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Killian belted out another laugh. “I’m on your side, Ms. Genevieve. You’ve earned my respect in a short timeframe.” He motioned a finger at Archer. “I’ll take the snake’s place if you’d like and watch over you daily.”
“You’re not taking my place, orc,” Archer wheezed, dabbing more blood onto his trendy black shirt.
Killian furrowed his brow. “Orc?”
Genevieve pointed at the tattoo on his bicep. “Apparently, Archer’s giving you a nickname.”
“Oh.” Killian snorted. “Couldn’t be more creative than that, snake?”
“I’m going to wash up,” Archer seethed. “Watch her.”
“So much for not letting me out of his sight.” Genevieve rolled her eyes. Once Archer disappeared, she grabbed Killian’s arm and fired out in a whisper, “Killian, any chance you’d be in favor of changing alliances?”
His head snapped back. “What?”
“Jed’s going down one way or another. I have a tracker on me, and my boyfriend’s got a court case that’s going to level Jed and his whole network.”
“Your boyfriend?” His voice sharpened. “The flash grenadier?”
“Yes, you saw what Brendan did—he risked his life for me. I learned from him that there truly are good people in the world willing to make sacrifices for others. Without Brendan, Archer’s betrayal would have me doubting that, but not anymore. You’re loyal to the wrong person. Switch sides. Be loyal to us—Brendan and I.”
Killian’s eyes darted around. “I’m loyal to Marshal. Better change tunes, Ms. Genevieve.” He held out his palm and waggled his fingers. “Hand over the tracker.”
Genevieve pulled out her small amber-brown hair barrette, which encased her embedded tracker, and dropped it in Killian’s hand. It didn’t matter anymore—whoever was in the Hummer had already used it to track them.
She tucked both hands under his thick arm. “Listen, Killian, we’ve contacted the FBI and Drug Enforcement Agency. Jed’s going down, and everyone who backs him will go down with him. If you help Brendan and I escape this unscathed, then I’ll protect you. I’ll make sure you get a plea deal. Brendan loves me. He won’t stop until I’m safe. He’s a multi-millionaire with Manning Cole on his side. Jed will never win. His ego’s so big that he can’t even foresee it.” She pleaded at him with her eyes. “Killian, if you back us, I’ll hire you. You can remain my personal bodyguard for life. I’ll find a way to pay your salary.” She bounced up on her toes, tugging him closer. “I’ll even match it.”
Killian’s mouth pinched into a frown. “I’m sorry, Ms. Gen, but my allegiances will never change. If you keep pressing me on this, I’ll have to alert Marshal.”
“You have my word that I’ll remain on your side. My boyfriend protects his people. Jed will let you fall. He’s only interested in number one. Mark my words. Test him.”
“You broke it, Gen,” Archer shouted in a congested, nasal-like tone from one of the arched entryways as he walked back into the room. “You broke my fucking nose. Should I have the orc break yours now?”
“Poor you.” Genevieve mocked a pout. “You can ask Killian to, but I doubt Jed wants his prize possession damaged. I look forward to spending eternity breaking your nose over and over, though. I don’t think Marshal will discipline me as long as I dote on him.” She cocked her head. “Do you?”
Killian chuckled.
Archer tightened his eyes and winced in reaction, gingerly touching the swollen skin across the bridge of his nose. “What’s your problem, orc?”
“I agree with Ms. Gen. You shouldn’t have been a snake. Ms. Gen doesn’t like that.”
Cupping his nose, Archer wheezed out, “Whose side are you on?”
“I was under the impression you were on Ms. Gen’s side. Am I wrong?”
“Gen has to earn some serious points back from me if I’m ever going to be on her side again.”
Genevieve braced her head on Killian’s arm. “I was thinking that I’d beg Jed to have Killian take your place. After all, I can trust him. I think a new bestie is in order. A few lip pouts and promises to Jed is all it will take. Then you’ll lose your right-hand man spot and the thousands that go with it.”
Archer sneered and winced again. “I’ll claim the two of you are having an affair. You’ll never win.”
Genevieve nudged Killian. “Did you hear that, new bestie? I’ll never win. Sounds just like something Jed would say.” She eyed Killian with meaning. “When people care, it isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about love and loyalty. There are people who care.” She lowered her voice and whispered, “I’m on your side if you’re on mine.”
The hesitation written across Killian’s resilient features gave her hope.
Twenty-One
BRENDAN
