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He had a point. I should have handled Chase differently days before. I’d allowed the humanity my sweet Georgia peach so desperately wanted to see to intervene when I shouldn’t have. By doing so, I could have inadvertently caused a part of the dangerous situation. “Noted,” I told him.
“Hold on here. So we’ve been under fire and we didn’t even know it.” My brother’s anger rivaled mine, his words clipped.
“Let’s just say it would appear Rico has moved into more sophisticated methods of handling business. Maybe he’s been watching you, boss,” Andres teased, trying to lighten my mood. I wasn’t certain that was possible, even after the incredible night of passion I’d shared with Georgia.
Lines had become blurred, my responsibility for keeping my business running at all costs taking a backseat to the way I felt about her. Or more appropriately, the way the man I’d been while experiencing amnesia felt about her.
As always, I’d been given a rude awakening, a reminder that in the game whoever held the most dangerous toys kept the most power. The way I felt about her could easily become a dangerous hindrance.
If not worse.
“I want to know every detail of what’s found the moment the men locate it. I do mean detailed. I don’t care if it’s ten fucking emails an hour, I want every scrap of information fresh off the wire. You got it?” I barked my command, fighting the fury that kept the rush of adrenaline strong.
And the hatred.
My father had reminded me more than once that you could dress a pig up in fine clothing but eventually, he’d return to wallowing in the mud. In this case, Rico might be using more sophisticated and up to date methods of handling business in today’s world, but he would always return to his roots of violence and bloodshed. Hell, his playground consisted of shallow graves dug for the men he’d slaughtered, enjoying watching coyotes feasting on flesh and bone out his kitchen window. I’d seen pictures, ones that repulsed even a brutal man such as myself.
“You got it, boss. I already anticipated what you’d say, putting the plan into motion.” As the women headed toward the SUV, he opened the back door as if my chauffeur.
“We need to know if one of our own was involved with the attack on the warehouse,” Miguel added, keeping his voice down. While Alicia knew about the darker side of our business, they’d made a deal not to discuss it unless absolutely necessary. The balance was the reason their relationship worked. That wouldn’t be the case if I ever conceded to settling down.
I half laughed to myself at the thought, remembering Georgia’s heartfelt if not disturbing words. She was a woman who’d awakened too many aspects of my personality that I’d closed off. And her ability to do so only minimally had anything to do with the several blows to my head.
“We’re both working on that, Miguel,” Connor offered. “It will take time. But I’ll make it my personal mission.”
“That’s time we don’t have,” I interjected, trying to keep my voice devoid of anger. Today was meant to provide her with more of a reason to trust me. That was vital at this point. “Check the dark web as well as our regular contributors for what they know.” Our regular contributors were high ranking officials in both law enforcement as well as the military. It paid to have friends in high places. Unlike methods my father and grandfather had used, a significant portion of our good friends were obtained through more honest business practices.
“Happy to handle that as well,” Connor said.
“Good.”
Not everything had to be done through the use of blackmail and extortion, much to my father’s chagrin.
As I studied Georgia, it seemed she instantly knew I was watching, her cheeks flushing. She lifted her head, offering a slight smile instead of a sneer. Maybe it was because we’d had breakfast in bed. Another first in my world. The thought as well as the dazzling images of what I’d done with a can of whipped cream forced my cock to full attention.
“You okay, bro?” Miguel asked then followed my gaze. “I guess you are. I have the distinct feeling the two of you came to a compromise.”
“It’s not her place to ask for one.” My answer was automatic, something I’d said a half dozen times before.
“My guess is you allowed it. I’m glad. I think that women being in your life will do you a world of good.”
“She’s not in my life.” I said the words a little too forcefully, laughing openly afterwards. “I guess she is.”
“Yep. She clawed her way under that thick skin of yours. Enjoy it. It’s about time you found someone else. You’ve suffered enough.”
I had to laugh given he could read me far too well. “I haven’t suffered nearly enough.”
“You’re hardheaded,” Miguel said under his breath. “Do you think the possible leak is Chase?”
“While I want to say no, I think I need to have a chat with him.”
“Let me know if you’d like me to do it.”
“Will do. Right now given I’ve felt so out of control, I think it’s important to keep my fingers in every aspect of this. Something is bothering me I can’t quite put my finger on.” I found it interesting that my usual need for violence didn’t have the same appeal any longer. That had everything to do with Georgia.
“Betrayal is difficult to swallow.”
“Yeah, it is. Keep an eye on Alicia and Brando.”
