by Tena Stetler
“He must have a lot of faith in you, especially after all that has transpired between you two.”
“He has my sister’s best interests in mind, but I don’t like being—I’m a hands-on kinda guy. Always have been.” He ran the fingers of one hand through his hair while he stared down at the other. “Until I learn how he wants things done, I’ll reside in D.C. for the time being—staying in Bruce’s apartment.”
Hannah licked her lips, running her front teeth delicately over her bottom lip. “Oh—well, I have some news of my own.” She eased onto the bench and scooted next to him. “My boss has offered me a promotion. That’s why he let me leave on vacation early, and he was pissed at the other guys on my team.”
He peered up at her. “Lucky you. Tell me about your promotion.”
“My security clearance came through. He wants me to head up a Research & Development team for the government’s new cyber security assessment.” She paused for a couple beats. “I’ll be moving to Colorado with Shadow Hawk Cyber.”
His head jerked up as the muscle in his jaw worked overtime. “When?”
“I was getting to that. Not for at least eighteen months. I may have to fly out there once in a while to oversee setting up our work environment. But that’s all.”
“That’s going to make things difficult. I was hoping you could stick around here for a while until Bruce and Angie get back.”
“I was granted a month’s vacation, plus two days.” She grinned. “Will they be back by then?”
“Maybe. He hasn’t said how long they’ll be gone.” Tristian stood, paced in front of the bench. “I don’t see how…”
Hannah got to her feet, caught his arm with her hand, slid it down to his hand, and entwined their fingers. “One day at a time, remember. Don’t get all wazzed out before we have all the details.”
Lips set in a thin line, he nodded settling back on the bench, tugging lightly on her arm to join him. “So, what is this new job going to entail?”
She beamed. “It’s been a while since I’ve been privy to the top security stuff, but I believe it will be assessing and creating code to strengthen the government’s security on sites. Also evaluate events where national security could be at risk, such as the Olympics. All the data that zooms back in forth is ripe for a hacker to fudge the outcome of the competitions. Anything is possible.”
Her eyes lit up when she talked about her job. He couldn’t ask her to leave it, but how could they make this work. Colorado was a hell of a long way from Maine or D.C. He didn’t—couldn’t—see a way through. One day at a time. I’ll try to give her that—for a while.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bachelor Party Fiasco and Girls Night Out
“Well, it’s about time you brought her back,” Angie chastised her brother. “Have a couple hours of fun?” she asked eyebrow raised, a knowing look on her face.
He gave Angie an “eat shit and die look” before one last glance at Hannah and strode to where the men were waiting.
Blood rushed to Hannah’s cheeks. “Far from.”
“Oh, girl you got to learn to control that blush or you’ll leave no doubt what you’ve been up to.” Angie giggled, grabbed Hannah’s arm. “We’re going to start with pedies, mannies, and finish up with having our hair done. Then off to Tahiti tomorrow.” She twirled around once and pointed to chairs lined up along the wall. Willow waved, already settled next to her mother, feet in the tub. To her right, two empty chairs awaited them. Angie took the chair next to Willow. Hannah gave one last look over her shoulder at Tristian and climbed into the chair beside Angie, hesitantly sticking her toes into the warm swirling water.
“Don’t worry, they’re taking Bruce out to dinner to discuss male things,” Angie said airily, patting Hannah’s arm. “Now spill, where did you two disappear to? And what on earth have you done to my brother?”
Willow snickered. “I was about to ask one of those questions.”
Both women peered expectantly at Hannah. Even the woman doing the pedicure on Freesia slowed her work to give Hannah a sideways glance.
“I have no idea what you are talking about. He’s still the same difficult, stubborn, protective, wonderful person.” Her hand flew to her mouth. I’ve said too much.
Gales of laughter flowed from Freesia, Willow, and Angie. “No…no…we’re talking about my brother, Tristian.” Angie managed to say in between fits of laughter. “And don’t let him hear you say that.” She sucked in a breath between giggles, made air quotes with her fingers. “He is a tough, hard as nails, domineering enforcer.” Angie shrugged. “We all know and accept him for what he is even though a few of us have glimpsed a softer side.” Her gaze searched Hannah’s face. “Oh no.”
