Page 5 of Degrees of Power
“Trust aside, Katarina. This time it’s a little different, there are things you really should be aware of, Baby,” he says.
I shake my head. “No, that man is evil. I still have an incredibly hard time thinking about what would have happened if that shipment had reached it’s destination. How many kids would have died after ingesting that stuff?”
“Your father and Vicenti are working to shut other production sites down so that doesn’t happen,” Chase says.
“Okay, now you have my interest. I didn’t know Vicenti was involved in helping with that, but Dad did mention the men from Miami were assisting. I thought you were closing them down to spite Alfreita?”
“Clearly you know quite a bit for someone that’s not supposed to be aware of anything,” Chase says, eyebrows raised.
“Blame my father. He spilled his guts,” I say, grinning.
“And yet you aren’t interested in what I would share with you?” he says, gazing intently at me.
“I have to admit, it surprises me too, but honestly, I don’t have any desire to know,” I say.
“You need only ask if you change your mind,” he says before taking a bite of his breakfast.
“The dish is made from egg whites. I’m pretty sure it’s only the yolks you find too rich, so I altered the recipe. Chase, I think you’ll like it, too,” Gaby says.
“That’s awesome, Gaby. Thank you so much. I’m sure Chase will love it!” I say, trying not to laugh at his upturned eyebrows and look of appall as he chews and she sashays out of the room.
“I’m pretty sure participation in the altering of my breakfast routine should be considered along with security and work. So it would appear now is a good time to talk about ground rules,” he says, smirking.
“Seriously, we’re going to discuss this now?”
“You threw down the gauntlet, Baby,” he says, toying with his egg white bake. “Why don’t we agree to four hours of work this afternoon and four tomorrow? It seems you’ve been quite productive already this morning,” he says, eyes dancing with amusement.
“What about four hours today and eight tomorrow?”
“I would counter that. A paddling of my choosing with any implement I see fit for every hour past four tomorrow.”
“For every hour? So you would bank them up?” I ask.
“Indeed, and would let you pay them off with various other acts of indiscretion,” he says, his eyes sparkling.
“How about a paddling for each hour over four with the implement of my choosing? That sounds like a fair compromise, considering it’s my first time.”
“I concur, spending time selecting instruments together would be most pleasing indeed,” he says.
“And just how would you suggest doing this?” I ask right before Gaby walks in.
He raises his eyebrows and tries to hide his smirk as she begins clearing dishes and discussing dinner. “Did Katarina tell you we set the wedding date?” he says to Gaby.
“Oh, good Lord. She most certainly did not,” she says, grinning widely. “That most definitely calls for a celebration dinner. Will you be home tonight?” she asks.
“Yes, until next Wednesday. Then the three of us will be flying with Jay and the crew to New York. We’ll all be staying with Katarina’s parents for the wedding on Christmas Eve,” he says.
“This year! And you’re taking me with you?” she says, wide eyed.
“Gaby, you know you’re much more than the person that takes care of this home to me. You’ve been like a second mom,” he says.
“Young man, do you have any idea how much I love you!” she says, hugging his neck.
“The feeling is mutual Gaby,” he says, laughing. “I’ve asked my assistant to contact you tomorrow. She and Katarina’s mom will help coordinate your dress for the occasion. If I recall it will be a theme of sapphire and black,” he says.
“Good memory, Chase. Gaby, you’re going to look absolutely amazing and we would be delighted to have you at our wedding.”
“My goodness. I am so excited I don’t know where to start. I better get a plan together for the staff if we’re going to be gallivanting all over the countryside,” she says, sashaying out of the kitchen.
