“I love your apron,” I tell him as I take in the little herbs that adorn the fabric. He blushes as he sets it down on the table between us.
“Thanks. Jake made it for me,”he signs.
“Nice. It’s perfect,” I respond, using my voice because, well, Teddy can hear. He just doesn’t speak. Hasn’t told me why yet, but maybe one day he will.
As I think that, I see Teddy turn toward the door to make his way out, and I see Jake standing there. Now, that guy is Deaf.
He’s the gardener Angel hired to take care of his place in New York. They’re close friends now, and Angel brought him along to show him the gardens here.
I wave at Jake, and he grins, which makes Teddy frown. His brows meet, and he swivels his gaze between me and Jake.
Do I sense some tension here? Maybe. Maybe not.
But I think someone has a crush.
Jake taps Teddy on the shoulder and then nods behind him. “Come on. I want to show you something,” he signs, and then Teddy follows him out, peering over his shoulder at me as he goes.
But the big, sweet bodyguard doesn’t need to worry. Jake and I are just friends.
My ass belongs to Georgiy.
In fact, I should call him. See what he’s up to.
I shove another scone into my mouth and stand up, making Anthony say my name. Loudly.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
I thumb over my shoulder, and he arches an eyebrow at me. I’d talk, but my mouth is stuffed.
“Sit down.”
I try to pout but just end up drooling slightly, so I swallow and sit down, my ass aching slightly as it meets the cushion.
“Where is Mikhail?”
“Probably fucking Angel,” Tatum says, and Anthony sighs.
“I don’t need to hear that. I really don’t.”
“Well, it’s the truth. They’re very loud and growly. Well, Mikhail is growly. Angel moans like a whor?—”
“Enough. No more,” Anthony says, rubbing his temple with one hand. “I don’t want to think about that. I just want to make plans for future retaliation. Get the Phantoms on the phone, Viktor. I want their guaranteed support, and I want extra guards on the premises at all times. I don’t want anyone leaving the estate alone. We travel in pairs from now on, at least until we know this is resolved. And I think I should meet with Senator Ruiz.”
“Oh, he’s sexy,” I say, and then wiggle in my seat and feel the sting of the tattoo. In his own way, Georgiy’s reminding me I’m his. That he owns me. “I mean, not as sexy as Georgiy, but a nice person to look at.”
My ass feels a little better when I amend my statement. Probably all in my head, but still.
“Does that sound good?” Anthony asks no one in particular.
“It does,” I say.
“Good, now get Casey in here. I want to speak to him about mobilizing. I know he works for Mikhail now, but fuck, I need his assistance.”
I stand up and raise my hand. “Can I go now? I want to call my boyfriend.”
“Go on, call your handler. I expect more answers from anyone still alive down below as well.”
I offer him a salute, and he gives me a nod, letting me meander out of the room, plate in hand. I set it on a table in the hallway and then decide I should check on Kit and Jax. Just to make sure they’re safe. Haven’t seen them since we parted ways. I need to just make sure they’re staying out of trouble.
