14. Blakely
Caleb’s offer toborrow one of his offices in Banes finally freed me from the confines of my sister’s kitchen, where I have been working for weeks. This place is simply gorgeous, with high ceilings that give it a sense of grandeur and a window that offers a stunning view of the greenery outside.
The enormity of the oak wood desk is only matched by the comfort of the plush sofa nestled in the corner and the convenience of having a bathroom in the office. This man doesn’t know the meaning of the word small.
I shift as I try to sit on my chair, the bruises on my arse cheeks making it uncomfortable. The events from last night come rushing back into my mind. I don’t know what came over me to make me offer him that kind of proposition. I’ve always been the shy one. Being close to him sets my nerves on fire and makes my pulse quicken. I’m not gonna lie, watching him become possessive when his employee spoke to me sent a fiery surge through my body. I’ve always loved this side of him, even though it was less pronounced before.
I never said I was sane.
I haven’t forgotten what he did, far from it, but nobody can blame me for enjoying the sex while I’m here. He won’t let me go and will probably kill any man that comes near me. I’d bet on it. I crave his dominance, and he knows it. But I also love to push his buttons. I trust him with my body; that’s not even a question, but I have no faith in him with my heart. He broke me. That’s not something I can just get over.
I shift my attention back to the files in front of me and frown at what I see. Picking up the phone on the desk, I ring Emilie’s desk.
“Em, can you come quickly, please?” She remains silent on the other side of the line, but I can see her movements behind the glass door. She hangs up without a word and walks towards my office.
“What’s happening?” she asks, taking the seat in front of her.
“Can you explain to me why George thinks I would take on this case? All the documents he transferred show that the guy is guilty.” She takes the documents from my hands and reads them attentively.
“If I’m understanding you correctly, you need me to be your buffer while you shout at him on the phone?” I smile because she knows me so well.
Even though it’s my job, I have one rule that I follow religiously when choosing my cases. If all the evidence is stacked against the defence, I won’t take them. With nimble fingers, she quickly types in his number on her phone and hands it to me. The sound of the ringtone has barely started when he answers the phone.
As soon as he starts speaking in French, the room is filled with the sound of his voice. “Emilie, ma douce. Qu’est-ce que je peux faire pour toi?” *Emilie, my sweet. What can I do for you?*
She replies in English. “Hey George, you’re on speaker. Boss wants to speak with you.”
Although I’ve lived in France for eight years and am now fluent, speaking English always comes more easily to me.
“George,” I say, my voice tinged with annoyance. “I’m curious. Why did you think I would agree to take the Dubois case?” I can hear him exhale slowly on the other side of the phone as if he’s trying to keep his emotions in check. George has been working with us for five years now, but he always makes the wrong decision when taking cases. That’s why he is not an associate.
“I… hmm… because.” He’s at a loss for words, which means he just saw a big check and thought it was a great idea to accept.
“Have you read the files? Or have you seen the video that accompanied the files? There’s nothing I can do. The video is really explicit, and you can clearly see him with a knife in his hand.” I’m waiting for him to confirm what I already know. He hasn’t read the files or watched the video.
“No. I haven’t seen the video. But—” I cut him off, not wanting to hear about the enormous check that has been proposed.
“George, I’m going to say this as nicely as I can. I don’t care about the money. I don’t care if he’s the son of the president. Damn, I don’t even care if he’s the King of England. He killed someone with a knife. The video is proof of that. So, you’re going to gently refuse their offer and tell them they need to find someone else to represent them. Am I clear?” Using my index finger, I adjust my glasses and wait for him to answer.
“Yes, ma’am. Very clear.” In my mind’s eye, I can see beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
“Very well, then. Have a good day.” As soon as I end the call, Em’s eyes lock onto mine, raising her eyebrow.
“What? I’ve been gentle with him.” A wide grin spreads across her face as she smiles.
“I’ve been thinking,” she says, changing the subject.
“Oh, oh. It’s never good when you start a sentence like that.” I joke, leaning deeper into my seat.
“Smartass. So I’ve been thinking. Why are you still working in Paris? I mean, I love it there. That’s my country. But you’ve been more on edge than usual lately.”
“What are you really trying to say?” I ask, not sure I understand her point.
