Page 5 of Thor

I opened up some information on my laptop, pointing out that the property market was showing growth, followed by some stock options with stable histories. Duke asked intelligent questions, revealing a sharp business mind beneath the outlaw exterior.

"These rental properties here," I explained, highlighting a section of my report, "provide consistent income plus significant tax advantages if structured correctly."

"And they’re legitimate," Duke added, a slight quirk to his lips.

"Of course," I agreed, the unspoken understanding passing between us.

I was halfway through explaining a proposed corporate structure when the door opened without a knock.

I turned to look and saw the hulking viking, Thor. My skin prickled with tension and I felt my heart thumping in my chest. It was like sharing the room with a wild animal, a dangerous predator.

"Thor," Duke acknowledged. "Good timing. Ms. Mitchell is talking me through our new investment strategy."

I forced myself to look at him. In the confines of the office, Thor seemed even larger than at the bar—at least six-four, with shoulders that strained the seams of his black T-shirt. The Heavy Kings cut he wore identified him as Sergeant at Arms. Up close, I could see the intricate Nordic designs of his tattoos, including what looked like Thor's hammer running down his right forearm. His blond beard was neatly trimmed, framing a mouth set in a serious line.

Those ice-blue eyes locked onto mine again, and my mouth went dry.

"Our financial advisor," Thor said, his voice a low rumble that I felt more than heard. It wasn't a question.

Duke nodded. "She's rebuilding our legitimate portfolio. Take a seat."

Thor dropped into the chair directly across from me, his large frame making the furniture look comically small. I swallowed hard and returned to my documents, acutely aware of his gaze never leaving my face.

"As I was saying," my voice sounded distant to my own ears, "these holdings create a buffer between your various . . . revenue streams . . . and the final destination of the funds. Which, of course, I don’t need to know."

I shuffled papers, pulled up spreadsheets on my laptop, walked them through tax implications and corporate structures. All while feeling Thor's eyes on me, assessing, calculating. But I knew numbers better than anyone in this room, and gradually, my confidence returned.

“You have any experience doing this kind of work?” Thor asked, his voice low and heavy.

“Not exactly. But I have my own portfolio. And I’m very good with numbers.”

“She’s bailed the tattoo shop out of hot water a million times,” Duke said.

“This is different though. That’s just accounts, this stuff could get spicy.”

“Spicy?” I asked, feeling a tingle of danger.

“Working with a company like ours always comes with risks, but the rewards will be worth it.”

“Do we need this?” Thor asked, seemingly annoyed.

“We do. I don’t want to have to rely on shady business in the future. Our feud with the Serps nearly tore us apart. If I can find away to make good money without drawing heat to us, I’ll do it. For everyone’s security.”

Thor smirked. “God knows I like your old lady, but she’s changed you, Duke.”

“Change is good.”

I took my chance. “Danger would up my fee. Considerably.”

If I was going to do this, I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of money to cover Amy’s treatment, and a little extra for me.

Thor let out a surprised laugh. “She’s got you over a barrel. I like your style, miss.”

Duke steepled his fingers. "Well, you’ve impressed me. I’d like to make this arrangement permanent. Weekly consultations, plus quarterly reviews. I’ll give you a good fee. Let’s say three percent."

"I'll need to adjust my schedule," I said, buying time to think. Then, I said, “Make it four percent,” before I had time to lose my nerve.

The money would pay Amy's bills, maybe even let me start a fund for future emergencies. But regular involvement with the Heavy Kings meant risks I hadn't planned on taking.

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