“What? What’s wrong?” Hannah asked peering at the others who looked aghast.
“You’re in love with him,” Angie said in a whisper. “Does he know?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We enjoy each other’s company. That’s all.” Hannah felt the damn heat rise in her cheeks again. I’ve got to get a better handle on my reactions.
“No, nope.” Willow shook her head. “I know that look. Angie had that same expression when I confronted her about Bruce. Now look at her, mated to a demon overlord, and her brother’s boss. What a tangle. From the looks of things, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.”
“Yeah, that kiss at the Salon, it wasn’t a fling kiss,” Angie said solemnly.
“Aw, leave Hannah alone, she’s good for him,” Freesia said waggling a finger at Willow and Angie. “Stay out of it. Let them work it out. Now, what about the bridesmaid dresses?”
Angie waved a hand in a dismissive gesture. “They’re all ready, with a bit of magic woven in. We’ll check the final fitting at the event location.” She frowned at the nail tech who seemed a bit too intent on their conversation.
The woman who’d been doing Hannah’s pedie returned with fresh towels. Patted her feet dry and helped her out of the chair. “Manicures next ladies, follow me.”
They all trouped into the back of the salon where four nail techs were waiting. Once the women settled, Angie grinned at the others, her eyes sparkling with mischief and waved her hand. “Spell to make sure they”—she nodded to the nail techs—“don’t overhear anything, as I did out in the Salon.” Then she turned to Hannah. “Did Trist tell you his job position is changing?”
“Yeah, we touched on that.” Hannah pressed her lips together.
“Isn’t it great?” Angie bubbled. “He won’t be in the thick of things anymore. He isn’t getting any younger. It’s time the young blood he’s trained for years takes on some of the responsibility.” She leaned back in the chair and pointed to the light lavender nail polish and a floral design for her nails.
“Yes, but he seemed to enjoy keeping the peace.” Hannah winced. “If that is what you call it.”
Angie quirked an eyebrow. “That’s putting it mildly. You do know exactly what he does?”
“Of course. When mortals police their world, people sometimes die, but that doesn’t make them assassins,” Hannah said testily.
Angie opened and shut her mouth, then blew out a breath.
Freesia glanced over at Hannah. “We all know what Tristian does is necessary in the magical world to keep things in balance. What’s bothering you, girl?” Her kind eyes stayed locked on Hannah’s.
“Nothing—” Hannah’s gaze wandered over each of the other women. Do I dare confide in them? Oh, how I wish I could talk everything over with Brandy. What a mess. I have to talk to someone.
“You know, Caleb’s family had no problem with us getting married. But when we told them a retired demon overlord would perform the ceremony, they got all squirrelly. Why who is marrying us makes a difference, I’ll never know. But we’re working it out. They’ve agreed to attend the ceremony,” Willow offered.
Hannah smiled weakly at the attempt to make her feel better.
“No one said the life we lead would be easy. But is it worth lovi
ng the men we do?” Angie said a resounding, “Hell yes.” Chorused by the rest of the women.
Except for Hannah. This was all so new, danger was a turn on at first, but now, a whole lifestyle centered around looking over her back. She blew out a breath. What kind of life is that? What have I done?
Angie put a hand on her arm and rubbed softly. “You’ll get used to it.”
“Oh, it’s not what he does. I’ve known that about him since shortly after we met. It’s now we have added pressure. He will be in D.C. or Maine. I’ll be moving to Colorado in the next year and a half. I got a promotion. My dream job really.” And I can’t tell my family.
Angie’s eyes went wide. Willow’s hand flew to her mouth, and Freesia smiled knowingly.
“A small detail to work out over several months.” Freesia waved a hand dismissively, shifted in her seat to face Hannah. “The one thing I know about Tristian is he’ll move heaven and earth for those he loves. And believe me, he loves you. He may not have said it yet; he’s a complicated male, to say the least. Where his family is concerned, he has a heart of gold. And if any of you tell him I said that, I’ll deny it to your face—Angie.”
