Page 78 of G.O.D.S Omnibus

“A massive pain in the ass, but you can’t deny the woman has impeccable taste,” Mr Z comments, leaving me wondering why they even do this stuff.

“You know as well as we do she has her intern do all of this, along with the help of Betty and Annabella. She is good for reeling in the old farts and their money,” Case says with a chuckle.

Mr Z smiles. “You got me. Jolie, would you like to come and meet a few people?”

Unsure of what I should do, I hesitate, but Brennan helps me out. “Go, save Mr Z from working the room alone. I’m sure he will return you to our table when he is done.”

He holds out his arm to me and I link mine with his. “I will bring her back safe and sound before the meals are served.”

Mr Z whisks me away from the guys, though I spot them scattered around the room, keeping a close eye on me. We meet so many people, including old rich guys that seem to be a tad too handsy for my liking, but I smile and nod like a good little robot.

“How are the boys treating you?” Mr Z asks as we head towards the bar.

“Depends on which one, but in general, we are playing nice.”

He laughs at my response. “Boston and Davis I bet.”

“You know them so well. They have told me you have known them for a long time.”

“That’s true. I have known them since they were babies. But let’s cut to the chase. I want you, as part of this organisation, Jolie, to work for me,” Mr Z says in all seriousness, ready to get down to business.

“Work for you?” I have to answer his questions the right way—he doesn’t know about my memories coming back.

“You’re a smart girl. I’m confident you know enough by now and are starting to put it all together.” I nod. There is no point in lying. “The details right now are not important. First, I have a surprise, but in return I would like a meeting with you to explain how we work, and call me curious, but I would like to know what plans you have for the future.” I raise my brow at him, wondering what plans he thinks I may have. “I’m sure you’ve worked out that the boys have not been so honest with you, and that makes you smart. They haven’t been so honest with me either.”

I make a mental note to tell the guys that Mr Z thinks they have been dishonest with him, and maybe he knows more than they think.

We walk right past the bar into a smaller hallway, where Chester is talking to an older blonde woman. He doesn’t look at me, but I know he saw me passing him.

“All I want is Trace back. I have been open about that. If they stand in my way, I will take them out.” My rage flares. Mr Z has a way of turning a conversation to benefit him. I know where Trace is, and yet he still managed to fuel my anger.

“That is good to hear. I found Trace, and as a gesture of goodwill, I will give him to you, but in return, I would like that meeting.”

“What do you mean... you found him?” I stop dead in my tracks, applauding myself for my performance.

“Brennan told me you were looking for him. Trace used to work for me, and since I wanted to recruit you, I thought we could start our relationship in a place of trust.”

“No offence, but the only person I trust is Trace.”

“Good.” I don’t miss the look in his eye; he thinks he can use Trace to control me. “This is where your surprise comes into play.” Another mental note to tell Trace that Mr Z has kepthim alive to use against me—which could pose issues if I’m not compliant.

He opens a door that looks like a service entrance for the staff to bring food into the room. Trace is leaning up against the wall in a suit.

Tears openly fall and a memory hits me.

“Let’s practice one more time. You need to be able to do this with no cues. I know you can do it.”

“I don’t understand why I need to cry, Kai. The guys get to work on cool stuff, and I’m here crying like I’m weak. “

“You could bring a man to his knees with those tears. They are not a form of weakness at all.”

“That’s shit. I get a set of boobs and so this is my role... Don’t laugh at me, Kai.” I sniffle, tears rolling down my face. “I thought you were supposed to help me, but now you want to laugh at me. What’s wrong with you?”

“Wildflower, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

“Got you, sucker.” I snicker at the look on his face.

I run towards Trace and throw myself into his arms, my back turned to Mr Z. “He is up to something,” I whisper. He buries his head into my hair, pulling me closer.

---