“I’m the secretary, Mr. Nico.” Becky didn’t respond with, “nice to see you also” because she was never much of a liar. “Why wouldn’t I be here?”
“Oh, I thought….” His eyes roamed down her body, a heat that made her very uncomfortable filling his eyes.
“You thought wrong.” She wasn’t about to let this asshole know anything about her and Sloan. Damon suddenly stepped between them, blocking Evan from her view.
“Through that door right there.” Damon nodded, his tone stern and downright mean.
Becky followed, wondering what in the hell was going on. Once inside, she went to her desk and sat down. Her eyes went directly to Sloan and the half smile on his face sent shivers down her spine. She was about to see Sloan at work. His smile was not a welcoming one. This man was the real Sloan Murphy.
Chapter 31
Sloan didn’t even stand when Evan and his posse of, if he guessed right, dirty cops walked into his office. As soon as his eyes met Evan’s, he knew as confident as Evan tried to appear, he was intimidated and that suited Sloan just fine.
“What can I do for you, Nico?” Sloan used his last name purposely. Self-important assholes usually liked formal and this fucker would never get the respect of formal from him. Best he learned that now.
Sure enough, the frown on the bastard’s face indicated he was not happy being addressed that way.
“It’s Evan,” he tried to correct, but Sloan wasn’t having it.
“I know,” was Sloan’s only reply.
“Do you have a problem with me?” Evan glanced around at all the Warriors staring at him, before looking back at Sloan. “Because that is going to make it very difficult for us to work together.”
“Actually, yes, I do.” Sloan was going to lay it all on the table. Might as well let him know what he was in for, because it was going to be a long, miserable time for him if he decided to go up against the VC. “And I don’t see us working well together. I believe Lance Garfield, who is well respected by each Warrior here, was framed. We are going to make it our priority to investigate and clear his name. I believe you are in this position under false pretenses and I also believe you are behind the recent bombings of the Warrior training facilities, mine included.”
Sloan had to give him credit. Evan didn’t flinch, but Sloan was trained to spot weakness and he saw a flicker of fear in the man’s eyes before it was replaced with anger. “You best watch yourself. I could sue you for slander.”
“You could, if I was wrong.” Sloan cocked his eyebrow at him. “But we both know I’m not. So why don’t you tell me why you dragged your suit-wearing ass down here before I have my Warriors kick you and your thug cops out of my office and off my property.”
“You don’t know who you are dealing with.” Evan leaned toward Sloan, but far enough away to be safe.
Sloan stood quickly, making Evan and the cops take a step back. “I know exactly who I’m dealing with and if you think you have any power over me, then you don’t know who you are dealing with.”
Everyone was on edge, waiting. Sloan knew exactly where Becky was just in case shit went bad. Damon glanced at him, then to Becky, and positioned himself ready to protect her if he needed. Sloan gave him a short nod.
“Now, why don’t you tell me why you are here so you can get the fuck out?” Sloan sneered, already done with the game of who had the bigger dick. He had no doubts about himself, but Evan did, and he could see it in his eyes.
“I have an arrest warrant for Blaze.” Evan tossed the warrant on Sloan’s desk from where he stood.
Sloan looked to Blaze who looked bored, but ready to defend if needed. Picking up the warrant, Sloan read it. “And what exactly did he do?”
“He beat up an upstanding citizen in the community who is pressing charges,” Evan replied, nodding toward one of the officers who went toward Blaze, who still looked bored.
“You take one more step, I will have one of my Warriors toss your ass out.” Sloan didn’t even take his eyes off the warrant before looking up at Blaze.
“I dropped Katrina off last night,” Blaze answered Sloan’s silent question. “As I was keeping an eye out, because I didn’t trust leaving her there alone, upstanding Bob came stumbling out of the bar.”
Sloan’s eyes went to Evan, who tugged at his tie. His focus then returned to Blaze. He sent a silent message to Jill to get Katrina. She left immediately.