Aye, with everything happening here, my stress levels have been through the roof, and the situation in France only adds to it. Don’t get me wrong, I used to love what I do, but the culture shift within the company has made it unbearable. Some newly minted lawyers are more concerned with the size of their paycheck than the significance of the case they are handling. That has never been my goal.
Would it be hypocritical of me to refuse a case with undeniable proof that the suspect committed murder? Maybe. Especially when I know the blood that’s been spilled by my brother and Aidan’s hands. But I know the reason for it. Is it ethical? Nope. But I never claimed to be a saint.
“Alright, I’m just going to come out and say this, and I want you to take a moment to reflect on it, okay? You hate working there.” I open my mouth to defend myself, but she cuts me off. “Tss, don’t interrupt me. As I was saying, you hate working there. Damn, I hate working there as well. So why don’t you move back here? You have the option of starting your own firm or collaborating with Caleb. Not only do you have a high IQ, but you also graduated from law school early, which is quite an achievement. You’re smart enough. I don’t understand why you keep working for a shitty company instead of starting your own. And your family is here. I know you miss them. I’ve seen you struggle for years now. And the cherry on top- Aidan is here.” I wait patiently for her to finish her long tirade before daring to ask.
“Can I speak now?”
“You may.” I shake my head, feeling the weight of my curls against my face.
“One. Saying that I haven’t thought about coming back to Scotland would be a lie. Two, I can manage Caleb’s business from overseas like I’ve been doing for years now. Three, bringing Aidan into the equation doesn’t help your point. It has the opposite effect on me.”
“Liar! Do you think Bai and I don’t know you’re sleeping together?” My eyes feel like they’ve popped out of their sockets. “Who do you think we are? You could cut the sexual tension with a butter knife.” She snorts.
“I… We’re not together if that”s what you’re asking.”
“You aren’t denying it?” she asks with an amused glare.
“What’s the point? We slept together. No big deal. We’re physically attracted to each other, so why not enjoy it while I’m here?”
“Keep telling yourself that,” she adds.
My phone buzzes face down on my desk, and I let out a loud growl. “Seriously, this phone has been ringing non-stop.”
“Who is it?” asks Em. Taking my phone, I gasp at the caller, answering the call before putting it to my ear.
“Jonas. I was worried.” I’ve had no news from him for weeks.
“Boss. I’m alright. This is going to be fast.” I’m leaning in, trying to catch every word of what he’s about to say. “Keep your eyes open. More is coming. The Prestons are going to receive an invitation for a gala taking place in a few days. Be there and on your guard.” I can hear noises around him.
“Anything else?” I ask.
“Nothing more for now. Be careful. I don’t have all the information on hand right now, but they are not working alone,” he says, trying to keep his voice down.
“I know, and I will be. You be careful as well.” I hang up without another word.
“You heard him,” I say to Em.
“Time to go shopping?” she asks with a hopeful grin, which makes me laugh. This girl is worse than a kid when they hear the word sweets, but for her, it’s the word shopping.
“Aye, but he said in a few days, so we have plenty of time.” She looks at me with a shocked expression on her face. “Stop it. We will go. But for now, I need to know what he meant when he said, ‘More is coming.’”
“Sooo, we’re going on a mission?” My eyes speak volumes when I glance at her, excitedly squirming in her seat. She’s not going to take no for an answer. “Hey, don’t give me that look. I’m coming with you.”
“Fine, but we need to speak to Caleb first,” I say, standing from my seat.
“Are you going to tell Aidan?”
“Why would I do that? I’ve always operated alone. That is not going to change now.”
“Alright, but we’re talking about women trafficking, and we are women,” she adds, pointing her finger at me.
“That’s why I’ll talk with Caleb,” I say.
“Talk with me about what?” Speaking of the devil.
Our heads snap towards him in perfect synchronisation. His black suit is a stark contrast against the white door as he leans against it. His grey hair gives him a distinguished, sophisticated look that adds to his overall handsomeness. If I was asked to describe him, I’d say he is a silver fox screaming daddy vibes. I blame my smutty books for seeing him that way.
