“You haven’t spoken to her since?—”
“No,” Theo snapped, his eyes simmering with disdain. “She’s as stubborn as ever.”
I wandered over to the coffeepot. Sloane had invited Ariana to the club tonight, but I wondered if Theo already knew that.
Theo scrubbed a hand over his face. “She’s a massive pain in my ass, is what she is.”
I stirred my coffee, even though I’d added nothing to it. “Sure.” I parroted his words from earlier. “Whatever you say,Theodore.”
Theo scowled at me. “Fuck you.”
“Likewise.” I took a satisfied sip of the steaming black brew and returned to my chair. “You could always assign someone else to her.”
“No, I can’t,” Theo said matter-of-factly.
I knew Theo would never forgive himself if something happened to Ariana. The irony was, I’d feel the same about Sara. I wondered when we’d become so similar. The only difference was Ariana wantednothingto do with Theo—for reasons that weren’t entirely clear, because I knew exactly what had sent him to prison, and it was what he’d done for her. In the same position, I couldn’t say I would have done differently either, but clearly there was more to the story, and now, they were like two magnets, doomed to have opposite polarity—never quite able to touch again, and I honestly felt bad for the guy.
“Well, it’s a good thing she has you to keep an eye on her.” I offered.
“Why do you think I got into this line of work?” Theo grumbled.
I chuckled softly, moving on. “When can you have the detail ready?”
If The Society’s threats were real, and I knew they were, then it was wise that the security team was placed as soon as possible, and even wiser that Sara and I kept things quiet between us, at least until this was all smoothed over.
“For you. I can have the team placed in less than twenty-four hours.” Theo said.
Perfect, she’d have someone watching over her the moment I left, with no gaps.
I pursed my lips, wondering when my life had gotten so complicated. “I’ll need a detail for Liam as well.” I grimaced as I reluctantly added, “and for Brad.” It was the right thing to do.
“Interesting.” Theo nodded. “Very interesting.”
“Don’t ask.” I warned, setting my coffee down on the side table.
“Wouldn’t dare.” He mused as a quiet alarm started beeping in the background. Theo spun around in his chair and clicked through several video feeds before picking up his phone. “You sure you want to involve Brad in this?” he asked, but didn’t look at me as his thumbs flew over the keyboard, composing a text.
“What do you know?” I searched his stoic face.
He continued typing. “I know enough.”
Bastard had his hand in everything, which was why he really was the best. “Theo, this is important.” I implored him.
“Yes, it is, so I would choose wisely if you’re going to get involved in Brad’s affairs.” He gave nothing away as he set the phone down and looked at me warily.
“I’m not going to leave him out to dry.” I blew out a breath. “Even if I wanted to, Sara would never forgive me.” I gripped mytemples, supposing I owed him this, even if I was disappointed in him. For so many reasons.
Theo was quiet for a moment as he watched me, but finally he spoke. “Brad’s accumulating gambling debts at a rather alarming rate.”
My eyes snapped to his. “How much?”
“Too much.”
I grimaced. That would explain the missing furniture and antiques around the house. “Who is he gambling with?” I asked.
Theo sat back in his chair. “I believe you’re already well acquainted with the organization, actually.” Before I could comment on how he knew anything about The Society, Theo turned to his computer, clearly done revealing his intel. “Is there anything else you need?” he asked, and I shook my head no, pondering Brad’s situation. “Then I’ll set up a detail for each of the Devereux’s. Is this protection only, or surveillance as well?” He asked.
I hesitated. Part of me wanted to know what Sara was up to, who was in her life on campus, but it wasn’t my place, and I wouldn’t betray her trust like that. On the other hand, she wouldn’t even have to know… I could eliminate problems like Isaac before they ever crossed her path.
