Page 52 of Destruction

I hum, drawing the moment out a little. “I usually charge a pretty penny for that type of work. It’s not a quick or easy task. And with so many other things going on…”

“We can pay,”he says quickly.

“I know. And you will, but not with money… Well, not just with money.” I make sure to add some suggestion into my tone, and Tennant chuckles as he leans over and kisses me quickly before leaving the room. I hope he’ll take my advice and check on Benjamin. Poor kid just had his world turned upside down,andhis ass kicked by Tennant, he could do with some TLC.

“I’ll need access to your network, either by physically getting into it myself, or having you transmit it remotely to me. I’d prefer the latter…I have a special USB for that. It’ll take me a few days, possibly three or four, depending on how big your network is, and how complex I build up the protections.”

“As long as it gets done. We’ve thrown around the possibility of them coming for the house. I wouldn’t put it past them to somehow obtain a warrant.”

“No,” I say lowly. “Me either.” It’s a theory I’ll have to run by Roman, too. “That means it’s especially important to get this done… I’d rather not risk a back and forth with the USB, so I’ll come to you and get started. Once I’m patched into your network, I can work from anywhere.” I grin. “I’ll collect the non-monetary payment while I’m there.”

He curses but says,“My doctor won’t like you tearing me to ribbons so soon.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Cucciolo, I’ve learned a lot in my time with Ten—I don’t need a knife to give you what we both want.”

“Speaking of my doctor, she wants to connect with yours. Something about them both being on the same page so they can cater to our medical needs.”

I frown. There’s a reason Cristian doesn’t let Doc out in public, he’s an…acquired taste. “You’ll have to talk to Tennant or his bodyguard about that. They’re in charge of personnel, but…she’s probably right to ask for that.”

“Good. So, you’ll be over when?”

“Give me a few hours. I need to do a few more things here, and get Leandro’s current task on an automated system, so he can start building a kill-switch for you. If they somehow do manage to get a warrant, it’ll be better if you can remotely destroy everything, rather than risk the possibility they might have a decent hacker. I can protect the sensitive files, but even breaking through one or two won’t end well for you.”

“Okay…”He hesitates, and then asks,“How’s Benjamin doing?”

I smirk. “Why don’t you call him later? Ask for yourself? He’s allowed to use his devices when he’s not in training. I know that’s not what you’re really asking though. Don’t worry, Cucciolo, he’s not in any danger from me. I find it…endearing that he and Tennant have connected. You should be happy for him.”

Emilio sighs.“I’ll hold back judgment until I speak with him but, thank you.”

“Don’t thank me for making my love happy.”

“Right, well…I’ll see you soon.”

“Yes, you will.” I hang up and let out a breath.

Touching the cut at the base of my throat, I let the slight sting propel me forward, now that the afterglow of sex is gone. Yet another thing has been added to my plate, but the promise of spending more time with Emilio…and getting to try new lines of security on the Martellis’ network, will be fun.

Climbing out of bed, I rinse the blood off my throat and collarbones, pleased to see the cut has stopped bleeding. The bruises around my neck are already starting to darken, and I smile at the sight. Running a hand through my hair, I decide trying to tame it is pointless. Dressing in a lightweight sweater and charcoal trousers, I tug the sleeves over my scars and then grab my phone from the bed.

My shoulders are already tightening up with the added stress, and presumably long days, but I leave the bedroom anyway. I have a Boss to update, lovers to reassure, once they learn I plan on leaving the house, and a son to corral. I’m exhausted just thinking about it all.

Cristian, next time you get kidnapped, take me with you…

Ipace the length of my office, my skin itching at the very thought of what may happen. None of this is working the way it should. And why the hell did I not notice something was going on with Benjamin?Fuck. I need him back soon. A call is not enough to sort this shit out.

There’s a knock on the door and I call out for them to enter, my throat dry. I almost breathe a sigh of relief when I see it’s Marcus and Ignacio. I sit behind my desk as they address me.

“Hey, Antonio mentioned setting up some blinds? I have a map, and I've pinpointed a few of the best options. Keegan felt Jenna out on it as well. She’s in favor, but suggested that we make sure some of our higher-ranking men are being seen there as well.”

“That sounds like a good plan. Ignacio, I want you out patrolling where you can be seen, but not at a risk. Marcus, keepin the loop with the Amatos. I want you working on our contacts, and you still need to work with our suppliers. I was able to get most of them to push back, except the guns.”

“You want me to get in touch with the Cartel?” Marcus offers, and I immediately shake my head.

“No, last time you dealt with them, you killed their crew. I want you to stay away from them. Put Antonio back on that one. I really need Benjamin back, dammit.”

“Your friend will be back as soon as he passes training. If he wants to come back, that is.” Hollis’s voice startles me, and I glare at the open doorway. “You really should look into better security. After all, I was able to walk right in with no problem, and interrupt your little meeting.”

I want to drop my head when he smirks at Ignacio. I know exactly what the fuck he’s up to, and it’s not going to be good. Fuck.

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