Page 57 of Stolen Salvation

“We need an end game, Nadia. I can’t keep this up much longer. I want this operation shut down and Gideon feels the same. He’s getting in deeper and deeper. The shareholders are making things difficult and that bitch Marsha is bleeding our father dry, both financially and mentally.”

“I know and I promise we’re making progress. Hang in there, please?”

“When are you coming back?”

“Hopefully next week. Has Gideon fired anyone lately?”

Gideon was the boss from hell, demanding, rude, overly critical, and expected people to work day and night. She was just glad her cover was as a PA to Damon, she’d likely stab Gideon with a blunt spoon. God knew how he got away with it, but being a rich, handsome asshole seemed to have its perks.

“The latest girl lasted a day. The agency is threatening to blacklist him if he makes another personal assistant cry.”

“Asshole.”

“Yeah he is and yet you like that kind of thing.”

“Can we not do this, Damon?”

“Fine, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I know. You’re a good friend.”

“You know you’re the first woman to friend-zone me in thirty-three years.”

“It’s good for your ego, and in any case, we’d kill each other.”

“True. Now give me the details so I can try and help you.”

Duchess told him what she’d need from him, and he said he’d try.

“You owe me.”

“Fine.”

“Good, I’m glad you agree. I have a gala to attend next Friday and need a date that won’t annoy me all night.”

“Do I need to cover my ink?”

“No, you’re perfectly acceptable like you are.”

“Then we have a deal.”

“I’ll text you with the details. Stay safe, Nadia.”

“You too, Damon.”

Duchess hung up and smiled. He was the first person outside of Shadow who she’d consider a friend. They’d spent the last year trying to get all the evidence they needed to take down Carter. Damon and Gideon agreeing to help had been a blessing. But to stop the business from collapsing to a degree it could destabilise the economy with job losses, they’d had to be careful. She hoped they were in the end game now with this news of Marsha and Carter’s link to Cradle.

She sure hoped so, because every second she had to spend next to Gideon Cavendish she was closer to either murdering him in his sleep or jumping his delicious, annoying, growly bones.

Chapter 20

Charlie knew she had to tell Noah about the baby. A baby. She’d never thought she’d say those two words again, but here she was with a gift she hadn’t known she needed. Terror was like a stealer of joy every time she tried to think of the future though.

At the moment, the house was full as the men from Eidolon and Fortis were brought up to speed on what they’d found from the last twenty-four hours of surveillance.

“You take the lead, Duchess.”

Jack held his palm out for Duchess to take the lead on this mission. With so many big hitters in one room, it would be easy for egos to take over but both the leaders from Fortis and Eidolon were happy to cede the floor.