Maiden and the Lion (Lions of Manhattan 2)

“Right. Let’s go.”

“Thank you, Cat.” Bea hugged her.

“Ah.” Cat patted her back. “Aren’t you sweet? No wonder Alex fell head over heels for you.”

“He did?”

“Gabe said he’s never seen Alex so serious about a girl.”

Bea giggled. She recalled Alex’s explanation of how he had been a jerk to her so he could forget her. Was that why he had transferred her from the mailroom to become his receptionist? She realised there was so many mysteries surrounding Alex. Sometimes, she couldn’t understand the way his mind worked.

“We’ll take my car. I don’t think this is going to take long. We’ll get you back before Alex finds out.”

“Sounds like a plan. Let me grab my purse.”

Alex had told her to stay put and rest for the day, but Bea felt fine. After the morning shower, her soreness had faded away. Besides, she couldn’t sit still doing nothing knowing someone wanted Alex dead. She had to do something.

Cat waited for her by the front door and together they rode the elevator down to the parking floor. Someone was waiting for them as soon as the elevator doors slid open.

It was Mr Cold from the reception desk.

“Hey, MacGee,” Cat said, stepping out from the elevator. “What’s up?”

“Mrs Larousse.” He nodded. “We have orders from Mr Alexandre Larousse to keep Ms Summer on the premises.”

Holy hell. Was she under house arrest? Bea frowned.

“We’re just going to grab a bite to eat. It won’t take long.” Cat also frowned.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. My order was a priority. Ms Summer isn’t allowed to wander outside the apartment.”

“That’s too bad.” Cat planted her hands on her hips. “Do you realise who she is?” She motioned to Bea. “She’s the future Mrs Alexandre Larousse. I’m taking her out so we can discuss the wedding.”

Wedding? Bea almost choked. It felt so unreal.

“Are you telling me that I can’t take my future sister-in-law out? What kind of crap are you telling me?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but…”

“MacGee is your name, right? My husband won’t be pleased when he hears that I couldn’t go out with Ms Summer.”

Mr Cold looked beaten up. His mouth opened and closed but no sound came out. “I have to report to Mr Larousse about this,” he finally said.

“Whatever. Just stay out of my way.” Cat grabbed Bea’s hand and dragged her towards where she’d parked. She drove a three-year-old Camry that badly needed a wash. She unlocked the car with her remote and got in.

Bea looked over her shoulder. Mr Cold was staring at her back and dialling his phone as she climbed into the car. She slammed the door shut. “Nice job getting rid of him.”

Cat rolled her eyes. “All Alex’s security officers are pests. My brother-in-law had me on security details after we got back from South Africa. He was afraid I’d get kidnapped again so he had his men tailing me wherever I went. It’s only just recently I got them off my back.”

“You were kidnapped?”

“Twice while working on a case. Hazard of the job, I’m afraid.” Cat started the car. “You said Danielson is in Giovanni’s at this hour?” Cat pulled out from the lot and drove to the exit.

“It’s his favourite place for lunch. He gets his sandwich from Giovanni’s almost every day.”

&

nbsp; “I hope we can catch him there. I’m not comfortable questioning him in the office. Not while Alex is breathing down my neck.”