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“Yes. I don’t get out much.”
He chuckled. “You wouldn’t see anything like this in Boston.”
“You must love coming here.”
“I should.”
I turned to him, frowning. “You never take a day off, do you?”
He smiled. “I don’t. Do you?” He had me there. “I’ve only been here a few times since I bought the island.”
“Why did you buy it, then?”
He frowned. “For my team, and because someone decent should own it.”
I looked him up and down. “You’re a lot more than just decent.”
“Thank you.”
I’d never seen X look shy before, but he did at that moment. He even looked away before I did, staring out at the ocean.
“I don’t know if it’s like this for you, but I’m not good at relaxing. I haven’t had much practice with it, I guess. If I try to just sit, I get agitated.”
He turned to face me. “Me too.”
“But I think…” I swallowed hard. Had I ever been this vulnerable with anyone? I didn’t think so.
“Talk to me, Emilio.” His voice was soft and low. He laid his hands against my neck, caressing me with his thumbs.
“I think, here with you, I could learn to relax. If my old boss wasn’t after me and we weren’t—”
“When it’s all over, we could stay.”
“We could?”
X nodded, but he looked uncertain. I’d never imagined whatever was between us would last past the time he felt he needed to protect me. “We don’t have to.”
“I know.” He took my hand again. “Come on. Let’s walk.”
We did. Everything was so quiet and peaceful. It was hard to believe what had happened earlier with the man JW had sent. Had that really been today?
“When we get back, I want to see the rest of the clothes Dalton sent. So far, I highly approve of his choices.”
I rolled my eyes. “The clothes are ridiculous.”
“They’re sexy.”
“Fine. Since I’m stuck with them, you might as well pick the ones you like best.”
After that we walked in silence for a while. I didn’t want the evening to ever end. X’s warm hand, the cool night breeze, the whoosh of the waves as they crested and slid along the beach… It was perfect. X was perfect. Could this really last?
23
Xavier
We’d already turned to head back when my phone buzzed. I glanced at it and frowned. “It’s Lucien.”
Emilio nodded as I answered.
“I’m outside and need to stay alert. I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”
“I’ll speak with you then.” Lucien understood the importance of being wary at all times.
When we reached the house, I sent Emilio upstairs. “My bed,” I said as he turned to head that direction.
He pivoted back and looked at me for a moment.
“Go.”
This time he headed up the stairs, looking very satisfied with himself. I couldn’t help but smile. Falling for him was definitely not in my plans, but I needed him. I resented that I had to call Lucien back before I could climb into bed with him and hopefully forget all about the men who were coming for us.
I paced as I listened to Lucien, growing more incredulous with each word.
“I spoke with Bebé Theriot. He’s the head of the family, though most of the day-to-day operations are taken care of by his oldest son, Remington. He said Remy will contact you, but he’s needed at home to deal with some arms dealers who’ve gotten above themselves. However, he can send one of his other sons or a nephew to the island.”
“I don’t need—”
“Bebé said if JW and the assholes he works with have a hacker at their disposal, he’s not doing any business except in person at a secure location.”
“I don’t want anyone else here.”
“Not even your team? Because they are making preparations to help.”
I scowled at the phone. “Are you questioning my judgment?”
“No, only passing along what Giorgio said was happening when I called to discuss the situation with him.” I could hear the smile in Lucien’s voice. Damn it, the man used to be afraid of me or at least less willing to question my instructions.
“I don’t know these men.”
“I can vouch for them. Bebé and my father have known each other since they were kids. The Theriots will do as I’ve asked.”
“What have you asked?”
“I asked Bebé to assist you and your team in ridding yourself of these enemies.”
“And his price?”
“You assist them with their troublesome arms dealers.”
“What exactly is the problem?” Arms dealers were usually mean sons of bitches who were all too happy to use the weapons at their disposal.
“He said Remy would explain.”
“And he’ll contact me before sending someone?”
Lucien was silent for a moment.
“Marchesi?”
“Remy’s brother Lancelot is known for getting ahead of himself.”
“You told Giorgio this, and he indicated that would be all right?”
“More or less.”
“I’m going to fucking kill him.”
Lucien chuckled. “Your son might be sad about that. Or he might be damn ready to be rid of the asshole.”
