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“Yes, sir.”
“We are very happy to do business with you, Callum. We’ve brought you a gift to celebrate.”
At Mauro’s words, my eyes snap to his and I tilt my head. “I do enjoy gifts.”
He laughs, and the others in the room follow suit. His wife, though, lifts up a large purse from beside her and pulls out a box. Nothing too big, but the wrapping is cheeky with a Happy Birthday theme. Mauro holds it out to me. “We, my family and I, hope you enjoy this.”
“Thank you.” Taking the box, I undo the wrapping and open the top. What lays inside, nestled within a soft piece of fabric, is a thing of beauty. The two guns inside are all black, heavy but when picked up and examined, the detail is on the powder coat finish. Desert Eagles with tiger stripes, the two tones of black—shiny and matte—working together flawlessly. “This is beautiful. How did you know?”
“That you like big cats?”
“Yes.”
“You mentioned feeding a tiger the first time we talked, and I ran with the idea.”
“I’m touched.” Picking up one in each hand, I test their weight and grip. “Very sleek and comfortable. This is a fine piece.”
“Aye,” Casper agrees and holds his palm out. “I’m almost jealous.”
“Wanker.” Handing over one, I let my father and uncle check out the other. Archie walks in then with my own gift. He places the case in front of Mauro. “That’s the agreed amount, and an extra ten percent to enjoy a weekend on us at the hotel I’ve booked in Monte Carlo.”
“Thank you, Callum.”
“Here’s to a lucrative business venture, partner.”
29
“You’re late,” my father greets, the second I step foot inside his office. That seems to be the way he breaks the ice each time we see each other, and yet, it’s his instructions I’ve been following. After coming home from Brazil, leaving Callum, he refused to see me until now. Just in case you’re being followed, he claimed over the phone while demanding I send him pictures of the statue beside a newspaper showing the current date.
That’s how he’s kept me for three weeks.
On edge. Always wondering.
And I’ve never been more thankful for the protection Callum put on me. For the man who comes to Chicago once a week to spend the day, to spoil me, while helping me sort through my priorities. So far, we have a few plans in place. My conversation with Aurora is coming soon, and he knows this one will be tough for me.
She’s my best friend. My constant for so many years.
I’ll be patient, but I’m not waiting six months, Aliana.
Kray and Giannis seem to always be around, but the one who’s made the difference for me is Lindsey. We bumped into each other at my favorite breakfast spot before work, both picking up an order of coffee and an egg, bacon, and avocado sandwich.
“You know, a dash of hot sauce on that gives it a better kick than black pepper,” I said, not realizing who she was. We were by the pickup counter, side by side, when she turned her head and gave me a bright smile. “You?”
“Me.” Her shoulders shook a bit from giggling. “Hi, I’m the extra Mr. Jameson requested.”
“You’re a personal guard?”
“Among other things, and for the right person, yes.”
My brows furrowed, not liking the implication. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that you’re important to Giannis, and he means everything to my cousin. Then, we have my personal headache that’s your main security, Kray, and then his boss. That’s three people watching out for you, and with good reason, I hear.”
“I’m not useless.”
“Not at all. I heard through the grapevine you have a decent shot, just needs some fine tuning.” Lindsey placed her hand on my shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. “Just to stay limber, of course.”
The thought of going to a range and shooting made me grin, but then it dropped. Callum took my Glock after each lesson and didn’t hand it over before we left. “I don’t have my—”
