The King (Gentlemen Rogues 2)

"Ah yes, Blake Security's Matthias."

“Yes, actually. You know Matthias?"

“Yes. He got us a new set of bulletproof vests last time they came through. He's the best in the business when it comes to tech and gear."

I nodded. “Yes, he is. So they'll arrive tonight, but we wanted to get situated."

"Excellent. My team's already set you up with equipment in the villa. Anything else you need, just let me know."

"Thank you."

The conference room door opened, and in walked a stunning brunette. She looked an awful lot like a Bratz doll. Barely over five feet tall, full lips, big dark eyes, and inky black hair that cascaded around her shoulders and down her back. And then she grinned at me and Lock. "Oh, you guys are here already. Nice to meet you. I'm Zia Barnes."

Then the rest of the members of the team rolled in. Once we had a full house, Jax started the meeting, but then a redhead rushed in. "Sorry I’m late. Sorry, sorry, sorry."

Jax threw up his hands. "My God, woman, can you let a man finish? Are you running the meeting, or am I?"

“You're running it. I'm just observing.” The redhead flashed me a grin. “Saff Abott, right?"

I nodded. “Yes. I stood to shake her hand, and she swatted my hand away and gave me a tight hug. “I met Tabatha last time I was in London. She couldn't stop talking about you, so I feel like I know you." She cocked her head and glanced at Lock. "Oh well, Tabatha did not tell me you looked like that."

Lock gave her a bemused smile. "Lachlan King. Nice to meet you."

“I'm Ariel, obviously."

She indicated the red hair and rolled her eyes.

I laughed. "That's perfect."

"My mother was obsessed with the movie. This is the result." She plopped into her seat. "Okay, Jax, carry on."

Jax walked us through protocols that we'd have to follow to keep the Royal Council happy. And while the palace couldn't officially assist us, they were absolutely assisting us. "This is perfect. Thank you so much."

He gave a nod. "And as additional backup, if you have an event to go to, we will try and get at least two of our men in there."

“Do you think that's necessary?" Lock asked.

“Just for added security. We know the Ignos’ reputation, so we want to make sure that you're covered."

"This is amazing,” I said. “We couldn't have expected more."

"Our pleasure," Ariel said with a smile.

“You know how you're going to make your approach?" Jax asked.

Lachlan looked at me. " I will be using my official ID. She will be Saffron King, my wife, and we're here on our honeymoon. Having the extra identification helps a lot."

Jax nodded. "Excellent. I’ve got her ID here. If you need anything else let us know."

Ariel interceded. "So Lachlan, do you know Massimo Igno?"

"Only from school. We weren't friends, and he was a couple of years ahead of me. Maybe he won't even recognize me, but we'll need to be a little hands-off if that's the case."

"Okay. I'll have my people stay back just in case."

"That's helpful, thank you."

Ariel grinned at me, and I couldn't help feeling like her smile was a warm hug. I said, "Tabs told you, huh?"