Page 37 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

“Thank you,” Kaylani said from the backseat.

“Hey, sis. I hear that last night turned ugly.”

Kaylani took off her sunglasses and looked at me. She pointed to her cheek.

I shook my head. I hadn’t told Nathaniel about the slap. He would lose his mind. Although, at this point, that might be for the best.

“Yeah, it did. Now, Father has me meeting one of the vultures for lunch.”

My grip tightened on the steering wheel.

“Which one?” Nathaniel demanded.

“Julian,” I answered.

The pause on the line turned cold.

“Julian Harrington?” Nathaniel repeated, like he was tasting the name, and found it rotten. “I haven’t heard good things about him in business or his personal life. I’ll do some more digging, but be careful, sis.”

She locked eyes with me.

“I guess it’s a good thing that Father asked Goran to escort me then.”

“Fuck, don’t make me agree with one of Father’s decisions. That’s just rude,” he teased.

Kaylani and I laughed, breaking the unease that had settled in the SUV.

“Nathaniel,” I started carefully, “I wouldn’t have said yes to him but⁠—”

“I know. I’m not mad at you. I’m mad that he thinks he holds the remote to a shock collar and leash. Like you’re another one of his dogs that comes when he whistles.”

I stared at the road ahead, jaw tense. “I’m not.”

“I know you’re not. That’s the problem. Dimitri’s trying to force you into acting like you are.”

Silence pressed in the sensation suffocating.

“I have an idea.” I took a deep breath. “Maybe I should transfer my services to Kaylani full-time. Until she hires her own detail.”

“That’s a great idea.” Kaylani’s eyes lit up. “Nathaniel, please, will you let Goran do that? I feel safe with him, and I don’t trust Father right now.”

He sighed, but I didn’t press.

“Fine, but you’re still in charge of my service. I refuse to lose you completely.”

“Understood. I’ll assign Ivan to your detail for the time being. He’s excellent and won’t talk back nearly as much.” I smirked.

“Look at that, a bonus already,” Nathaniel said, laughing. “I have to do rounds at the clubs tonight. I want you to fill me in on everything afterward. Eleven?”

“I’ll meet you at your house.”

“Alright, stay sharp. And don’t let my conniving ass of a father corner you.”

“As if I’d let that happen.” Something ugly crept into my voice. Nathaniel would pick up on it, but he wouldn’t comment.

“Goran.” Nathaniel lowered his voice. “You’re my guy. Don’t forget that.”

The call ended.