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“Gonna need a few days where I’m just on call.” I’m tired and have gotten zero sleep and I won’t be heading home to do that either. I’ve got plans that I need to handle. “I’ll have my phone on me at all times.”
He doesn’t move, but I swear he gets bigger. I’m a tall man, and I’m broader than him. But he has power and knows how to use it. And I respect him. Wouldn’t have gotten in with the De Lucas if I didn’t.
But his father helped me when I was young and lost and set me up. Coming to work for them was all my choice and one I don’t regret.
I don’t wanna lie to Leo, so I don’t.
“Look, Boss, not gonna lie here, your wife and sister asked me to keep an eye out for a new friend of theirs.”
He half laughs. “Fucking pretty, I’m thinking.”
“Boss?” Yeah, she’s all that and so much more. A tasty little morsel I’d love to sample—devour—but she’s also an unofficial job.
And the way he says that is like he means something else.
But he just shakes his head. “You have that . . . expression.” The laughter never reaches his eyes and his face falls back into hard lines. “I don’t want trouble with the Lowlanders.”
“Got it, Boss.” I nod.
He waves a hand. “Now, fuck off.”
I turn to go.
“Nicolo?” he asks softly.
“Yeah?”
“I’m hearing stories they’re working with some out-of-towners who might be trouble on a big scale. So, you learn anything—”
I nod. “I’ll let you know first thing.”
* * *
Avah leaves her place, on foot, an hour later. I’ve been sitting in the Ford pick-up I use for light surveillance for about fifteen minutes. The store she works at doesn’t open for another half an hour but I’m figuring she’s the type to get in early to set up shit. And it looks like I’m right.
When she’s gone, when I can’t see that fine ass anymore in the leggings she’s wearing, a backpack slung on one shoulder over her light gray hoodie, that golden hair pulled up in a ponytail that bounces in the early morning sun, I watch her door.
People come and go, but no one who catches my eye.
There’s no need to go and sit outside her work right now, as she won’t be going anywhere until later for a photoshoot the place has been booked for. It isn’t a wedding, but there’s a celebration for a company on the other side of Dallas that wants both candid and posed photos.
Gotta fucking love the website for a small business. Her boss keeps potential customers in the loop about all the destination shoots.
I give it five more minutes before I drive over to the place. It’s a boring day and I only glimpse Avah a few times, she’s been stuck indoors taking the candids, and I see her through the window of the event center here and there as her boss—who’s probably around my age—sets up outside.
There’s no one hanging out or watching her. Well, no one other than me.
When she packs up and gets into the car with her boss I take off and this time, I swing by my place, switch cars, and change into fresh jeans and shirt.
Then I text her.
Me:Avah, still on for later?
Avah:Hi, Nicolo! Yes.
I smile. Game player she isn’t. I think it took her about thirty seconds to text me back and yeah, it’s a fucking ego boost.
Me:What time? I ask as I head out the door.
