Page 116 of Daniil
I stare at him.“It’s like we share a brain sometimes.”
“I’ve been thinking about it for several weeks, it just didn’t take shape until now—shadow security guards.”
“Shadow security?”I ask curiously.
“A venture where we work in the shadows to help people.Celebrities with stalkers, women running from abuse—I haven’t worked out the details yet, but that’s where my thought process is.I have the money so why not help people?”
“I also have money,” I whisper, batting my eyelashes.“Did you know I have a sugar daddy?”
“You do?”He widens his eyes playfully.“I hope he gives you lots of spending money.”
“He does.In fact, I was going to use some to buy Westfield and Carruthers.I didn’t get as far as what the focus would be but yes—women on the run, stalkers, those are the things that give what we do meaning.”
“Don’t get me wrong, if we’re going to put people with exceptional skills on the payroll, we need money rolling in so there will be all the regular bodyguard and security stuff too.Just with a twist.”
“Shadow security.”I roll it over in my mind.“I think that’s what we call it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Shadow Security.In capital letters.That’s the name of the company once we buy it.With a slightly different mission statement.”
“I like it.”He nods.
Everything is snowballing out of control and even though it’s exciting, it’s all a little overwhelming.And I have to be positive he’s serious because I couldn’t survive if he left me again.
“Are you sure, Daniil?I feel like I’m pulling you away from the life you were born to.”
“You’re not.I’m here because I finally realized it’s not the life Iwant.Something changed while I was in exile, and though I had to help Erik get things off the ground, now that it’s up and running…I needed to pivot.I need you and our son.And he gave his blessing.”
“He did?”
“He’s the one who told me to get on the plane to Vegas the moment the pipeline bill passed.”
“It passed!”
“It did.And I got on the first plane to Vegas.I’ll still have responsibilities until the elections in January.Can you hang in there until then?It’ll be a long-distance thing for a while but?—”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why will it be a long-distance thing?”
“Do you plan to come back and forth to Limaj with me?”
“Absolutely.”My gaze burns into his.“Now that you’re mine, I’m not letting you go.I will suck it up and pull up my big-girl pants if I have to.Besides, we’re going to have to visit, right?They’re still your family.”
“Ourfamily,” he corrects gently.“Because you’re part of me now.”
“I love you, Daniil Gustaffson.”
“I love you too, Courtney Grimshaw.Will you marry me?”
I freeze.“Now?”
“We’re in Vegas—why not?”
I frown.
