Page 42 of Freeing Denver

The switch from businesswoman to mom-mode has me sliding my arm around her waist. There’s nothing about this woman that doesn’t absolutely floor me.

“I love you.”

She grins. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

She wiggles excitedly. “Good, because I’ve already emailed them. Think of a name.” I open my mouth, but she quickly interjects. “Not Bogart.”

Spoil sport.

I reluctantly release her, ready to start the meeting, when there’s another knock on the door. Alistair scans the table and frowns. “Aren’t we all here?”

We listen as heavy footfalls approach, and a man I haven’t seen for close to a decade appears in the doorway. Tall, with dark, military-style hair, and light brown eyes, wearing a suit that’s designed for practicality that hugs a muscular frame. His expression is cold, almost bored, and it chills further when he spots Alistair.

Cain Calloway is in my home, and things could sour quickly.

He doesn’t apologize for being late, nor does he acknowledge anyone in the room, aside from a curt nod in my direction. Alistair flew to California to convince Cain to provide help because he owns one of the best private security firms in the country. He’s located in San Francisco, but his power stretches far, and unlike Charlie, he’s remained totally legitimate. He offers protection to made men but has never broken a law, and it’s why he’s sought after.

I trust him because, despite a shadowed history, Cain protects Alistair and always has. I don’t know the ins and outs oftheir relationship, but I know that Alistair would put his life in Cain’s hands, and vice versa, even though they don’t speak and, to the outside world, appear to hate each other’s guts.

“Who is that?” Denver whispers.

“A long story,” I say.

“He single?”

I slide a glare to her as she smiles innocently. “If you think I won’t claim you in this room just to prove you’re mine, you’re wrong.” She flushes, a dance of excitement sparkling in her eyes. I lower my voice. “You want me to make you come in a room filled with men watching so they know who you belong to?”

She lets out a breath. “Fuck, maybe. And Ibelongto you, now?”

“We belong to each other,” I correct her.

“You’re cute.”

“I’m dangerous and an enigma. Not cute.”

She hums happily. “You’re cute.”

God, she’s distracting.

I fucking love it.

My attention returns to the room, where Alistair is staring at Cain with guarded interest, but Cain either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care.

“Now we’re all here,” I say, “I’m going to start this meeting by giving you all an out.” There are some exchanged looks of confusion. “We’re in the middle of two wars, and we’re going to lose people. It’s unavoidable, but we’re taking on two powerful families, and they won’t go easy on us.”

“Who?” Lucas asks.

“Ranger Luxe and Spider.”

Silence. Keto is bouncing his knee under the table, and JJ nudges him to stop. He opts for tapping his finger instead.

“So, if you want out, I won’t judge any of you. Some of you have families. All of you want to live. If you leave now, there’s nohard feelings.” No one moves. No one even glances at the door. “Okay, then we get to work. Ranger is coming for the McEwan name. We need to prove that losing Finn hasn’t affected us and we can’t be taken over, but Ranger is gaining support from the other families.”

Charlie snorts. “How? You’ve got them on side. You always have.”

I roll my shoulder. “He’s using Denver to appeal to their … husbandly sides.” All eyes slide to Denver. “You know how they feel about family. Divorce is right up there with affairs.”