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I’d remained behind my desk, flipping through the various photographs I’d found of Delaney on the internet for far too long. While I’d heard Delaney was a model a few years before, I’d not paid any attention to how popular she’d become. She’d even been called the next ‘It’ girl by several magazines. She was provocative in the majority of photographs, the often see-through dresses or skimpy bathing suits leaving little to the imagination. What bothered me was how attracted I remained to her, the longing deeper seated than I’d originally thought.
Sadie ran back toward me, the ball in her mouth. When I ignored her at first, she placed one paw on my thigh, snorfling as only she could do.
“You’re a little baby, aren’t you?” My God. I was cooing at my dog. I scratched under her chin then snatched the ball, tossing it across the room, barely missing hitting my second in command.
While I’d known Rocco had entered my office, I’d said nothing to him as I flipped from one picture to another, becoming uncomfortable in my seat. I finally lifted my gaze, noticing the amused expression on his face. “What?”
“Who says a furball can’t have a big, brawny man wrapped around her little paw.”
I lifted my middle finger as he laughed.
“Being a bodyguard looks strangely good on you, although I must admit, I’d never seen you this obsessive. And here I thought you delving into pet ownership was shocking.”
Obsessive was the right word to use.
“Very funny, Rocco. Remember who you work for.” Sadie loved Rocco too, nuzzling against his leg.
“You’ll never allow me to forget, will he, sweet Sadie?” He had an even better cooing voice as he reached down, grabbing then tossing the ball without looking. “Who is this girl anyway? You sounded furious with the entire situation.”
“She’s Brandon Baxter’s daughter.”
I sat back, staring at the photograph that continued to make my blood boil.
“Shit. I didn’t remember he had a daughter.” Rocco rubbed his jaw as he walked around the edge of my desk, peering over my shoulder. “That’s Brandon’s daughter? Wait. Wasn’t she like ten years old when you last saw her? That is a phenomenal picture. Is that dude her husband?”
He grabbed the fallen picture frames, chuckling under his breath.
I sat back in my seat, drumming my fingers on my desk. “Hell fucking no. She’s a model. That’s a scene from a magazine. And yeah, she was much younger.”
“Whoa. He was like a brother to you. Right?”
How nice of him to remind me.
“We’re not blood related. Don’t go down that path.” I jerked up, pitching him backwards in doing so. Then I moved toward the credenza, sitting on the edge. I’d spent over an hour absorbed in learning about her life. Or so I wanted to tell myself.
“I feel a story behind that anger.”
“Not one you’re going to be privy to.” I’d told him nothing about the club the other night, yet he knew me too well.
“She was at the club the other night. Wasn’t she?”
I half laughed. Obviously, I needed to alter my behavior patterns.
“As I said before. Donotgo down that path. You won’t like where it leads you, namely to my fist. Now, are the arrangements in place for her security?”
He chuckled, dropping and shaking his head. “Yeah, boss. Daniel was tasked with making it happen. He’ll coordinate witha couple of his men to ensure there’s coverage at all times. And he’ll handle the situation with kid gloves. Did you learn anything about her case that we should be concerned about?”
“It’s probable it’s connected to the threats the family received.”
He exhaled before whistling. “Fucking fantastic. This asshole is coast to coast? We’re fucked.”
“Like hell we are. What about the race tomorrow night?”
“All set. The place is wired for sound.” It was his favorite expression to use when he had security as tight as possible. “Between the security for the place itself, the check in process and additional soldiers, no one would be stupid enough to attack a member of the Thibodeaux family.”
He should know better than that. We’d been through enough near assassinations in locations where attacks should have been impossible. However, I doubted the culprit was ready to play all his cards just yet.
“Good. I don’t want any additional hiccups. I assume we didn’t get any shit from the local cops?”
