Page 87 of Due Dilligence (Takeover)
When the waiter left, Eli gave Todd a long look, one with a furrowed brow and near-unblinking eyes. “You should watch your back.”
“I already do.” Todd ran a thumb over Fazil’s hand. “Managed so far.”
“Will you do what I’ve asked?”
Keep the assholes away from Fazil.“I’ll do my best.” Even if he had to take their ire.
“I don’t need a protector.” There was a clip to Fazil’s voice, the one he got when he was fucking annoyed.
“Everyone needs a protector.”
“Really?Who’s yours, then?”
Yup, a pissed-off Z. Didn’t seem to faze Eli one bit. His smile was honest and warm. “Justin.”
Fazil sucked in a breath. That name knocked the wind right out of him and he thudded against the booth, practically slumping into Todd’s arms.
A satisfied grunt. “And I ought to call him before it gets much later.” Eli reached for his cane and stood, wobbled, and steadied himself. “Do take care of yourself, Todd.”
“I will. Thanks.”
With that, Eli headed out.
When he was out of earshot, Todd spoke. “So how is he, really?”
“Eli? He’s tough as nails.” Fazil turned his beer glass so the logo faced him. “Always has been. I used to think...” He shook his head and took a sip.
“What?”
“I used to think he was a cold bastard. He was fair but fucking exacting. Sam liked him, though, and could get the stick out of his ass sometimes, you know?”
Todd didn’t, but he nodded anyway.
“Turns out he’s a nice guy under that.” Another sip. “He’s hurting, more than he’s letting on, but if there’s anyone who can get through, well, anything—it’s Eli.”
There was a story there, but it seemed impolite to pry. “Justin?”
“Eli’s husband.”
Right. Sam’s assistant.
“He’s—wait. I may have photos from the winter cruise.” He pulled out his phone and flipped through images. “Here.” He handed it to Todd.
There was Eli with his arm around a drop-dead-gorgeous man. Justin looked somewhat goth even in a suit, given the blacker-than-black hair. But those blue eyes and that shit-eating grin... no wonder Eli looked utterly smitten. The two of them definedstunning. “That’s completely unfair.”
“Isn’t it? They’re practically opposites, and yet...” He waved his hand at his phone. “Perfect couple.”
Eli’s protector. Todd took a swallow of his beer before wrapping his arm around Fazil. “So next week?”
“It’s supposed to be me finishing up enough that remote work will suffice.” Fazil leaned into Todd. “Eli’s right. Unless things are hideous tomorrow, I’ll stay.”
With the office the way it was right now, Todd understood the caution. “I want you here for as long as possible, but if things aren’t good, don’t stay because of me.” He wouldn’t put Fazil in danger.
“Let’s see tomorrow.” Fazil rested his hand on Todd’s thigh. “You didn’t catch any flack, did you?”
“Not that I know of.” He took a longer drink. “Certainly not from Sandra. I suppose Nathan will realize who ratted Ryan out, but I don’t care.”
“Why are people so shitty?” All the depth of anguish there.
