“In so little words,” I reply while sitting down and putting my helmet on the floor.
“The job I have is probably going to be the most high profile you’ve ever done. The client is looking for a 24/7 live-in. She’s currently on tour right now, which you would accompany her on and from there she plans on either staying in New York or Los Angeles,” he says and raises an eyebrow at me, handing me the file. New York would be great. It’s only about a five-hour drive to Kelsey.
I look over the file, and my eyes widen. “Seriously?”
“Seriously, and the pay is significant, Smith. You know I told you I would help with Kelsey’s bills. But two months on this job and you would be completely clear and then some.”
I hate that the fucker knows me so well. Of course, I wouldn’t take his money. Kelsey is my family, and it’s my job to take care of her. Kelsey barely makes enough money from her crochet business to pay her usual bills. Thank God the house is paid off or I don’t know how she would afford to live.
Dom wouldn’t leave me alone the first few weeks, constantly asking how he could help and what Kelsey needed. I told him to fuck off and let me worry about my own family. In retrospect, I could have been nicer, but the man wouldn’t let up. At least now he’s figured out a loophole around our financial situation.
“Who was her previous security?” I ask as I thumb through the file.
“O’Connor Watchdogs,” he says, and we both scoff. Those Irish fucks are always trying to take our business and do a shitty job of it. “She’s looking to do a complete overhaul after the incident. They asked for my best, and you’re the best. Especially since she’s an Omega.”
I roll my eyes and continue looking through the file. “Start date?”
“We would fly you out to LA in the morning. That’s where she resides. I have her itinerary and a more detailed rundown of her personal life.”
This is too big of an opportunity to pass up. The idea of paying off all of Kelsey’s bills in two months is enough of a motivator for me.
“I’ll only do this if you promise to check on Kelsey while I’m gone.”
“I can do that.” He smirks, and I don’t like it.
“Make the arrangements,” I say and turn on my heel to leave his office.
“Always a pleasure, Smith.” I groan and leave the building.
I take the long way home, riding down backroads and getting some fresh air. I can’t help myself when I ride past my favorite dive bar, Mclearnys, and decide to pull off.
Maybe I should double check with Kelsey if she’s really sure about me taking this job. She seemed ready to push my ass out the door, but it’s only been a few weeks. I know that she’s stable and has a good head on her shoulders, but having your heart broken makes you do stupid shit.I should know.
I sit at the bar stool and order a whiskey as I mentally prepare myself to be back on a job. To be honest, part of me is relieved Kelsey gave me the okay. I’ve been scaling the walls with boredom. Not that I don’t love hanging out with Kelsey, but I’m not one for idle hands.
This job is going to be big, easily the highest profile client I’ve ever worked for. I’ve got to make sure that I don’t fuck this up. I need to focus and keep her safe. If I can pay off Kelsey’s bills and make enough money to fix up the house, we would be set.
I drink my whiskey by myself, not interacting with any of the other sad fucks drinking on a Wednesday in the middle of the day.
Knowing I need to ride home, I stop at just one, leaving money on the bar top. As I’m leaving I notice a concert being broadcast on one of the flat screens. I shake my head and the reality of the job I’ve taken starts to sink in. I can’t mess this up.
Kelsey squeals ridiculously loud in my ear when I tell her who I would be working for. She’s practically trying to stuff herself into my suitcase as I’m attempting to leave the house.
I don’t pack much, mostly just clothes and toiletries. I’m pretty simple as far as my hobbies go. I like whiskey, motorcycles, and obedient Betas. I doubt I will be getting much of any of those things when I start this job. Maybe I need some other hobbies.
“Are you positive I can’t come with you?” she asks.
“Weren’t you just pushing my ass out the door?”
“Sure, but that was before I knew who you would be doing security for.”
“If everything works out, I will set up a time when you can visit. It probably won’t be until the tour is over, though.”
“I would literally die,” she says dramatically and then looks at me wide-eyed. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t joke like that. I’m sorry.” A knot forms in my stomach, and I know she meant it figuratively, but the fact is, she did almost die. I almost lost my last family member, the person I care most about in the entire world. Kelsey is the only person who calls me on my bullshit, I don’t know how I would function without her. Even if she is a huge pain in my ass.
“Kels, it’s fine. I’ve got to get going. I’ll call you as soon as I land.”
“Okay, love you.”
