He sends me.
I make sure that my expression remains unreadable as I turn from the window and head down the two flights of stairs where I know Kristof will be waiting. These days, he is almost always in his study. Before he didn’t used to work so much, and now I wonder if he is constantly working because he knows that he has an expiration date.
“Duncan.” He says my name coolly, rasping, I can hear him struggling to maintain his strong tone.
“Domn,” I greet him, calling him Sir in our native tongue. I take a few steps further into the room, glancing around, as I know to do. He hates it when our eyes are on him, when only a few short months ago he was running three miles every day at the park.
“I need you to do something for me,” Kristof coughs through his words, turning to look at me, dead in the eyes. “This is not something I take lightly, and you should not either.”
I nod, knowing he is expecting a reaction out of me.
“You know I have one remaining daughter, yes?”
I nod again, only hearing a few rumors about Kristof’s remaining heiress. From what others have told me, Kristof had an affair with a pretty well-known singer. Their affair resulted in the birth of his daughter, a daughter that he had out of wedlock, with a woman who was not Romanian. He had three other children, two sons and a daughter, who have all been killed in mob related activities. “What is it you need me to do?” I can expect many things from him, but what comes from his mouth is not what I expect at all.
“I need you to find Willow and protect her. It has been evident that there are those who are after my life, considering the fact her brothers and sister have all been killed so recently makes me question her safety. I know she wants nothing to do with me, or this life. At this point, it isn’t up to her anymore. You need to find her and guard her like I expect of you. Duncan, you will stay alongside her as long as I tell you to. There is a time where I will need her brought back here…that will not be for a few months. I am not going to bother the King or Queen with my disease until it is necessary, so I ask you do you understand?”
“I will protect her with my own life,” I say, hoping that he understands my seriousness.
This is no joking matter. Kristof could have sent one of his other men, I am the best, however I know the men I have helped train. They are all good at their job. Kristof making the decision to send me instead of one of the others tells me that this is much more serious than I thought.
My assumptions are accurate. The old man is dying, and something tells me that he doesn’t just have me there to keep an eye over his little heiress. No, there is far much more to the story.
Blackjack
A Reapers MC Novel
Book #1
Acknowledgements
CHRISTINE – I’m sitting here, blown away by the fact that it’s November and I’ve published my fifth book. I still remember the day that I told you what I wanted to do – and you encouraged me through every step of the way. Thank you SO much!
KRISTA – You’ve seen each one of my books through, from the very beginning of the thought process, to when I send it to you, and you help me break it down by being the best beta ever. I really hope you enjoy this one.
CHELSEA – Blackjack is something so different than I’ve ever written before. I really hope that you’re ready for this one, and you’d better text me as soon as you finish reading it!
BECCA – You were supporting my crazy idea from the very beginning, and here we are. It’s almost a year and a half after I told you, very confidently by the way, that I was going to be an author. Like what? How are we here already? Now your ass just needs to get back to reading whatever the hell I push out!
MY #TWINNING JENNA – You’re the sister I never knew I had, the one who helps me keep my shit together and keeps me in line! (Seriously, you do, even though I’m stubborn as all hell sometimes ha-ha) I can never seem to find the words to express how much I truly appreciate you, as a PA, as a friend, and as a sister. I know you understand what I’m trying to say though.
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