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“How much is she willing to pay?” Demitri asks.
“I don’t know. Once you and Alexei join up with us, we can talk business.”
“Let her know Alexei is charging five million for coming to help.”
“I will.”
“Get some rest,” Demitri mutters. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
We end the call, and I pour myself another drink. I’m halfway with it when Armindo approaches me. “I need photos. Bring the man and girl.”
Nodding, I down the rest of the drink and get up. I take the stairs, and when I walk into the room, it’s to find Cillian and Winter sitting on a couch. He has an arm wrapped around her shoulders. Both their heads snap up, and when I see Winter’s red-rimmed eyes, it makes the whole night play out in my mind again.
My muscles tighten, and I fist my hands to control the anger swirling in me. I want to rip Adrian’s spine from his body for the pain he’s caused Winter.
“St. Monarch’s issued the open contract on Adrian Vincent. He assassinated your father and brother.”
Winter’s lips part as the news hit her.
“Alexei’s charging five million for coming to help.”
She begins to nod. “Okay.”
“Clean up,” I instruct her. “We need photos for the passports.”
Winter goes to wash her face, and it gives Cillian and me a moment alone.
Our eyes lock, and then he says, “Get used to having me around. I’m not leaving her side.”
“She’s my charge,” I growl. “You will do exactly as I say.”
Cillian takes a threatening step closer to me. “You will not yank her around. You’ll treat her with respect.”
Slowly, I shake my head. “Don’t tell me how to do my job.”
Our eyes remain locked, and then Cillian backs down. Wiping tiredly over his face, he mutters, “What a fuck up.”
He can say that again.
“Not exactly the job I wanted,” I voice my own thoughts for the first time.
“I didn’t know Patrick was going to bid on you. He didn’t tell anyone,” Cillian informs me.
Winter didn’t know?
“It’s done,” I say as I clench my jaw.
Winter walks back into the living room, looking a little better but still too pale.
“Let’s go,” I grumble as I walk to the door.
“How safe is this place?” Cillian asks.
“Safe enough for tonight. We leave at four am.”
Walking down the hallway, Winter’s right behind me with Cillian bringing up the rear.
When we come down the stairs, Armindo gestures to a door next to the bar. “This way.”
Walking inside the small room, I go stand in front of a white wall, and Armindo takes a photo.
“Next,” he mutters.
Winter goes to stand in front of the wall, and I cross my arms as I watch.
I need different clothes. This suit is becoming suffocating.
When Armindo has the photos, he says, “I’ll send food up to your room.”
“Thanks.”
We head back up to our room, and once we’re inside, I glance at Winter. “Take the bed and get some sleep.”
She shakes her head and sits down on the couch.
I remove my jacket, and unbuttoning my shirt's cuffs, I begin to roll them up as I take the other couch. I pull the briefcase with weapons closer so I can inspect them.
My gaze lifts to Winter, and our eyes lock.
Day one, and I failed.
We keep staring at each other, Winter with grief darkening her eyes and me with the bitter reality that this will be my life for the next twelve months.
But even in this dark hour, the push and pull is still a constant between us. With my job requiring me to be at Winter’s side twenty-four-seven, it’s only a matter of time before I claim the debt she owes me.
Chapter 13
WINTER
I don’t break eye contact with Damien as I lean my head against Cillian’s shoulder and snuggle against his side.
Earlier today, I thought I was saying goodbye to Damien, and now he’s here, right in the middle of my hell.
And my life depends on him.
I have the best protection in the world, yet I feel utterly vulnerable. Stripped to the bone. Alone.
No, not alone. I still have Cillian.
My eyes begin to burn from all the staring and the constant fight to keep the tears back. Slowly, I let them drift shut. The last thing I see is Damien’s dark brown eyes filled with rage and something else I don’t have a word for.
After a couple of minutes, Cillian whispers, “I think she’s finally asleep.”
There’s only a grunt from Damien.
I’m about to tell them I’m awake when Cillian says, “I’ve been her guard since the day she was born. Winter’s the daughter I never had. She’s my life.”
There’s only silence from Damien, so Cillian continues, “She loves horses. Only pictures of them and those little statues. She’s scared of the real thing. The one time I wanted to give her a riding lesson, she screamed and scared the shit out of the horse and me.” Cillian lets out a soft chuckle, and I feel it vibrate through his torso.
