Page 11 of The Road Less Traveled By

Nico just whistles as he moves around the foyer, his hands shoved into the pockets of his perfectly tailored suit. He has always been a suit guy while I opt for more comfortable clothes that let me move easily. “Where areyoustaying while you're here, Vinny?”

Don’t punch him.“Stop calling me that. I’m staying upstairs.” I don’t offer more because none of this actually concerns him. “How long is it going to take?”

“Probably all day with a place this size but pretend like we’re not even here.” Nico runs his tattooed hand through his jet-black hair as Bree comes upstairs.Has she been working out since four this morning?To be fair, if I had access to a home gym like hers, I’d use it as much as she seems to.

My gaze falls on her as she looks over at my business partner. “Are you the infamous Nico?”

Nico smiles at her, and for some reason, it pisses me off. “Guilty as charged. I hope Vinny told you some good things.”

Bree reaches out, and they shake hands, Nico’s smile still on his face. “Vinny, huh?”

“Or if you prefer to call him one-half of Wilder’s Angels, he loves that too.”

“Wilder’s Angels?” Bree looks confused, and I remember I never told her the name of the company we founded.

“Our company,” I say to her as her eyes widen.

She smiles, and I notice how red her cheeks are. “I like the name.”

“Vince picked it out, and I have to say, I like how he used my last name instead of his. It has a nicer ring to it.” Nico winks at her.Prick. Even hedoesn't know why I picked that name, but I do know he likes being the face of the company over me. He prefers the spotlight, and I’m more of a silent partner. It’s why we work so well together.

“How did you guys meet? You two seem very…”

“Different?” I finish her sentence, and she nods at me.

“Well, we do have differenttastes, if you know what I mean…” Nico elbows me in the side.Fucker.

“I don't need to hear about your sexual escapades, Nico. I get enough of that in the emails you send me once a week. And stop fucking putting me back on your stupid newsletter when I’ve unsubscribed.”

“But it’s too fun. I always enjoy the emails you send back. I didn't realize that many bad words existed,” Nico jokes.

Bree laughs as she runs a hand through her ponytail. “How much do I owe you for this? And do any of your guys need water or snacks? I can whip up something.”

God, this girl—always worrying about other people before herself. Before Nico can speak, I cut in. “You don't owe us anything, Bree.”

Nico meets my eyes and winks at me with a stupid fucking smirk on his face.

“No. Absolutely not, Vince. Let me give you guys something, please. I can’t let you do this for free.”

“Bree, this is for your safety, and it was my idea to call Nico.” I don’t tell her that I already paid Nico. I paid the usual amount I do when I bring him to a client. He gets them to use our security service while I guard them. It’s a win-win.

“I take payment in the form of catching that Ralph motherfucker. How does that sound, princess?”

Bree’s cheeks go red. Seriously? “Don’t fucking call her that, asshole.”

“Vince, it’s fine. Does this system work the same as the last one?”

“It does. There’s a passcode I suggest you change from the last one, and you have someone on your house twenty-four-seven. If anything istripped or looks out of place, someone will notice and call authorities. There will also be panic buttons around the house, just in case. Those alert us as well.”

I see Bree’s shoulders relax when he finishes. “Oh. That’s good.”

“You’ll be safe, Bree, especially with this one living down the hall from you. He’s like a giant wall, and nobody I’ve seen try has succeeded in breaking it down.” Nico pats my shoulder as I stare at him, hoping he catches the annoying glare I send his way.

“Do you guys think…” Bree trails off, her eyes looking hollower than before.

“Think what, angel?”

Nico snickers and covers it with a cough.

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