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“Just checking that gym session is working for you,” I said, sheepishly.
“Good of you,” he said, with the hint of a smile. The Russian sat back in our booth and looked around. There were a few other people from the gym and some guy trying to take a subtle photo of us on his phone.
“Should we just smile and wave?” The Russian asked.
“We could, or we could put glasses on and hats and try and look more cloak and dagger. He might make money from that shot,” I suggested. Then my friendly stalker, Ken, went past the window and waved to me and I waved back.
“Who was that?” The Russian asked, checking him out.
“Just one of my friendly stalkers,” I said. I swear The Russian grew a foot taller if it was at all possible.
“What do you mean?” he said.
I told him I had a few regulars—Ken, Alby and Ron, and a female called Liz—and I assured him they had never caused me any trouble.
“What’s he doing here then?” he asked, still tense and watching Ken walk through the parking lot.
I shrugged. “I don’t know, he often comes here. I’ve seen him before and after some of my workouts.”
“I don’t like it, Brooker,” The Russian growled. “Next time you see him or any of the others, including the female, you’re going to introduce me as your boyfriend and I’ll be moving them on. Okay?”
I frowned at him. “I appreciate ...”
“Not up for discussion,” he said, closing it down.
I swallowed and stayed patient. While I appreciated his concern for me, was even pretty turned on by it—sadly—I had been pretty good at looking after myself up to that point.
“Russian, I appreciate it but ...”
“No, Brooker. I protect my own ...”
“And I’m your own?” I asked, with raised eyebrows.
He placed his hands palm down on the table and took a deep breath. “You keep forgetting I’m in security. These people seem harmless until they’re not ... how many times have you seen news reports where the neighbors say ‘he was such a nice man, quiet and wouldn’t hurt a fly’. We’re shutting this down.”
I stared at him and he stared at me and then he reached for my hand.
“Let me at least do what I can, while I can, to protect you. You’d do the same for me if the situation was reversed and it was your area of expertise, wouldn’t you?” he asked. God he was good. I took a deep breath and smiled.
“Thank you, but you can’t hurt them,” I said.
He scoffed. “Wow, you don’t think much of me, do you?”
I looked at the disappointment in his face.
“I don’t really know you, Russian,” I said, truthfully.
He nodded. “Fair enough. I’m not going to hurt them. I’m just going to make it clear that I’m with you now, and I’ll be the one looking out for you, so their work is done here. Okay? Put this number in your phone.”
“What number?” I asked.
“The number I’m about to give you,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“Oh that number,” I said, with a smile and picked up my phone ready to key in. He dictated a number and I entered it.
“That’s Saints’ security,” The Russian said. “If you can’t reach me, call that number, it’s 24-7 and someone will always answer and respond to you. I’ll put you on the list of our clients.”
“Thank you Russian, that’s very kind and weirdly reassuring ... like having a bodyguard on call.”
