Page 136 of Their Property
“They also evacuated service staff before the bombing. They told you what was happening so you could get us out. They didn't have to do that.”
Grudge snorted and wrote out,Those aren't very high standards for having allies.
“I know, love. I'm just thinking out loud.”
He melted whenever I used that pet name, and right now was no exception. My quietest man dragged my chair closer and locked his hands around the far side of my waist. I tried to concentrate while he peppered kisses on my neck and shoulder.
“If Gerard genuinely wants to create a fair, stable territory, he wouldn't be opposed to putting limits on his power. Before the Collapse, the old US government had checks and balances so that no single branch could hold too much power.”
“Yeah, and look how that turned out,” Chris scoffed.
“Well, we have the gift of hindsight now,” I answered. “We can see what didn't work before and propose laws to fix that. If he refuses power limits, that's pretty telling in and of itself.”
The room went quiet for a while. I waited for more arguments but none came. Eventually, it was T-Bone that said, “Sounds like you've made up your mind, little lady.”
I shook my head. “No, far from it. But I think I have some clarity on what I should talk to Gerard about. His answers, or lack thereof, will help me come to a decision.”
“So.” Dyno tilted his head. “We're going back?”
I looked at him and then everyone else. “You guys are okay with that?”
“We support you,”Grudge said.
“There is a chance he's not a total piece of shit, and I think it's worth it to find out.” T-Bone's face went stern. “But you are not meeting him alone again. No fucking chance. We're in the room, or it doesn't fucking happen.”
“You do realize you're not actually my bodyguards anymore, right?” I rose from the table and went to him, standing on tiptoes to loop my arms around his neck.
“True, we're not.” T-Bone drew me against his torso and rested his hands on the small of my back. “But you're our old lady, our property. We don't protect you for a paycheck. We do it because you're the reason our hearts beat.” He leaned down, teasing a kiss just out of my reach. “And why our cocks rise.”
The laugh burst from my mouth just as my palm slapped to his chest. “You're almost romantic, but then you have to ruin it by being dirty.”
“You love me dirty,” he chuckled.
“I love you no matter how you are.”
He paused, blinked once, then finally gave me that kiss.
FORTY-TWO
KYRIE
“Imust admit, I didn’t expect to see you again, Miss Vance.” Gerard's eyes scanned the table to acknowledge the three men at my sides. “Nor the Sons of Odin.”
“Yeah, the feeling is mutual,” T-Bone said.
“This isn't an acceptance of your offer,” I cut in. “But I wanted more information from you and came up with terms that would have to be met before I say yes.”
“Of course.” Gerard spread his hands, ever welcoming and diplomatic. “Name your terms.”
“I want them in writing,” I said, adding a hard edge to my voice. “And signed by a witness that is not you or me.”
Gerard tilted his head, regarding me curiously. “You do realize your terms aren't enforceable yet, Miss Vance?”
“I know that. But after we make multiple copies and put them in several secure locations, whoever finds them generations from now will know which side I was on. If I'm betrayed, at least those who come after us will know whatIstood for.”
Gerard wore the look I’d seen often during my brief time as an ambassador. The look of a man who underestimated me.
“Very well,” he conceded. “I'll track down someone to transcribe this whole meeting and witnesses to sign your terms. In the meantime, please.” He gestured to the spread of untouched food on the table in front of us. “Help yourselves. You've had a long ride and are my guests.”
