Page 64 of Wallflower

“Things transpired, but the issues have been rectified. The…offenders have been reprimanded.”

Stopping at the top of the staircase, I resist the urge to push him. Though, I can almost hear how sweet the sound of his snapping spinal cord would be, the crack of his skull off the bannister posts as he tumbled to the solid marble below. “No chance of me taking that into my own hands?”

“No, Mr. Morgan. My men are mine, and mine alone. They have been dealt with accordingly, and I can assure you this won’t happen again.”

“It better not.”

“Mr. Morgan, while I agreed to the deal you presented, don’t think you aren’t disposable. It would be in your best interest to keep your anger checked, and threats caged behind your teeth.”

“Of course,” I reply.

Fucking prick, swinging his mediocre dick like a big dog.

We descend the stairs, a thick, tense silence looming between us. Reid stands poised at the main entrance, hand on the knob, waiting for my dismissal.

“Who is Karson?” I inquire.

“Rose’s handler.”

“Does that job description include plying her with drugs and alcohol?”

“It does not.”

“If Rose wishes to partake to pass the time, I’m not opposed. However, when my arrival is imminent, I’d prefer her to beclear headed. Substance can veil the body’s response to stimuli, pushing the receiver further than they could handle under normal circumstances.”

“Of course, I understand. Won’t happen again. I’m sure Karson just wanted to ease her anxiety.”

“I don’t want her dosed and taken advantage of. She’s off-limits, even if she resides under your roof while I search for the problem.”

“And how is your search going? Making progress?”

“Yes, after our exchange is complete in a few days, I’ll be making plans to head off the island. It’s been said he’s trying to worm his way into the weapons sector, so I intend to track him on the mainland.”

“That’s the last thing I need.”

I nod. If I get ahold of another weapons dealer, Maximus will be thoroughly fucked. Since he’s delaying the current shipment I have in transit. “If it interests you, I’ll throw a few gift boxes into the mix. You can tell me how you feel about them. Yeah?”

“Sounds marvellous.” Maximus extends his hand, offering a shake goodbye. Reluctantly, I take it, quickly and firmly ending our encounter. “Mr. Morgan, you needn’t worry about Karson, his interests lie elsewhere. I can guarantee he wants nothing but the best for Rose. In fact, I’d bet my life that he’d take a bullet for her.”

“How can you be so sure about that?”

“I can’t divulge all my intel. But rest assured, she’s very safe with him, and won’t be tainted.”

My face must showcase my unwillingness to believe him. Maximus taps his phone screen, lifting it to his ear. “Karson, go check on Miss Rose, she seems to be having an issue. Wear shoes.” He ends the call, tapping on the screen. Once more, he brings up the feed to my flower’s room.

Within moments, a blond man in a ball cap enters the room. Hands up like he’s approaching a wild animal. He looks ridiculous dressed in the sleek tactical uniform Maximus makes his workers wear, with the casual backwards hat. “Rose,” he murmurs. Her head snaps up, expression feral. Picking up the item to her right, she whips it across the room.

His hands reach up to catch the pillow before it can hit him, but Rose is bolting across the room while his vision is obstructed.

If my dick wasn’t hard before, it sure as fuck is now. She blindsided the shit out of him, and took him right to the ground.

“What the fuck!” he grunts as Rose scrambles to scratch his eyes out. “Rose, stop! You’re going to hurt yourself!”

“Fuck you,” she growls, landing a loud crack against his cheek.

My whole body tenses when Karson’s expression shifts from gentle to stern.

If he causes her any pain, I’ll wait around until he’s alone, then skin him alive.