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“There are too many unknowns, Devani,” Neil said. “I would have come with you. Instead, you’re breaking all protocols.”
“Bringing you is counterproductive to my objective.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it. You’re in danger.”
“I don’t scare easily. Didn’t you learn that lesson earlier today at the facility?”
When Neil told me what he’d suspected about Shah’s plans for me, my temper had boiled to the point of exploding.
It had taken a great deal of self-control not to go over to Shah’s mansion and send the fucker to the afterlife.
Pregnancy may have fucked with my emotions and zapped my energy, but it in no way made me weak or unable to defend myself. On the contrary, I trained daily with only minor modifications recommended by my physician. I still had no problem taking men bigger than Neil down when necessary.
“Yes, yes. You laugh in the face of danger. I hope King knows what he’s in for.”
“He knows. I’ve knocked him onto his back plenty of times too.”
A wave of uncertainty flowed through me for a moment before I pushed it away. No, I wouldn’t let anything mess with my concentration. Too much depended on tonight.
I squared my shoulders and then glided a hand down the front of the gown, lingering for a moment on my once flat stomach before smoothing out one of my dress pleats.
As I approached the doors to the ballroom, I noticed Ashok Shah leaning against a high-top table. He studied me with a bit too much interest. His wife chatted with a group of socialites, completely oblivious her husband’s attention was anywhere but on her. However, the expression on his face as he watched me gave me the urge to punch him.
“Shah’s in the vicinity. Going quiet,” I warned Neil.
I took a glass of water from a passing server and moved in Shah’s direction.
“Hello. How are you tonight?”
“I’m fine.” He glanced behind me. “Where’s Neil?”
“At home.”
“You came without him?” He asked the question as if my presence alone disturbed him.
“Yes.” I sipped my water, letting the cool liquid soothe my parched throat. “We aren’t attached at the hip.”
“He doesn’t have an issue with you associating with the Kings?”
“I don’t need permission from him or anyone to do anything.” Inhaling to calm my irritation, I allowed my Queen of Diamonds mask to settle over me.
It looked as if the bitchy side of my persona needed to make an appearance before I could get down to business this evening.
“You don’t want your reputation tarnished by the company you keep.”
I narrowed my gaze, tilting my chin slightly. “Then, we should say goodbye.”
Surprise flashed on his face as the dig settled in. During all the time of our association, I’d kept a calm and cordial demeanor, but now the gloves were off.
“Well, Devani. Before you run off, I have something to say to you.” His chiding tone made it seem as if he were a father about to reprimand a child.
I would have walked away from the pompous ass. However, curiosity had me waiting for Shah to speak.
“You will marry Neil within the next month. Is that clear?”
“Motherfucker,” I heard Neil mutter into my transmitter. “Keep him talking, and don’t let him rile you.”
I knew how to do my job. Of course, I technically wasn’t on the job tonight, but all the best-laid plans and all that.
