Page 36 of Kidnapped By the Boss

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I saw you come in,” he replied. “Please tell me you aren’t here doing—”

“Absolutely fucking not,” I snapped. “Thatpales in comparison to my wife.”

“Good,” he responded. “Then what is it?”

Just to be safe, I pushed Devrick back outside the containment unit and made sure it was sealed before I kept talking. “Did you know Katya visits her?”

“Yeah. She sometimes asks to bring Lyn her meals instead of the guard you selected. I think she just feels bad for the girl,” Devrick explained.

“I thought I expressly said thatno oneshould come in here but the guard I selected,” I said. “What part of that was unclear?”

Devrick’s eyes widened a little at my tone. “I apologize. I assumed Katya was an exception.”

“She’s not,” I thundered. “I don’t want her going in there anymore. Next time she asks to bring in the meal, tell her no.” Then I shot a glare back at the soldier guarding the outside. “You hear that?”

He sat up straighter. “Yes, Boss.”

“What’s wrong with you all of a sudden?” Devrick asked.

“What’s wrong with me is that I’m trying to run a goddamn empire here and everyone is running around just doing whatever the fuck they want. I’m the boss here. Do I need to remind you of that?”

Devrick bowed his head. “No.”

“Good,” I said.

“Although, if I may offer some advice?”

“No, you can’t,” I snapped. “I’ve had enough of your advice for now. When I want your advice, I’ll ask you for it, how’s that?”

“Very well, Mr. Costello,” Devrick responded, and I knew the formality he used was a dig. I started to walk away from him when I heard him mutter under his breath, “Like father, like son.”

I stopped and looked back at him. “What was that?”

“Not advice,” he said. “But a warning. Be wary. You’re starting to act alotlike your father.”