“Jonas contacted us. He let us know that a formal invitation to a gala would be arriving shortly for you. I suspect that the Snakes or Italians, whoever is behind this, is not done with what they started, so we are going to see what they’re up to,” I say, studying his expression.
“You’re going back to Linlithgow? Are you out of your mind?” He raises his voice, his concerns written all over his face.
“I have a competent team with me,” I say calmly. “I refuse to take any of your guys. I don’t trust them,” I state, leaning back in my chair. I know he wants to add more, but he knows better.
“Fine. But if I don’t hear from you within the hour of your arrival, I’ll come find you myself. Are we clear?” Damn him and his paternal behaviour. I can’t stop myself from adding sarcastically.
“Yes, Daddy.” There’s a momentary glint in his eyes, but I can’t quite grasp its meaning before it’s gone. Did he… like that? Nah. He nods his head in agreement and turns towards what I assume is his office.
“Well, that was fun,” says Em with a grin.
“You ready?”
Three hours later, we’re in Linlithgow facing the hangar where the girls were. They’re safe now, but something tells me that whoever is behind this isn’t done yet. And apparently, they’re not smart enough to change their location. Eejits.
Seriously? Either they think we wouldn’t come back because we’d assume they’d change location, or they’ve got the brain capacity of a two-year-old and never even thought to switch their location. Who is managing these eejits?
“Cailean?” I ask in my earpiece.
“I can see three vans from my peripheral, parked in the back, and probably 20 men inside,” he replies to my silent question.
Nodding my head towards Em, we start to move slowly. Eilidh, Isla, and Skye are with me, while Lachlan, Logan, Fraser, and Keith are on the other side. Some may underestimate the power of a team dominated by women, but I have found them to be the driving force behind our achievements. And badass ones, if you ask me.
“I have a clear view of the front. Eilidh, you’re with me. I want everybody else in the back. No one is getting shot today. We look around, and we leave, got it?” Looking around me, I see that some of them are not happy with my decision. Too bad. I’m not risking anything today. “Cailean, send the camera.” I can hear the small noise of the engine coming to life. It’s really small. You’d think it looks like a rat or something like that. That will allow us to see what’s happening on the inside.
Out front, two masked men guard the main door. Their masks are not quite like those of The Twelve but very similar, except they cover only half of their faces. My eyes are fixated on the small window on the side, and I gesture for Eilidh to come closer so that we can get a better look inside.
“Damn it.” It’s completely cluttered. I can’t see anything.
“Shh, listen,” says Eilidh, putting a finger on her mouth. I strain my ears and catch the sound of distant voices.
“Do you think they know?” asks a raspy voice. I don’t recognise it.
“No. They’re so focused on the Snakes that they’re not looking elsewhere.” I’ve heard this voice before, but where?
“Good. The deal still stands. I want them dead. They’re no good for business,”the other voice replies.
“We will, father. You can count on me,” another voice says.
“Boss. You need to leave now. Two other vans just came in,” Cailean says in my earpiece, interrupting my eavesdropping.
“Copy.” Moving my head towards Eilidh, I say, “You go. Now. I’ll be right behind you.”
“If you think I’ll leave you alone here, you’ve lost your mind,” she answers with a frown on her face.
“That wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order. You go. Now. I’ll follow suit.” With a loud exhale, she shifts her weight, but before she moves, I feel the metal of a knife against my throat. Fuck.
“Well, well. What do we have here?” His accent is heavy. Italian. I don’t dare to move, but I can see Eilidh in the same position as me.
“Looks like we found pretty things to play with. What are you doing here?” Think. Fast.
“We… Hmm… we were trying to find the palace, and we got lost. We were trying to see if someone could help us find our way back,” I say, my voice laced with false timidity. They are both giants with cicatrices on their faces. I can feel the blade pressing deeper into my throat. I don’t move. I don’t even dare to breathe. Eilidh looks at me with wide eyes.
“Well, well. Looks like you’re in the right place. Why don’t you come inside? I’m sure my brothers would be happy to meet two young women as pretty as you.” As he speaks, the pungent odour of cigarette smoke emanates from his breath.
“I’m afraid I don’t think it’ll be possible for us right now.” I can feel his body shaking against mine as he laughs.
