conditions, am I right?”
    “Yes, sir,” David said. “This type of weather is a good test to your men. If they can survive what I put them through, they’ll be more than ready for whatever you have planned.”
    “Excellent! Let’s begin early next week, shall we? Ms. Petrok should be back, and until then you can examine my compound. Let me know what else you’d need to make a fighting force every country in the world would envy.” Duke grinned, clearly pretty damn pleased with himself.
    David grinned as well, not because sick bastard wanted him to, but because that meant he had a few more days with Paris, then all the nights he wanted.
    “Will do.” David stood, offering his hand and shaking Duke’s again. “I’ll stay in town for a few nights so I can acquaint myself with the perimeter. As soon as that’s solid, I’ll shift to quarters here so I can send out men to do routine checks.”
    Duke frowned but nodded. “Damn, that’s good, Mr. Jansen. I hadn’t thought of that.”
    “That’s what you’re paying me to do, sir.”
    “Right!” Duke laughed again and smacked him on the shoulder, then squeezed Will’s hand. “Damn good to have you on board. Ms. Petrok, you’ve done well, very well.”
    “Thank you, sir, we aim to please.” She tipped her glass of water at the joke, but set it down without taking a drink then walked to the door, probably as eager to get away from the man as David was. “I’ll see about that transport and