How we doing people? What's your favorite part of the book so far? Anything with Julian and his knives will always make smile. How about you?

Enjoy another chapter!

XOXO

-L



We need to find a better way to donate to charities.

I tugged at the collar restricting my neck and checked my watch. It had only been three hours and I was ready to haul my ass out of there.

I wasn't lying to Rosaline when I told her that I wished she was here to shield me. I've been getting too many stares– whether it's lust, greed for power, or disgust. I would much rather be at home cooking with my Flower.

I surveyed the grand room. People were talking and dancing in their formal attire, writing checks for the children's cancer organization we were fundraising for. There were a lot of people I recognized, some who partnered with our company and some I wished I could kick off the premises.

I identified faces that were on Angelo's files, laughing freely as they drank from the bar. Xavier and Maria were being swarmed by different CEOs and politicians eager to be a part of our inner circle.

But they never would be– not when their asses were going to land in jail soon.

"Alert, can anyone read me? We got a situation." I heard John's voice through the communicator, his voice urgent.

I glanced at Maria and Xavier, who continued talking to the guests. I saw a slight stiffness in Maria's shoulders while Xavier calmly searched for me. We locked eyes and I nodded.

"I can read you. What's happening, John?" I asked casually, maintaining my composure in case I was being watched.

"Rosaline's identified some of Lorenzo's men. They're at the west entrance downstairs. She thinks they are the shooters."

Damn it to hell. A wave of fear and fury rolled through me.

"Identify." I gritted out.

"Four men, wearing black suits and red vests. Small logo on the left side of their jackets."

I looked down from the second floor vantage point that gave me a bird's-eye view of the event, analyzing the crowd before spotting them.

"It looks like a red triangle. I can't read the logo."

"I've seen that logo before. It's another security agency and military-based. The organization is very secretive and independent. It's not surprising if they were hired as extra security for another guest," Jasmine replied.

I saw her heading their direction, having dismissed her admirers. "I'll get a read on them. Damon, come down here with me. Xavier, I am going to try to find who they are protecting tonight."

"Is Rosaline sure it's them, John? Why would they be here? The government is tracking their asses. Why aren't they lying low?" I asked quietly to him as I made my way downstairs, nodding at guests passing by.

"She's positive. These aren't faces that she would forget. She's here if you want confirmation."

"Give her a comm but direct her only to me. I need to talk privately with Rosaline," I ordered. John made an affirmative noise before I heard her voice.

"Damon? Can you hear me?"

"I hear you, Flower. Are you okay?"

"Y-yeah. It's just...I wasn't really expecting that. It's not everyday you see the Men in Black...the guys who hurt and k-killed a bunch of innocent people." Rosaline's voice broke and I closed my eyes, wishing I was there to comfort her.

I also internally rolled my eyes at her nickname for those assholes. The first time she brought that up, I couldn't help but laugh. I doubted that Rosaline had seen any of the movies.

"Listen to me. I want you to be absolutely sure. I'm not doubting you, but I need to make sure we got the right guys." I told her as I waved over the twins.

"It's them, Damon. I would recognize them anywhere. It's them."

"All right. Thank you, Flower. You seem to be a detective all on your own."

Rosaline let out a weak laugh at my joke.

"Thanks. I'm just trying not to freak out right now. But on the bright side, I got to go to the gala with you. And you don't need me as a human shield if you keep scaring the guests away."

My lips twitched as I fought the urge to smile. "All right. I need you to sign off now, Flower. There's some things I need to do now."

"Okay, but I am going to stay with John in case I see something else. Be careful."

"And you too."

The twins finally reached me.

"Did you see the red on those guys? Diabolical. Want me to take them out?" Julian asked seriously as he gestured to the suspects.

I shook my head and scowled at them.

"No. I want you to go to the parking garage and keep an eye for them. I don't care what you do– track them, bug them– then wait for them to leave and follow, understood? I want to know where they are hiding and with whom."

"Yes, sir." They echoed.

"Especially after wearing all that red, they need surveillance." Josh muttered to his twin as they stalked away, seeming to blend into the crowd.

