Page 3 of Shark’s Rise

I laughed. “What do you think?” Barely waiting two seconds before going on. “I don’t think Bas knows how to anything but over-the-top extravagant.”

“Well, if one must be held against their will…”

When spoken out loud, those words sounded so much worse than they should have, prompting me to respond. “I know I shouldn’t be complaining. In my head, I understand all this is for my own good…”

“But?” Rio filled in the word I’d already intimated.

“I…well, I just haven’t been feeling well.”

“Gee, not like you haven’t been under juuust a bit of stress lately or anything.”

“Tell me what’s going on there. I think it will help ease my mind. How are the orders going? Is the website still busy? You got everything handled? Not too overwhelmed?”

Her reply was accompanied by background noises from the kitchen, which were more soothing than I expected. “Strangely, everything has been running smoothly,” she filled in. “Although this guy is annoying as hell, he’s a very hard worker and actually knows his way around a kitchen. I guess that’s why they sent him here.” Her pause was thick with a contemplative subtext. “And likely why Elijah’s with you, yes?”

“I doubt that.” I felt comfortable muttering it, having carefully stepped my way at least ten feet away from him now.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, Elijah is the security guy. The private investigator. Right now, and right here, the concern is more about my safety than about Abstract.”

“And you’re not feeling good about that.”

I shrugged. It was a good substitute for losing my shit altogether. “I can’t ‘feel’ one way or the other about it, Rio,” I admitted with sincerity. “All I know is that Sebastian isn’t leaving any stone unturned—and because I love him and trust him, that means going along with this plan. It also means that the main thrust of the focus is here, on me. Although I know for a fact that he’s also ordered eyes on you, Sean, my dad, and the rest of the guys.”

“The…guys?” Rio prodded. “Your brothers?”

“Are there other ‘guys’ I don’t know about?” My snark was probably unnecessary, but dear God, it felt good to have someone who actually understood it—and me. “Anyhow, just in case Grant hasn’t filled you in on all that already, I wanted you to know. You’re not in danger. Sebastian won’t let anything happen to anyone in the family. He’s promised me. And I truly believe him.”

At least I did about that part of things.

His promise to come here and actually see me, on the other hand…

Rio’s chuckle broke me out of my sulk. “Ohhh, sister. Do you think I’ve ever felt in peril with your brother around?”

“No,” I laughed out. “I guess not. But you’ve never had Sebastian Shark in your life before now, either.” I cleared my throat while pacing a little faster. “So how are you handling the lunch orders? You’re making the deliveries, I’m guessing?”

“Yep. No worries, Abs. I got this. I promise.”

I bit my lower lip. “So…what’s happened when you’ve delivered to Viktor? Has he asked where I am?”

“Oh, you know he has. Now that I know more about him, he totally creeps me out. But I told him exactly what Grant told me to say. That you’re visiting a sick family member back east. He said to let you know he was sending his well wishes and if he can help you in any way, do not hesitate to reach out. Blah, blah, blah.” She laughed, and I could picture her rolling her eyes while saying it, making me snicker too.

It felt so good. Damn good. To finally relax a bit…if only for a few minutes…

“Times up,” said a deep voice right behind me, making me yip as I whirled around on Elijah. He held out his hand for me to give the phone back. “Tell Grant to get back on the line.”

“I’m not finished talking yet. I’ll let you know when I am.” I turned my back to him and gritted my teeth instead of punching him in the face.

“Holy shit. All of them have this bossy bullshit down to a science, don’t they?” Rio asked me with a giggle.

“Oh, shit, you don’t even know. I think they must jerk each other off with it.”

And just like that, the phone was plucked from my hand. I was left gaping at my empty palm. Elijah only raised his eyebrow while I spluttered to say something.

“Mrs. Gibson? Please put Mr. Twombley back on the line. Yes, thank you.” More of the silky-smooth voice. Crap, he was even being kind and considerate with Rio. I narrowed my eyes as he waited for a moment, presumably while Grant came to the phone. There was a slight-yet-annoying smirk on his lips.

“Hey, man,” he murmured, presumably to Grant. “Give me one second.” He covered the phone with his broad palm. “If you’ll excuse me, Abbigail, I have to take this call.” He gestured to the phone with his chin.