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I cup his cheek. “I’m not much for being exclusive.”
“You do strike me as a woman who likes to keep her options open.”
I hold out my arms. “You think? Between my enterprises… We will continue to see each other, but…”
Dylan nods. “The dark-haired man looks ready to rip out my throat. I take it you and he have a history?”
“History… and maybe more recent too.”
Dylan notices Jesse next. He’s adjusting the bottles behind one of the bars. He’s too much of a control freak, that one.
And then he eyes Alex. Dylan looks toward me, and then he spies Dominic.
“That one is your brother?”
“Yes. Do you want to meet him?” I ask.
“I would rather under… different circumstances. Dinner, perhaps. My treat for you both.” Dylan stares at me before slowly nodding again. “I’ve actually been looking for something more interesting than following the mayor around. It can get a little boring. Count me in.”
We shake hands, and then Dylan takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. He rubs his thumb over the spot he kissed.
“I’m happy to be a part of your team,” he murmurs, his blue eyes darkening.
The way he says that and the look he’s giving me… If we were alone right now…
The addition of Dylan brings both potential benefits and heightened risks. The delicate tapestry of alliances and secrets becomes more intricate, and the threads of our collective fate weave together in the shadows.
CHAPTER 22
Imotion Alex over. Before he arrives, I murmur to Dylan, “This is my Head of Security.”
Alex approaches. “Yes, Vanessa?”
“Alex, meet Dylan Krause. He's our newest addition, the guy I was telling you about. Dylan, this is Alex Schroeder."
Alex nods. "Hey, Dylan. Vanessa speaks highly of you."
Dylan extends his hand. "Nice to meet you, Alex. Vanessa mentioned you're a key player in this operation."
Alex shakes his hand. "Likewise, Dylan. Vanessa vouches for you, so that carries weight."
I smile. "We're all in this together, and Dylan brings a set of skills we can use. Let's make sure we're on the same page moving forward."
Alex’s phone rings, and he steps away, which is just fine because I motion Jesse over.
"Dylan, I'd like you to meet Jesse Quinn. He's been with us for a while now.”
Dylan nods. “Good to meet you.”
I’m surprised he doesn’t seem eager to shake Jesse’s hand. I’m also surprised by Jesse’s grin.
"Likewise, Dylan. Always room for another set of capable hands. Vanessa doesn't bring just anyone into the fold."
“Jesse is the Liaison and Negotiation Specialist,” I say. “Dylan, Jesse's got a keen eye for detail, and he's got a knack for keeping things in control."
Dylan lifts his chin. “Sounds like we'll make a solid team, then."
Jesse raises an eyebrow. "We'll see. Trust is earned around here."