“He made his way into the street, probably trying to find where he parked his car so he could drive home drunk, but instead, he kicked a dog that I spent the whole fucking night at the vet’s with.” Blaze glared at Evan. “Katrina must have been looking out the window and ran out. Before I could get to them, upstanding Bob once again kicked out, but instead of the dog, he kicked Katrina on the side of the head. So I repaid him with a kick to the chest from my bike as I passed.”
“Nice.” Sid nodded at Blaze.
“That’s not the story I was told.” Evan didn’t look very confident.
“Of course it wasn’t, asshole.” Blaze laughed. “I bet you have, let’s see, twenty witnesses saying something different. I bet it was the same drunk-ass punks who came out of the bar to stand up for upstanding Bob, and were trying to decide whether to jump me and Katrina.”
The door opened and Katrina walked in, her eyes going directly to the cops and then to Blaze.
“Katrina, what happened last night?” Sloan asked just as Jill closed the door.
Sloan stood and listened to the exact same story that Blaze just replayed, but from Katrina’s lips.
“And I want to press charges of animal cruelty,” Katrina ended, her eyes going to the cops and then Evan. “Do I do that with you?”
The Warriors chuckled, shaking their heads. Evan looked embarrassed and pissed.
“None of that matters, little girl, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut your mouth.” Evan pointed to the warrant. “I am taking him in and there is nothing you can do about it. It’s legal. And I know he’s not a Warrior so you have no jurisdiction on the matter.”
“Seems like you know an awful lot about my men for a DA.” Sloan smirked. He also knew for a fact he did have jurisdiction, but before he could say anything, Blaze walked up to Sloan’s desk.
“Give me the fucking paper.” Blaze’s eyes swirled fire.
“Are you sure?” Sloan wanted this, but he didn’t want Blaze to feel forced.
“I know you have it all ready to go, Sloan.” Blaze’s eyes narrowed at him. “Just give me the fucking paper before I change my mind.”
Sloan looked back at Becky, who was already at the file cabinet. She handed Damon a file, which he handed to Jared, who in turn handed it to Sloan. Pulling out the paper, he laid it on his desk in front of Blaze. Without hesitation, Blaze picked up a pen and signed without even looking it over.
Blaze tossed the pen down and then grabbed the warrant and smacked it none too lightly on Evan’s chest. “Stay out of my fucking way. And if you ever talk to her like that again, I’ll burn your ass alive,” Blaze warned him before he walked back to his place, crossed his arms, and once again looked bored.
“I won’t forget that threat.” Evan eyed Blaze with hate.
“That would be healthy for you,” Blaze responded, no emotion whatsoever in his voice or expression.
Evan looked at the paper on Sloan’s desk. “What is that?”
“He is now an official VC Warrior.” Sloan grabbed the pen and signed underneath Blaze’s name. “And I just witnessed it.”
“This offense happened before he signed that paper, making it void and my warrant legal,” Evan spat, showing his true colors.
Sloan picked up the paper and held it up. “Seems it was dated a month ago.”
“This is bullshit and against the law.” Evan huffed, then looked at his officers. “I have witnesses.”
“Which reminds me.” Sloan grabbed a pen and paper, tossing it to Duncan. “Get their names and badge numbers.”
“Listen, Nico. I’m done with answering your questions.” Sloan leaned toward him, his eyes narrowing in anger. “How about you answer some of mine? How did you set up Lance Garfield, because we both know that’s exactly what happened in order for you to get his position. Here’s another one for you, while you try to think your way out of that one, what is your aim in trying to take down the VC trainee program?”
“You don’t know who you’re de—” Evan started to say, but Sloan stopped him.
“Dealing with.” Sloan finished for him. “You better get a better vocabulary when dealing with me, asshole, because you already said that. Your first mistake was trying to injure or kill under my watch. Your second mistake was walking into my house and trying to tell me what to do. Your third mistake is still standing here. Get the fuck out and don’t come back.”
“This isn’t over.” He pointed at Sloan. “Not by a long shot.”
