Page 118 of The Innovator

“Sorry. Anything is fine. I don’t care.”

“You need a break? We can reschedule the meeting for tomorrow if that’s better for you.”

“No, tonight’s good. The sooner we get the strategy outlined, the better I’ll feel.”

“Agreed.”

After I hung up, I headed into the kitchen and made myself a cup of coffee. Just the scent of the coffee gave me the boost I needed. My mind had to be alert for my friends. Details mattered for this kind of intricate plan. Things could go wrong, and we had to cover all the bases. If someone caught me, I was certain they would torture me until I gave them the information they wanted. I’d rather die than give them what could hurt my family or friends.

So yes, this coffee was my lifeline. After the meeting, I’d be able to crash.

Last night, I received a text message from Andrew saying Natalie had a conversation with him and requested he stopped following her around. There was no way I’d pull Andrew from his important post. He had to be more discreet, so she didn’t spot him. Someone had to be there to protect her because I couldn’t.

Andrew had sent me some pictures of her wandering the streets. She looked sad, yet hopeful. I wished I could give her a hug.

When this incident at Club Diablo ended, I’d apologize and pray our relationship could resume. But something told me it wasn’t going to happen.

Remembering her gift box, I finished my coffee, walked into my dressing room, and retrieved it from the top of a drawer. I removed her note, setting it aside. Lifting the lid off the box, I took out three elegant ties in red, navy, and silver. Each had geometric designs that looked like textures I’d used in my buildings and decorative accents. They were simple designs that suited me perfectly. She knew me well.

I opened the small envelope and pulled out a card.

Three reasonsknotto forget me.

I’m putting a label on this relationship with care instructions on the back.

I didn’t know how to tie a Natalie knot the way she did. She’d have to come back and show me. Would there even be a chance? With the box of ties in my hand, I dropped into the armchair and examined each tie carefully. I flipped it around, checked out the care content, and my heart expanded, filling my chest with warmth.

100% Love

Only For You.

Forever and Ever.

Underneath that customized label was the real care content stating, “100% Silk, Dry Clean Only. Steam, Not Iron. Do Not Bleach.”

I sat for a long moment, absorbing her words and the care she took to make these for me. After an hour—I’d lost track of time—I placed the ties back into the box, planning when I’d wear them. My eyes went to the sweater I’d bought at the auction.

Removing my sweatshirt, I put on the novel sweater, snapped a selfie, and posted it to ChatNow. I saw her snowflake image, and my heart ached, missing her. My house still carried her scent. Or maybe that was me remembering her everywhere. I was going to like her post, but then she might block me, so I didn’t. On the post, I typed the caption: keeping warm with love.

After that, I went to work on The Prism’s blueprint before my friends’ arrival. I knew what I’d design for the interior of the building now.

* * *

All my boys arrived on time, which was a miracle. Someone was usually late. Maybe Forrest told them I was tired and needed to get shit done so I could sleep. Whatever it was, I was glad I didn’t have to wait for anyone.

Arrow pointed to the strategy he’d laid out on the table. “Based on the rough sketch Slash provided, I assume one of the best places for you to hide the bombs would be at the bar.”

Royce reviewed Club Diablo’s layout. “Another could be over here, assuming that’s where the gold gambling table is. Are you playing?”

“No. Only seasoned members are invited to play. New members can watch. I’ll use the opportunity to browse the area with Rafael.”

“He’s coming too?” Remi asked from across the round table.

“Yup. It’s his last deed before I help him with a business that could make him money. I’ll profit too. But he doesn’t know that yet.”

My generosity had its limits. I wasn’t going to help Natalie’s ex-fiancé without getting something back. He’d put his hands on her and threatened her. How could I forget that? At one point, I’d wanted to kill him, but he was more useful alive than dead.

“Do you have your audio equipment ready?” Forrest asked, rummaging through the box of electronics on the table.

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