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“Are you finished?”
“As a matter of fact, we are.” My question pleased her, although the smug look on her face would only remain for a few more seconds.
“Gentlemen, we’ll take the rest up in the solarium. Nemesis, your presence won’t be required.”
“You cannot be serious,” she seethed.
I cocked my head and smirked. “I was unaware you wished to be included.”
Her face turned red, and she clenched her fists at her sides. “A moment, please.”
The three men left the room.
“I’m removing you from this mission,” Nemesis spat.
“Sorry, doll. It’s out of your hands.” I’d made certain of it before I left London. Unit 23 owned it, not the coalition.
“I detest you,” she spat, picking up her mobile.
I walked out the door, not needing to hear her response to the answers I knew she’d get.
“Let’s go,” I said to Brand and the other two, motioning us in the direction of the front door.
They grabbed their gear and followed me to a waiting SUV.
“We’ll have plenty of time to review the first set of ops while we’re in flight. Brand, have you prepared anything?”
“Not formally.”
“My favorite kind. Informal, without all the bullshit.”
I turned to the other men in the room. “Tank and Blackjack, as you read in my preliminary report, the two of you will act as my bodyguards and speak only when spoken to by me. Only Brand and I will interact directly with either family. If anyone interacts with you directly, look to me, and I’ll handle it. Otherwise, use regular secure communication channels. From this moment on, I am Benito Carpinelli, and he is Brando Ripa. Understood?”
Both men voiced their agreement.
“As far as your boss is concerned?—”
“You’re the boss for this mission,” Tank interjected. “Ares is as clear on that as everyone else,” he added, referring to the man who was the first in his chain of command. He was also Nemesis’ husband.
I hadn’t missed him following when we walked out a few minutes ago. I’d also heard him call my name. I didn’t answer to him any more than I did to his wife, so I’d ignored the bloody bastard.
I couldn’t help but smirk at Tank’s comment. “Nem might not agree, but as you can tell, I don’t give a shit.”
Before we boarded my plane that would take us from Gatwick to Tropea, I rang El.
“I miss you already,” she said.
“Likewise, my love.” I hated what I was about to say, but I had to. “Saint is aware of our departure and likely knows I have no idea when I’ll be returning.”
She sighed. “I’ve already heard from Harper. She’s asked me to visit.”
“What will you do?”
“As she pointed out, it’s been over three months since I last saw Agatha.”
“Understood.”
“I can hold my own with him, Levi. I’ve done it before, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll just ask my big, intimidating husband to beat him up.”