He felt certain he’d been born to keep her safe, and that’s exactly what he wanted to do.
Protect her.
Love her.
“I know a few families of El’s standing.There are always threats,” he told them both blankly.
“Yeah, I know.But those threats are spread around.Plus, she’s not even the most vulnerable target anymore.There are grandkids.Kids are always targets.But it seems like El’s in danger more than her nieces and nephews.That doesn’t make any sense.”
Shawn shook his head.“El’s the richest.Plus, and she doesn’t know this, but her father has a soft spot for her.She doesn’t think he does, because hell, that single soft spot doesn’t a great dad make, but he cares.Seriously cares.
“He wouldn’t have called me in over his sons’ wives, for example.It’s because Ryan is marrying El.His sons’ security team would have passed on their reports to the chief, and he’d have given a very brief report on their suitability.Or lack thereof.But that’s it.Joseph never talks to the field agents.Never.Even me.
“Yet, this time Joseph wants me to dig deep into Ryan’s past.Make sure everything’s copacetic.You see the difference?”
“Why do you think that is?”Marc asked.“Why is he more protective of her?”
“I don’t know.It’s not because she’s the only girl, it’s just… It’s how it’s always been.I know he was angry when his father told El she could live with him when she refused to go back to school.That anger was more than just irritation with a kid for not doing as they’re as told.He was hurt.
“I remember because Annabel was bitter at the time.Said Joseph wouldn’t have given a damn if their sons had done the same.But everything was different because ‘precious El’ had pulled a tantrum and won.”
Trip frowned.“She called her that?”
“Yeah.”
“How’s her relationship with El?”
“More than strained.They don’t get on well.”
“Any reason for that?”
“Aside from the fact El is young and beautiful while Annabel is getting old?”Shawn snorted.“Yeah, as superficial and insane as that sounds, it’s the truth.Annabel’s the kind of woman who has traded on her looks all her life, and can’t cope now they’ve faded.El’s still being in her prime doesn’t help.She should never have had a daughter.But, saying that, she’s jealous of her daughters-in-law too.The woman’s batshit.”
“Wow, she’s definitely a piece of work, right?”
At Trip’s words, Shawn snorted.“Right.”
Marc, though, shook his head.“What else?Is she jealous of the attention her husband gives El?”
“I guess,” Shawn murmured, “But I don’t always see that.Like today, we went to the kitchen.I don’t always see what happens when they’re together, but I bear the brunt of the fallout.It’s rare for her not to be upset over something her mother has said to her.I think Joseph has stopped trying to curb Annabel’s tongue.From what I can make out, it makes her mother worse.”
Trip frowned.“What are you thinking, Marc?”he asked.“I can see you’re cogitating over something.”
The other Lion rubbed his chin.“I think it’s interesting, that’s all.”
“What is?”Shawn demanded, wondering what the other man could see that he was missing.Because, from the faraway look in the older man’s eyes, he’d definitely read into something Shawn had said.
“I wonder if El isn’t Annabel’s.”
Shawn’s eyes widened.“Why the fuck would you say that?”
“I could be wrong,” Marc immediately retorted.“I’m only going off what you’ve said, and El’s reaction to the interaction with her mother.But…”
“But what?”Trip demanded, his frown having morphed into a deep scowl.
Marc released his safety belt and turned in the seat so he could better see Trip in the back and Shawn behind the wheel.
“Okay, let’s just suppose I’m right.I could very well be wrong, but let me just work on this hypothesis.Agreed?”
