I lift my wine glass to my lips. He has no idea how difficult it is to have fun when I have to constantly watch my back because I’m in danger.
Rod adds, “I’m working at my dad's law firm while going to law school.”
I chuckle. “I haven’t heard anything exciting come out of those lips yet.”
He shares stories of a few parties he attended over the summer.
After a few drinks, the atmosphere between us grows charged. We’re touching each other’s arms and legs as we talk. Eventually, we head upstairs to his bedroom.
Luckily, Dad said I could have the summer off. It’s the day after Labor Day and my first day at work.
“Fitz and Javier,” I call out as I walk into the kitchen. The safe house is a contemporary cement box equipped with a panic room.
“Good morning, Serenity,” Javier and Fitz say as they enter the open-concept kitchen. Both dressed in dark suits.
I approach the coffee machine. “Coffee?”
“Yes,” Javier says.
“Please,” Fitz runs a hand over his short brown mane.
“This is a big day for me. You know, any time I have to travel to Delaware, it’s hard,” I say as I dump coffee grounds into the coffee filter.
“I sent two soldiers to drive the route I mapped out for today,” Javier says.
I shift the Glocks nestled in my shoulder holster. I’m dressed in a navy pantsuit, my feet snug in a pair of comfortable flats. Resting a hand on my chest, I take a sharp breath.
Fitz steps closer. “In and out, Serenity.”
I follow his command, struggling to keep a panic attack at bay.
Javier comes forward, securing the AR-15 strap over his broad chest, the weapon settling against his back. “We’ll do everything we can to keep you safe today,” he assures.
My smile inches upward but doesn’t quite meet my eyes as I glance at both of them. “Thank you.”
The second Fitz enters Delaware; I press a hand to my chest.
“Keep calm,” I mutter to myself.
The thought of working for anyone other than my father never even occurred to me, despite the fact that numerous companies sought to hire me thanks to my perfect grades and finance major.
My bodyguards pull into the office parking garage at seven forty-five sharp. I exhale deeply as I step out of the SUV. They escort me to the elevator with the kind of security usually reserved for a president.
Sometimes I wish I didn’t have so many guards surrounding me. But this is the price you pay when you kill made men—you’re hunted every day until your last.
When we reach the top floor, the elevator doors slide open.
“Serenity.” Dad’s smile spreads wide as he opens his arms. He looks a touch older than when I last saw him at graduation. Has something else gone wrong with the Cichello mafia business?
“Dad,” I say brightly, diving into his embrace.
“It’s so good to see you.” I sink into his arms, letting myself relax.
“Baby, it’s good to see you too.” He holds me firmly.
It still annoys me that I only get to see my family during brief visits since I avoid Delaware like the plague. Until now.
He grips my arms and steps back. “I’ll show you to your office.”
