Page 60 of Guarding Grace

“I just meant?—”

“If you have an issue with it, you take it straight to him and discuss it. But in the end, his decisions stand, and we follow them.”

“Sorry. Forget I said anything.”

Zane was apparently okay grumbling, but not ready to challenge Lucas Hawk one-on-one, which I would count as a smart move on his part.

“Okay.” Zane raked his hand through his hair. “If direct is how we roll, then I have to say I don’t think it’s smart that you’re the lead guarding Grace.”

Suddenly I didn’t like Zane using her first name. “Lucas made it her choice, and she chose me.” I didn’t need to justify anything to Zane. “Get over it.” I crowded him.

He backed up. “Hold on. It’s not that I wanted the gig.” He held up his hands. “But I was told you were the executor of her trust, the one Pete set up.”

“That’s right.”

“They may know that or find it out and find her through you.”

His observation was a valid one, but this was no longer up for debate. “Grace made her choice,” I snarled.

“I get it.” The door handle turned, and Zane backed away.

“There you are,” Grace said, breezing in and closing the door behind her. “I’m done for the day, and I really would like to lie down. This standing all day bit sucks.”

Zane raised a brow.

“I got a Taser barb to the backside,” she explained. “I don’t recommend the experience.”

Zane cocked his head. “Understandable.”

Grace addressed me. “I said I’d follow Lucas’s security advice and stay at your place, but first we need to go by my apartment to pick up some things. And then I promised Serena I’d join her for a while after work.”

“You shouldn’t,” Zane said quickly.

Grace frowned. “Shouldn’t what?”

“The Russo people are likely to be watching your place,” Zane continued.

That was the same advice I’d been about to give her. I shook my head. “We need to set up cameras and basic security here before you come back, so clothes can wait. Tomorrow you can wear whatever you’d like.”

She went wide-eyed. “I have work to do tomorrow, just like today. I need my clothes, and I also have to get my cats. I can’t leave them.”

“Tell me they can’t survive the night alone,” Zane said, helping to rile her.

Sheepishly, she agreed. “Okay, but I have to pick them up after work tomorrow at the latest.”

It was going to work. I could feel it coming on, another fight over simple security protocols. “You can come back here after we equip this building, but that takes a day. You can work remotely tomorrow, and we’ll figure something out about the cats.”

She stomped her foot. “And how does that look to my employees, not to mention my customers who are scheduled tomorrow? What do I tell my people?” She raised her arms. “Huh? I won’t be here because it’s too dangerous, but don’t worry, it’s safe enough for you guys?” She shook her head. “No way.”

I pulled in a steadying breath to keep from yelling at this infuriating woman. “I don’t like it.”

“Figure it out.” Zane aimed his comment at me. “I’m available as your backup here tomorrow while they do the security install, and I can pick up her stuff and deliver it tonight. Between the two of us, we should be okay for a day.”

Grace instantly calmed and nodded. “That works.”

“Give me your keys,” Zane said, stretching out his hand. “I’ll feed the cats, and I can get in and out without them knowing I’m picking up things for you. Less risk that way.”

I clenched my fist at the vision of Zane picking through her underwear drawer, but I had to restrain myself. My job was to stay with Grace. It made sense for him to make the clothes run.