Page 60 of Rugged and Filthy

When his expression changed, I became even more concerned. “What are you thinking?” I sensed he didn’t want to tell me. While I wasn’t entirely certain I should place my trust in the man, what other choices did I have? “You think there’s another reason Madden wants the rig.”

“I do. If that dude’s really the Irish mafia, I’ve heard syndicates have become very interested in getting into the oil business, especially since there’s talk in the industry of the majority of them going automated. They could use rigs as a perfect method of laundering money, extorting from oil companies or worse.”

The ‘or worse’ had to be taking over more control of the political front. There’d been talk of that in the news for years.

“Which means they can keep all the profits themselves.” I hadn’t thought of it that way.

“Exactly, although one would think the rigs they had their eyes set on were rich in oil and contracts. What happens to Aiden when you’re working a contract?”

“My sister usually stays here with him and with my dad.”

He took a few seconds before saying anything. “Can they go stay with her instead? Or maybe a hotel?”

“My dad won’t consider it. Are you kidding me? He thinks he’s invincible. Plus, we can’t afford a hotel and don’t you dare tell me you’ll pay for it.”

He threw up his arms, another grin popping across his rugged face.

“I know you wouldn’t accept but you need to convince your father it might not be safe staying here.”

“If you’re trying to scare me, it’s working.”

“I’m trying to be direct and honest with you, which is something I hope you value,” Foxx said. “You don’t fuck around with men like Madden Byrne. I should know. My uncle is a freaking Capo for a crime syndicate.”

“You’re kidding me.”

He snorted. “I wish I were but no. Not my family’s finest legacy but we all have dark skeletons hiding inside our tiny little closets.”

He had no idea how truthful that was.

Shit. “I’ll try and talk with him. I hadn’t really thought about it that way.” Although in suggesting my father go to a safer location, I’d also be forced to tell him I’d been to see Madden. That would upset him. Hell, that would likely infuriate him. I wiped a bead of perspiration from my face as Foxx watched.

“Don’t worry, little miss sunshine. I’ll protect you.” He beckoned me with a single finger and I played coy, shaking my head.

I shouldn’t even engage allowing the man to touch me, but I was hot and wet, the desire for him and for the other two men just under the surface of my thickly coated armor. They’d already made me feel protected, special. If I had to be honest with myself, I would admit how much I’d missed that all these years.

“Don’t make me come and get you. I will. But you won’t like what happens if I do.” His growl sent another thrill through me.

“Can you really smell oil?” I took a couple of steps closer as he slanted his head, his intense blue eyes studying me intently.

He grinned like a kid but only after licking his lips. “Let’s just say it’s in the blood. Both my dad and grandfather could. They swore by the ability. That’s how they got their solid reputations amongst hardnosed riggers. And let me tell you, there are some bad asses in Alaska and other cold climates.”

I took a deep breath. “I bet. My father relied on two men before I came onto the scene. He allowed them to check production levels, talk with engineers. Of course he was getting sick by then and we didn’t know how much the disease had progressed but when I realized how much he’d relied on them, I put a stop to it.” My decision could have set this entire ball into motion.

“Let me guess. One of them is none other than Declan Brady.”

“Yes. The pieces seem to be fitting together. Maybe he lied to my pops about the fact there was limited production. Maybe I was too green to see through Declan’s lies.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, sunshine. It would be easy to hide oil production possibilities given the rough and ragged employees you have left. I’m not trying to be mean, but from the records your father handed over, some of the dudes working with you are useless.”

“That’s not fucking fair. You don’t know them.”

“I know what I see on paper.”

Now he’d gotten under my skin. “How dare you come into my house plying me with roses and wine, acting like you care about my son then make fun of my crew.” I pointed my index finger at my chest, almost laughing at the level of vehemence I’d used. I was so busy wanting to fight with the man that I wasn’t looking at things logically.

I sensed he was prepared to make a backstabbing comment in return and I puffed up like some blowfish, planting my hands on my hips.

He lifted his sexy eyebrows before smirking.

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