Her hands flew up in a gesture of surrender, then zipped her lips, motioned throwing away the key, and giggled. Holding out her pinky finger to swear. “We all know that about my brother.” She paused a couple of beats. “Well, maybe not Bruce—yet. But he will, he’s family too now.”
“What are we twelve?” Freesia said with a laugh, she curled her pinky finger around Angie’s.
A single tear trickled down Hannah’s cheek. “I sure hope you’re right.” She wiped the tear away with the back of her hand. The nail tech working on her thumb frowned and pointed to the table. Hannah obediently returned her hand to the soaking dish. What have I done? Tied to a warlock for all eternity. Would he commit? Could he? Her gaze traveled to each of her new friends. If they only knew.
****
Tristian led the way into the private room of an Italian restaurant housed in a renovated townhouse in D.C., one of Bruce’s favorites. Owen, Caleb, Birch, Bobby, and Ruben settled around the long polished cherry wood table. Bruce took his place at the head of the table. He rubbed his hands together. “I’m starved.” Glancing at Tristian kicked back relaxed at the opposite end of the table, Bruce surveyed the others. “So glad you didn’t opt for a bar or strip club. I’m way past that behavior these days.”
Bobby sent a sidelong glance to Ruben with a snicker. Tristian caught the exchange and cleared his throat. They better not have done what I think they’ve done. Two of Tristian’s best team leaders, single with a taste for exotic females frequented D.C.’s nightlife when in town. Their actions were no different than he or Bruce had indulged previously. Power and money brought anything you desired, especially here. Having enjoyed the fare in Scotland and Ireland, he hoped the men satisfied their craving and would conduct themselves appropriately.
A tall, raven-haired beauty dressed in a black clingy dress with a low neckline sashayed into the room holding dinner and drink menus. Tristian had explained the event for this evening to the proprietor of this establishment, Nicoli, and requested female servers. He figured just because you are on a diet, there’s no reason you can’t peruse the menu. The first entree was tantalizing. After ordering, he leaned back in his chair and watched the parade of beautiful women strut in with drinks, meals, and flirt outrageously with Bruce and Caleb before undulating out of the room.
His boss eyed him suspiciously. “I assume you arranged all this for mine and Caleb’s benefit?”
“Noo, not really. I only requested female servers to celebrate your upcoming nuptials,” Tristian said with a grin. “I think we’ve all benefited from the menu.” He shifted in his chair. Bruce laughed as the other men at the table ogled the women.
“Angie and Willow are secure enough in their seductive qualities to be okay with this little display.” Tristian took a deep drink of his red wine, the third glass this evening.
Birch frowned at him.
Caleb who’d remained quiet for most of the evening seemed relieved. “I hope you’re right. Willow and I don’t keep secrets. I wasn’t sure how much trouble this little foray was going to cause.”
Bruce cleared his throat and peered at Tristian. “But will Hannah? You realize she will hear about this one way or the other.”
Tristian waved his hand in dismissal. “They weren’t brushing against me and flirting.”
“To hear you tell it,” Bruce warned eyebrow raised.
“Besides, I’m not the ones… Never mind.”
“Watch yourself, Tristian,” Bruce warned. “Don’t want the wine saying anything you’ll regret.”
While the staff cleared away the dishes, lingered close to the guests of honor, and refreshed the drinks, Bruce and Tristian set out the assignments for the next few days. But he refrained from mentioning the actual event and specifics.
When each server leaned over and placed the dessert plates on the table, Ruben reached out and curled an arm around his server, pulled her into his lap, and mentioned his prowess of enjoying desserts, not on the table. Bruce and Tristian stood at the same time, sending warning glances in Ruben’s direction. The woman, who seemed to enjoy the attention, shoved up and sauntered away mumbling something about “a little fun.”
Chastised, Ruben sent Bobby a concerned glance. Tristian watched the exchange again and stood. “Ruben, Bobby, could I see you outside.”