Clearing my throat, I walked over to where John located the suspects. Disgust ran down my spine as they laughed with Jasmine, calm and focused on their surroundings. I studied their stances and agreed with Jasmine that they were ex-military. Erik would have to do a face scan to identify them to learn more background information on them.

I stalked forward, giving them a charming smile.

"Madeleine, so good to see you," I addressed Jasmine, using her fake name for the night. I grabbed her hand and gave it a kiss.

"Introduce me to our guests. I don't believe I recognize them."

"Hi there, Mr. Cohen," Jasmine purred, batting her eyelashes at me. "This is Mr. Anthony, Mr. Donahue, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Myers. They're from another security agency."

"Ah. Nothing but friendly competition, I hope." I forced out a laugh as I quickly sized up the four men. I looked at their logo and saw the red triangle with the words "YSA" inside it.

"Yes, but we are hoping that we can be partners in the future," Mr. Anthony nodded, seeming to be analyzing me as well. They wanted to see how much of a threat I was. "A sponsor of ours actually wants to discuss this with Mr. Monroe. Do you know Mr. Campbell?"

It took everything in me to not punch the motherfucker in the face.

"Yes, Howard Campbell. He is the head of a weapons company and works closely with the army. Arms and Protection Corporation, I believe?"

"Yes. He's a very fine businessman and a strong supporter of our cause. Mr. Campbell doesn't like us surrounding him so we are checking the perimeter instead while he talks with the other businessmen here," said Mr. Myers. "He wishes to expand his network." Myers waved dismissively, like everyone knew this news.

While these might look like regular business deals to an outsider, we knew better. It wasn't a coincidence that the man who had access to the bomb in Rosaline's apartment would want connections to Monroe Protective Services. That would bring more resources and power for Campbell and his company. And after everything we learned about the CEO, having access to those resources would do us no good.

"Well, I wish him luck. It would be interesting to work with you in the future. If you'll excuse me, I need to greet some more guests. Have a good night gentlemen. Madeleine, always good to see you."

I walked away from the group of murderers and grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the servers. I started with a sip before thinking fuck it and chugging the entire thing.

"Did everyone hear that?"

"Most definitely!" Xavier exclaimed through the earpiece as he talked to a donor, but I knew he was talking to the group. I walked to him and Maria, excusing myself to intrude in on their conversation. After getting the crowd away from them, I pulled them into a more private part of the room.

"Well, at least we can confirm that Mr. Campbell is connected to everything. Do you think he is the leader?" I asked Xavier as he stroked Maria's belly protectively.

"I don't know. I haven't had the chance to talk to him. If he wants to network with me, how come he hasn't come up to me?"

"I saw him a few times, but he keeps going to other people. He never stays for too long and moves on to the next person." Maria said in disgust, looking ready to throw down with someone.

"I recognized that he was going to people who were on Angelo's list. Maybe an update or because they want to be in their inner circle," Xavier murmured, pasting a smile and waving at people. "Have the twins follow them for 24 hours and report back. Erik will identify those assholes while I chat with Mr. Campbell. Maria, stay with Damon– I don't want you anywhere near Campbell's toxic vicinity."

"Don't have to tell me twice. Being in his presence makes me want to shower and chuck him off a balcony." Maria said casually.

"That's my Sugar," Xavier pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. He gave me a nod before going to the bar.

"I really need a drink." Maria groaned and rubbed her head in frustration.

"How about a glass of water, pregnant lady?" I retorted, unable to be at ease. Knowing those killers were near made me wish I could use my gun. I scowled at a woman coming our way and she scampered somewhere else.

Maria elbowed me. "Will you stop? We get it, you are very scary. I'm trembling in my boots. Now, let's get some cupcakes and water. I heard Liz saved the cupcakes that Rosie made just for us. That should lighten your spirits."

Gently grabbing her arm, I guided Maria over to the food table, praying that this night would be over soon.

