Emma’s name seems to relax Rachel. “Oh good. Gigi is the sweetest person. There doesn’t seem to be a mean bone in her body.”
“That, I knew.” I wink at her and her smile grows wider, as she ducks her chin to hide her blush. “Just like I know that she and Erika are very close friends.”
Rachel nods. “They met at a support group for battered women. Erika took her in when she first left her husband and again recently when he…” She waves her hand. “I’m sure you know all this.”
She looks uncertain, so I give her the smallest wink, “Of course.”
Then I glance at Gris. He gets my meaning and leads Rachel out of the room. For a moment, I stare into the empty space of the conference room and let out a long slow breath. That’s when the phone crackles, my brother Win’s voice filling the room. “So. You’ve decided to go to war.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Rush
I don’t answer right away.If older brothers are good at one thing, it’s telling you why you’re wrong.
“Of course he’s going to war,” Triston answers. “Vigo is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.”
I move back to the table and return to my chair. Win is the oldest and the man who both decided we should go into business together and financed the initial projects. But Triston has actually built the business from the ground up. And as the second brother, he is forever attempting to gain dominance over Win.
“We are not in the business of war,” Win growls. “We leave that for the Americans like Mason Kincaid.”
The smart play is for me to allow them to make all the arguments for me. Killian enters the room, his face looking as black as I’ve ever seen it. “Change of plans,” he rumbles. “I’m not following Vigo anymore; I’ll remain here should he get uppity and decide to attack.”
“Good idea,” Win rumbles. “Because we all know he’s going to.”
“What I want to know,” Triston chimes in, “is who is Gigi?”
Fuck. I’d forgotten they were on the line when I’d asked Rachel about Gigi’s past.
“She’s off limits,” Killian rumbles.
The line clicks and my brother Ryker speaks. “Sorry I’m late. What are we discussing?”
Newly married, Ryker is frequently late these days.
“Killian?” Win asks, sounding concerned. It’s very rare that Killian connects with anyone. His wife Chloe was the first person in a very long time, and she’s been a tremendously stabilizing force in Killian’s life. Falling for another woman would be a massive problem, which is what has Win worried.
“It’s all right, Win. The only one sleeping with Gigi is me.” I hate to tell them, but they’re going to find out soon enough. The Kincaids helped set up the cameras, which means the whole family has access to the feed.
“Now I’m confused,” Triston says. “Someone explain.”
“She’s my assistant,” I start, wincing. “And Gris discovered that she was lying about her identity.” But I hate saying it. I hate casting any doubt on her. “We were concerned that she might be working against us.”
“You’re not now?” Win asks.
I shake my head and then realize they can’t see me. “I think she’s just hiding from her ex-husband. And the more data we collect, the more support the theory gains.”
“Still,” Win rumbles. “It would be better to get rid of her. If you’re going to take on Vigo, you can’t have any open holes.”
“No,” Killian growls. “Absolutely not.”
“Killian,” I calmly intercede. “Allow me.”
He gives a quick jerk of his chin, but his face remains set in hard lines, like he’s ready to go to battle with the entire familyif necessary. I don’t feel threatened in this regard. If anything, I’m glad. Happy to know if I focus on Vigo, Killian will be there helping me to keep Gigi and Emma safe.
“Well?” Win asks.
“Gigi stays.” I’m not asking their permission, and I don’t need to provide any more explanation.
