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“Don’t hide anything like that from me again. If you’re planning to send him off, you better tell me. I don’t like surprises. Not concerning him. You know I need him right now.”
His eyebrow cocked and he exhaled loudly. “Fine, I’ll tell you, but you’re wrong. You need no one. You’re stronger than that.”
My fingers pushed into his arm as anger swelled. “I choose to need him. I want to have that sort of connection and if you can’t understand that…” I was so upset that words evaded me. “I choose this. Respect my wishes and I will respect your game.”
I let go and stormed ahead. The limo was already waiting in the front and the team was piling in. Slade’s long strides had him making it to my side before I could get halfway.
“Lily, wait.”
I glanced over, coming to a stop.
“I should have told you or warned you beforehand. You have a right to be angry.” At my silence, he continued. “We’ve been butting heads since I’ve been back. A lot.”
“Yes,” I agreed. My shoulders went lax and I studied his worried face. “We’ve seen each other in passing, but we haven’t really had to spend this much time together. I’m afraid we’re a lot more alike than we knew.”
He nodded and shrugged. “Not a bad thing. Just something we’re going to have to work on, that’s all. Communication is key. I should be grateful you’re allowing me to test him. I’m sorry if I’m coming off as an asshole. I’ll be sure to talk with you more about what I want to happen.”
“I’d like that. Although, I have faith in Zain and believe what we have will last. I respect your opinion and choices, but don’t forget that I’m allowing this. You have to keep me informed. No more surprises.”
“You have my word,” he said. “Let’s go brainstorm. The team is waiting.”
We started heading that way again with Marcio and Terrance following. Trust was an issue I had a problem with and I felt myself accept what my brother told me. He wouldn’t just give his word to anyone. When he said it, he meant it.
We climbed in the limo, the guards taking their place in the front. Although the members were usually on edge, there was a happiness about them that lifted my spirits even more. My job as CEO was so broad and covered such a vast amount of things that I’d neglected the most important part—morale. My team feared me, and although I liked it in a way, they also needed to see the other side. The one that not only took care of her people, but lifted everyone’s spirits and showed her appreciation of their hard work.
“Charlie, how’s the wife taking to the idea of Atlanta?”
The blond looked up at me, the corner of his brown eyes crinkling as he smiled. “She’s excited, Mrs. Roberts. She’s already looking for apartments.”
I looked to Slade. He was typing something on his phone. Slowly, my head shook. “Not necessary, Charlie. Slade Industries will set you up with a very nice place. I was sure that was already disclosed. After all, you’re going to have a lot of responsibilities as it is. A place to live shouldn’t have to be one of them. We’ll take care of everything.”
Slade’s head came up, but lowered, even as he nodded his approval. I knew he didn’t mind. He’d made it clear from the beginning that I should run things as I felt appropriate. He trusted me…trust…yes, he did trust me. Even with his own livelihood. His company was everything to him and he’d put me in charge. The most obvious truth suddenly became apparent and all my thoughts jumbled together, throwing me off for a few seconds.
“Thank you, Ms. Roberts. Mr. Roberts,” Charlie said, excitedly. “Georgette will be happy to hear that.”
“You’re welcome.” My voice sounded winded, weak as I tried to collect myself. “Vanessa and Patrick, you’re both running the team. Tell me what you’ve decided on direction?”
As they began talking, I tried my best to listen. It was almost impossible to stop my racing mind. I knew it was in part because of the medication I was on. Sometimes it clouded my thoughts, but I made sure the dose was low enough not to hinder my judgment. Right now, it was really leaving me grasping to understand how things were playing out. Patrick’s voice broke through and I squinted as he described a new company we hadn’t heard much about. The excitement in his tone was matched by the other team members’ smiles.
“Lafel? Why hadn’t I heard of that one?” Slade slid his phone in his pocket, his interested apparently piqued.
“You could call them a diamond in the rough. They’re numbers are amazing.” Patrick scooted to the edge of his seat and his hands lifted as he gestured with his words. “Vanessa was the one who actually discovered them. It was an amazing fi—”
The impact that crashed into us from behind, along with the brakes being slammed, sent me flying into Harris, one of the newest members who was sitting along the side, in front of me. The impact knocked the air out of me and I grabbed his shirt as I fell to the floor. Slade’s eyes went wide as he pushed up from Patrick’s side. The smell of rubber was so thick, my nose wrinkled.
“What the hell?” Slade turned to where we’d been sitting, just as glass exploded all around. Deafening screams pierced my ears and weight crashed into me, pinning me to the floor. Someone’s foot stepped on my arm and the limo rocked with the frantic movements of everyone inside. I could hear Marcio yelling in the distance, but it faded out as a series of loud pops followed. Fear ran so thick within me, I couldn’t scream or move. Slade’s cologne was my only comfort and I held to him as I felt us jerk forward again. The turn that was taken had my brother rolling off of me, but pulling me in close.
“Boss!” Marcio’s voice rang out over the cries surrounding us and I turned, taking in the damage. Wind whipped at my hair that had fallen loose from the pins and blood on a few of the team members had nausea taking over.
“Oh, shit.” I struggled against Slade’s hold, trying to break loose, but he wouldn’t let go.
“Lily and I are okay. What the hell is going on?” Shaken, my brother held a fear in his tone I’d never heard before. “Terrance was hit. He’s back there. I think he’s…” Marcio paused. “I think it got him in the head.”
A sob broke free as I let the news sink in. Tears blinded me at the loss of one our guards. He possibly died trying to protect us. My heart ached and I pushed my palm into my chest, stopping midway as my eyes lifted. I thrashed against my brother who was holding onto me even tighter. Vanessa’s throat was covered in blood and Patrick was holding her in his arms, applying pressure with his free hand.
“Let me go,” I screamed. “I have to help her.”
Only then did Slade seem to see what was going on around him. His arms immediately eased. He sat up, letting me crawl the three feet that separated us. I stripped off my blazer, pulling the scarf free from my neck. My scars stood out brightly on my arms as I reached forward. I didn’t miss Patrick’s gaze jerking toward them, but they didn’t stay focused on me for long. His hand moved and I pressed the black and white silk into the side of her neck, applying a heavy amount of pressure.