“I’m not quite finished with—” Bobby stopped mid-sentence at the sharpness in Tristian’s voice, the scowl on his face. “Yes, sir.”
As the three men walked toward the door, it burst open with a bevy of scantily clad women. Tristian whirled around to see Ruben and Bobby grinning, hands freely roaming over the newcomers.
Tristian glanced at Bruce who had his head in his hands to cover a smirk. When Bruce raised his head up, an amused expression spread across his face. “Gentlemen, we appreciate the thought, but I’m going to call it a night.”
Caleb quickly echoed Bruce’s sentiment and Tristian seethed. Bruce put his hand on Tristian’s shoulder. “Let it go, let them have their fun.”
“They were specifically instructed no strippers and no strip joint. That’s insubordination.” He headed toward the two men.
“And you’ve never defied my instructions,” Bruce said, grabbing Tristian’s arm.
“That’s different.”
“So is attacking your Overlord. Let it go.” He released his soon to be brother-in-law and strode toward the door.
Tristian stood still for a moment, sauntered over to the men. “Enjoy your fun now. You’ll be providing security for the place of business the next week.”
“No, you said we were going to Tah—” Bobby slurred.
Tristian cut him off. “Things change, especially when you don’t heed my instructions.” He turned and strode toward the exit.
Bruce leaned against the doorframe and nodded approvingly. “Come on guys, bet we got beautiful wenches in our chambers,” he said in his best Scottish brogue.
“Poking fun at the recent assignment?” Tristian asked, sauntering out of the restaurant with the others.
Bruce shrugged. “Not exactly. Thank you for an entertaining evening. The food was wonderful, the decorations titillating. A bit of advice, rein in that temper before you move into your new position.”
“Seems to me a few short months ago, you wore a temper and womanized with the best of them,” Tristian shot back with a grin, shoving open the heavy wooden door. It groaned at the abuse.
“So true. Things change when you meet the right woman.” He winked at Caleb then leveled his gaze at Tristian. “You’ll rue the day you let her walk away.” The limo driver opened the door and waited while Bruce, Birch, Caleb, and Tristian stepped inside.
The Wycked Hair Salon was dark upon their arrival. “I’ve got paperwork to finish up, so I’ll bid you three good night.” Bruce stepped out of the limo, instructed
the driver to take the others home.
“I’m getting out here too. Need to let Terra know her assignment has changed. She’ll just be ending her shift.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than Terra strode out of the Salon.
She blinked in surprise. “Aren’t you supposed to be out celebrating manhood or something?” she quipped.
“Something like that.” Bruce waved his hand across the door, touched the alarm panel, and walked inside.
She watched Bruce enter the salon without further conversation and turned to Tristian. “Is something wrong?”
“No, he’s got business to finish up before tomorrow. There’s been a chance in assignments. You’ll be handling the event location starting tomorrow morning.”
“Really?” She paused, searching his face. “Thank you.”
Expecting a barrage of questions that didn’t come, pleased him no end. She’d turned into a great team leader. “Good night.”
“Morning, sir,” she corrected over her shoulder as she strode to the parking lot.
His lips twitched. The limo remained at the curb with the door open. “Take Caleb and Birch home first. I’ll go back to the hotel last.” Tristian glanced at Birch. “You are staying with Willow and Caleb?”
Birch nodded.
Tristian pulled his phone out of his pocket, touched the screen, a gruff voice answered on the first ring. “I need you to keep an eye on Ruben and Bobby. Make sure they report for duty at the Salon at five sharp.”
“But… Yes, sir.”
He disconnected the call, shoved the phone back in his pocket. Deep in thought on the ride back to the hotel, he startled when the limo slowed to a stopped. Stepping out onto the curb, he paused to wave to the driver. “Night.”
The driver nodded in acknowledgment as Tristian closed the door.
He pulled the phone out of his pocket, then glanced at the time displayed on his phone. Too late to call Hannah and see where she landed for the night. I’d rather she be with me, but she is probably having a great time with the girls. Inside his suite, he kicked off his shoes, took off the jacket and shirt, slipped out of his pants. Clothes were overrated.
