Standing, I massage my lower back as I walk, which is more of a waddle these days, and lock my door before returning to my desk. Then I open the bottom drawer, removing the false bottom to retrieve my safe. It’s not long before I pick up and power on the burner phone, inserting the SIM card and calling the only number preprogrammed on the cell. There’s barely a ring when the call connects. “Emma, is everything okay? We aren’t scheduled to speak until you return to school next week.”
“Yes, I just need information on Senator Matthew Baker,” I reply, smiling.
As the months have passed, the relationship I’ve built with the person on the other side of the line has strengthened me. Especially their belief that the tides are turning in my favor.
“Matthew Baker isn’t someone you go after alone. He’s very well connected.” Though it’s not needed, the warning is heard loud and clear. But one look at the little information available on the Senator confirms how powerful his reach is.
Sighing, I state, “I understand. This is just a preliminary search. I have no plans to go after him until I know who I’m dealing with.”
“I’ll have Tamara send you the file. Does this mean you’re ready to begin the final phase?”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I ponder the question. It’s one I’ve been asked at the end of each call. There have been many instances over the last few months when I nearly said, “fuck it,” giving the green light to destroy it all.
The last phase will light the fuse to a bomb, eviscerating everyone and everything in its path, unwilling to yield. I’m not ready for the nuclear option. There are still opportunities to gain the desired outcome without trampling over the men I love. “Almost. I need to determine if they’re worthy of being saved or if their end is inescapable.”
“I knew I chose wisely. Take the time needed, but if the Senator forces our hand, then I’ll make the decision, and I cannot promise it will be in their favor.” I’m being given the same warning. One that leads me to believe I’m still being tested.
A moment passes, before I realize I’m nodding like we’re in the same room. “Understood.” The call ends, and I wait for the text to come in.
Fifteen minutes later, the burner phone buzzes, alerting me to log into the encrypted site.
Pulling out my computer, I enter the login information before removing the SIM card and putting the phone away.
“Holy fucking shit,” I exclaim as I stare at the laptop in shock. My stomach churns as I click and read through the stories of Senator Matthew Baker’s exploits with underage girls and the depraved things he’s done to them.
“How the fuck have you been able to get away with all this shit?” I mumble, rubbing at the crease on my forehead.
I squeal, my heart feeling as if it’s going to bolt from my chest when a fist pounds on my door. “Emma, bitch are you in there? You have ten seconds before I break down this door.” Shay’s voice registers as I work to steady my breath.
“Coming,” I shout, logging out and closing my computer before I stand, then head for the door.
“My girl, you didn’t hear me knock or call your name the first three hundred?” she questions, arching her sculpted brow.
Stepping out of her way, I invite her in. “I didn’t hear you until you almost scared me into an early labor.”
Shay cuts her eyes at me. “No sah. Don’t call down dem deh crosses down pon mi.”
I smirk, proud I understood what she said. “I didn’t hear you. I’m sorry.”
“It’s cool,” Shay retorts, studying me. “By the looks of your shorts and tank, you forgot we’re supposed to go shopping today.”
“Shit, I thought that wasn’t until this afternoon.”
“Ry, it’s two o’clock,” she states, peering around me and looking at my desk. “What were you doing in here?”
Not wanting to lie, I opt for a version of truth. “I was just surfing the web and lost track of time.”
She surveys me as if she can smell that there’s more to the story. “You sure that’s all? You look Casper-pale, like you were caught with your hand in the proverbial cookie jar.”
If only she knew. “Promise. Why don’t we shop online instead? I don’t feel like walking around anyone’s mall with these two Irish Step Dancing on my bladder.”
She snorts. “Remind me of all this when I tell you I want kids in the future.”
“You dork. Go sit down. I’ll grab my laptop, and then we can start,” I laugh, glad when she strides for my bed, successfully distracted.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sigh before heading for my desk. Once I have my computer, I glance over my shoulder, watching Shay as she busies herself on her phone.
I hate being unable to confide in her, but with her confession last week, I refuse to jeopardize her or her family. Steadfast in my resolve, I shake off any doubts. This is how I protect the people I love.
“What the hell do you mean Shay and I have to move in with the guys?” I splutter, gripping the table’s edge as I stare at my father, grandfather, and uncle.
After Shay left, Dad called me down to his office. That was twenty-five minutes ago. The conversation started with security protocols for next week when I return to school. I thought the meeting was coming to an end until the guys strolled in with Reign, Elias, and Fernando close behind. That’s about the time he dropped this nugget in my lap.
“You know this is for the best. We need you protected at all times,” Granddad explains, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. To say I’m over all the men in my life unilaterally making decisions for me is the understatement of five millennia.
Standing, I slap my palms against the table and glare. “Moving in with them for my protection isn’t the problem here. It’s everyone’s inability to speak to me,” I shout, jabbing my index finger against my chest before continuing. “About decisions pertaining to my damn life.”
“Told you so.” I hear August murmur.
“Shut up, asshole,” Rowan stage whispers.
My gaze travels over the guys as they sit on both sides of me in time to see Sebastian elbow August.
“Ow. Your elbow is sharp, fucker. We told them this wouldn’t go well if they did it this way. It’s not my fault they didn’t listen,” August grumbles, rubbing the spot.
I shake my head, hiding my smile before returning my attention across the table. My father’s gray eyes soften. “We only want to keep you safe, but you’re right, Ry. We should’ve come to you to discuss things first. So, for that, I’m sorry.”
Feeling somewhat vindicated, I sit back down. “Look, I know everyone in this room is looking out for my safety, and I appreciate you all for it, but you all need to remember to include me,” I command, leveling every person in this room with a look that better put the fear of my wrath in them. “Now, what are these plans?” I inquire. Then, for the next hour, we discuss the move.
“Does everyone understand their roles?” Uncle Uilliam asks.
“As long as they know we’re in charge, we’ll have no issues,” Reign declares, and I smack my forehead. This will go downhill in three. . . two. . .
“Listen, dickhead. I’ve had about enough of all of your bullshit,” Rowan growls. “She’s ours to protect, which is the only reason you’re allowed within one centimeter of her.”
My count might have been off, but I’m not wrong about the dick-measuring contest taking place in this room.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.