Lowering my head, I kiss her temple. “I’ll be fine.”
Nora uncrosses her arms and levels Coal with another look before leaving us and closing the door behind her.
“I’m sorry, Nickel. I meant it last night when I said you’re the best of us. I didn’t mean to imply you were a bad brother because you’re not. You were a fucking amazing VP while Copper was away, and I’d have you at my back any day.”
Coal pauses, holding my gaze. “Having said that, we need to rethink your role when it comes to trafficking and the ops side of the business. We all have a part to play, and I think yours is to make sure we have the money to finance everything. I assumed the Skulls financed the ops. I didn't realise you’d arranged it all. I’m sorry I dropped the ball on that.”
“It’s all good, Pres. You juggle a lot of plates, and if it makes you feel better, I only used our money for the last operation. I’ll walk you through everything if you want, so you know what I’m doing. I’d love to work with Bee, and I think I can also learn a lot from her.”
“Sounds like a plan. And I suppose you’d better explain it to me, although you know I’m not going to understand a single thing you show me, right?”
I chuckle. “Welcome to my world, brother. I’ll break it down for you so even a toddler can understand it.”
“Wanker.” Coal laughs, hugging me and slapping my back. “Appreciate you, Nickel.”
“Right back at you, Pres.”
He steps back. “Are we good now?”
“We’re good. And just so you know, you’re a good president, but you’re an exceptional big brother.”
“Fuck.” He clears his throat. “Let’s get out of here. Do you think it’s too early for a beer? It’s been a morning.”
“What’s the saying?” I shrug as I open the door. “It’s five o’clock somewhere.”
“Fucking right, brother. Come on, let me buy you a beer. We’ll enjoy some family time, and I’ll get to know your lady better. She’s a little scary, huh?”
“Sleeps with a knife under her pillow.”
“No shit.” He side-eyes me. “Rather you than me.”
I laugh. “You mean you’d rather the gun your wife cuddles than the knife my lady does.”
“Jesus.” He slaps my shoulder as we get to the bar. “We know how to pick them.”
“We sure as fuck do,” I agree, taking the beer from Blue with a nod of thanks.
I turn to face the main room, searching for the woman who’s taken me by surprise. I find her sitting in the comfortable chairs where the Old Ladies always seem to gravitate, chatting comfortably with Thea and Jeanie.
Bee comes out of the kitchen, carrying a couple of boards filled with cheeses and cold meats. She drops one off at their table, then comes towards us.
“Snack time, guys.” She rolls to her toes, kissing Copper’s cheek before turning to me.
“Tomorrow, at nine o’clock sharp, we’ll go through all the accounts and portfolios. You can bring me up to speed before we make a game plan.”
“Sounds good to me,” I agree.
“Looking forward to working with you, Nickel.” Bee holds out her hand to me, which I shake. “Welcome to Wraith Investments. Our company is set up. We’ll get the contractsdrawn up, signed, and sealed by the end of the week.”
Surprised shock runs through me. “What?”
Bee tilts her head, her tone serious when she declares, “I’m a businesswoman first and foremost, Nickel. I recognise a good partner when I see one. You may not have the big career your brothers seem to think you should have, but you sure as shit can own a company and be your own boss. Looking forward to making money with you.”
I’m left with my mouth agape as Bee drops that bomb and walks off as if she hasn’t just changed my entire life.
“Our women are amazing.” Copper squeezes my shoulder. “Congratulations. Proud of you, brother.”
“Fuck.” I turn back to the bar, stunned as I try to process what just happened.