~*~

"I hate it when people try to kiss my ass– like, no thank you," Maria grumbled. "And no, you can't touch my stomach, you creeps. I'd rather punch your face! Remember it's for the kids, Maria, it's for the kids!"

"I think that's enough socializing for tonight," I said calmly. Maria looked ready to bite the head off the next person who tried to admire her pregnant belly. "Xavier, your wife is going to beat someone up. It's time to take her home."

"It's not the first time, but go ahead," I heard him from the earpiece. "I still have men here and I'd rather she went back to the house. And Campbell is coming my way. John will record the conversation. Let me know when you arrive at the property."

"Yes, sir," I said before I turned to the grumpy woman. "Let's go home, Maria. I'm sure Flower would love to keep you company when we get back."

"Do you think she'll give me a foot massage? She gives the best ones and my feet are sore," Maria sighed longingly at the thought and I fought not to smile.

I placed my hand on the small of her back to guide her to the exit. "Oh! Oh! We can have more cupcakes and you can whip up some food for me! I am dying for something sweet and salty."

"You are a walking pregnant cliché." I muttered, and scowled as she elbowed me in the gut.

"I'll have you know that I am allowed to be as cliché as I want. I have a fetus inside my womb. Just wait until Rosie gets pregnant." Maria sniffed and I almost choked.

"What the fuck do you mean 'when Rosaline is pregnant?'" I said as we walked through the parking garage. I found my car right away and I signaled the valet to hand me my keys. "We've been only dating for a few months."

"And you don't think Rosie hasn't thought about little Damons and little Flowers? Oh, you naive boy!" Maria sang.

I refused to blush from Maria's taunts.

"Don't make me leave you here. You can walk your pregnant ass home."

"Ah...denial. Just know that we discuss sex all the time!" Maria said as she grabbed the keys from the valet and unlocked my car. I stood there in confusion and horror, a little heated.

Maria honked the horn for me to get my ass in gear. I went inside the car and took out my ear com, putting it in the dashboard.

"Can we not talk about my sex life?" I grumbled as I started the car.

"You mean your nonexistent one? Because you aren't pulling the moves and Rosie is too nervous to do anything?"

I gripped the steering wheel as I exited the lot.

"Since when have you gotten involved in this?"

"I have always been involved, just on the sidelines. The sexual tension between you two...it's hot. Like 'Xavier, drag me into another room' hot. My libido has gone up, have you noticed?"

What? No.

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Not really. Look, Rosaline is too shy to make the first move, but I know she is hyper aware of the chemistry between you two. You've seen the romance books she reads on her dresser...erotic, am I right? She tries to sneakily ask questions, which I think is cute by the way. So I don't know...make sure she is aware you want the same thing. You..."

Maria continued to talk but I blocked her out at this point. I loved Maria, but I really didn't need to discuss sex with her. Especially when she was driven to talk about it due to her raging hormones. Any sex discussions should be between Flower and myself.

Fuck. Now is not the time to visualize ripping clothes off of Rosaline.

Besides, there was something far more urgent happening.

I turned left on the next street.

"Damon, you were supposed to go to the right. Is my sex talk muddling with your head, or do you want the conversation to be longer–"

"No. More like we're being followed. That black Subaru has been following us for the last five minutes. I'm going to try to lose them. Call the twins on my phone."

Maria went right to business, all humor gone as she called the twins and put it on speaker.

"You reached the Anderson twins. You break it, we break you– this is Josh!"

"Where are you? Did the targets leave?" I asked, getting right to the point.

"No, they're still here. Boss and Campbell are with each other while we and a few others are keeping an eye on them."

"Good. Tell Xavier we are taking the fun route home." That was our code saying that we might be intercepted but not to worry unless told otherwise.

"Roger that."

The call cut and Maria looked annoyed.

"So we are being stalked?"

"It's not the shooters. That crosses them off of my list. I don't think we're in real danger."

"And how would you know that? Aren't you worried that there are assassins ready to murder us?"

"Well, there's one way to find out. Get the registration ready. I'm about to turn onto a more empty road. Make sure your seatbelt is secure– I don't need Xavier to beat my ass." I spoke calmly, keeping my posture relaxed.

