I stand and turn on my heel, then waltz out of the room with my shoulders back and my head held high. I wasn’t bullshitting them. The team and I have held back with my exposure to a degree. Yes, we have had quite a few public appearances already, but we’ve tried to make them look like Asher’s normal appearances, only with a girlfriend in tow. There is an ace up Asher’s sleeve we haven’t played yet, and if the board is making threats, I’m going to play it.
Instead of heading toward the conference room, I make my way to Declan’s office.
I knock lightly and he barks the same annoyed answer Asher does when he doesn’t know who’s on the other side of the door. I peek my head in and his whole demeanor changes from surly to happily surprised.
“What’s up, Ella?” he asks as I enter the room.
“I need a little favor.”
“What is it? You look nervous.”
“Oh, I just had a lovely little meeting with most of the board.”
“The fuck? Why wasn’t I informed of this meeting?”
“Because I’m sure they didn’t want you there. They know all too well that your loyalty is to Asher.”
“And what was this little meeting about?”
“They’re breathing down my neck about this Asher and Katrina debacle.”
“That dirty bitch. I always hated her.”
“Yeah well, I’ve got to bury this story. And I have a plan, but I want to run it by you first since Asher isn’t here.”
Just as I’m about to tell him my plan, his phone rings.
“Hang on, it’s Asher.” He picks up his phone. “Hey, big brother. You’ll never guess who’s in my office with me.”
Declan’s teasing smile fades, and a second later he shoots out of his seat. His eyes bulge, and his face drains of color.
“Fuck. Are you okay?” he rasps out.
My stomach damn near bottoms out.
“What’s going on?” I whisper-shout.
“Of course. Yes. I’ll handle it personally. I’ve got you, brother. And I’ve got her. Be safe.”
Declan ends the call, and his wide, fear-filled eyes meet mine.
“Asher was attacked.”
My head swims.
“What?” I rasp out. “Is he . . . oh my god.”
“He’s okay,” Declan reassures me. “He’s getting on the jet now and heading home, but he wants you back under lockdown.”
Shit.
“What happened?”
“He didn’t give me all the details since he was in a hurry. But Jenkins and I are to escort you back to the penthouse immediately.”
My thoughts jumble together in a heap of fear and frustration.
“I . . .”
