The phone next to Brennan’s left hand emits an alert.The sound of a cash register.He picks it up, scowls, and then drops his cards on the table with a wad of cash.“I need to take care of something.You people have fun.”
Probably off to check on one of his dirty businesses.I scoff but otherwise keep my thoughts to myself.The intense glance he cuts my way tells me he heard the sound, but the way he storms out as if his ass is on fire says he’s got bigger concerns than my judgment.
“I need to check this out,” I tell Corvus.“Can I leave Ravi with you?I need to know he’s safe until I can get back.”
He waves his hand.“Take Channing.He’ll help sniff out our traitors.”
“You’re not leaving me here.”Ravi’s standing a few feet away from me, kitten still cuddled against his chest, scowling.“This involves me, and I’m not a child who needs a babysitter.I’m going with you.”
He might be right.Of course he’s right.I’ve also never wanted to lock him in his bedroom more.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ravi
If there’sone thing I’m good at, it’s staring down Liam Masters.I’ve had plenty of practice.I can out-stubborn him better than almost anyone, and we both know he didn’t have time to argue with me.He hates it, though.His knuckles are white on the steering wheel as we speed down the access road to Belle Argo’s private marina.
He calls his team from the car.I think I hear a woman’s voice over the phone, which means it must be Bev.I haven’t heard him mention another female employee, which probably sucks for her.Really, I should have a talk with him about his company’s lack of gender inclusivity.
Then again, I’d expect working for Liam to suck regardless.For years, simply living under his roof and having him think he had the authority to give me commands was grating as hell.I can’t imagine how bad it would be if he actually signed my paychecks.
Then again, he does pay my tuition.Or…did?
Did.I can pay it myself now.
Maybe that’ll make things different between us.If I can pay my own way, it’ll feel more equal.Maybe Liam won’t need to be in charge of everything.
If I stay.
Okay.Liam’s still going to be Liam.But maybe… Well, I hope when this is over we can come up with something that makes us both happy.Because I don’t think leaving would.Make me happy, that is.
“Kid, I need you to stay in the car when we get there.Stay out of the way.I know you love to run headfirst into stupid shit, but this is one time when I’m telling you not to.”
“Don’t call me kid.”My neck tightens at his use of the word now.“Kid” was an insult that turned into sort of a sexy endearment, but right now it’s neither.He’s trying to put me in my place.That’s not happening.
His reaches across with one large hand, landing it on the top of my leg.“Ravi.Please.”
Well, this is new.Turns out Liam saying “please” has more power over me than his commands.
“Fine.I’ll stay away from the big guys with the big guns.Happy?”
He pulls a face but at least seems appeased.It’s not as if I have a weapon right now.
“You could give me a gun.”
“Fuck no.Nobody’s running in there yet anyway,” he says as he pulls into the small parking area outside the slip management office.“We’re going to play this smart and wait for the team.They’re on their way.”
With the car stopped, he’s checking his pockets and pulling out his gun when there’s a loud bang.His black Mercedes tips to one side.
Everything inside me turns cold.
“Unless they shoot at us first.”Liam turns to me with his jaw set.“Get down and stay out of sight.”Then he pushes open the door and slides to the ground outside.From the back seat, Channing does the same.I’d like to argue that if they’re both hiding behind the vehicle and I’m inside cowering on the floor, aren’t there more layers of protection between them and the bullets?Shouldn’t I be out there with them?
I can’t just sit here.My brain wants to spin.My legs want to move.My lungs want to scream.
But I know Liam.I know how he thinks.He’s hoping whoever’s shooting at us hasn’t seen me through the tinted windows and that I’m safer if I’m not out in the open.
For once, I decide to listen.My body’s still sore and sluggish from earlier, and I don’t have anything to defend myself.Before everything went to hell between us, Liam taught me some self-defense moves, but if anyone out there is Channing’s size?I’m not sure how much I can do.