Then we will plant a story of where I will be tomorrow night and hope like hell he shows his face. Ashton and Ghost can only lead a horse to water, but they can’t make him drink, so that’s where I come in. I need to provoke him enough that instead of going after Harper, he finds me an easier target being right there in front of him. That he’ll want to take my money and hurt me as payback for what her father did to his parents.

Ashton is worried about that part, but I’m not. I just have to think like Chester does and then I can always be one step ahead of him. It’s a skill I’ve mastered with businesses and the individuals who run them. I’ve made a lot of money over the years by just studying people then sitting back and waiting for the right time to strike. This is no different.

Well, maybe that’s not entirely true, this time I could have a gun pointed at me, and that will make it a little more difficult to gain the upper hand. But even that doesn’t worry me.

I’d take a bullet for the woman I love, no matter what it costs me.

Even if it’s my life.

* * *

Sitting on my bed in the hotel room after taking a long-awaited shower, I’m scrolling through the group chat on my phone with the boys today. Because of course Rem couldn’t keep his mouth shut about where I am.

Forrest: Finished with Ashton, and we have a plan.

Rem: I’m so pissed at you. I should have guessed what you’d do, but stupidly, I thought you were going off to clear your head.

Forrest: You would have done the same.

Rem: But I would’ve been smart and told my head of security that I was leaving the fucking country! Instead of waiting until all the alerts start going off as soon as your phone pinged in Chicago. You’re lucky I didn’t call you as soon as I saw it because you would be deaf in one ear now from me bursting your eardrum yelling at you.

Forrest: Yes, Dad!

Rem: Don’t be an ass!

Flynn: Pissed is a mild word to use for my thoughts on you, Brother.

Flynn: I’m fucking livid!

Nic: Seriously, we are doing this now at 4.30am?

Forrest: Why are you all awake?

Rem: Because some dickhead is on the other side of the world trying to play commando! I’ve spoken to Ashton. Have you lost your fucking mind!

Nic: Do I want to know?

Flynn: What the fuck are you doing!

Forrest: I’m not doing this with you all. I’m a grown man and make my own decisions.

Flynn: ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!