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Just grateful for his help, I exhaled in relief.Thank you so much. I’ll send over all the info tomorrow.
Fine, just get better.
Ugh. I rolled my eyes as I stepped into the office.I said I’m fine but I’m about to be in a meeting, so I have to go. I’ll reach out tomorrow.
I hung up, sliding my phone back into my pocket. Their eyes were all on me, waiting impatiently for me to join. Shrugging, I ducked in front of Tyler, settling on the couch next to Amber. Draping my arm around her, I provided Ian with my undivided attention.
“Nice of you tofinallyjoin us.” He stroked his chin with a glare.
“I was actually pawning off my other project completely, so I can stay here and help you with this.”
There was no way in hell I was leaving Amber in Boston unattended. Security or not, they couldn’t keep an eye on her like I could. The last thing I needed was to be away, only to get a call that she'd been used as a pawn in Ian’s game again. Even though she agreed to it, I’d always blame him if something ever happened to her because ofhim.
“Noted.” Ian tilted his head forward. “So, Amber, I’m going to need you to go about your business as usual.”
“Okay?” She shifted in her seat, leaning tighter into my side.
“That means you do what I say with who I say.” Striding around to the front of his desk, he perched on the surface, gripping the edge with both his hands. “I know what we discussed but when you’re in this building, I own you. Am I clear?”
She nodded.
“Chance,” he lowered his gaze on me, “you have to trust her safety completely to me and not react if I have her test some customers.”
“I’m done with you using her as bait!”
“Baby,” Amber rested her hand on my thigh, “it’s okay, I promise. This is for the best, and you know Ian cares about this place and me.”
She was right, but I still wasn’t okay with it. I reminded myself the sooner it was over, the sooner we could live normally again. “Fine, but I want her watched so her security detail stays, and I’ll be here as much as possible regardless of the fuckingboyfriend ruleyou have.”
“The rule doesn’t apply to any of you.” He nodded at Luke and Tyler, though Tyler’s wife didn’t even work at Euphoria.
Pulling Amber snug against my side, I twirled one of her styled curls around my finger. “What if he shows up?”
“He won’t be stupid enough to show up here,” Luke countered.
Ian slid his hands in his pockets. “Last year, we were told a bomb was in the club and there was never a bomb. Guys just don’t go around doing things so conspicuous to a business.”
“Which means he’ll be sneakier,” Tyler reminded. “But that also means no chances should be taken.”
Standing, I ran my fingers through my hair, roaming the room. “Amber needs a subtle signal in case she spots anything from the stage or when working the floor.”
“I mean, the lights are bright when I’m on stage, but if I focus a bit harder, I can see certain things. Especially when they hit the crowd exactly right.”
Coming to a stop next to Luke, I leaned close to his ear. “I have a theory.”
With his fist over his mouth, he muttered under his breath, “Me too.”
“Why the hell can’t we just shut the place down?” Tyler cut in, shrugging a shoulder.
“Because I want him to think he’s won for now.” Ian replied. “And honestly, if we don’t react any longer, it’ll draw him out.”
“Ian,” Amber stood, folding her arms over her chest. “What did the note say?”
“Which one?”
“The sca…scato?” She furrowed her brow, trying to pronounce a strange phrase.
“Scacco matto?” Ian cocked his head, mild amusement painted on his face.
