Page 44 of Wolf's Whistle
Frankie Ferone went out the front door and stood on the steps.
Richard turned to Julien. “Shame on you. That man is trying to help us, and you were rude. Just because he isn’t loup garou, doesn’t mean he’s unwilling to help.”
“They charged us a million dollars.”
“Can we afford it?” Richard asked.
“Of course, we can afford it.” Julien scoffed.
Richard pursed his lips. “Remember, it was Don Ferone who asked for the money, not his son.”
Julien pondered his Mate’s astute words. “You’re right.”
“If we can afford it and we need the protection, stop complaining and ask the man if he wants some coffee and pastries. These men shouldn’t be treated any differently than our own if they were manning the house.” Richard’s gaze landed on Julien’s face. He waited expectantly.
“You make me a better man, mon ange. I’ll ask Isabel to serve them coffee.”
“No, you’ll go out and ask him if they want coffee yourself. It’s us he’s protecting. It should be one of us to offer him and his men a cold or a hot drink. They can come in groups of five, then Isabel can serve them. Tomorrow your people will be here. This is just for tonight. Sean said Armand would call and send the plane.” Without waiting for a response, Richard took the stairs to the kitchen.
Chapter Eleven
Julien’s Townhouse
Master Suite
Very Early Sunday Morning
Julien stepped off the elevator and walked into the master bedroom. “Everyone has some hot coffee or a cold soda. Are we ready for bed?”
“I could sleep until next week.” Richard yawned.
“Then get into bed and I’ll join you in a moment. I want to check the window to see that Murphy covered it properly. You were right about the coffee. I spent a few minutes talking to Frankie Ferone. He’s a nice guy. Too bad he followed his father into the business. He graduated from Columbia and got an MBA from Harvard.” Julien rubbed his chin. “I wonder if he’s married.”
“Ask him in the morning. In the meantime, come to bed. I want you to hold me, I’m still shaky.” Richard climbed into bed.
Julien followed and pulled Richard into his arms, spooning him. “Don’t worry, mon ange.” He kissed his Mate’s back. “The loup garou take care of their own. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Something happened to Julio…” Richard sat up.
“Julio didn’t know he was a Mate, but as soon as Etienne met him, he sent Adrien over to his apartment to guard him. That’s why Julio survived, that, Etienne’s pheromones, and Sean’s Voice.”
Richard was silent for a few moments. “Julio is the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and I knew him before he lost his parents. I trust you and all of the loup garou I’ve met so far.” He lay back down, facing Julien. “I love you, I can’t explain it nor do I know why it happened so fast, I just know that I do.”
“Go to sleep, mon ange. It should all be better in the morning.” Julien, sensing that Richard wasn’t quite up to anytelevisiontonight, gently kissed his Mate and stroked his hair until Richard fell asleep.
§ § §
Julien’s Suite
Sunday Morning at Ten
Julien opened his eyes at ten when Marcel came into the room to wake them. “Alpha, our men, have arrived, and the glazier is here. Would you like to eat in the breakfast room? Mr. Ferone also wishes to speak to you.” He opened the curtains. Sunlight spilled into the room.
Julien blinked at the sudden brightness. “Have Mr. Ferone’s and our men eaten?” He recalled Richard’s scolding the previous night.
“Yes, Isabel fed Mr. Ferone’s men at seven and our Enforcers when they arrived at eight.”
“Give us fifteen minutes to wash and dress. We’ll meet Mr. Ferone in the breakfast room.”
