Page 195 of Fierce Storm
“Of course not. Fucking Camilla. I bet she’s loving the drama of it all.”
“I’m not going to take that bet. A few of the guys from her security detail have said she’s been having a bit of fun with them all.”
“Having fun? What does that— Never mind.” I shake off my impending anger. She can look after herself.
“How’s Paige?” Austin asks next and my stomach knots.
“Still being stubborn. I’d love it if you could continue to keep an eye on her if you can. She’s not happy about it, but she knows. She said she’ll talk to Easton about testifying, and while I’d normally want to kick his ass if he attempted to tell Paige what to do, in this case, I’m hoping he puts his foot down.”
“Do you think he will?”
“God only knows.”
I push through the doors at JFK, searching for my driver, and find Austin instead, his casual shrug making me laugh.
“You could have just told me you were here.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” His delivery holds no humor, and another chuckle escapes me.
“Why are you here, may I ask?”
“Because you keep insisting on not having your own protection. Like you’re a goddamn hero.”
“I’m not being a hero. I’m pooling my resources to where they’re truly needed.”
“Your resources? Sal, you’re the richest fucker I know. You can buy more resources.”
“I can, but it’s not necessary.”
“If you say so.” Austin half laughs, half scoffs and I ignore him.
“Does that mean I’m stuck with you until this whole thing is over?” I stare at him through the rearview mirror as his lips curl.
“Lucky for you, no. Though I’ll have one of my men with you at all times.”
“Great, I hope they don’t mind being bored.”
“Boredom is actually preferred. Because it means that their subject is safe.”
“If you say so.” I repeat his words back to him, only half smiling when he laughs.
Austin changes the subject after that, trying to convince me that his team is going to win the Super Bowl this year, and I roll my eyes as he gives me his reasons.
“You have a new quarterback, while we have the best in the league.”
“Are you sure about that? Beckett Myers isn’t exactly new. He was ranked as one of the best last season.”
“Maybe so, but he’s new toyourteam. You know it takes time to get settled.”
“Agree to disagree.”
My phone vibrates, and when I see that it’s Paige, I shelve our conversation, and Austin nods in acknowledgment. “Hey, Kiddo, how are you?”
“I’m good. I thought I’d let you know that I’m on my way to your new place to hang out with Keeley, my posse in tow.”
“Good. Embrace it. Consider them your shadows until the Mikklesons are in prison.”
“Yay. I can’t wait.”
