Page 5 of Saving His Heart

“Thanks,” I tell him as I pull out my phone to text Emory.

Preston: On my way home, can you be at my place in an hour?

Emory: That’s what you pay me the big bucks for, big guy! (Winky face emoji) I’ll be there, you doing okay?

Preston: I’m okay. Just need you.

Emory: Got it.

Preston: I’ll be having a houseguest, so we will need to work out an arrangement.

Emory: Done.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I lay my head against the plush, leather seat. I should wonder who the fuck Loki is sticking me with, but I’m too tired and too weak to do anything but shut my eyes.

I’ve tried to fool myself, but I know I have deteriorated at an alarming rate over the last year. I visit Dr. Terry once a week; it’s a lot easier now that I can access the corporate jet and can explain it as a work trip. The reality is, I know my time is coming to an end. I’ve had almost ten years to prepare, but I’m still not ready. I’m nowhere near completing my mission of taking care of everyone I love. It helps that both Trevor and Dex are now happily off the market and engaged to two amazing women, but none of my brothers are even close. Then there is fucking Loki.

“Mr. Westbrook? We’re here, sir,” Seth tells me.

“Jesus, Seth. Stop calling me sir … just Preston,” I bark.I’m more tired than I thought.I rarely snap at people.“Sorry,” I mumble.

“It’s fine, sir. I mean, Preston. It has been a long few days for everyone.”

Taking out the keycard to the penthouse, I let us all into the elevator. Somewhere between Dexter’s house and mine, we accumulated around six men. Nodding to them all, I ask, “Is the muscle really necessary? I know I’ve never dealt with the mob before, but I do have money, a lot of money, so I already have to take more precautions than the average person.”

A lot of money is an understatement. Westbrook Enterprises is a multi-billion dollar conglomerate. As the eldest son, I had to take over when my father passed away, even though I was still in college and nowhere near ready.

“I believe that is part of the reason Loki chose your place.”

“Why wouldn’t he take the houseguest, as you keep referring to them, to his place? He only lives a few floors down.”

“I can’t answer that, sir,” Seth responds quickly.

I roll my eyes. It’s been a hell of a few days. I need Emory to get here, so I have the energy to deal with whatever bullshit Loki is trying to pull.

“Of course you can’t.” I shouldn’t take this out on Seth, he is just doing his job, but the person I want to scream at isn’t here yet. “Sorry, Spy Guy. Do you need me for any of this?” I ask, sweeping my arms around the great room that is already swarming with guys and equipment.

“No, we have it covered. I’ll brief you when we’re done. You’ll need to be aware of any changes or adjustments we make to your security system.”

“Great, thanks. I am going to my bedroom to lie down. I have a visitor coming in thirty minutes. Her name is Emory Camden. Please let her in, and don’t give her a hard time. She is on my approved list, and until Loki tries to tell me differently, this is still my house.”

Seth looks like he wants to argue but smartly bites his tongue. He goes back to work with a nod, and I head to my room. I have a feeling whatever happens next will suck the life right out of me.

Chapter 2

Preston

“Loki? Is that you?” I ask when I hear the front door open.

“Oh no, you cannot be serious?”

As soon as I hear the voice, I cringe. She’s right. Loki cannot be fucking serious. This cannot be happening. I round the corner just in time to catch Lexi trying to make her escape.Good.At least we agree on this. If her body language didn’t give it away, her goddamn screeching would.

“Fuck no,” I yell. “You’re out of your goddamn tits, Loki!”

“I am not staying with this asshole, Loki,” Lexi shrieks at the same time.

“Me? I’m the asshole? You’re the one who’s had her knickers in a knot since the moment I met you.” Immediately, I want to slap myself.Why do I keep saying this shit around her?Oh, that’s right. Because it bugs the hell out of her. I cross my arms over my chest as a smirk takes over my face.