Jade (The Kings of Guardian Book 9)

by Kris Michaels

  "Hey, dynamite comes in small packages. You better watch out, or this squirt will take you out." She wagged her finger at him and arched an eyebrow in warning.

  Nic couldn't help the laugh that erupted at her bravado. She was a hellion. A dainty, tiny, demon that would back up her sass with some outrageous act. She'd grown up on a tough block, and she could take care of herself back in the day. He wouldn't be surprised if the woman was carrying mace or a Taser. Hell, she probably had both in that designer purse. It was big enough to double as a gym bag.

  "I promise to be on my best behavior." Nic extended his elbow and covered her hand when she took it. "It really is good to see you again."

  "You too, Nico." She smiled up at him.

  Nic felt a twinge of longing. Longing and desire, but not for Carla. He hadn't lied; it was good to see her again, but the chemistry he felt once upon a time for the girl he used to know wasn't there any longer. The feelings he had for the vixen he'd left at the gym this morning overrode any lingering memories of days gone by. He probably should have canceled the date with Carla and taken Jade out tonight, but he did want to catch up with her. She was one of his oldest friends.

  The elevator took them to the top floor of the building. The table they were seated at boasted a fantastic view of the midtown skyline. Buildings familiar to both of them spired over the tops of smaller office buildings. The setting sun painted prisms of flashing lights across windows of the taller buildings, dotting the city with splashes of brilliance.

  Carla pulled at the wine list the maître d'hôtel had given to him after the man had introduced their wait staff for the evening. The sommelier was at his elbow immediately to ask if he had any questions. Nic asked the sommelier to pair their dinner with the wines he felt were best. The man bowed and departed as quietly and quickly as he'd arrived. He was impressed with the service. It was on par with Justin's establishments, and they were world renowned for their service.

  "So Nico, tell me what you've been doing with your life." Carla lifted her eyes to him. "And don't leave anything out, because we are going to stay here until we are all caught up." She scrunched her nose at the wine selections and laid it back down at his elbow. "I want something with a kick. I've had a hell of a day. Would it be terribly uncouth of me to ask for a bourbon, water back, before dinner?"

  Nic covered his astonishment. Carla drinking bourbon was something he didn't think he'd ever see. He lifted his hand, and one of the wait staff appeared at his elbow. "Two Pappy Van Winkle's, neat, water back."

  "The Twenty-Year Family Reserve, sir?" The young man asked.

  "Of course."

  "Very good, sir." The waiter turned away immediately.

  "Pappy Van Winkle? You're joking, right? Is that a real bourbon?" Carla laughed aloud. The happy sound drew curious glances from nearby tables.

  "Indeed it is. I actually found it when I was on the police force in D.C., but the cost of a bottle was too steep for my paycheck. Fortunately, Mario gifted me a bottle one Christmas. Believe me, I was stingy as hell with the liquid gold and only had a small drink for special occasions, like when I closed a big case. Now that I can afford to order the best, I still prefer the Pappy over everything else." It had a sweetness to it that defied his limited vocabulary. "Perfection. Wait until you taste it."

  "Your mom told my dad you work for Guardian Security now. That organization has intrigued me for a long time. What exactly do you do at the global bastion of private security?"

  "I'm the Chief Operations Officer for the Domestic Security Division." Nic had used that line to get and hold the attention of many women. He would watch dollar signs light up their eyes. They were easy prey after that opening salvo. He lifted his glass of ice water to his lips.

  Carla tilted her head at his words and then squinted her eyes. "Bet that job title gets you fucked, a lot."

  Nic choked. He couldn't breathe and his eyes clouded. Carla rose out of her chair and came over. She started pounding him on his back, which made one hell of a scene. Waiters appeared out of thin air, and there were so many people talking all at once, Nic couldn't understand anyone.

  "Stop, I'm alright." He managed to croak out the words and draw a rough breath, coughing again, but not choking this time. The energized thrall of people around him faded away.