"Ugh. You're lucky I love fast car rides. Nothing goes over eighty or I will be the one to beat your ass. I am with child." Maria admonished me as she double-checked her seatbelt and made sure her belly was protected.

"Deal. And it's only for a few moments," I turned onto the empty road, making sure the car was following us. Once it was confirmed, I nodded.

"Ready, set, go!" I stepped on the gas, speeding up the car. Only a few moments later, the black car flashed blue, red, and white.

I waited another five seconds to piss off the officer before pulling over.

Once I saw the figure step out of the car, I sighed in annoyance.

"Has he always been such a fucking pain?"

"I have to admit, his obsession level has gone up in the last few years. It's concerning," Maria admitted as Detective Benson knocked on my window. "Whenever I see him, there is a mix of regret and sadness. Sometimes I wished things had gone differently with his father. But right now...he chose tonight to scare the shit out of me, so mostly? I. Am. Pissed!"

"Don't punch him." I advised as Benson kept banging on the window.

"You either. And don't make him angry or he'll charge us more."

I finally rolled the window down with a bored expression on my face. "Detective Benson. I didn't know you were demoted to traffic duty." I ignored the dagger like glare Maria sent my way.

Force of habit to disrespect police.

"I was just in the neighborhood and saw a car speeding. I am obligated to make sure all justice is served," Benson said smugly. "License and registration."

Maria not so delicately threw it in his face.

"Tsk, tsk, Mrs. Monroe. You aren't supposed to assault an officer." Benson snapped.

"You were too far away, Detective. There was no offense meant." Maria smiled sweetly, but her voice was dripped with disdain.

Guess she wasn't heeding her advice either.

"Detective Benson, you were following us. I will follow through with a restraining order if you don't back off. We did nothing wrong and all you are doing is being petty by giving us a ticket when I was trying to get away from someone that could have been a threat." I said in a bored voice.

Mentally, I was strangling him.

If anything, his grin widened.

"Mr. Cohen, I am happy to inform you that it's not 'Detective' anymore." He grabbed something from his waist and I tensed, ready to protect Maria when he popped out a badge.

"It's Special Agent Garrett Benson to you now." Benson offered it to me mockingly.

I took it and examined it, seeing the new FBI badge.

Great. Just what we fucking needed.

"Huh. I wonder what strings you pulled to get this. So that's why you pulled us over? To show off your new level of power? To put us in our places?"

"No, this is just a warning. I have more resources and power to take you down. I'll be gathering evidence to create a case against you and your team. You may get to go to your fancy property tonight, but the next thing you will be seeing is a jail cell. Tell you what, confess now and I will have the judge be more lenient toward you. Also saves me a lot of paperwork."

Maria and I said nothing, just staring at him in defiance. "Special Agent" Benson finished signing the ticket and gave it to me.

"Have a good night you two. And Maria, tell Xavier that he's the first person I'll be arresting." Benson grabbed his badge from my hand and, with one last predatory grin, walked back to his car.

When is he going to realize that he is not a predator, but the prey?

Still parked in the dark, we watched him make a U-turn and drive away.

"You put a bug on him didn't you?" Maria asked softly, her body still tense with unease.

"Right on his badge. He won't spot anything since it's tiny and inside the small gap between his wallet and badge."

"Nice. You know he's going to be a bigger problem now." Maria cursed. I knew how hard it was to see her former friend turn into a bitter man, but he had to be held accountable for his actions.

"If he's able to convince his superiors. He hasn't been able to up until this point. If he hasn't found evidence now, I doubt that they will listen to a new rookie agent."

"Yes, but now the FBI could be keeping a close eye on us now." Maria rubbed her face in frustration, smearing her makeup.

I didn't point it out, knowing she would only just lash out at me.

I started the car again. "Well, let's hope we keep our hands clean. Xavier isn't going to like this."

"He is never going to let me leave the house again."

"You won't want to if Flower is giving you that foot massage."

"Shut up, bribery won't–"

"I'll bake cookies."

"Deal."