“Okay, as long as it’s something that’s easily concealed, I’ll wear it.”
He sighs with relief, and the tension eases from his shoulders. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Thank you for worrying, but try to relax, or you’ll get an ulcer. This is only the start.”
He chuckles and presses his cheek to the top of my head where it rests on his shoulder. “I’ll try, but I can’t promise not to worry. You mean a lot to me. I’ll speak to Coal and have Thea work on a tracker for you.”
My heart fills with something I’ve never felt before. Maybe it’s the situation we’re in, or maybe it’s just who he is, but I find myself thinking about him at odd times throughout the day. I know he worries about me, but I worry about him, too. My employer knows who he is.
“Get Thea to make you one, too,” I tell him. “You’re also in danger.”
“I’ll get it sorted,” he assures me. “And I’ll take you to the wedding this weekend. I’m always here for you, Bella. I hope you know that.”
My throat tightens with emotions I haven’t felt in years. Oh, this man! I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to have him in my life, but I’m so thankful he is.
“Thank you,” I whisper, swiping a finger under my eye and clearing my throat. “I’d best get back to work.”
Copper stands and holds his hand out to help me off the grass. I take it and don’t let go all the way back to his sled. The warmth of his palm seeping into mine makes me feel safe and wanted.
I carry that comfort through the rest of the day, and it’s what gets me through the weekend.
CHAPTER 5
COPPER
‘Fuck me, it’s really happening,’I think to myself. All these months of preparation are about to pay off.
Bella waves as she drives out of my work parking lot and turns right towards her office. Anxiety claws at my stomach the further away she gets. Taking my burner phone out of my pocket, I send Cahir a message with the information Bella gave me before burning the paper. Once I’m sure no trace remains, I call Coal.
He answers straight away. “Cop, everything okay?”
He always knows it’s me, even though I use a different phone every time. Hearing his familiar voice steadies my heart rate. I didn’t realise how much I relied on my brothers until I took this assignment.
“Copper?” Coal barks over the phone, worry heavy in the tone.
“Sorry,” I apologise. “I’m here.”
“What’s happening, brother? It’s not your day to call. Everything okay?”
Coal’s concern pulls me back to business. “Everything is fine,” I reassure my older brother and club president. “Things are progressing, but I need to ask Thea a favour.”
“Hang on, she’s here. I’ll put you on speaker.”
A smile curls my lips. I should have known. Thea and Coal are never far apart unless she’s working. Even then, he finds ways to spend time with her.
‘Fuck, I miss my family.’
“Copper, it’s Thea. What do you need,deartháir?”
“Hey, Thea. Are you cursing at me?” I ask, amused.
“For feck’s sake, what is it with you Tins? I’ll tell you what I told your brother. You’ll know when I’m cursing at you.”
A chuckle escapes me as her accent thickens with every word. “I’m sorry, Thea,” I say, laughing as I apologise. I get myself under control so I can ask for my favour. “Things are starting to roll here, so I need a few trackers and some weapons.”
She’s silent for a minute. “Of course, Copper. Do you know what you’ll need?”
“Weapons-wise, I have no clue. I’ll let you decide, as you have more expertise than I do. Something that goes boom won’t go amiss. The order will need to fit in my saddlebags. We can’t chance a brother delivering it. As for the trackers, rings would be the best option. A plain gold band for me and something a bit fancier for Bee. I’ll get you our sizes tonight. And can you make her a necklace and bracelet as back-ups?”
