Page 46 of Guarding Zuri
Move back!His feet inched away. “Wasn’t a fair question, Princess. Of course, you mean the divisions of Knight Industries that would best help build a country.”
She shifted her gaze away. “Right. When Gohi’s arrested, I won’t need protection anymore.”
There it is. She doesn’t want you.“And you’ll be free of me,” he added.
“You’ll be happy I won’t have to fire you again.”
He grunted his disagreement, but kept the words to himself.You’re trying to force something that won’t work.He turned back to the tablet and almost punched in David’s number with his fist. Within seconds, David’s face came on the screen.
“Daemon? Zuri!”
Daemon held up his hands toward the screen as though presenting David to her. “You okay?” he asked David.
“We’re at your safe house on the coast.”
“Parker?” Deamon’s heart sped up a touch.
“The whole team is here.”
Daemon let out a long breath, his pulse easing. David panned the device he was holding, and a few of the guys came into view. Daemon saw Parker wave and Daemon raised his hand in response. Although Zuri was his main objective, he’d have trouble forgiving himself if he lost a team member. It would almost be like losing Jeremy again. “Glad to hear it. Things have really heated up over there.”
“It’s a good thing you got out in time, Zuri,” David addressed her. “The EG had the city locked down by the end of the day. We almost didn’t make it out.”
“Any resistance still inside the city?” Zuri asked.
“Yes. We have ways of sneaking in and out. Communication is difficult with most of the groups inside the city only communicating with face to face contact, so we know our allies.”
Zuri looked tense, and she asked, “Are the people really rioting? I read it on the news.”
David grinned. “Yes, they are. The whole city is yelling for freedom.”
“What about the Elite Guard attacking the resistance along the borders?”
“We’ve only heard from two teams, but the press reporting is correct. The border skirmishes have been tense and the EG nearly crossed the northern border. They’re tempting fate.”
“If war happens, it will get even worse for Bendola.”
“Bendola will be in a civil war before then. Give it a few more days, and the riots in the capital will spread to the whole country.”
Zuri and Daemon locked eyes. Her features relaxed and hope shined in her expression. Without breaking their gaze, Zuri spoke, “Help is coming, David.”
“Stay there, Zuri. We will get the word out that you’re safe and still in control. Just—stay safe.”
“I’m on it,” Daemon responded.
“I spoke to government representatives and people with foundations,” Zuri started. “Bendola will receive help. We just have to let the people know that it’s time to fight back.”
A temblor reverberated from the core of his heart to the edges of his body, like the shock of being shot. What would’ve followed was heat, but this time Daemon felt a chill.You’ve got to get over this.Zuri was always a client and nothing more. Once civil war broke out, she would demand he return her home.And when I refuse, she’ll hate me.
“What about a coup?” Daemon heard Zuri ask. “If you believe civil war is about to happen, we should be getting the military on our side. They were supplanted by the Elite Guard. There must be a few colonels or generals angry for being passed over.”
“You’re more of a strategic thinker than I gave you credit for,” Daemon said, his eyes on Zuri.
David chuckled. “Daemon’s not easily impressed, Zuri. You might want to keep him around.”
Zuri offered Daemon a sly grin. “Maybe for one more day.”
“We’ll identify the military leadership and approach,” David said. “There won’t be time to create a relationship like we would a source. We’ll be risking our plans if any of them are loyal to Gohi.”
