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Today is the day we set to assemble with the Fitzgeralds, and Shayne is a ball of tension. Her grasp on my hand has mine going numb. “It’s going to be okay, gorgeous. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“It’s not that,” she blurts, stalling. “What if they don’t like me? They could think we’ve double-crossed them and not believe I am who we claim I am. It could be a cluster of disasters.”
“I think the word you’re looking for is clusterfuck,” Luca asserts. “Go on, Shayne. Say it. Just once, give in and say it.”
“I’m not using curse words, Luca,” she returns. “I was raised to not use crass language.”
Mera snorts, and I chuckle. “I think it’s cute and refreshing that you don’t, temptress,” I whisper in her ear. “Don’t change and give in to Luca’s peer pressure.”
“I won’t,” she whispers back. “I have no need to change who I am just to satisfy his challenge. I don’t do or say stuff just because somebody needs to pull one over on me.”
“Good girl,” I say, pecking her temple with my lips.
We’re surrounded by revving motorcycles that we had stored in the garage for the boys when they’re ready to reclaim their lives, and our armored vehicles—which is the only reason I’m coming across as relaxed. Shayne and Mera have been enamored by them, waving at the men when they look in our direction to check in. Mera refused to be left behind, and my girl needed her with her, so we allowed it. Mostly because most of our force is with us, and she’s better protected with us than left at home on her own.
Forty-five minutes is what it takes to get from the estate to the bunker. As soon as we pull into the parking lot, my business mask slips into place. Thankfully, I remembered to warn Shayne of the difference in my personality so she doesn’t take me as cold and dismissive. This is the man I have to be in public during business transactions.
“Ready?” I ask them as I wait for Leo to come and open the door to let us out.
“As we'll ever be,” Shayne remarks, steeling her spine.
“We go in there as a united front. Be aware of your surroundings no matter what’s taking place. Don’t get distracted,” I demand, looking at the girls.
“We’ll be right behind you,” Mera says. “After all, you are our human shields.”
“That we are, Curly Sue,” Luca concurs. “Always and forever.”
“Pompous ass,” Mera teases. The reason I know she’s not pissed or annoyed is due to the large smile plastered across her cheeks.
With Shayne’s hand tucked into the crease of my arm, and Mera mirroring the same pose with Luca, we walk through the door, surrounded by my boy and his men.
“Mr. Alvarez.” I’m greeted by the head of the Fitzgerald family. Their patriarch, Mazimo, stands up, holding out his hand.
“Mr. Fitzgerald,” I return, shaking his outstretched hand in a friendly, yet businesslike manner, showing him the respect of a man who’s risen to his station. “You remember my brother, Luca?”
“I do. It’s nice to see you again, Luca,” Mazimo states, shaking his hand. “And who are these lovely ladies? Was it necessary for the fanfare?” he asks, waving his hands toward the men.
“We have some news to share with you. I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about it. This is my fiancée and her closest friend. These men are here as their bodyguards. Not from you,” I quickly state. “But from your grandsons.”
“These ladies need protection from my family? Why is that?” Mazimo quizzes, confusion weaved into his facial expression.
“I’ll answer that once we take a seat,” I tell him. That way, we’re on a more even ground. He’ll need to be sitting once we share who Shayne is with him.
“I’m intrigued, Mr. Alvarez. Alright, let’s take a seat.”
“After you,” I instruct, not stupid enough to be lower than he is.
As soon as we sit, the boys fan around the girls as they’re seated snugly between me and Luca as an extra layer of protection.
“What’s this about?” Mazimo’s second, Geronimo, questions.
“Patience, Geronimo, they’ll get there,” Mazimo conveys, soothing his man.
“There’s a story behind this. I’d like for you to hear me out fully before lashing out,” I state, waiting for Mazimo to acquiesce.
“I’ll accept your terms. Though I can’t promise not to get upset, I am willing to listen to what you have to say before reacting,” Mazimo resolves.
“Fair enough. But I’m warning you, this information is going to upset you. I need you to know that it was all donewithoutthe intent of deception, but with the motive to make sure she’s safe,” I stress.
