Page 132 of The Desired Nanny
Repeat.
A cigar rested between my fingers, and I took slow, deliberate drags. The lit tip burned a soft, orange glow, and lazy smoke tendrils curled around my face. I slouched deeper into the leather chair and lazily scrolled through the video feed again.
Knocking interrupted my solitude.
“Leave me be.”
“I have an update you may want to be aware of.”
“It better be worth my time.”
Desi entered, appearing more morose than usual. I rolled my eyes and snuffed out the cigar.
“My condolences,” I offered.
The muscle in Desi’s jaw ticked at the mention of his brother’s passing.
“Thank you, sir,” he replied tightly.
“Sutton’s passing was 100% avoidable,” I said, still poking the bear.
“I agree, sir.”
“He would’ve still been with us today had he had better aim. You can’t underestimate the Baker women.”
“No, you can’t,” he replied with a challenging glare.
I understood what he was hinting at, but Kiyah was a woman who, despite being trained in hand-to-hand combat and firearms, had many weaknesses. Twelve of them, to be exact.
There were twelve weaknesses to exploit, and they were all alive… for now.
Kiyah wouldn’t come willingly—she’d fight me tooth and nail—but I was prepared.
I shot Desi a practiced smile before inquiring about the nature of his visit.
“Grant Baker has contacted Sentinel Security.”
I grinned, unable to hide my excitement. I spooked them enough to seek out protection, and what were the odds they’d reach out to my security company?
“Tell me more.”
“He inquired about bodyguard services for himself, Kiyah, and Baker Personal Injury & Law, along with one of our fully-equipped security surveillance home systems.”
“Wonderful. Did Grant mention reaching out to any other companies?”
“He mentioned reaching out to Black Hawk Enterprises and Preston Personal Security to schedule interviews.”
“Preston Personal Security might be a monkey wrench in our plan. I hate to say it, but his security team is the best in the state.”
“Perhaps the best in the country,” Desi interjected.
I chewed my bottom lip as I contemplated my next move. There was no way Grant would link Sentinel Security to me because I wasn’t a fucking idiot and didn’t have my name attached to the business, but beating out Preston for the bid would be challenging.
“How do you wish to proceed?”
I heaved a sigh and stood from my chair, approaching the window in my office. I crossed my arms and chewed on a thumbnail.
“Offering Grant a heavily discounted rate wouldn’t do the trick. He’d become suspicious, thinking our offer would be too good to be true. He’d spend top dollar to make sure his loved ones were safe. Graham Preston is a former Navy SEAL and recruits 90% of his security staff from the armed forces. Grant would favor a man of his background,” I mumbled around my thumbnail.
