Page 69 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Good. Please leave.”
She slowly gets up from her chair and leaves the office, the door shutting softly behind her.
“Bruce,I’mgladtosee you.” I grin at the man who has undoubtedly become my life line.
“A pleasure as always, Mr. Gould.”
“Good to hear it. Tell me, what have you uncovered about Ivan Sokolov?”
“You may be interested to know that Mr. Sokolov is bankrupt. Now I don’t usually like to speak out of place, but that strikes me as a reason to attempt blackmail on a high-profile billionaire.” Bruce’s eyebrows lift high up on his head.
“I think you’re right, Bruce. Do you remember the day I met Ivan in the warehouse? Was that conversation I had with him recorded via the wire I was wearing?”
“The conversation was not recorded, unfortunately.”
“Hmm, that is quite unfortunate. Well, that leads me to my Plan B. Bruce, I’m going to lay out a plan for you, and I’d like you to tell me if it’s completely idiotic, alright?”
Bruce simply nods in response.
“Alright. We go to the police. I’ll tell them that Ivan has been blackmailing me, and I believe that it’s because he’s bankrupt. We will request a sting operation be set up—Hailey and I can wear wires and meet up with Ivan, getting him to confess right into the police’s ears.”
“That’s a brilliant plan, Mr. Gould. What are we to do if the police aren’t willing to set up a sting operation? Shall we conduct our own?”
“They should be more than willing. We’ve assisted them in covert operations before, and it’s time they assist for once. But, if they aren’t, then we will definitely be conducting our own. Worst-case scenario, I’ll call in a favor from my cousin, Holden.”
“The one that owns the renowned private security company?” Bruce asks.
“Yes, he’s the one. I’m not sure what’s he’s up to nowadays, but he’s always willing to help family.”
I clap Bruce on the shoulder in appreciation. “I’m very grateful to have you around, you know. It’s hard to find good, reliable security and I seem to have lucked out by finding the best around. But, you’ve become more than just my security, you’ve become my friend—my family, even.”
Bruce just nods and slips out the door quietly. I’ll have to remember to give him a very large bonus once this whole mess is sorted. Heaven knows he deserves it.
Chapter Thirty
Hailey
Anxietyloomsovermeas I fidget in Landon’s office. My fingers tap uncontrollably, almost as if they have a mind of their own. Landon is in the office with me, and he is rubbing my back in a way that I think is supposed to be soothing, but only amps me up more.
It’s not bad anxiety, though. Maybe anxiety isn’t even the right word; it’s more like anticipation, mixed with excitement. Or maybe that’s still just anticipation. Whatever. It doesn’t matter what it’s called because we are getting rid of the second problem in our lives.
“Hailey, are you sure you can do this? You’re completely on edge,” Landon asks, peering deep into my eyes.
I get lost in his deep blue eyes, happily swimming in the comfort they provide. Truly, there is no one I’d rather be standing here with.
It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come. I started out loathing Landon, but brick by brick, he’s taken down my walls. Where he used to cause me stress, he now only makes me feel better. And I can tell that I’ve changed him too. He used to be so uptight, but I see a different side of him now. I mean, not right now, because right now he’s looking at me like he’s expecting an answer.
Wait. That’s because he is expecting an answer.
“Yeah, yeah, of course. I mean, even if I didn’t want to, I have to.” I turn my head, indicating the earpiece in my left ear.
It’s what the police are using to communicate with us, and since Landon’s hair isn’t long enough to cover his ears, I’m the only one who can use it.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, Hailey. You know that, right?” His concern is completely endearing, and also completely unnecessary.
“Landon, please. I’m a grown adult, and I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t want to do it. I want to have as much of a role in nailing that asshole Sokolov as you do.” The fire ignites in my eyes, and a smile creeps onto Landon’s face.
A knock sounds on the door, loud and intimidating when it reverberates around the small room.
