Page 79 of Ruthless Oath

“I’m not disputing that,” Lucas said. “But my job is to make sure you are prepared for anything.”

“I expect you to show me the same respect you show my father. Is that understood?” I asked. “Because if you can’t do that, I’ll find someone who can.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Milo put his hand on my shoulder. “Lucas knows his role here. We need his counsel.”

“I’ll continue to provide it.” Lucas nodded at me. “I meant no disrespect. This family means a great deal to me.”

“I need the two of you to carry out what we discussed,” I said. “Make sure that shipment doesn’t get to its final destination. I don’t care what you have to do to make that happen.”

“We will handle it.” Milo motioned toward the hallway. “Lucas, let’s head back to the city.”

I walked with them down the hall and to the door, trying to keep my composure, but all I could concentrate on was finding Lissia. Ricardo had given her an hour’s head start. Although she wouldn’t get far on foot in the woods, her attempt to escape would make me use resources that could be better spent elsewhere, like intercepting the shipment.

As I opened the front door, Lissia’s hand must have been on the doorknob outside because she stumbled into my arms.

“Oh!” She held onto me.

“Where were you?” I looked her over, taking in her wet clothes and soaked hair. I wanted to hold back my anger and care for her, but she had made me look foolish in front of my brother and advisor.

“I went for a walk.” She let go of me. “I got caught in the storm and had to wait it out in the old barn down by the lake.”

“Well, I’m glad that’s resolved.” Milo stepped around us. “You had the beast pretty worried about you.”

“The beast?” Lissia asked.

“Yeah, you know, like with the princess who reads the books and the beast who holds her hostage.” Milo laughed. “Just like you two.”

“Get out and do your fucking job.” I shoved the door open. “Call me when it’s done.”

“Have fun with him,” Milo said as he and Lucas stepped onto the porch. “He’s in a foul mood.”

I slammed the door before Milo could irritate me any further. When I turned around, Lissia was strolling toward the stairs.

“Where are you going?” I moved in front of her, blocking her from going upstairs.

“To take a shower,” she said. “I’m freezing.”

“Do you have any idea how you made me look in front of them?”

“No.” She slipped off her muddy shoes and removed her sopping wet socks.

“They think I’m distracted and can’t run my business.”

“And that’s my fault, how?” She shivered. “I went for a walk.”

“You won’t be doing that anymore.”

“Why not?”

“From now on, you’ll take Ricardo with you.”

I didn’t know how much longer Ricardo would be employed, but for now, I needed him here to watch her.

“Not that he can manage to look after you,” I said.

“This isn’t his fault. I needed a few minutes alone.” She wiped away the wet hair that stuck to her cheek. “You can’t control every second of my day.”

“You want to bet?”

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