  "Jesus, Carla, warn a man, will you?" Nic took another sip of his water raising his finger at his date when she opened her mouth to speak again. No, she could wait until he cleared his throat before she said something that would most likely send him into shell shock. Hell, he expected that type of response from Jade, but Carla? No. It was wrong, on all accounts. He put the glass down and regarded her.

  "Sorry?" She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and bit down trying to hide the smile that spread across her face. She failed miserably and started laughing at him. "You turned as red as Papa's marinara sauce."

  "Yeah, hearing that from you was shocking, to say the least. What happened to the sweet girl I used to know?" Nic watched a million emotions flash across her face.

  Finally, she pursed her lips and shook her head. "A lot actually. I got married to a wonderful man I met when I was in college. You would have loved him, Nico. Eric was my knight in shining armor. Not long after we were married, we had a baby. Little Anthony was perfect and looked just like his daddy." Carla swiped at a tear that threatened to fall. "Anyway, Eric lost his job when the economy nose-dived and the bottom fell out of the construction business. So, he stayed home with our son while I worked. Eric and Anthony had planned a surprise for me on my birthday. They were going to pick me up and take me to dinner. I was working second shift at the television station at the time, doing odd jobs and learning the ropes, but I'd gotten several on camera reporting spots with the evening news." Carla swallowed hard and blinked back the emotions she was fighting. "The cab they were in was T-boned by an uninsured, drunk driver. Eric and Anthony died. The doctors said it was instant. The cabbie lingered in a coma for five months before he passed away. The bastard that hit them was out on probation for his second offense DUI." She paused and took a healthy slug of her bourbon that the waiter had silently delivered while she was speaking, before she cleared her throat and continued, "I've changed. I used everything I had to make sure that bastard went to jail and stays there. I go every year to testify at his parole hearing. What he did… I've dedicated my life since then to making sure criminals don't get away with their crimes."

  "How are you doing that?" Nic knew the woman was struggling to hang on to her emotions, so he diverted the conversation from her loss.

  "Investigative reporting. I started small, worked on slumlord issues, instituted a Rub Out Crime campaign in the old neighborhoods. I've moved up to bigger things since then, and I've recently signed on with Channel One to do a series on national and international crimes. Oh, my God, Nico, notorious crimes that would astound the average person are being swept under the carpet by governments and big business and the public rarely knows they happened."

  Nic leaned back in his seat. The enthusiasm for her topic animated her features as she spoke. He nodded his head and smiled in the appropriate places but didn't interject much into the conversation. He knew very well the crimes that the nation's security industry kept from humanity. Working at Guardian had further opened his already wide-open eyes. He wondered if Carla had an inkling of what he and his company actually accomplished using the methodology she described.

  "Congratulations on the job. I think you'll be amazing. Now I have to go search the internet for your news clips."

  "As if. I'm nothing special, but the stories? The public needs to know what is happening. The blindfold that the world's governments and big business has put over the general public's eyes is reprehensible." She lifted her drink and took a sip. "So tell me, do you have a special woman in your life?"

  He dropped his eyes as the ima
ge of Jade materialized in his brain. He shook his head to dislodge the unwanted remembrance of her soft skin and full lips. He glanced up at Carla and shook his head again before he took a drink of his Pappy. "Tough questions straight off the bat?" She'd always been direct. Now she was a steamroller.

  "Investigative reporter, remember?" Carla smirked at him and leaned back in the chair before she narrowed her eyes at him and smiled. "Oh, you can't fool me. I love you like a brother, Nico. We've always been friends. Kissing and feeling me up in high school does not negate that. There is someone, isn't there? Someone special?" She leaned forward again, reached over, and grasped his free hand with hers.

