Page 24 of Protection (Mobsters + Billionaires 2)
ANTHONY
“Mads? What’s happening right now?”I ask, softening my voice.
“Uh…I’m probably fine,” Mads says, his usually happy voice shaking. “I just…I’m probably just paranoid.”
I hate that he immediately doubts himself and discounts his gut reaction. Doubt will get him killed faster than anything, and the idea of him dying under my watch settles like lead in my belly.
“Mads, you are not paranoid. You’re just more aware of your surroundings.”
“I swear I—” He hesitates, humming in the back of his throat. “Yes. I mean…yes. It was definitely him. He was right outside the window, but he’s not there anymore. Not that I can see.”
Fuck.
“Where are you?”
I’d hoped the stalker was some overzealous fan who finally got bored and moved on to someone else. Clearly, I was wrong.
“I’m at the little coffee shop right off Wall Street. You know the one I’m talking about?”
“Addiction, yes,” I confirm, pulling up the security logs. My guys should’ve warned him off, and I need to know whose ass I’m going chew out.
Hm. “I don’t see a security entry for this trip, Mads.”
“I may have ducked behind Ford as he left the building.”
A grumble rises in my throat. “Mads.”
“You can be disappointed in me later. What should I do?”
“I’m not that far from you. I'll be there shortly.”
“Anthony, don’t—”
I cut him off. “Nonnegotiable.” Taking a deep breath, I continue, “I’d worry a hell of a lot less if you at least cooperated with security protocols.”
"I’m sorry,” he says, uncertainty in his voice. “Um. Can I stay on the phone with you until you get here?”
Ah fuck. I hate how scared he sounds. That last time in the subway really shook him.
“Of course.”
I look up, and Hopper is excitedly saying something that appears to be disturbing our cool-as-a-cucumber mercenary guy. Yeah, I don't want to know what he's talking about.
“Guys? You squared up here? You need anything from me before I take off?”
Luca’s brows stitch together. “Something wrong?”
“Mads saw the guy again.”
Hopper stops mid-sentence. “Wait, is the stalker guy back?”
“Looks like it.”
“Do you need me to go with you?”
“No. You need to finish up here with Mr. Wills, and I don’t want to deal with open bloodshed on the streets if we find him.”
“Okay, but if you catch him, you bring him to me. Mads is good people. He shouldn't have to be afraid.”
