Kathleen closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. Part of her wanted to fight him on it—but honestly? She wanted someone’s head on a platter, too.
“Where’s Enzo?” Jamie demanded. “Why wasn’t he with you?”
“He was down in the dining room.” Why was he down there? Jamie would want to know, and she couldn’t tell him that she’d sneaked out without him. What the hell was she going to say? “Seeing about the food,” she blurted. “We decided to eat in the room. I’m tired.”
Her brother made a low, frustrated sound. “And where is he now?”
“He’s down speaking to the security team. I think they’re reviewing the security video, and he wants to talk to him about what happened.”
“He’s not the only one.” Jamie’s voice was icy steel now, and she didn’t envy anyone who would be on the receiving end of her brother’s wrath.
“Okay,” Jamie said after a pause, his tone clipped. “If you’re sure you’re fine, what’s your plan? Should I send a doctor, just to verify? I’m sending security.”
“No, Jamie.” Her tone sharpened. “You’re not sending security.”
“Kathleen, this is the second time! First, the guy stole your purse, then he broke into your room. And you want me to believe that’s it?”
“Yes,” she said firmly. “That’s what happened. That’s all. Obviously, it’s dangerous, but I can handle it. And before you even say it, no—we’re not dragging the Callahans into this.”
“Kathleen—”
“Jamie.” Her voice softened, but the steel underneath didn’t waver. “I spent years being under guard. Years of living in fear, constantly looking over my shoulder. I remember enough tricks for staying safe that I don’t need extra help. I will not go back to that. I’m fine. He got whatever he wanted.”
CHAPTER TEN
Enzo approached Kathleen’s door, and the security guard let him in. He immediately wondered how Kathleen would feel about that since the guard hadn’t asked her. He was sure he was about to find out. He walked around the corner and into the living area to find Kathleen arguing with someone on the phone.
“I don’t need all that. I really don’t. It’s fine. You’re overreacting because of what happened before. This is not that. This is…just a silly misunderstanding.”
Enzo made a noise, and Kathleen jumped, her gaze searching for the cause of the sound and jerking when she found him standing near her elbow. She frowned at him and then went back to her call. No doubt it was Drake. By now, he’d want a full army with round-the-clock protection for his sister, which is exactly what she didn’t want.
Enzo took a seat on the couch and watched Kathleen as she battled with her brother. She looked stressed. Her green eyes had a sad quality, and the lines at the corners of them were probably more pronounced than they had been just a day ago. The light dusting of freckles across her cheeks made her lookyounger than her forty-something years, as did her red hair. That color didn’t come from a bottle.
Kathleen strode over and thrust her phone at him. “Talk some sense into your friend. I’m done.”
Enzo took the phone and watched Kathleen storm up the stairs to the bedroom. Once the door slammed, he lifted the phone to his ear. “Well, this time it’s you who’s really pissed her off.”
“She is not being reasonable,” Drake commented icily
“She feels the same way about you.”
“Someone broke into her hotel room, for which I will make heads roll, but she needs full-time security. I can call Mitch Callahan and get someone over there ASAP.”
“Agreed, she needs security,” Enzo said, “but I think there’s a way to make both of you…if not happy…less pissed off.”
Drake let out a breath. “What is your idea?”
“I’ll be her bodyguard until we get this sorted. I promise not to let her out of my sight, and if I think I’m out of my depth at any point, I will call in my people. It offers her a win that it’s not your people, and you a win that she’s still being protected.”
“I don’t like it,” Drake growled. “You aren’t exactly trained in personal security. What makes you think you can guard my sister?”
Enzo did his best not to rise to the bait but rather answer in a neutral tone. “I spent years in a very deadly industry, and I am still alive, mostly unscathed. I know people who can do the job, should I find myself out of my depth.”
“That’s precisely what worries me,” Drake retorted.
“I don’t think you’re going to have much of a choice. I heard your discussion, and I’m guessing your sister is not going to give in.”
“She’s too damn stubborn,” Drake lamented.
