Page 13 of Breaking Point

“We’ve talked a great deal about the specifics.”

Even if he lied to me about his daughter knowing the plan.

I continue, “I assure you, we’ve been very thorough.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Another smile but this time, it’s more to herself. “How many of you are there?”

“Two. For now. Myself and my colleague, Taylor Bishop. Your father’s planning a dinner tomorrow night. You’ll meet him then.”

“Will you be full-time?”

“Yes, ma'am.” I catch her eye. “The original plan was to live- in at Aspen House. Trade-out every other day and weekends. That will have to be revised.”

She nods. “I have a guest room. Well, my office. But I can- rearrange.”

“Thank you.” I nod, meaning it. “We’ll keep to ourselves. May need to arrange with your father occasionally. We’ll have someone else detailing him. But if all goes according to plan, it will be like we’re invisible.”

She lets out something of a laugh at that. Her eyes flicker over my black henley right down to my khaki pants and boots. “I have a hard time believing that.”

“Button!” Harvey hollers over the crowd, and my eyes dart toward him as he motions his daughter over. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet! Come ‘ere.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow then, Warden?” She turns toward me again. She extends a slender hand, and I watch her for a moment before accepting it.

“It’s a plan.”

We shake once before she draws back. “Oh, and bring your resume. Taylor’s too. Never hurts to verify.”

From the look on her face, I can tell she’s only joking, but as she saunters off, I find myself reaching for the ring on the chain around my neck. The motion is a habit- a nasty one I’ve been itching to break in the years since it started.

But even as Olivia crosses the bar, I get the distinct impression she’s not going to be like other clients.

Chapter Seven

Crew

The day before a new job is always the hardest. I’m a creature of habit, and the enemy of habit is change. Truthfully though, the change was long overdue. I’ve only now worked up the gall to do it.

Now, staring at Viserion feels like it will be the last time. I built a name here, a reputation. The blooming cherry blossoms and sage green gardens come into view as I rev my bike and pull up the driveway. I cut the engine, shifting my weight as I kick the stand back and tug my helmet off.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been a guest here- and even longer since I’ve felt the need to knock on the front door. It’s only a few moments before the door opens and a brunette appears.

Her green eyes gleam devilishly as she props a hip against the doorframe. “Long time, no see, Stranger. You look like shit.”

Charlotte Benenati doesn’t miss a beat. It’s been two months since we’ve seen each other, and I’d be a fool to forget that the last time, she was practically chained to a hospital bed. The aftermath of a vicious fight with her mother. Skar and Ispent months looking for her after she left last year, and when we finally found her, I was half-convinced she wouldn’t come back.

The memory of it leaves me conflicted. After all, I’d been considering leaving Viserion for a while before everything happened. But her leaving was the final push.

I glance at Charlotte again. Now, there’s a soft glow to her, her eyes are full of life, and the gauntness that used to plague her has filled out. She’s the picture of health, and I smile at the sight. I’ve always had a soft spot for her. I’m glad to see that she’s finally…good.

Skar appears behind her, hand finding her waist. She grins, leaning back to look at him. “You didn’t tell me he was coming.” He grumbles something to her softly, to which she shakes her head.

“It was a surprise,” I vow, but I know she’s never been one for surprises.

Her eyes float over my shoulder just as a car pulls up the lot. The car door closes, and her smile falls, eyes flashing.

Speaking of, that would be Taylor.

“You brought friends.”

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