  Nic shrugged. "I guess I've had this growing idea that a relationship isn't the horror I'd always thought it would be, but I'm zero for two in that department. Well, actually, I struck out with the first one. She found a man about the time I decided I was interested in her. If I'm honest, I wanted that relationship for all the wrong reasons, and I'm pretty sure now we never would have clicked. Plus, I showed my… well, there is no other way to say it, I showed my ass in more than one instance. I'm claiming temporary insanity for those actions by the way. The other one? I have no idea what happened. It was supposed to be one night of no strings attached sex. I somehow managed to screw that up. We've agreed to try again, and keep it casual. The only thing is, the more I think about it, the more I know I no longer want casual. However, I don't have a snowball's chance in hell with that woman. She's the type that will never settle down."

  "Bullshit." Carla leaned back and smiled at the surprise that had to be plastered all over his face.

  "Excuse me?"

  "This woman, the one that will never settle down? That's bullshit. Let me tell you a secret about women. One that will get me kicked out of the estrogen club if you tell a living soul that I told you. Every one of us is looking for that special soul that relieves the loneliness inside. The one who makes us complete. Man or woman, it is what everyone is programmed to find."

  "Not her."

  He finished his drink and thanked the fates for the waiter's excellent timing. The arrival of the appetizer course saved him from going down that road. Jade sure as hell wasn't willing, at least not with him, and he damn sure wasn't going to push his attentions on a woman who'd walked out on him. He had a second chance to spend time with her without strings and without feelings. He'd take it and pretend to be the man he used to be.

  "So, Ma said something about Dante Capatoli going to jail?" Nic took a relieved breath when Carla responded to his change of subject. He listened as Carla regaled him on what she knew.

  Jade took Justin's hand as he helped her out of the limousine. Her brother's schedule had been insane and tonight was the only night he could spare to go out with her. Granted, he was taking her to a restaurant that he purchased majority shares in as a silent partner, but they were going to enjoy a meal and spend some quality time catching up. Finally. The man never stopped working, and his dedication to his businesses was kind of obsessive. Even Jason took time off for his family, and that man was a freaking workaholic. Justin's work ethic and lack of any type of life landed him on a whole different level of obsessed.

  Jade wasn't much into the elegant dining scene. Hell, she'd be as happy going to a neighborhood diner for a greasy burger and an ice cold beer, but her brother's world revolved around the elite food service industry. The restaurant they were hitting up tonight was pretty freaking amazing. It was at the top of an old manufacturing plant situated in Midtown, outside the Garment District. The bottom three levels were shops and offices, and the remaining stories were in the process of renovation. The apartments would cost a pretty penny to buy, but with the way the neighborhood was revitalizing it would be an amazing place to live.

  Jade accompanied Justin to a table with a magnificent view. The sun had set and the orange and gold hues of the evening were starting to fade into the light greys and blues of night. Lights in the surrounding buildings were slowly turning on, and the cityscape took on a sedate, lazy feel even though the thrum of the city pulsed below them.

  "Do you own this building too?" She waited until the hovering staff had scurried off to get whatever Justin had ordered… in Italian… or was it French? She spoke some Spanish, but Justin had always had a way with languages. "What did you order us and was that Italian?"

  Justin pulled his eyes from examining the comings and goings of the front of the house. "It was, and I know what you like, so relax, I didn't order you snails or caviar."

  "That is so disgusting. Dude, like how do people eat those things? Snails look like snot someone hacked up and spit onto the sidewalk."

  A snort from a nearby table caught her attention. The diners were an elderly man and woman. The woman cast her a look and turned her head away with a sneer of disgust. Jade opened her mouth to let the woman know exactly what she could do with the look and the attitude, but Justin placed a hand on her arm and squeezed gently. "For the love of all things important to me, Jade, please lower your voice and please, don't insult the matriarch of one of the wealthiest families in America."

  Jade glared at the old farts again and clenched her jaw closed. It went against everything she was to shut up and say nothing. The last year undercover, she'd denied her instincts and forced herself to sit down, shut up, and color, but for Justin, she'd try to behave like an acceptable adult. She leaned over and hissed, "I wasn't talking too loud. I know how to conduct myself. That old bat was eavesdropping."

