Page 57 of After 5

“Jake, I just don’t get it. Why would Caiyan come to see me and then spring the wedding on me?”

Jake bit his bottom lip, and his dimples dented inward. He thought Caiyan wanted booty.

“I don’t think sex was his primary intention. He tried to tell me about the wedding before the booty call.”

“He didn’t try hard enough,” Jake said.

“It doesn’t make any sense. Why would the Mafusos force him to marry Mahlia if they don’t even like each other?”

“It’s a guarantee. If Caiyan marries Mahlia, they have him in the family, so to speak. They’re Mafia, things run in the family with them. It’s the reason Toches struggles. He’s an outsider. Toches has been trying to become a part of the family for years, but acceptance by the Mafusos is rare. Gian-Carlo wants proof McGregor is loyal to them.”

“I don’t know why he would go through with the wedding.”

“I’m sure the Scot has something up his sleeve.”

“If he thinks he’s going to marry Mahlia, earn his key back, get a quickie divorce, then resume our relationship, he’s got another thing coming.”

“If he does, the Mafusos will have him in cement shoes at the bottom of the Hudson,” Jake said.

“He’ll be joining quite a cast.” Brodie stood at the edge of the kitchen, coffee cup in hand. His shorts hung low on his hips and his shoulder-length razor-cut hair was mussed from a busy night.

“Hey Brodie, I didn’t know you were here,” I said.

“Stopped by late last night. Things were going smooth at the farm.” He walked toward the pot of coffee. “Boss.” He nodded at Jake.

An awkward tension spiked the air. Boss Jake didn’t approve of his agents mingling with people he cared about.

After Brodie filled his mug, he ambled over to view the sword.

“She’s a beaut, I can see why McGregor wanted her.”

“Apparently more than he wanted me,” I said.

“Don’t worry your pretty blond head. Caiyan’s not going to marry Mahlia. He’s got a plan. You’ll see.”

“I want to be there,” I glanced at Jake. “When the wedding goes down.”

“Absolutely not.” Jake crossed his arms over his chest.

“He’s right. It’s a dangerous gig.” Brodie leveled his hazel eyes at me.

“I need to see for myself. Maybe Caiyan will need my help.”

Both men stared at me, speechless.

“You have to admit, I’ve learned a lot, I’ve trained hard, and I’m a decent agent.”

“No way am I allowing you anywhere near the wedding. I’m sending in outside intelligence.” Jake moved toward the back door.

“Don’t you think we need to have a traveler inside? I’m the only one that can carry Caiyan safely away.”

“There’s Ace, and Tina,” Jake said.

I frowned.

“I’ll go undercover. I can change my look. Ace can go with me.”

“Naw, I’ll go. McGregor will let me help him…if he needs it,” Brodie said.

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