Page 75 of The Gift
“Nonsense. Be ready, in a tux by six.”
He hangs up on me, and I see red. And I explode.
“And that is the fucking exciting news? We never should have gone into business with him.”
“You’re right. However, we talked about it, we all agreed it was a huge risk. It’s good to remember, Hen, this is part of our grand scheme, we’re not going into any of this blind, nor ignorant. Hell, you know when the time is right we will act.”
“I’m going to murder someone tonight. Someone is going to look at her, probably talk to her, and I’ll be over there strangling the poor dumb shit before they finish opening their mouths.”
“Nah, you’re good. You are going to have to shower though, Henley. I love it when you scent possessively but…”
I rub my hand over my face to catch my breath. My phone interrupts me again, an unknown number flashing on the screen.
“What?” I bark.
A small silence, followed by a sultry gasp.
“Alpha, is that any way to answer the phone?”
“Bailey.” I sigh, feeling like a more peaceful asshole. And that feeling lasts for all of half a second. “Whose fucking phone are you using?”
“Ah, there he is. I was worried you were going soft on me.” She laughs quietly, making me hiss in response.
“I’m not in a great mood.”
“I couldn’t tell,” she pokes, but it’s like a soothing caress.
“What’s wrong?” I stammer, my mind whirling with even more possible threats.
“Nothing is wrong.” Her voice is too calm, too soft for my liking.
“Bailey don’t lie. Jesus, I was in there too. Are you okay? How can nothing be wrong?”
“I really am fine. You need to listen to what I’m saying. It might hit harder later, but honestly, I’m good. The A-team came through and helped me. A lot. But I really am fine.”
“Bailey!” I snarl under my breath, trying to understand how she could be fine. I’m losing my brains.
She waits for me to calm down.
“Who is in the car with you?”
“The guys that were in the same prison cell you were.” Her steady voice should be telling of how okay it is, but I’m not buying it.
“Can they hear us?”
“Not that I’m aware of. But they’re on their phones also debriefing like I am, so I’m pretty sure they’re not eavesdropping on mine.”
“Even the fucking driver? Jesus, how irresponsible is he. Tell him to pull over.”
She goes quiet again. I can hear her smile. How is that possible?
“You are not to be put in that position ever again. Call your agent immediately and have her get your lawyers to provide an amendment to your employment contract. That was dangerous, and for what?”
“For a good story, is what. I’m doing my job, Henley, you were all with me, I was safe. Now stop being a dick. I was calling to ask if you would accompany me as my date to Donnie’s bullshit this evening, but if…”
The roar that flies out my mouth is instinctive and involuntary. She does nothing but sigh happily at the noise.
“Do not finish whatever you’re thinking of saying. I’ll have a dress sent.”
