Page 30 of Guarding Zuri
“Good, because the next leader of Knight Industries needs to be level-headed, confident, and on firm footing.”
Daemon smirked. He imagined Arthur Knight thought his son was flat-footed. “I agree,” Daemon said simply. “The one who takes your place must follow in your footsteps. You wouldn’t want all you’ve built to be dismantled in one generation.”
“I’m glad you understand what’s at stake. I haven’t spent nearly a lifetime building an empire to see it demolished in a blink of an eye.“
Daemon gripped his armrests. “That would be tragic.”
“When are you going to leave Knight Shield and take over the reins of the kingdom?”
“I’m honored you think I’m capable of following in your footsteps.”
“I’m only being practical, son. That’s what we businessmen do. If I didn’t have faith in you—”
“You planning on retiring so soon?” Daemon asked dryly. His father was not one to give up power. It came as a shock that a healthy man in his fifties would be so eager to leave it all behind and languish away on a golf course for the next thirty-odd years. Daemon expected another ten more years of freedom running his own company before his father even hinted at transitioning control.Why does he want me to take over now?
“Yes.” His voice dropped like an ordinance between them.
Daemon didn’t believe him. “Let me guess. New wife wants you to cut back? What number are you on now? Sorry I missed the wedding.”
Arthur laughed. “She doesn’t tell me what to do. And I explained why you couldn’t attend the wedding. She understands your work is important to you. She sends you her love.”
Daemon believed this wife had no control over his father. Arthur Knight was on his sixth wife—fifth since the death of Daemon’s mother ten years earlier. Daemon looked casually at his watch. If he knew his father, he would’ve sent divorce papers by certified mail to the girl already. No need to have a conversation. It seemed the Knight men avoided confrontation.
The girl was younger than Daemon’s thirty-five years. It irritated Daemon that his father seemed to prefer women younger and younger as he continued to marry. The man was handsome, intelligent, and rich. What did he have to prove to anyone?
“Then what, Dad? As you can see, I’m in the middle of an assignment.”
“When are you going to give this up? You shouldn’t be handling cases. You could lose your life. When you left the military, I thought you’d also left risking your life behind.”
“The personal risk sets my service apart. And, I wouldn’t be a protective specialist if I wasn’t, I dunno, protecting?”
At Arthur’s devilish grin, Daemon tensed. “I heard you’re protecting some revolutionary’s daughter. I’ve seen her on television. Very beautiful. I hope you’re offering herallof your services.”
Daemon cracked his jaw. Arthur Knight had changed in the last ten years. All the lectures on how to be a man—an honorable one—archived. His new material came with the expectation of emulation. Asking a woman out to dinner? Nope. Just have drinks, and then get her into bed. Monogamy? Outdated. Having multiple women at the ready meant never having to wonder who to spend the night with.
Everything was casual with Arthur Knight except business. The death of Daemon’s mother had killed the fairy tale, and Arthur now luxuriated in reality. A reality Daemon didn’t respect. Nor one he wanted to imitate.He acted casually once, and the consequences rippled exponentially, ending in the death of his friend. That was the last time Daemon chose his needs over the job.
But it concerned Daemon that his father assumed he’d offer Zuri more than just protection.Does he know I kissed Zuri?He couldn’t know.Am I like my father?Daemon suppressed a shudder.
Daemon chose his words carefully. “I’m doing everything I can to protect her from harm.” And not provide her with additional services, although he’d just finished thoroughly kissing her.
Arthur harrumphed. “Sounds dull. Has she ever stepped into a house this big? I’ve seen the reports about her country. This dictator, Gohi, has hoarded the country’s money and resources. The people are starving. Unemployment is high. Businesses are suffering. People can’t own homes. He sent a delegation here to DC to discuss trade agreements. My guys tell me China is also moving forward with plans to make a deal. Could be interesting.”
Daemon had heard about the delegation in the intelligence brief he’d received before they touched down in Dulles. After what the State Department experienced a few days ago, he believed the US wouldn’t be interested in brokering any deals with Gohi. But if his father’s sources were correct about China, then the US might want the chance to compete against a rival state power. And Bendola had plenty of natural resources to sell.
“Bringing Zuri here is a good move. She’ll be grateful, I’m sure.” Arthur winked.
Daemon cocked his head to one side. “What kind of business do you think I run? A high-end prostitution service where I’m both pimpandescort? You think I can’t get women any other way than to flaunt my wealth?”
Arthur raised both brows. “Are you getting women? Every time I call you, you’re too busy flying to some war-torn country, dodging maritime police in your speedboat, or off the grid in the Middle East. When do you have time to cater to necessities?” He peered at him through slits. “You’re a man, Daemon. We have needs. Your exploits are a poor replacement for the warmth and feel of a woman’s body beneath you.”
Daemon didn’t break his father’s gaze. “I think you cater too much to your needs, and it’s clouded your judgment.”
Arthur’s eyes darkened. “If you mean choosing you as my successor, maybe. But I will not hand over a company, built by my father and his father and his father before him, to someone not even blood-related. I won’t be the Knight who lost this company.”
Daemon rolled his eyes. “You won’t be. No one is going to talk about your legacy until after you’re dead. Why worry about it now?”
His father blinked a few times and shifted in his chair. “I’m not going out like that. I want to live to hear about my legacy. Hear if I’ve made a mistake or not by letting you take over. It’s time for you to grow up and take the reins. No more playing with your life.”
