Page 65 of Guarding Zuri
“Thank you.”
She studied his face, and it gave nothing away. “That’s a good thing, right? It’s what you want?”
He nodded. “I’ve thought it through, and it is what I want. I took my father’s generosity for granted. Now I get to learn from one of the best.”
She marveled at his change of heart. “I’m glad you had a chance to speak to your father, and you were able to work everything out.”
He smiled. “You were right. Talking to him changed everything—for the both of us.” His eyes caught hers again. “Thanks for the advice. My purpose is Knight Industries and all we can do with its wealth.”
“You’re welcome.” Although he smiled warmly, his voice sounded—distant, cold even. As though he was speaking to a colleague and not—not what? It’s not like I mean anything to him. It’s clear to me now.“When do you start?”
“Immediately. It’s imperative that I get back to DC as soon as possible. We’ll make the handoff to David quick and painless.”
The handoff. That’s what she was to him now. Not even a client.An inconvenience.He had another job to start—one he was looking forward to. “Then it’s a good thing our contract is over. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your purpose.”
His gaze dropped, and then he refocused on the tablet screen. Zuri averted her gaze to look out the window. Tears blurred her vision of a beautiful city that she’d never see it again.
CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
You’re an idiot.
Daemon paced inside his private office down the corridor from the conference room on the fortieth floor, where his father had designated offices for Knight Shield. Zuri asked him to remain outside, wanting to conduct the meeting with Tessa alone. Daemon had obliged, but the request had stung. He had helped her hone her pitch, and she didn’t want his help.She’ll be running an entire country soon. She doesn’t need your help.The thought didn’t stop him from wanting to offer whatever he could for as long as he remained her protector, which—he glanced at his watch—would be under fifty-six hours.
Fifty-six hours and he’d never see her again.
You’re an idiot.That’s what his father would tell him, and he wasverypartial to Zuri. Daemon had heard the pain in her voice, even when she was congratulating him on becoming CEO of Knight Industries. What did that mean?She’s the one who fired me.Was she regretting her decision? His father only had a couple of months to live.I have to be with him.
He had debated telling Zuri the truth. Having lost her father, she would understand his need to be with his. But afterward?I can’t promise her anything.He did not know where he would be or how he would handle the CEO position.My life might not be stable enough to start a relationship with her.
Daemon’s heart rattled. Hewantedto be with Zuri. Helovedher—beautiful, confident, intelligent, with a determination and passion that matched his.She’s my match.And he would’ve done what he could to make it work—if she had wanted him.
He looked at his watch. She and Tessa had been inside the conference room for twenty minutes. The plane was almost ready for take-off, with the pilot doing his checks. The faceplate of his watch changed to show a call. Daemon answered his cell.
“Glad I caught you,” Roland’s hurried voice sounded through the phone.
“What is it?”
“Are you still at Knight Towers?”
“Yeah. Shouldn’t be much longer.”
“Get Zuri out of the city—now.”
Daemon grabbed his tablet and a satchel from the desk before exiting the office. As he passed the glass-enclosed break room, he signaled to Blaine, who reclined in a leather armchair, watching the wall-mounted television. Blaine shot to his feet. “What do you have?” Daemon asked Roland, as he continued down the hall.
“A tip from Homeland Security. A few men landed at Dulles International early this morning. Origin from Bendola with a stopover in London.”
“On the watchlist?”
“Negative, but my guy is keeping a sharp eye out given Zuri’s presence here.”
“What about the delegation? Last update was they were on a plane going home.”
“That’s been confirmed. They’re out of the country.”
Then who were these guys? “Thanks, Roland. We’re leaving right now.”
“I’m showing light traffic to the airport. The jet is fueled.”
