Sebastian

My steps slow as I leave the jewelers with a wedding gift for Talia. Banks is leaning against my car, arms crossed. My whole frame tenses, but I force myself not to immediately rush the asshole. He had to have followed me from the BLACK Security office. “What are you doing here?” I don't bother with small talk. I want him the fuck away from my world. The fact he even crossed into my domain infuriates me.

Banks doesn't move from his position. Instead he leans on the car even more and rubs his goatee, his dark eyes studying me in slow, calculating sweeps. “You know, I thought you had something to do with that raid on my warehouse a while back, but I couldn't prove it.” Pushing off my car, he gets in my face, his eyes narrowed to slits, teeth bared. “The next time you want to go toe-to-toe with me, have the balls to do it yourself. Don't send your woman to do your backdoor dirty work for you like some kind of sniveling bitch.”

Before he can step back, I grab his shoulder in a painful hold and extend my arm, forcing him away from me on my terms. “It was a fucking interview, Banks. Don't put your paranoia on me or my family. Though, I see it was a mistake for Talia to believe you were interview-worthy. You haven't changed one bit.”

“Protecting my own is always my priority.” Banks winces in pain, then yanks out of my vise hold. Rubbing his shoulder, he growls, “My paranoia showed up at my door two hours ago with a search warrant, looking to get my ass arrested. I don't believe in coincidences.” He takes a step back, just out of my reach. “For the record, after turning me down as a punk teen, you only lived because I didn't think you were a threat. Don't make me see you that way now, Blackie. You want your past to stay there? Don't pull it forward and sure as shit don't fuck with it. I've got a lot more to protect and I'm far less forgiving in my old age.”

I step forward, my fists clenched to keep from pounding the asshole into the cement. There are too many cameras on the street and the last thing I need is an assault charge the day before my wedding. “You really think you're worth my time?” I look him up and down with pent-up loathing and stop short of spitting at his feet. “Stay the hell away from me and mine, Banks. If I wanted to destroy you, trust me...by the time you saw me coming the ground under your feet would already be gone. Off the top of my head, I can think of ten ways to pull you apart. Every facet of your life would crumble, from family to funds. Now get the fuck out of my face before my restraint disappears and the first facet you feel is my fist smearing you all over the street.”

Banks folds his arms and puffs up his chest. “You’ve been warned. You're not the only person with friends in high and low places, Blackie. Remember that.”

His veiled threat delivered, Banks slides his hands in his pockets and strolls down the road, whistling.

My phone's at my ear before Banks turns the corner. “What's Talia's status, Theo?”

“She popped into a pizza place for lunch and brought me out a slice, then headed to her publishers. Been at Midtown Central a little over an hour. What's up? You sound tense.”

What's she doing at her publisher? “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“Wedding jitters?”

Normally his nosiness would annoy the hell out of me. Today, I could use a little levity to keep from overreacting. I don't want to say anything to raise the alarm just yet, so I snort. “Something like that. Keep a close eye and send updates.”

“You worried she won’t show?” Theo says, chuckling.

“You trying to get fired?”

I hang up and immediately text Talia.

You didn't mention going to Midtown today.

Checking up on me, are you?

Theo’s smartass comment seems apt, so I smirk and reply.

Just making sure you're not running for the hills.

Nah, I take the “’Til death do us part” very seriously.

Sounds like an opening line of a new T.A. Lone book. Is that why you were at Midtown?

Yep, I just signed a new contract for two more books.

I frown. The Tribune kept her swamped so much she only had time to work on one book this year.

Are you sure you won't be overextending yourself with two books? I thought you were only going to contract one at a time.

Two books came to me fully formed. Jared wanted both.

Greedy bastard.

My editor gets books. You get me. Looks like you’re both greedy bastards.

Fair warning. Tomorrow's contract will have ironclad evergreen clauses and non-competes out the ying-yang. I also plan to demand that Aaron White be the exclusive love interest in your fictional worlds. Be ready to sign on the dotted line, no addendums allowed.

Ha, you just want a guarantee you’ll be invited to all the book signings.

I’ll be there as your security anyway. Plus, your female readers adore me.

I do all the work and you get the adoration. Hmm, seems a bit out of balance.

I grin that she’s in good spirits.

How’s it my fault that you’ve made Aaron White one hot badass? Theo is your shadow today. For my sanity, keep it that way.

Love you too, Mr. Eye-Candy. See you at home at three.

Banks said his peace and I said mine. Extra security will be assigned at the rehearsal. I refuse to worry Talia with this. The last thing she should be feeling is guilt the day before her wedding. I pull her gift from my pocket and slide my finger across the stones. Not that I'll ever admit it to Cass, but marrying Talia again in front of our families and friends was absolutely the right call.