AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The “super” fungus had recently been spreading through hospital populations, and the new strain was proving to be resistant to the antifungal medications on the market.
There were more ways to wage war than simply setting off a bomb.
“I think it’s safe to say the Australian government is aware of the threat Oakley could pose. Or rather some of us are. He owns a whole lot of Canberra, if you know what I mean,” Nate said.
Yes, she suspected there would be a lot of politicians in Oakley’s back pocket. Canberra was Australia’s capitol and the seat of political power. A billionaire could put off a lot of investigations.
“Have you ever met him?” She hadn’t thought to ask the question.
Nate snorted. “Me? Dine with a billionaire? Not likely.” He frowned. “Wait. Am I going to have to meet the bugger?”
She had so much worse news for him. “Yep. And you’ll have to wear a suit.”
A shudder went through the big guy.
A bright smile crossed Kala’s face, the kind she almost never saw from her grumpiest sister. Kala gave Nate a pat and went into her best Aussie accent. “Sorry, mate. You thought you could get away with a budgie smuggler, thongs, and some sunnies.”
Nate frowned her way. “I would not wear a budgie smuggler, thank you.”
“It’s a banana hammock,” Lou whispered. “I think he would look good in one, but it’s probably not right for this job.”
“Fine.” Nate started walking toward the kitchen. “I’ll shove myself into a bloody suit, but if you think I’m wearing a tie, you’re mad as a cut snake. And Kala, your accent’s damn near perfect, girl.”
“Ta,” Kala said with a wave of her hand. “I’m getting used to chicken salt on my chips, too. We need to get some of that before we head home.”
Kenzie started talking about all the things she loved about Australia and Lou chimed in while Cooper passed out some beers.
Tasha sat back because the one thing she loved most about Australia was the one thing she couldn’t take home with her.
* * * *
“I’ve done a quick recon of the restaurant, and it looks like we’re a go for this afternoon,” Nate Carter said as he walked out onto the big balcony. “I’ve got your driver coming at one. That should put us there in plenty of time.”
Dare was getting used to the big guy. It had been weird at first—having a bodyguard shadow him—but Nate seemed professional and easy-going, for the most part. Especially after he’d told the man he didn’t have to wear a tie. That first day Nate had looked like he wanted to die, and he’d explained Tasha had dictated the slick-looking suit he was wearing was to be his uniform. Once Dare had declared a suit coat and button down was fine, Nate had relaxed. And given Tasha a bit of hell.
It was fun someone was able to because the woman was practically running his life one week into their relationship.
And that was the way he liked it.
“Excellent, and you’ve talked to the manager?” Today was probably the most important day of the whole damn trip. He and Brian were meeting with Huisman and Oakley for lunch. Though he didn’t intend to inform those two of his trouble, he would have to let the manager of the restaurant know he would be bringing in personal security and needed some accommodations. Accommodations he would absolutely pay well for.
He’d taken Tasha out safely several times in the last couple of days. Nate had made that possible. He’d been excellent at staying in the background and seemed to know the city pretty well.
And tonight they were going to a place called The Station. Tonight he would get Tasha in a real club. They would play and play, and he would let go of all his inhibitions and be himself for fucking once in his life.
“He’s aware of our concerns, and he’s going to allow us to use a private dining room. I’ll be on the only entrance and exit,” Nate confirmed. “I’ve also talked with Oakley’s security, and we’re in coordination. There are several security cameras, and they’re willing to give us access. Huisman is coming alone.”
“Seriously? I would expect Huisman to have a detail.” Dare himself was the one who wouldn’t typically need one. No one should know who the hell he was. He still wasn’t sure he needed Nate Carter, but it made Tasha and Brian comfortable, so he was going with it.
“No detail,” Nate confirmed. “He’s traveling with an assistant, and that’s all. I was told she won’t be at the meeting. So it’s you, Brian, Dr. Huisman, and Mr. Oakley. His guard will be with me on the door. I’ve vetted the servers, and we’re comfortable with them.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be attending.” Brian walked in from the suite. He managed to find his chair despite the fact he had his eyes on his cell phone. “We’ve had a problem with one of the accounts we signed. Apparently the fuckers got a real lawyer and they’re demanding a meeting. Your father told me I need to handle it. I took the time to text Oakley and explain I won’t be there. You’ll be surprised at his response.”
