Page 78 of Guarding Zuri
“What about your injuries?”
Recovery was annoying, but each day, Daemon’s strength improved. With his father resigned to his bed, Daemon couldn’t afford to rest. “I’m okay. Not my first bullet.”
“First one for a woman,” Arthur said, his mouth still smiling.
“Eh. I could argue I took a bullet for every woman in this country when I was in the service.”
“Point taken. When are you going to go get my future daughter-in-law? I’d like to see her again. At least knowyou’llbe taken care of when I’m gone.”
Daemon leaned back and crossed his arms. “Still trying to play matchmaker?”
“While I draw breath, I can do work that matters.”
Daemon contemplated his father’s earlier question. He wasn’t sure she’d want to see him. Daemon assumed David hadn’t told her the truth about his “death.”She would’ve called.At least that’s what Daemon told himself. Months of silence meant either she didn’t know he lived or she knew and had moved on. “I guess when everything’s calmed down over there. When the government requests contract bids for work. Knight Industries is well-positioned.”
“Use whatever influence you can,” Arthur advised with a wink.
“You’re okay with Knight Industries working in Bendola now?”
“You’re the CEO. It’s your call. I hear she’s president.”
Daemon grinned. “She is. She’ll make a wonderful leader. Has a lot of help around her.”
“I think you’re making a mistake letting her think you’re dead. I know you’re recovering and you want to be here with me, but—”
“We weren’t in a relationship, Dad. She was my client.”
Arthur gurgled another laugh. “And the next thing you’re going to tell me is that you don’t have feelings for her. Even after six months.”
Daemon winced at the accusation. Lingering pain traveled across his chest. He still couldn’t get in a good chest workout at the gym, but his doctor had given him a prognosis of an excellent recovery—if he took it easy and tried not to breathe too hard. But this pain was of the heart. There wasn’t any way to cure it.
“Dad, what makes you think she’s your future daughter-in-law? That she’ll even want to marry me—if I asked. Like you said, it’s been six months. She’d sooner kill me if I resurrect myself.”
Arthur smiled. “A little stubbornness and pride don’t defeat a Knight. You’re my son. Of course she’ll want to marry you. If not you, then for the money.” He chuckled. Daemon made a look of disgust. “Oh, come on, I’m joking. I can’t take any of it with me, you know. Don’t deny me a few laughs before I’m six feet under.”
“Heaven wouldn’t want that joke, Dad. Even if I wanted her, I can’t pursue her until—”
“Until I die.”
Daemon held the man’s weary gaze. “I will not leave you, Dad. Not now.”
Arthur’s sharp eyes scanned his son. “Then you’re not getting any of the money.”
“What?”
“You don’t go get your woman, then you can’t have my money. I swear it. I’ll call my lawyer.”
Daemon snarled and picked up the cell on the bedside table. “Not if you can’t get to a phone. And I’ll disconnect the intercom system, too.”
“Oh, so now you want the Knight legacy?” Arthur laughed again. Tears welled in the elder man’s eyes. “I’ll be all right, son. I’m going to see your mother again. I’ve been waiting for this for too long. If I could’ve joined her sooner, I would’ve.”
Daemon saw his father fight to stay while he transitioned into the CEO role.I’ve been keeping him for the love of his life.Tears slipped from Daemon’s lids. “Dad…”
“I don’t want to leave you, but when you meet a woman who is everything—and I know you have—being separated will be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. And I didn’t do it well.” He frowned.
“Lola is okay, Dad. I talked to her this morning. She sent you those flowers.” Daemon nodded to the enormous bouquet on a table in the center of the room.
“She was the best one, after your mother. I should’ve treated her better.”
