AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was crowded on this Manhattan street today, and he tried to imagine how Astrid would feel about being among this throng… but it was impossible to understand, because he didn’t have that fear himself. He wanted to get her, though. To know her entirely – body and soul. And he wanted to help her see herself through his eyes – to see the amazing woman she truly was. He wanted to help her feel ‘normal’ again. And he knew she could do the same for him.
Reality clouded Jake’s Astrid-induced happiness, landing him back to earth with a thud. Before he did anything else, he needed to tell Adam and Dylan what he’d done. And he needed to give them the last piece of info he’d gleaned from Astrid’s emails – which was what he’d actually been heading here to do yesterday when he’d bumped into her. And then he would tell them he was quitting.
They were going to be furious when they found out he’d slept with her. His mind reeled with how to handle this. What he needed was some guidance from a big brother. Unfortunately, two of his big brothers were potentially about to kill him, so he pulled out his phone, and called Ivan.
“Hey, Jake.”
“Listen, don’t freak out, but I slept with the health and safety woman who Adam and Dylan are paying me to trail.”
“You’re kidding! I knew you were gonna be trouble.”
Jake chuckled, dodging through the crowd. “She’s so beautiful, Ivan.”
“All right, look, what’s done is done. Now you need to tell Adam and Dylan straight, huh? It’s always best to be honest.”
“Hmm… I knew you were gonna say that.”
“You want me to talk to them?”
“Nah, I’d better do it myself. Be a man, and all that. But seriously, she’s hot. You would’ve done it too in my position.”
“Not me.”
“I know. How’s Samira?”
Jake heard his brother smile. “Perfect. And she’s just had a letter from the immigration department. She can stay.”
Joy skidded through Jake’s heart. He loved Samira, especially after everything they’d been through together this summer. Was that only this summer? It seemed like so long ago. “That’s awesome, Ivan. You, Samira, and Quin can rest happy. Please give her my love.”
“I will… and we were hoping to start work on making a daughter…”
Jake laughed as he strolled through the revolving door, into Quinlan HQ. “Right, I’ll leave you to it. I’d better go fess up to Adam and Dylan.”
“Just be honest with them. And be ready with an apology. No bullshit.”
“Yeah, thanks, I will.”
“Good luck. I’ll call you soon.”
“If I’m still alive…”
They said their goodbyes, and Jake hung up. He was so pleased things were finally working out for Ivan after everything that had happened in the last eighteen months. Things seemed to be going well for all the family… other than him.
But maybe his bad luck was his own doing. Maybe it was time to change his ways. He realized this wasn’t an occupation that could ever lead to happiness – spying on people, finding out their deepest secrets, but never getting close to anyone. Excitement rushed through him at the prospect of a new life – he’d go on his treasure hunt and find the money that his dad’s gang had buried all those years ago, then come back and sweep Astrid off her feet. Jake was sure the treasure was still out there somewhere and he was determined to find it. If he could secure his fortune, then he could offer her a decent life without needing to rely on his current profession for shady income.
He rode the elevator up to the top floor, then strolled into the lavish offices and saw his brothers bantering by the reception desk. The receptionist was on the phone, trying to ignore them – they could be boisterous when they were in that sort of mood. They both looked happy and relaxed… at the moment.
Their employees were arriving at work around them – buzzing back and forth, setting up for the day. One young man was hovering nearby, wanting their attention, but Jake quickly stepped over and halted in front of them, trumping the young man’s place in line.
“Morning, Jake,” Dylan said. “All good?”
“Yep. Did you hear Ivan’s news?”
Adam’s face lit up. “Just got a message
from him – it’s so great. Samira’s the best thing that ever happened to him. Just like Amy was for me.”
Jake thrust his hands in his pockets. “Yeah… the lucky few, huh?”
