Page 132 of Devil's Claim

“Are you sure you want Christine involved?” Navarro asked.

“She’s determined to bring down her father, who I understand is considered a premier, longtime member. I doubt he’ll miss the glorious event.” The club went all out, the lavish events surrounding the meeting a perfect setting for what we had in mind.

“That didn’t answer the question.”

Now I had to laugh. “You don’t know Christine very well. She’s insisted more than once and with the opening of the jewelry store and the early success, she’s eager to push forward.” The truth was she was hoping to return to some sense of normalcy.

That’s one thing I couldn’t promise, but she was already tired of the increased security I’d required. She’d told me she felt like a prisoner. Good. I wouldn’t risk losing her again.

“We leave tonight,” Jago said. “Can she handle being away from Maverick?”

Shrugging, I swirled the liquid in my glass. “She’s okay. The nanny we hired was given her seal of approval.”

“You did run this woman through every checkpoint. Right?”

I glanced at Navarro, a smile crossing my face. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you had a thing for that little boy. Trust me, the woman is in the clear. The interview lasted three hours.”

His face held no expression except for the twitch on the side of his mouth. “He’s a cute kid and doesn’t deserve to be in the middle of a war.”

My grin didn’t fade. It was the first time I’d seen a softer side of the man since I’d known him. “He is a doll. I adore him.”

“No questions about his dad?”

“From what I heard, Maverick has asked few questions. He’s so little, he can easily adapt. Christine is prepared to tell him his father is in heaven if asked. Did you handle my request in Miami?”

Jago smiled. “Absolutely, and with pleasure. I must say, the art of destruction is enjoyable even from a distance.”

“I owe you.” But she was worth it. It was a rather non-traditional wedding present, but I suspected it was one she’d thoroughly appreciate.

“Yes, you do. However, the woman has a lot on her plate, including dealing with the likes of you.” Jago laughed.

“Yes, she does.” Including holding some other secrets. I was positive I was right. I’d found her closing her laptop as soon as I walked into a room or having meetings with Genevieve that suddenly ended if I was anywhere close. While I hadn’t wanted to confront her given the difficult circumstances, at some point, she’d need to come clean about what the hell she was doing.

We all tensed hearing a sound at the door.

When it was thrown open and Maverick bolted in, all three of us were surprised. He raced towards me, and I barely had time to set my drink down before he flew into my arms. “Hey, little man. What’s this all about?” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed my lovely bride rushing in.

While she was in bare feet, she was wearing the wedding dress Genevieve had helped her find and which Christine had refused to allow me to see.

I took a deep and exaggerated breath and of course, both men noticed, laughing into their fists.

“I’m sorry,” she said, snorting as she stopped short. “He just had to see you. Slipped away from me.”

“I don’t mind.” I rose to my feet with him in my arms, unable to take my eyes off her. “You look… amazing.”

“Yep,” Jago huffed, looking at Navarro.

Navarro nodded.

Christine never missed a thing. “What is it?” With her hands on her hips, she looked formidable.

“Not a thing,” Jago said, hiding behind his glass.

Her brow furrowed. She knew exactly when any of us were telling a lie. Her uncanny ability to do so about anyone would serve her well in New York. With me right by her side. I was worried, more so than I wanted to admit to anyone, including to Christine.

We’d put into place an action plan in case someone figured out her identity early on, but I didn’t like playing games with her life. At least with assurances made, I didn’t feel as concerned Oh, what the hell was I trying to prove to myself? If I could forbid her from going, I would.

Equals.

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