  Justin rolled his eyes and leaned back as the wait staff arrived with an array of appetizers and wine. Jade popped a mushroom cap into her mouth, using her fingers to pick up the food. She focused on the old woman and smiled-open-mouthed. The old bat shivered in disgust.

  "Jade, please." Justin dropped his head into his hands and massaged his temples.

  She chewed the food in her mouth and swallowed before she spoke because while she was making a point with the gray-haired Emily Post at the next table, her momma did not raise a heathen. Jade had obtained that status all on her own. "Oh, all right. Damn, you are wrapped way too tight, dude." Jade took a huge gulp of wine and swept the room. She grimaced at the taste of the wine. It was bitter and acidic. She'd much rather have a shot of tequila, but then again, this was Justin's world, and she was visiting.

  "Hey, isn't that…" Jade lifted half-way out of her seat to see over some of the patrons. "…yep, that's Nic DeMarco." There was a sudden flurry of activity surrounding the table where Nic sat. Jade rubber-necked in that direction. The hubbub of motion faded away as rapidly as it had started. She grabbed the napkin off her lap where the waiter had laid it when they'd arrived. Well, well, well. So that little piece of pretty is the reason I'm not having a DeMarco generated orgasm tonight, huh? Maybe she'd been in error. Maybe Nic didn't have a gooey center, and the words he'd spoken when he was fucking her were just a line, like he'd said.

  "Whatever is going on in that brain of yours, stop it." Justin's voice drew pulled her attention away from the cute little brunette sitting with Nic.

  "What?" Jade hadn't done anything… yet.

  "I don't know what you were thinking just then, but the look on your face reminded me of the times you'd take on both Joseph and Jason. You know, after they'd say something that pissed you off. You were planning something."

  "Not fair. They baited me, and you know it." Jade returned her attention to the table in time to see the woman place her hand on Nic's arm. "I work with him. I thought I'd go over and say hi. It's the nice thing to do." She batted her lashes at her brother.

  Justin squinted at her and shook his head slowly. "I know you, dear sister, and whatever it is that is brewing in your brain, I'm telling you now, you need to forget it. He's Jared's best friend, and if you mess around and ruin his night with his date, Jared will come unglued."

  Jade made a loud raspberry sound and t
ook a gander at the old bat. She winked at the old nag and laughed at the disgusted look she received in return. Jade turned her attention back to Justin. "Seriously, the man is a co-worker. I'm going to go over and say hello. You can come with me if you don't think I'll mind my manners."

  "There is no way I'd let you loose on the good people in this establishment without an escort."

  "Don't you mean a leash?"

  "If the chain fits…"

  "Whatever. Come on." Justin lifted and offered her his hand. She rose and tugged her very short skirt down. She'd found the outfit in a quaint little Tribeca shop yesterday. It was a silk number that wrapped around her, hugging every curve. She fell in love with the array of reds that striped the dress. It was hawt and screamed Jade's name the second she saw it hanging on the wall.

  They maneuvered through the tables and came up behind Nic. He was holding the woman's hand and leaning in, listening attentively. Of course, he was. He was a player. Jade knew that, but the sudden idea that she was next in line after this woman left a bitter taste in her mouth that had nothing to do with the horrible wine Justin had ordered.

  The woman eyes flashed up and held on them which drew Nic's attention. "Oh, hey! Justin and Jade!" Nic stood and extended a hand toward Justin. The men shook hands, and Nic's gaze tracked over her. He nodded giving her only a perfunctory acknowledgement before he turned back to his date. Well, fuck that was… weird?

  "Carla, this is Justin King and his sister Jade. Justin owns several restaurants across the country and Jade works with me at Guardian."

  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. King. I must admit I do know who you are. I've been on a wait list forever to get into Nido dell'Aquila.

  "Please allow me to take care of that for you, Ms. Conti. I'm sorry that you've had to wait." Justin held onto her hand as he spoke.

  Over Justin's outstretched arm, Jade blinked at Nic, who appeared as confused as Jade felt. "Justin… you know her?" Jade blurted, but hey, it was a legit question.