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“Keep safe, and don’t be a stranger.”
I give her one last squeeze before kissing her cheek and releasing her.
“I wouldn’t dare. I have a very important wedding to attend in six months,” I reply with a wink. She pats me on the chest before walking towards the door, no doubt to find Layton, her personal guard.
“See you all later,” she calls, leaving the office. I turn back to catch the O’Reilly’s watching the door, even after it’s closed firmly in place. They worry about her every time she leaves their sights, which isn’t surprising after all she has been through.
“So that’s it? You’re done protecting my ass?”
I look to Jason and smile whilst Christian pulls a seat around for me. I thank him before sitting down as he walks over to the bar.
“Yeah, I guess so. You’ve got Gordon now; he will do you well.”
“If he doesn’t, I will hunt you down,” he smirks as he takes a glass from Christian, who also passes me a glass with a shot of bourbon in it. I thank him before taking a sip.
“So, you all set to focus purely on your company?” Christian asks as he sits beside his brother.
“I think so. We have a large workforce, and our client list is growing daily. We also have two big events lined up where we are providing security. It’s all looking good,” I explain as I take another sip of the liquor, the flavour exploding on my tongue. The O’Reilly’s really do have the best taste in drinks.
“I have put the word out about you guys and given you glowing references,” Jason says, leaning back and placing his ankle on his opposite knee. “If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask. We are happy to help where we can.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I don’t know why I’m shocked. The O’Reilly’s are a fair employer; if you show them the respect they deserve, they give it back tenfold.
“I would like to give you a little advice if you will hear me out,” Christian says as he leans his elbows on his knees.
“I’ll take any advice you have.” I mean it because what this man doesn’t know about business isn’t worth knowing. Christian sits back next to his brother and takes a sip of his drink.
“You need to start networking. I know you already have when you worked a few of our events and fights, but you need to do more. I will put your name down as a guest at a few charity and social events. Use them to get in people’s faces and make them want your company. But don’t take your mates to these events; take a date. It will look better, and people won’t assume you are only there to talk business. If they think that, they will avoid you.”
“You got anyone you can take?” Jason asks, and I quickly shake my head. “Thought as much, you haven’t done anything but work for the last five years. Have you even taken a holiday?”
I shrug whilst chuckling.
“What can I say? Keeping your ass alive was a full-time job.”
“Well, that’s another thing. You want to show people you are serious about your work, but they need to see that you are also human. Don’t work as security unless you have no other choice. The three of you must prove that you can manage the company, not work it. Always have people on standby, so you are covered if you need them for an event.”
That shouldn’t be too hard. So far, we have about twenty-two males and females, all trained and situated in various locations and roles. We also have fourteen more down to be called in when needed. After seeing how well it worked for this team, I thought ahead with that one.
“The most important thing is to enjoy your work. If you don’t enjoy it, there is no point as you won’t put your heart and soul into it like you otherwise would.”
That’s no problem either, as I have always loved protecting others. It’s why I joined the SEALs and would still be enrolled if the accident hadn’t happened. That’s why when Terry said he knew of a security position that would be perfect for me, I jumped on the next plane out of the States and haven’t looked back since.
“Whatever happens, if you need a job, you know we are just a phone call away. There are no hard feelings about you leaving; we are all sorry to see you go. Not just Jason, but all of us.”
I look to Christian and smile whilst nodding.
“I’m sorry to be leaving if I’m honest. But this will be good for me and the guys. It’s been a long time in the making, but I know it will be worth it.” I down the rest of my drink and place my empty glass on the table. The three of us stand up together, and the O’Reilly’s walk around the coffee table to stand in front of me. Christian takes my hand and grasps it between his own.
“Thank you for everything; you will be missed.”
“Thanks, Christian, for everything.”
He nods once before letting go of my hand, and I turn to Jason. He takes my hand and pulls me into a hug.
“Thanks for everything, brother. You have saved my ass more times than I care to admit, and I will never forget it.”
“Your ass was worth saving,” I reply, slapping him on the back before stepping back. “Anyway, like I said to Jaz, I will see you all at the wedding and no doubt before,” I add with a smile. The two guys look at each other, and I can see how much they are looking forward to making Jasmine an O’Reilly. Even though it’s only Christian marrying her legally, the five of them are having their relationship blessed afterwards.
