The Bodyguard

Ch 5: Don't act like you don't know what I'm capable of, Eva.

Michael is less sympathetic now that more time has passed. He outright refuses to share information on the situation regarding who tried to kill me and tells me I'm acting like a child when I moan about how overbearing Reaper is being. I believe his exact words are, "Grow up, Eva. Romano saved your arse and so far you've done nothing but be a bitch to him." I refrain from telling him that being a bitch is kind of the point. That my plan relies very heavily on me being so.

"How's work going?" he asks, changing the subject.

I immediately deflate. "We had citizenship denied this morning."

"Oh, really?"

"We'll take it to court," I insist, confident Hunter and I will get the job done.

"This'll be your first time appealing something, right?"

Michael pretends to be uninterested. He insists his brain power is needed elsewhere, but I often catch him checking through files and asking his men for updates. He cares about these women as much as I do but unfortunately, his job requires a distinct lack of care. Most would see his compassion as weakness and—because of that—he keeps it hidden.

"Yeah, Hunter has Anderson's on standby."

"Anderson?"

"A lawyer."

Michael nods. "Do you need me to do anything?"

"Just keep supplying the money, brother."

I joke, but that's exactly what he does. EmpoweHer is a non profit charity organisation and money—unfortunately—doesn't grow on trees. We rely mainly on the five main families in the UK for funding, though we do occasionally receive donations from outside companies.

There's a knock at the door before Jase—my brother's underboss—enters, "Boss, the car is here."

"Where're you going?" I ask.

Jase smiles, mischievous as always. "Clubbing."

"Aren't you too old to go out clubbing?" I counter.

Michael smiles, straightening his tie.

"I'm twenty-one at heart, princess" insists Jase, winking.

I follow them both towards the exit, knowing Reaper is on the other side of the door, waiting for me.

"Wanna come?" he asks, just as we step into the hallway.

Reaper immediately straightens, leather jacket slung casually over one shoulder.

"To the club?"

He nods.

"No, thank you."

"Oh, come on," he pleads. "I'll buy you a drink."

Reaper instantly zeros in on Jase, no doubt regarding him as a threat.

"Might even show off some of my best moves."

I laugh.

"And if you're lucky, I'll take you home later."

Michael intervenes, placing a hand on Jase's shoulder. "Stop flirting with my sister."

"I'm not flirting with your sister. I'm flirting with my future wife."

I smile, ignoring the look of disapproval coming from Reaper.

"Eva Gallagher, will you make me the happiest man alive and come to the club with me?" asks Jase, dramatically dropping to one knee.

Michael rolls his eyes, immune to his under boss' dramatic ways.