“That wasn’t really a question, pretty girl.” As he tries to make us move, Eilidh and I exchange a glance, and we strike. I grab his arm, but his towering height makes it almost impossible for me to pin it against his back. Almost. I profit from the element of surprise and hit him on his leg, causing him to lose his footing.
“Cazzo. You fucking bitch.” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Eilidh’s precise footwork as she brings the other guy to his knees. I let my guard down for a moment, and he takes the opportunity to pull out another knife and press it into my left side. Fuuck, that hurts like a bitch.
“What do you think you’re gonna do now?” he asks in broken English. A grin spreads across his face as he speaks. Gasping for air, I fumble for the knife I’ve concealed in the back of my jeans, but two gunshots, deafeningly silent, interrupt me. The sound of bodies hitting the ground echoes through the air as the two guys fall simultaneously.
My earpiece buzzes as I hear Isla on the other side. “You’re welcome.” A laugh tries to escape me, but I’m starting to feel light-headed. “H-he i-is not d-dead. H-he g-got shot in h-his shoulder.” I try to speak, but the pain makes it almost impossible.
A curse escapes Eilidh’s lips as she looks at the guy.
“We need to go asap. Fuck, Blake. Fuck, Fuck, Fuck. She has been stabbed in her abdomen,”Eilidh says in her earpiece.
“I’m f-fine,” I manage to say.
“You’re bleeding. You’re not fine. Can you move? We need to get out of here before someone sees us.” She tries to help me to get on my feet, but damn it’s painful.
“Cailean—” she calls before I see him appear.
“I’m here. Shit. I thought the rule of not getting shot also applied to you,” he says, trying to lift me in his arms.
“I d-didn’t g-get s-shot. It w-was a k-knife.” Each word I speak is filled with a sharp ache that resonates through me.
“Do you really think now is the time to be a smartass?” I can feel the worry in his words.
“I c-can w-walk.”
“Maybe, but it will be faster if I carry you. So hold tight, alright?”
“C-Cai. N-no h-hospital. C-call B-Bailey o-or S-Scott.” The darkness engulfs me immediately after those words escape my lips.
My head is throbbing. My body hurts. What the hell happened? I try to move, but I feel a weight on me.
“Glad to have you back, boss.” I recognise Cailean’s voice.
“W-what h-happened?” My voice is raspy. I need water.
“You got stabbed in your ribs.” That’s Em’s voice. The concern in her voice is unmistakable.
“You don’t remember?” Eilidh asks.
“I…” and flashes of what happened fill my mind. I was reckless. I lost my focus for one tiny second, and he took advantage of the opening. “I do. W-where a-are w-we?” My position in the car doesn’t allow me to see where we are.
“We’re almost to Caleb’s mansion. We called him once you passed out. And we called Bailey as well. I think you should be prepared for her wrath.” I hear Em answer. Well, I don’t expect anything less from my twin. “And we also called Aidan and Scott,” she says with an apologetic look.
“H-how long have I b-been unconscious?”
“Almost 40 minutes. We tried to stop the bleeding with what we have, but we can’t see how deep it is,” says Logan. And, indeed. His chest is completely exposed, with his shirt wrapped tightly around his hand to staunch the bleeding.
“We’re here,” says Lachlan, parking the van in front of the mansion.
“Oh, boy. Looks like someone is going to get murdered.” Skye’s gaze shifts towards the front door as she speaks. I manage to lift myself up a bit, but the excruciating pain shoots through my body. As Cailean opens the door, Aidan’s deep voice cuts through the air, interrupting his attempt to lift me.
“I got it from here.”
“I c-can w-walk.” With ease, he lifts me as if I weigh nothing and carries me to one of the guest rooms, ignoring my request and remaining silent. I’m too frail to argue, and his fragrance lulls me into a sense of security.
“A-Aidan.” I’m struggling to speak.
“Shh, baby. I’m here. I won’t leave your side.” I’m gently placed on the bed, and I hear him inhale a deep breath before taking my hand and kissing me on the top of my head. I can feel his hands shaking. Despite my vision being blurry, I try to take in my surroundings, and in the background, I can hear the muffled noises and shuffling of feet from my team and siblings.
The warmth of Aidan’s fingers on my hand is the last thing I sense before falling back into unconsciousness.