Page 66 of Guarding Zuri
“I want to know about those men.”
“You should have the dossiers on your tablet. I’ll update you when you’re on the plane.”
“Perfect.” Daemon ended the call.
“What happened?” Blaine jogged up. “Who was that?”
“Roland. More men from Bendola flew in.” He tossed Blaine the tablet.
“Why do these names look familiar?”
“They’re high-ranking officials. Gohi’s men, but not on the watchlist.”
Blaine looked up from the tablet, his face hard. “They’re here for her.”
Daemon had already deduced that. Two of Gohi’s most decorated and experienced killers here in America?I’ve got to get Zuri home.
*****
Zuri and Tessa shared a laugh over her story about a double date with her husband, Daemon, and a woman no longer in Daemon’s life. “He wassoawkward!” Tessa said in between bouts of laughter.
“I can’t imagine him being that way.”
“I know! But he is. At least, he was then.” Tessa’s eyes sparkled as she studied Zuri. “You should’ve heard the way he talked about you. Are you two…?”
“No,” Zuri said quickly. “He’s just my bodyguard.”
Tessa arched a brow. “Justa bodyguard?” Zuri averted her gaze. Her neck flamed, and she felt perspiration bead around her hairline. “I knew it!” Tessa pointed an accusing finger at Zuri. “Notjusta bodyguard. The man raved about you.Raved.Believe me, I’ve never heard him speak about a woman like that before. Fill me in!”
“It was nothing.”
“Nothing? Not according to him.”
Zuri’s gaze shot back to Tessa’s. “Did he say something?”
“It’s not what he said. It’s what he leftunsaid.”
“We’ve kissed, but that’s it.”
Tessa squealed. “Is he a good kisser? Not that I need to know. I’m very happy with my hubby.” Her brows wagged.
Zuri wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. “Sogood.” They chuckled. “But that’s all it can be. He’s taking me home, and he’s taking over his father’s company. It can’t—work.”
Tessa smiled and took Zuri’s right hand in both of hers. “I’ve known Daemon a long time. He’s never been like this over a woman. And my intuition is telling me he’s in love with you.” Tessa eyed her curiously. “I think you feel the same way. Can’t you two work it out?”
Daemon burst into the conference room. “Get your stuff. We’ve gotta move. Now.”
Zuri immediately stood at the sound of his commanding voice. His stern face caused her heart to beat double time. “What’s happened?” She gathered her prospectus and her bag.
“Tessa, good to see you again. Hope it went well.” Daemon cupped Zuri’s elbow.
“Perfect. Safe travels, you two.”
“Thanks again, Tessa.” Zuri said while she exited the room with Daemon. Blaine waited for them at the end of the hall, his face grim but determined. A chill swept through Zuri.
Daemon leaned in close. “Men have arrived from Bendola.”
“You think they’re here for me?”
