Page 84 of Under the Mistletoe
I hear him chuckle as he puts me to bed, covering me with the blanket.
“Sleep.” He kisses my forehead and stands. I lift my hand, grabbing his.
“Where are you going?” I’m almost dozing, my eyes just slits now.
He bends down, his lips soft on mine as he kisses me good night.
“I’m going to finish what you started. Now rest. I’ll be back soon.”
I don’t feel him leave. I’m already snoring by the time he walks out the bedroom door.
35
Donovan
As the lights of the city filter past, I run my hands through my hair, wondering what I’m doing. Gordon looks pale. I don’t blame him. I’m probably about to do the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
But I do it for her. I’d do anything for her. And now that I’ve found her, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to ensure her safety.
After spending all night looking over everything, I put my plan into play. For the past week, I’ve had Jessica stay at my penthouse. The extra security I got for her now positioned in the lobby, in the parking garage, out the front, circling the block. My place is now more secure than the fucking White House and that won't be changing anytime soon.
Her safety is all I need. Her whole is all I need. She is all I need.
While I don’t know how serious Marcus was with his threats, I’m not taking them lightly. I’ve never liked Marcus Jasper. Sure, he’s my main competitor, but it’s more than that. I get along with Bentley just fine, and we have been competing for decades. But Marcus. He was always jealous. Always arrogant, rude, underhanded, unethical. Now I know he’s dirty. Now I know my feelings about him were accurate.
“We’re here, sir.”
My eyes flick to Gordon, and I see him swallow. After tonight, I need to give him a huge bonus and a fucking all-expenses-paid vacation for him and his entire family. Including his grandkids. He’s loyal. My oldest employee. But this is well outside his job description.
“Thanks, Gordon. Stay close. If things get out of hand, you know what to do.” I open the door and step out. The windows on our car are dark and bulletproof. Anyone outside can’t make out who’s driving or who else is in here.
I stand on the damp gravel, run my hand down my tie, and button up my suit. This is a business meeting, after all.
“Donovan York?” A young guy with dark hair and even darker eyes comes out of nowhere, and I take a deep breath.
I nod but remain silent as he flicks his head in the direction behind him, and I follow him. We’re on the outskirts of Brooklyn. The air smells of salt and diesel, and I hear the lap of water nearby. My jaw is hard set as gravel crunches under my shoes, and I walk into a large warehouse, the lights dim, boxes everywhere.
“Wait,” the man says, and I still. I look around, but there isn’t much to see, and I don’t really care what’s here. I’m here for one purpose and one purpose only.
“Donovan York.” A large man steps out from around some boxes surrounded by three men, all armed.
“Matteo Viscari.” He grins at me.
“It’s a pleasure.” I wish I could say the same.
“Thank you for meeting me.” I should stay pleasant. Keep it business.
“Well, I’m eager to see what this is all about.” He's smiling like we’re old friends. And while I don’t want to be on his bad side, I don’t really want to be friends either. I know what he’s capable of and I want no part of him or his business.
“I have evidence of your activities in Asia with Marcus Jasper,” I tell him straight, and he stiffens.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He does; I can see it in his eyes.
“I have bank transcripts, shipping logs, dates, times, wire transfers… You name it, I have it.”
He frowns, and a few more men walk forward, and I’m almost surrounded.