“No, it’s not, but it will be me that finishes.” Sloan sat down and leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed. “I’ve been doing this since before you were born, motherfucker, and I’ll be damned if I let a snot-nosed silver-spoon piece of shit take me or mine down. You drew the line and I’ve jumped over that son of a bitch. Now I’m not big on repeating myself, so I’ll have my Warriors escort you and your thugs out of my house.”
Duncan handed Sloan the cops’ names and badge numbers before Jared and Sid, followed by the rest, escorted them out of the room. Evan shouted threats the whole way. Blaze was the last to leave.
“Blaze, we can tear this up.” Sloan held out Blaze’s official oath.
Blaze stopped, his eyes going from the paper to Sloan. “And that right there is the reason I won’t. You’re a decent man, Sloan. I just hope you don’t regret that paper in your hand.” Blaze shut the door behind him.
Sloan sighed, then sat back in his chair, his eyes closed. Something hit his lap, making his eyes pop open. Becky sat on his lap, her eyes focused on his.
“Are you okay?” She ran a finger from his forehead to his chin, then kissed him softly.
“I am now.” He held her close. “Just part of the job.”
“Actually, you were pretty hot.” Becky gave him a sexy grin. “Getting all angry and besting that asshole. Definitely hot!”
“Ah, you think so, do you?” Sloan kissed her neck. “I have enemies, Becky, a lot of them, and they keep coming. Are you sure you want this?”
“I’ve never been more sure in my life about anything.” Becky pulled away, looking him straight in the eye. “But I have a small problem.”
Sloan’s eyes narrowed, not liking that at all. “What?”
“I think I’m in love with my boss,” Becky whispered, her eyes hopeful.
Never in his life had he felt this emotion. His throat actually tightened up. Glancing away from her, Sloan had to get his shit together before he started crying like a bitch. Sloan Murphy didn’t fucking cry. Clearing his throat, he looked back. “That’s too bad, because I’m in love with you and I’m Sloan, not your boss.”
Becky did cry. Her eyes overflowed as she crawled further up his lap, holding his neck tightly, her tears wetting his neck. After a few minutes, she pulled away. “Thank you so much.”
Sloan actually laughed. “What in the hell are you thanking me for?” He wiped her tears.
“For showing me that I am loveable.” Becky’s voice cracked. “Because honestly, I was really doubting.”
“I will one day kick your ex’s ass.” Sloan growled. “Never doubt that I love you, Becky. I never thought it was possible and I denied it would ever happen, but it has and you are mine. And tonight, I will show you exactly how lovable you are.”
His hand reached behind her head as he smashed his mouth against hers.
“I fucking knew it.” Jared popped in the office with Sid and the rest following. “Pay up, fuckers!” There was cursing and laughs going around, but Sloan and Becky just stared at each other.
“The bet?” Becky said against his mouth.
“Yes,” Sloan replied. “They’re assholes.”
“Only Sloan can kick ass one minute and have a beautiful woman on his lap the next,” Sid said as he sat down across from Becky and Sloan. “I want to be Sloan Murphy when I grow up.”
Chapter 32
Sloan was a nervous fucking wreck. Jesus, he could face the meanest, baddest motherfuckers on the planet, but meeting Becky’s son was making him nauseous, and he was a vampire. Vampires didn’t get fucking nauseous.
“You good?” Becky asked from the seat next to him.
“Yep,” he replied, but his stomach said, “Nope.”
He knew how important her son was to her and Sloan hoped to hell he didn’t blow it. Seeing the restaurant sign, he pulled in. Frankie was visiting with his dad, but had set time to meet and have dinner with Becky and him.
Sloan smiled as Becky leaned forward, her face practically pushed against the windshield. He felt her excitement and mixed with his nerves, it was fucking driving him insane. He did not like this feeling at all, but he would go through the gates of hell for her. Sloan just hoped that wasn’t the case today.
“There he is,” she shouted and he barely stopped the car before she was jumping out.
“Dammit, Becky!” Sloan shouted, slamming on the brakes. “Wait until I stop.” But she was long gone.
