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We met years ago when I lived in New York City. I happened to be walking across the street when he was jumped by four guys. I didn’t think, I just dove in, ripping one man off of Valentino, then the next, until he was able to stand on his own. We took down his attackers together, and when all was said and done, Valentino said he had nothing to give me in thanks for saving his life. I didn’t care. That’s not why I did it.
Valentino told me he was working his way up in the family, and soon he’d have real power. It took me a second to realize what kind offamilyhe was talking about. Still, Valentino was very serious about owing me a favor. Anything I wanted, as soon as he had the authority to make it happen. Over a decade later, and I never thought about cashing in. Until now.
I hit the call button, not sure what to expect. This phone number might not even be accurate anymore.
“Brewer? Is it really you?”
“Valentino,” I say gruffly, more than a little shocked that he answered. “Wasn’t sure you’d pick up. Hell, I wasn’t even sure this was still your number.”
“It’s been, what? Ten years? Twelve?”
“Therin about,” I answer. This is awkward, and I hate these kinds of interactions. Nevertheless, my Firefly needs protection, and this is the only way I know how to keep her safe. “I hate to cut straight to the chase, but this is a time-sensitive matter.”
“No problem,” he replies. “Is everything okay?”
“Is it too late to cash in that favor? You might not remember, but–”
“Of course, I remember. You saved my stupid ass on my first assignment.” We both grunt at the memory of that day. “What do you need?” he asks after a moment of silence.
“There’s a woman,” I start. “More like an angel. A scared angel who has some secrets she thinks I can’t handle.”
“I can relate,” he surprises me by saying.
“I need to know how to protect her. Can you look up information on people? I’m not sure what the scope of your influence is.”
“Limitless.”
I chuckle. “Good. I’m going to need you to do some digging on her family and their business interests. And, uh, maybe you could gather some… other intel?”
“Something that could be used to blackmail someone, perhaps?”
“Exactly.”
“Text me all the info you have and I’ll run it through our networks. Might take a day or two.”
“Thank you, Valentino. I mean it.”
“I owe you more than looking up information. You saved my life.”
“This is all I need. Keeping my angel safe is the most important thing to me.”
“Well then how about I settle for an invite to the wedding?”
“Deal,” I grunt, making him suppress a laugh.
We hang up, and I wipe a hand down my face. I hope Ainsley understands. I need to make sure her family doesn’t come after her, ever. She’s mine now, and I’ll always keep her safe.
CHAPTERTEN
AINSLEY
“Oh my god, Ainsley, is it really you?” my bestie says over the phone.
“Yes, yes, and I’m fine, I promise. More than fine, actually. I’m… stupendous. Deliriously happy. I didn’t know life could be this… good,” I say, finishing with a dreamy sigh. I know I sound like a silly school girl with a crush, but what Brewer and I have is so much more than that.
“Are you drunk?” Shay asks bluntly.
“No,” I say with a laugh.
