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“What kind of situation?”
“I have intel from my source that Ax’s gang is after Melanie.”
“What?” I frowned, concerned.
“Allegedly, someone paid them to get Melanie. I suspect they may try their chances at the charity event.”
“Someone?”
“We haven’t established that yet.”
“I want to know who. I want details, Callan.”
“Sure, boss. I’m on it.”
“Reinforce the security for the event. I want my people there,” I said, my voice commanding. “Tell Wyatt to track them down. It’s time to put my plan into action, and I want no interruptions, clear?”
“Clear,” he replied, his tone serious.
I hang up the phone, running my fingers through my hair. I took a deep breath, putting together the pieces of my strategy. I knew what I had to do to keep Melanie safe. And I was determined to succeed, no matter the price. She was my woman now, and I’d kill for her. Die for her.
A FEW HOURS LATER, every station was airing the news about my father’s annual charity event. I walked out of my bedroom, buttoning up the formal black blazer, and as I approached the living room, the voice of the lady on the news was becoming louder. I heard my last name mentioned a few times as she clarified that the funds raised from the event would go to a wide range of charities, primarily in support of medical science to help children with cancer, their mental health, and resilience. She couldn’t miss out on the gossip that I was supposed to make an appearance with Melanie, the daughter of our family’s long-standing enemy, as she said it. I rolled my eyes and switched off the TV. I checked the time on my watch. It’d been nearly two hours since Melanie and a stylist I hired for her locked themselves in one of the bedrooms. I knew this evening was going to be unique, so I hired a stylist to help Melanie get ready for the charity. I wanted her to feel special for the occasion. I wondered what the hell was taking them so long. It took me half an hour to take a shower and jump into the tuxedo I wore.
The sound of the knocking snapped me back from my thoughts. “Boss? It’s me, Callan.” His voice rumbled through the door.
“Come on in, dude.”
“Sup, boss?” His vibrant voice filled the living room as he entered, dressed up.
It was the first time I’d seen him in a suit, and I couldn’t help but tease. “Who are you, and what did you do to Callan?” I said, my brow raised as I checked him, head to toe. He wore an elegant navy-blue suit matching his hair.
“Very funny.” He rolled his light-brown-with-a-hint-of-green eyes.
I chuckled, amused at his annoyance. I knew he wasn’t the type to dress up. He preferred a street gangsta style. “What? I never thought I’d see you so posh.”
“Please, just drop it.” He let out a sigh. “You know it’s just to blend in. I hate suits. Or ties.”
“You’re not even wearing a tie,” I joked. It was way too amusing to see him irate because of a suit. “The thing you have around your neck is a bow tie.”
“Yeah, whatever. Same shit.”
I shook my head, grinning. “Alright, enough.” I cleared my throat. “We need to be focused. Are our men here?”
He nodded.
“Good. I don’t want any surprises. Today is the day. I’m going to finish all of this,” I stated, and Callan frowned.
“What exactly is your plan?” He tilted his head, watching me. His hands clasped on his abdomen.
“You’ll see,” I replied. I hadn’t told anyone about my plans, not even Callan. I couldn’t let it leak, and walls have ears. Growing up in a Mafia environment, you take every possible precaution. You are never safe. Adrenaline accompanies you even when you sleep. “Your job is to guard her, Callan. With your life.”
He nodded, fully aware of the responsibility he was accepting.
“Mr. Vergoossen. We’re done.” I turned to face the pink-headed woman with a pixie haircut, smiling at me politely. She held a bagful of brushes and some other unknown-to-me objects in her hand.
“Thank you, Kate,” I said, handing her the envelope. “Here’s the check.”
“Anytime.” She smiled before making her way out.
