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“Shit, that’s the last type of people I want to protect and work for.”
“Not these individuals. No one knows they work for the government, and you my friend will not know either. Every client is treated in th
e same fashion, with respect and courtesy. They will be protected and assisted in case of an emergency.”
“Hmm, I guess all I can say is okay boss man.” Ivan exhaled. “Be on your guard at the gala. Make sure that Striker, Falcon and Malloy are as well. Marcollies received a death threat.”
“What?” Commerce asked and sat forward. “No one knows, in fact he doesn’t know that I know, but that’s okay. He’s trying to figure out where it came from and whom specifically. I’ve got my suspicions and will have men handle it if necessary. Marcollies is stubborn and he won’t ask for help. In fact, the crazy bastard would probably take a bullet or two before he did accept help.”
“You’re right. He seems very set in his ways. I could see you reacting the same way. It must be a Russian thing.” Commerce teased then took a sip from his vodka.
He noticed Ivan squint and Commerce followed his line of sight and saw Ched Maloney walk into the club with Aiden and a few other men. Ched’s eyes went right to Annabella who was currently making a group of patrons laugh. Ched licked his lips.
“Want me to take care of that?”
“No. Roman and the others are around. I’m still trying to figure out how to approach her security.”
“Ahh, to not piss her off or send her running with your demands?”
“Commerce, you know as well as I do that she will be a target now. You asked earlier how I could let her work never mind out of bed. That is where I would like to be with her right now but that isn’t realistic. I have businesses to run, a presence to maintain. Making my relationship with Annabella known and the seriousness of it makes her become a greater target.”
“And how does she feel about this approach?”
“She doesn’t have a say in it. We keep our distance in public. She was fine with that because she’s trying to work and remain professional.”
“Every employee has her back. They did when she stopped you and the others from being shot. Throw in sleeping with the boss, and it’s even greater.”
“Don’t say that to her. She was embarrassed coming here this evening with the entourage of security as she referred to it.” Commerce chuckled but then he saw how Ched Maloney called over Annabella, and how his friend was on edge.
“Just remember how tough and capable she is.”
“You have no idea.” Ivan replied and Commerce wondered what he meant as he too watched Ched talking to Annabella. When Ched placed his hand on her hip and then lowered down to whisper to her, she stepped back and nodded before heading to the wine room. Ched’s eyes never left her ass.
“He’s such an asshole.” Commerce stated.
“Yes he is, and also someone to keep in mind not only with those drug deals going down and the warehouse getting ripped off but also threats to certain people.”
“Are you serious Ivan? You think he has something to do with all of that? With threatening Marcollies?”
“Perhaps. I have my feelers out, and things in place. He is a pawn in a greater game, figuring out the other players is the trick to defeating them.”
“Well I’m in. Whatever you need. Including being your woman’s personal bodyguard. Though I think Roman is enjoying picking out her clothing way too much.”
Ivan exhaled in annoyance. “Watch it brother.”
Commerce chuckled. “She is a fine looking woman, and she must be special to have gotten a reaction out of you. Whatever you need I’m here for you Ivan.”
“I appreciate that Commerce. I just don’t want my position to get her hurt or killed.”
“I understand it’s a fear, but with all of us around, men you can trust to provide safety and security when you can’t, should give you the courage to pursue her, and keep her. You belong together, scars and all.”
Ivan looked at Commerce, a man he considered to be his brother, and he trusted him with his life. “I will need that support, that security for myself and for Annabella. I have this feeling, a concern that these little robberies, the incident at the club with Berin, the street talk about other investors, dealers trying to push in on a smaller scale, never mind the threats to Marcollies, are all connected. They are all indicators of something bad on the horizon. I must be diligent in staying focused.” They heard Annabella laugh and then a couple of regulars started cheering her name.
Ivan stared at her, at her sexy figure in the dress Roman picked out for her, and the jealous, protective sensation he fought at the moment. His first instinct to run to her, pull her into his arms and kiss her, showing all those men that she was his. He couldn’t do that, for a whole lot of reasons, but the fact that he thought of it so quickly put him on edge.
He looked back at Commerce. “Something is coming my friend. I can feel it, and starting this relationship with Annabella may be bad timing, and put me off my game.”
“No, it won’t put you off your game. You know what you do, that who you are in charge of, what you’ve overcome to get here must come first because so many people are affected by your actions. Annabella will understand. She loves you already. I can see it in her eyes, in the way she watches you when you aren’t looking. She was made for you and you for her. We will help to protect her when you can’t.”
