Again, the enforcer shook his head. “No, sir. You made us swear to stay with you no matter what until Elias was ready to take his place at your side. No offense, sir, but he won’t be strong enough to stand with you for a month or longer.” He motioned to the fallen Sarge. “And she killed Sarge. That’s punishable by death. You know the rules. You wrote them.”
“I can also demand an exception.”
Another head shake. “Not in this case. I’m sorry, sir.”
His president rolled his eyes and turned back to Iona. “Sorry, my dear. He’s right. I wrote the rules for a reason.” He walked closer with Enforcer One trailing behind him. “Did you kill Sarge?”
“He hurt Elias and enjoyed it,” she said, her voice silky.
Eddie stopped inches away from her. “Sarge was very good at his job, you know. He wouldn’t have killed Elias. My enforcer was under orders to spare his life.”
“I think your man forgot his orders.”
“Then he would have been disciplined.”
“After he killed my man? I’d rather have Elias alive and kicking, thank you very much.” She winked. “Unless I have a better offer.”
A slow smile curved Eddie’s mouth. “Is that right?”
“Two more minutes,” Seth said through the earpiece.
Two minutes? What was taking them so long? She gazed into Eddie’s eyes. “Are you offering?” Eww. Yuck. Gross. Iona reminded herself she was playing a role until their teammates swooped in, but this role was more difficult than she thought. It wouldn’t take much for her to upchuck. To react that strongly was a first for her.
“Maybe. What would you say if I did offer?”
Iona’s eyebrows rose. “Well, we’d have to talk benefits. I’m very well set up with Elias, you know. Unlimited expense account, a house of my own so I can take a breather from him if he becomes too annoying, and an SUV. He knows how to take care of me.”
Behind her, she felt Elias shaking and realized he was laughing silently. Good thing she amused him. She hoped Eddie bought the lies she told.
“I can provide all those benefits plus more.”
“Really?” Iona widened her eyes.
“Oh, yes, my dear. I’m a very wealthy man, and I know how to please my women.”
Women? Double yuck. “Women?” Iona scowled. “I don’t share my man. It’s one of my rules.”
“Rules?” Eddie laughed. “That’s a new one on me. What rules might you have, Iona?”
“The top one is I don’t share my man.”
“Yes, yes.” He waved that aside. “What other rules do you have?”
“I will be treated with respect. That means you don’t hit me or yell at me. You never talk down to me, especially in front of other people. If you want something, tell me. I’m not a mind reader.”
Eddie stared at her for a beat, then shook his head, amusement lighting his eyes. “No wonder my son couldn’t handle you properly. You deserve better than Elias, Iona.”
“I deserve the best.”
“You are correct, and the best man for you isn’t my son.”
She changed positions to protect Elias better. Something was going to break soon. She could feel it. “And you think that’s you?”
“I don’t think it, Iona. I know it. You and I are soulmates. Of that I have no doubt.”
“I don’t know, Eddie. I have a pretty sweet deal going with Elias.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Frankly, I’m not sure you can top him.”
His cheeks reddened. “You underestimate me, my dear.”
