Page 18 of The Kingpin's Omega Lover
“Fine. I still want regular updates, even if it’s to say you’ve found nothing. And on schedule. Understood?”
“Yes, sir. I won’t call late again.”
“Good.” King picked up the handset and slammed it down, having kept a landline for this exact reason. It was much more satisfying than with a cell phone. He’d asked for regular updates from his surveillance team, every day at ten a.m. and again at three p.m., and when he hadn’t gotten his three o’clock call, King had been pissed.
Six minutes late was unacceptable, damn it. Even when the report was nothing had changed, no new targets acquired, Kingstill needed to know, so he knew how much he was failing to keep his promise to Malori.
“So, should I execute Julian, or do you wanna do it?” Bishop asked.
“What?” King stared, confused by the question.
“He was a few minutes late calling with no new updates, because he was finishing up a lead that was a dead end. It’s not the most egregious thing anyone’s ever done, but you look like you want to reach through the phone and throttle the man. I could have his position shifted, but he’s one of the best computer guys we’ve got after Ziggy.”
“No, don’t transfer him, it’s fine. I’m just frustrated.”
“Clearly.” Bishop glanced at his own cell, then put the phone face-up on the desk. “Are you sure you still want to do the Remington meeting tonight?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“You’ve been a little distracted since yesterday.”
Since yesterday’s amazing self-defense lesson that had ended with King beyond embarrassed by being turned down. Turned down for something he had never imagined asking for from another man, but he’d wanted it so badly with Malori. And he’d blown it.
So to speak.
He’d avoided Malori, Kensley and Bishop (as much as business allowed) since yesterday morning. Bishop didn’t seem to be fishing, though, simply making a statement. “I have been distracted, but I’m perfectly capable of managing tonight’s meeting.” The potential business relationship with Lynn Edgerton was too valuable a commodity to postpone, and Remington had always come through with his introductions in the past.
“All right.” Bishop cleared his throat. “I also saw the change to tomorrow’s schedule. A firing range?”
“Yes.” King squared his shoulders. “I promised Malori I’d teach him how to use a gun properly. Hold it and fire it. Safety and all that.”
“You know, I could teach him. Or I could ask someone?—”
“Malori asked me to do it. He wants to learn how to defend himself, and I’m more than happy to teach him.”
“So, you rented an entire gun range for two hours?”
“Yes.”
“It’s not a bad idea, actually. If Kens wasn’t so far along, I’d probably bring him, too. I mean, I showed him how to handle a rubber gun, but we’ve never worked with live ammunition.”
King nodded, unsurprised Bishop had given Kensley some lessons in gun handling. Kensley had spent literally half his life away from the world, behind the high walls of the Holy Order Ninth Cathedral, and he wasn’t being passive in his own safety now that he was out. Being kidnapped once was enough for anyone. Kensley was also insanely protective of the baby growing inside of him, and he was careful to do everything his doctor suggested, from a healthy diet to moderate exercise.
Shooting a gun, even while wearing protective headgear, was probably not a great thing to attempt during his last trimester. Most omega males ended up in abbeys, as confirmed priests, celibate for their entire lives, so the number of OBs in the city who had experience with pregnant men was limited to two. King had had both doctors carefully vetted before choosing one to take care of Kensley and the baby.
King’s future niece or nephew. Neither Kensley nor Bishop wanted to know the sex until the baby was born, so everyone had to wait for the surprise. King hated surprises.
“Well, if all goes to plan, Kens will never have to learn to fire a real gun,” King said.
“You’re still sure about this plan?”
“It’s what meeting Remington tonight is about, isn’t it?”
King had every intention of keeping his promise to Malori about finding his children, but he was also laying the groundwork for a safe exit from this life for all of them. Kensley had always deserved a safe, happy life, and as soon as Bishop fell head over ass for Kensley, Bishop had shown signs of wanting out. Once the baby was born and old enough to travel safely, King would bid his brother and best friend a fond farewell to a new home.
The plan was to join up with them one day—with Malori, if possible. But with each month that passed and no clear leads turning up, King wasn’t sure if or when they’d be leaving the city. Or if Malori would go if King asked. Malori seemed unable to make plans past finding his kids, which was perfectly valid. Malori couldn’t make those plans, but King could. And he was.
“Kensley said dinner is at five o’clock,” Bishop said, apropos of nothing, “since he knows we have an evening meeting. We’ll have time to get where we need to be.”
