Page 99 of Beyond Rosy Irish Twilight

“It’s non-negotiable,” Knight cut me off. He stepped forward again and lowered his voice. “Let me warn you right fucking now. If my wife so much as gets a threatening glare from Ambrose, I will go in and kill every single person in that house. I don’t give a fuck if it screws up your operation. Frankly, I would take them all out now and be done with it.”

“That would defeat the purpose of the job.”

“I never cared much about jobs,” he said in a low voice. “I care about taking out the scum of the earth, and until you prove to me you’re not one of them, I’ll consider you a threat right alongside Ambrose. Am I making myself clear?”

I gave a nod, only because I wanted this conversation to be over. “Consider me warned.”

“Good. I’ll be going with you, but I’ll stay out of sight.”

“Ambrose has at least twenty guards around his property,” I warned. “If you get caught, there’s nothing I can do for you.”

Knight smirked, sharing a look of amusement with Hunter. “I won’t get caught.”

This guy’s arrogance was irritating at best, but as long as he allowed his wife to perform her job, I’d deal with it. The only thing I cared about right now was ensuring that I did everything possible to get Jade’s mother out of that house.

“Whatever,” I said, striding around him and out the door of the office.

When I got to the foyer, Kate and Jade were just walking out of the living room. Jade looked happier than ever, which only made me worry that Kate gave her false hope that I could never deliver on.

“Are you ready?”

Jade smiled at me, sending warm feelings straight to my heart. I was no longer capable of keeping her at a distance, not after all the progress we’d made. I grabbed her hand and walked outside with her, noting how she seemed to sink into my touch. Our attraction was just as difficult for her to ignore.

Chase and Patrick were already outside waiting for us. Neither of them would be allowed inside with me, but they were there in case anything happened.

I nodded to Patrick as we got into the backseat. He slid in behind me as Chase took the driver’s position. He wasn’t going anywhere near Ambrose in his condition. Hunter, Knight, and Kate pulled out behind us as we headed over. Now that we were alone, I needed to know what Kate said to her.

“I hope you’re not getting your hopes up about your mother’s condition.”

Her face immediately dropped, letting me know that was the wrong thing to say. She pulled her hand from mine and turned away with a huff. “No, I wasn’t, but thanks for being so delicate about the matter.”

Patrick smirked at me, keeping his opinions to himself. “I’m sorry, Jade. I just want to be sure that Kate didn’t say anything to make you think this was going to be some way for her to diagnose your mother. It’s very unlikely we’ll be able to do anything to help her.”

Patrick’s eyes turned angry, but I didn’t give a shit. I’d lie to her until I knew for certain Kate could do something to help. I wouldn’t get her hopes up only for her to be crushed if there was nothing she could do. Even if Jade’s mother really wasn’t as sick as Ambrose claimed, we had no idea how the medication over the past five years had affected her.

“I know it’s unlikely. I was just happy that we might be able to get her out of that house.”

“Jade—”

“It’s fine, Asher.”

She turned away from me, completely ignoring me. I had a feeling this was because of more than just my inconsiderate comment. Patrick glared at me, jerking his head toward Jade. I gave a minuscule shake of my head. There was no way I was getting into this right now.

Way to go, asshole,he mouthed.

Shut it!I mouthed back.

Jade turned to me suddenly, staring at me with suspicion. I schooled my features and cleared my throat. “It’ll be fine. We should have an idea of what’s going on after today. Then we can start making plans if everything goes right.”

“I do appreciate you doing this for me.”

I grabbed her hand again and smiled. “I’d do anything for you.”

Her eyes flicked to Patrick, who suddenly found something on his suit extremely fascinating. “But…are we being realistic?” she whispered.

“About what?”

“About…our relationship. I just don’t want to get my hopes up.”

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