Getting out of the car, he hit the lock button and put the keys in his pocket. Sloan walked toward them, but stayed back, giving them their moment. Her son was taller than her, well-built with dark hair that hung to his shoulders. Their eyes met and as always, Sloan could tell by a man’s eyes what kind of man he was. Becky’s son was a righteous guy who was very protective of his mother. Sloan knew immediately they would get along just fine.
Becky finally let him go and turned toward Sloan. “I’m so sorry.” Becky reached toward Sloan, who stepped closer and took her hand. “Frankie, this is Sloan Murphy. Sloan, this is my son, Frankie.”
Reaching out, Sloan shook Frankie’s hand. Her son’s grip was firm, but not disrespectfully so. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Frankie.” Sloan smiled down at him. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Oh, God.” Frankie glanced at his mom with a look only a son could give his mother. “I can only imagine what she’s told you.”
“All good.” Sloan laughed, enjoying Becky’s blush. “I promise.”
They made their way inside and got seated. Sloan noticed Frankie glancing at their joined hands, but he didn’t mention it.
“So, this is your boss, huh?” Frankie grinned, looking between Becky and Sloan.
“Well, yes, but….” Becky struggled with her words.
“Mom, it’s cool.” Frankie laughed, his eyes going to Sloan, then back to his mom. “Are you happy?”
“Very.” Becky nodded, then wiped a tear that leaked from her eye.
“That’s all I want for you.” Frankie’s eyes misted. “That’s all I ever wanted for you, Mom.”
“Ugh, now my nose is all runny.” She scooted toward Sloan. “Let me run to the restroom real quick.”
Sloan stood, then looked for the restroom and around the restaurant. When he felt okay with letting her go, he helped her out of the booth. She wiped another tear away.
“Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so damn weepy lately.” She gave him a wet smile.
Chuckling, Sloan sat back down and watched her disappear into the restroom before looking back at Frankie, who was staring at him.
“You’re a Warrior?” Frankie asked, taking a sip of water.
“Yes,” Sloan replied, waiting for the next question.
“Pretty obvious.” Frankie smiled. “The way you checked out the place before letting my mom go alone says a lot about you.”
“I’m in love with your mom, Frankie.” Sloan just came right out and laid it on the table. That was the type of man he was. “I promise you I will take care of
her and never do her wrong. She loves you and I respect that. I hope we can be friends, but if not, just know your mom is well taken care of and I will never come between the two of you.”
Frankie sat for a long time staring at Sloan. “My dad’s an asshole, but I still see him because he holds it over Mom’s head if I don’t.” Frankie glanced over to see if she was coming. “You treat my mom right and we will be the best of friends.”
“I plan on kicking your dad’s ass one day.” Sloan cocked an eyebrow, waiting for Frankie’s reaction.
“Just don’t kill him and let me be there when you do,” Frankie replied, his face serious.
Sloan thought about that for a minute, then nodded. “Deal.”
Frankie laughed, giving Sloan a knuckle bump. “You’re okay, man.”
“What’s so funny?” Becky asked as she scooted back in the booth.
Sloan and Frankie just looked at each other. “Guy talk,” they both said at the same time.
Enjoying watching Becky and her son interact, while also including him, was something Sloan would never forget. And unfortunately it was over too soon. Frankie had to get back to school and Sloan had things he had to take care of.
The ride was quiet on the way home. Sloan kept glancing over at Becky to check on her, but gave her space. He knew watching Frankie leave broke her heart.
Pulling into an empty parking lot, he put the car in park, then reached for her. She rested her head on his chest, but didn’t cry.
“I miss him,” Becky whispered. “I know he has to be his own man, but it’s so hard.”
“You did a great job with him, Becky,” Sloan said against her hair as he stared at nothing out the window. “He’s going to be a good man.”
They stayed like that for a few minutes more before they took off again. She’d needed to be held and he suddenly realized so did he, because what caused her pain, caused him the same.
Instead of going back to the compound, he drove to his apartment. He was glad Becky didn’t question it. There was something more important he had to do than work. That thought kind of freaked him out a little because for so long, work was what was most important to him, but that had changed, and fast.
Sloan (The Protectors Series) Book #9 Page 19