Page 2 of Emilio
Chapter One
Emilio
It isn’t very often that Octavious calls for sit-downs with outsiders. It also isn’t very often that he looks so uncomfortable with this outsider in our meeting space.
“You mean to tell me, you want to hire one of my guys to follow around some spoiled popstar?” Octavious asks with his mouth agape.
One thing Octavious doesn’t like to do is deal with stupid shit like this. Since when are we bodyguards to some popstar princess? This is the dumbest shit I have ever heard. If we’re getting hired to do something, it is taking someone out… Not keeping them alive.
The man standing in front of us looks pissed that he’s asking for help. He looks as if it is physically painful for him to be standing in a room full of Andino Family members.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have another option. Larysa is being targeted by some creep who wants her dead. He’s been following her for the past year and won’t give her up.”
I’ve seen music videos of Larysa and she’s sexy for being a pop star. I’m not into the whole high-maintenance bull shit, but she’s not bad-looking. Granted her music isn’t the best, she’s got a good voice.
Octavious nods and looks over at me. Protection is something I’ve done my whole life. Octavious recruited me from working at a couple of bars as a bouncer to start doing side jobs for him. I loved the quick cash I would get with the Andinos and quickly jumped over to this side.
I shake my head at him to indicate that I’m not interested. The last thing I want to do is follow around Larysa while she’s touring Europe or whatever. Plus, the family needs me here. The family needs me here to make sure things are running smoothly. With Octavious and Milo all wifed up, it is only a matter of time before one of their chicks becomes knocked up and then they will need the extra security.
“Why can’t you do it?” I blurt with a snarl. I’m sitting next to Milo and Miklos around the table drinking out of my Scotch tumbler. There is something about drinking a two-fingered Scotch that has me almost considering the job.
It has been a long time since I’ve been with someone outside of this realm. It would be nice to be with someone new.
What the fuck am I thinking? I’m actually considering this?
The man in front shifts his weight on his feet. This is a clear indicator he’s nervous and doesn’t want to be here anymore than we want him here.
“I’ve been with Larysa for a long time and have fought off a lot of these fuckers. This guy is different. This guy broke into your ski lodge and vandalized her room. Broke your glass mirrors…” He takes a breath before continuing. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t worried about her. You know what happened to Elena,” he mutters.
Elena was a Spanish pop star which everyone loved. Her music played over the radio so much your eyes would roll when you would hear it play. The woman was gorgeous, sexy and a talented singer and everyone loved her. Unfortunately, one of her fans broke into her home in Spain and set the whole house on fire with Elena and the fan inside. It was tragic and easily avoidable if her bodyguard would have picked up on the signs.
“What is the stalker doing?” I question. I need to know exactly what I’m getting into before I start this bull shit. I don’t want to be caught up in the middle of it.
The man nods towards me and reaches around to his back pocket. The way he does it is too quick making all of us pull out our guns and aim them at him. He chuckles. “I’m getting my phone. Jesus Christ.”
He pulls out his phone and types in a security code. Soon enough, he’s thrusting it into my face for me to see all of the pictures that were taken of Larysa and what has happened to her stuff.
Sure enough, there are doors broke into, there are notes with cut-out magazine lettering… There is a lot of the typical shit stalkers do. The one thing that I see that has me clutching the phone is a security camera aimed at her room and seeing someone sneaking into the room to jerk off.
“You haven’t gotten close enough to him?”
The man shrugs. “I’ve not been able to get him. I need a second pair of eyes and muscle to ensure he doesn’t get her. I’m Alto, Larysa’s lead security detail.”
“Emilio,” I mutter almost inaudibly. “What do you say, boss?” I ask Octavious.
“How much is the job paying?”
Alto clears his throat. “There are a couple of things I need to say first before we talk money. I need to make sure you’re not going to tell her about her room. That will freak her out.”
I shrug him off. I don’t need him telling me what to do and what not to do. If I’m protecting her, I will do whatever the fuck I want.
“And I need you to take point from me.”
That statement, I have to laugh. “You’re asking us for help. Why would I let you take point?” I huff out.
The guys burst out laughing, too. They know I’m not the type to take orders from other people.
He shifts again on his feet. “I know this girl. She’s going to flip out if she finds out what’s been going on when she’s not paying attention.”
“How much?” Octavious asks.
“Twenty-five large a week to keep her safe. I’m thinking I’ll need you for about a week or two.”
I down my drink and then consider the option. It’s a fair amount of money but I want double. “Make it double and we’re good.”
