“No question there,” I agree.
“But your suit is quite distinguished, Tom Ford’s 2024collection?” Miss Kevin nods approvingly before leaning just a touch closer. “It would be a shame to see blood on it. One can never get bodily fluids out of a good wool suit.” Leaving me at the office door, they give me a smile before strolling away.
“If that was meant to be reassuring, ye mightily missed the mark,” I mutter before knocking on the door.
“Enter.”
Cormac is frowning at something on his laptop, tapping angrily on the space bar. “I feel my father was remiss by not telling me how much of a Chieftain’s life is wrapped up in paperwork and utter shite,” he says, pushing it away.
I stand in front of his desk, ramrod straight as if I’m still in the Special Reconnaissance Regiment.
“No need for formalities,” he sighs, directing me toward the group of leather couches and an enormous coffee table by the fireplace. “I’d offer ye a drink but I’m thinking you’re on duty.” He raises a brow as I remain standing.
“Always am.” It’s my practiced response, but it’s true. Even though Cat has a backup bodyguard who is meant to give me a break every week, it’s hard to shut off the mindset. Seating myself, I search for the right words.
Taciturn, my mum used to call me.
Stoic, according to Cat.
My mates in the SRR christened me ‘silent but deadly.’ I might not have much to say, but what comes out is always the truth.
“Chieftain, I’ve violated a bodyguard’s first law.”
The room is dead silent, soundproofed so outside household clamor canna intrude. So, I can hear the change in his breathing just before his fist comes at my face.
***
“Naw, are ye daft?” - Scottish slang for “Are you kidding?”
Bessie - Scottish slang for a peevish or ill-tempered woman.
True braw - Scottish slang for everything’s going well.
Chapter Fifteen
In which there are drones, pickpockets, and fresh underwear.
Lucas…
Three years ago…
The Chieftain might be in his late fifties, but the bastard can still pack a punch.
I’m on my back in seconds, jaw feelin’ like it’s dislocated.
“Ye slept with mydaughter?”he thunders.
Getting back on my feet, I massage my jaw. “Aye, Chieftain.”
“I should shoot ye right fecking now.” He sucks in a deep breath, his hands clench into fists. “It’s thefirstrule for security in this clan. Ye know this, ye took an oath. No bodyguard can protect his asset if they’re emotionally involved. Ye get stupid. Emotions take over. I lost my cousin because of this.”
He strides toward me again and I brace for another punch, but he stops himself.“I trusted yewith my daughter’s safety.”
There’s nothing to say.
“Ye knows what happens to men who violate their oath to MacTavish Mafia,” he grits out, jaw tight. “Ye are one of the three best men in the clan’s security force, but to disrespect me like this, disrespect the clan.” He walks to the huge bank of windows, looking out. “I’m gonna have to make an example of ye.”
There’s regret in his gaze and I brace myself for what comes next. “You’re out of the clan, banned. Ye will serve four year’s penance with an allied family. Most importantly, ye will never see or speak to Catriona again.”
