I nodded without hearing the plan. Nothing else mattered, but tearing the mayor away from Rose.
19
The Panty Challenge
Rose
W
hy did I agree to this date?
I’d been on edge all week.
My head was constantly spinning.
I barely slept.
The only thing that kept me calm was my guards consistently monitoring me.
During the day, I had a set of muscular twins following me around—Knox and Simon. Brown hair and green eyes. They were sexy, but neither compared to Dimitri. When they arrived in the morning, they always wore dark sea green suits with lime green ties. When we were in the house, Simon hung out and played with Barbara Whiskers. Knox read military thrillers and hummed blues songs.
In the evening, a new pair of guards came—Sid and Banks. Both were black and were raised a block outside the West’s boundaries. They explained that due to growing up with so many Southies, they had a deeper connection to Rowe Street Mob and had even gone to school with Marcelo. They kept their clothes casual—black pants and dark green collar shirts. Sometimes Sid wore green suspenders. Most of the time Sid remained quiet. Banks always had a fun joke. They passed the time playing cards in my kitchen. A few evenings, I joined them in a poker game and took their money.
Each day, I called Dimitri.
Each day, he didn’t answer.
He’d lost three close friends in such a short time. He had to be going through a lot mentally. While I wasn’t sure if I was the proper person to help him get through his mourning, I desperately wanted to.
It was insane, but I worried about him. Constantly, I checked with the guys for any news on Dimitri. The only one that actually told me anything was Banks. All he’d said was that Dimitri replaced his men. When I’d asked Banks about Dimitri’s emotional state, he’d laughed at me like it was a ridiculous question. Apparently, self-care and mental struggling wasn’t huge topics for the Diamond Syndicate.
Meanwhile, Johnathan called every day. Part of it was to get information. I stalled and avoided all questions on the serial killer. After all that had happened with Dimitri, I wouldn’t betray his trust.
Tonight, Jonathan showed up with daisies, took in my Southie guards with interest, and begged me to eat dinner with him.
Meanwhile, Banks exchanged glances with Sid not sure of what they should do.
It took some coaxing from Jonathan, but I said yes.
I was single after all. Dimitri hadn’t spoken to me. Perhaps, he wasn’t mourning at all. Maybe, he didn’t think I was important enough to talk to. Surely, he had many more women in Paradise to comfort him.
What else do I have to do tonight?
I rushed off, showered, and dressed. We left less than an hour later. Sid and Banks rode in Jonathan’s limo with me. The whole time he watched the men with a tickled expression.
I had no idea what was on his mind.
When we arrived at the restaurant, Banks and Sid followed behind us.
“You two go over there.” Jonathan gestured at the table near us. “And I won’t be paying your bills either.”
I frowned. “That’s fine. I’ll take care of it.”
“We don’t need anyone to pay for us.” Banks laughed and walked off with Sid to the table.
“Good.” Jonathan pulled out my chair. “You look so sexy. I hope I’m lucky this evening.”
“Relax.” I lowered into my seat.
“As long as we’ve known each other, I’ve never even gotten a kiss.” Jonathan walked over to his side and lowered. “I believe I’ve earned at least that, especially while you’re wearing this dress.”
“This is our first date. Slow and steady wins the race.”
“But, does it?” He held a skeptical expression. “I always found that the Hare lost the race due to him being a dumbass.”
“Which is why you shouldn’t be one this evening.”
He nodded. “Touché. Perhaps, I’ll lighten up on begging for a kiss.”
“I think that’s good strategy.”
He smiled at me. “I must say that you should consider this.”
“Okay?”
“Together, we would be a powerhouse.”
I sighed through my insecurities of my family name. It wasn’t Jonathan’s fault. He probably wasn’t talking about my political connections at all. But I couldn’t help but think that he was hinting at that.
If we married, his path to Congress was guaranteed. My father would do everything and pull all types of strings simply because it would be his son-in-law in the position.
Our waiter arrived.
I ordered a white wine.
Jonathan wanted a beer.
When the waiter left, Jonathan reached his hand across the table and gently took my hand. “How have you been this week? I’ve heard there is a lot going on with the Diamond Syndicate, but no certain information.”
“I’m doing fine.”
He squeezed my hand. “Still, you must have a lot of news for me. I have questions.”
“Like?”
“Why did Marcelo give you his men?” Jonathan glanced at Banks and Sid’s table as they ordered. Smirking, Johnathan returned his view to me. “They’re in green. That’s the South. However, Dimitri had his interests on you. It should be his people around you, wearing yellow. Tell me this.”