ZEKE
“Naturally, there are certain questions I don’t want to ask directly in front of Mia.” The boss lets out a booming laugh as we enter his office. I want more than anything to be with her, not with him, but that’s how things have to be. For both our sakes, but mostly for hers. Amazing how my whole mindset has shifted. It used to be my neck I was looking out for.
“Of course. But not to worry. Everything’s been smooth sailing.” I hope lightning doesn’t strike me dead on the spot. Grandma always used to warn me about that if I lied too much.
“I knew I could count on you. You know, in a lot of ways, you’re like a son to me.” He walks over to the bar set up across from his desk, an antique cart trimmed in brass. A lift of his eyebrows in my direction is a silent question. An offering.
“No, thank you. I’m on duty.” I stand with my hands clasped behind my back, as usual.
He laughs again, waving a hand. “We don’t need to go through all that right now. You’ve been on duty nonstop for the past four months. You can relax a little.”
“Thank you, sir.” I accept his offer of bourbon, and a minute later, he hands me a glass, then touches his own to it. He’s in a very festive mood today. Then again, with all the decorations all over the house, I guess he can’t help it. I’ve never seen it decked out like this before, with a tree in every room we passed.
“To successful partnerships.” He drains half the glass, smacking his lips with a satisfied smile. “I haven’t felt this hopeful in a long time, Zeke.”
Obviously, I’m starting to wonder how many drinks he’s already had today. He’s practically floating, bouncing on the balls of his feet. It’s enough to make me suspicious. This is not a man who goes around feeling joyful and positive. It’s enough to make me wonder what’s changed since we left.
“I’m glad to hear that, sir.” He goes to his desk, and I follow him. After gesturing for me to take a seat, he sits in his leather chair and leans back with a sigh. I settle into my chair, though I’m not quite as ready to get comfortable as he is.
Something’s off. I didn’t get to be as good as I am at my job without honing my senses and trusting my instincts. That, plus the many years I’ve known him, tells me he’s about to drop a big piece of news.
And he doesn’t disappoint. “This party tonight. I’ll need you to be there, guarding Mia.”
I eye him up over the rim of my glass. “You think there’ll be trouble?” I ask before taking a sip of the smooth liquor. It burns a familiar, welcome trail down my throat, warmth spreading in my chest.
“Nothing like that,” he assures me. “You’ll be more of a silent message. A reminder.”
“Hands off?” I suggest with a wry smirk.
“Always,” he agrees, chuckling. “But also a reminder of the excellent care that was taken with her all semester. Anybody takes a look at you, and they’ll know for sure no swinging dick got anywhere near my girl.”
None except mine. That’s not even the worst part of what he’s saying. Is this how all fathers treat their daughters? It can’t be. From day one, he’s been obsessed with keeping her a virgin. Do people truly care about that so much? It’s bizarre and way over the line between healthy and twisted.
Why would anybody at this party care—
Oh, no. Why didn’t I see it? It was right there in front of me. Thanksgiving. Business arrangements, travel. And a dinner party tonight, coincidentally the day Mia returned from school.
A jangling noise reaches my ears, and I realize it’s the ice in my glass. I will myself to be still, to stop shaking. “You know I’m always here to handle whatever you need.”
“Lucky for you, you won’t have to worry about it much longer.” His smile is indulgent and maybe the happiest I’ve ever seen from him. “You’ve done excellent work, guarding my most cherished possession. By summer, she won’t be your problem anymore.”
“Do you plan on kicking her out?”
He bursts out laughing. “No—well, not quite kicking her out. The wedding is in June.”
I know what he’s saying, but still, there’s a part of my brain that won’t accept it. “Whose wedding?”
His head snaps back with a look of disbelief on his face. “Mia’s, of course! I told you that was always the endgame. Now, everything’s settled. The contract’s been signed, and everything is in place.”
Focus. Calm. How the hell did I manage half the jobs I’ve pulled off in the past ten years if I can’t handle this? Even my father wondered how I could be so icy and detached while planning to stalk and murder the boss’s enemies. He didn’t have to worry about it long since somebody took him out when I was eighteen. And in the seven years since, I’ve only got harder.
Now? The idea of a wedding has me fighting to keep a straight face. He’s actually doing it. I can’t believe he’s doing it this soon.
“I don’t have to ask whether she knows,” I murmur, gripping the glass for all it’s worth. It’s all that’s holding me together, the feel of it in my hand. The ice’s cold flowing into my palm and my fingers. I focus on it, struggling to contain my reaction.
“I planned to tell her before the party. She’ll meet her husband tonight, along with the rest of his family.”
“With all due respect, it might be easier on her if she finds out well in advance of the party.”