The Change: Better Part 16

Sounds good, Layla. In fact, can you watch her while I meet with the boss? He tipped his head toward the door.

Of course. Whens the last time you fed her and changed her? I asked.

Fed her before we left my place, and Ive got a couple of bottles in here. He tapped the messenger bag over his shoulder. Changed her right before we walked out the door.

Well be fine. Wont we, Miss Nahla? I danced her around to my desk. Her eyes were getting heavy.

Rick put the bag on the edge of my desk, moved to the door, then gave us one last look.

I shot him a rea.s.suring smile, this was going to be fun.

Chapter Sixteen.

I heard Ricks voice in the hallway outside of my office. I closed my laptop and shoved it to the side of my desk. This was not going to be an easy meeting. When Id established Limited, Id decided that my people could refuse a job, no reason needed. They knew the dangers, but Id told myself it was their choice. Today, I didnt like that I was going to ask Rick to accompany me to the meeting with the top tier of Cancerberos management. It was dangerous s.h.i.+t and he was a dad. But he thrived on the thrill of danger, and I trusted him implicitly.

He rapped on the door frame. Boss man?

Come in. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on the desk.

He closed the door. He had an idea of what was coming, and it wasnt for everyones ears. He eased his big body into the chair in front of my desk. So you want a meet, face to face? Firm on that?

I frowned. s.h.i.+ts getting out of control.

Vadors got some middle-management problems. I think the Moreno family is taking things into their own hands. Rick crossed an ankle over his knee.

Ive got no interest in his problems, except that they are now my problems. The Morenos are still coming after whats mine. Theyre pus.h.i.+ng, and Im going to push back. I dropped my arms.

Could get ugly. An understatement, but Rick was always cautious with his words.

I think its past time. Ive been patient. I wont overlook this last message. Ive been patient, very patient, by going through Vador when I should have stamped out the Morenos.

He nodded once and met my gaze. Ill set it up.

I know its s.h.i.+t timing, man, I said in apology.

Thats not on you. Thats on Vador and the a.s.shole Morenos. Rick dropped his leg to the floor.

I know you have your baby this week. I swear Ill do everything to stave off war, but"

Rick held up his palm. My moms going to help out with Nahla. We let this go on, we lose ground. If s.h.i.+t gets hot, Ill have my mom take Nahla back to North Carolina.

If there was any other way I stood.

I know that. This is my deal. You cant send Golden Boy or Osi. Rick flashed a grin.

He was right. Osi might take it into his head that there was disrespect and start blasting. He had a short fuse and took his idea of respect very seriously. Tye hated it when Rick called him the Golden Boy. Id made a promise to his dad that Tye would stay clean. I wouldnt say that I was dirty, but I wasnt lily white. Any delicate issue discussed between Tye and I took place where there could be no blow back. No chance of a recording and no paper or electronic trail. I tried to imagine Tye sitting across the table from a man like Vador. The problem was, I could see it. Tye always had a bit of recklessness in him. He worked it out by doing things like mountain biking, bungee jumping and skydiving. In the last year, Id noticed that hed become edgier. When we sparred at the gym, he hit harder, not cheap, but right up against the line. I saw it in his eyes that need to feel his fist connect with flesh, blood spurting as the result. It was a part of me and the men I surrounded myself with.

I trust you with my life, man, with Laylas too. I circled around my desk and held out my hand.

He stood and shook it, and then pulled me in for a man-hug. Ill go out later after I get Nahla settled with mom. It wont take long for me to find one of Vadors boys.

Be smart. Safe. I told him. And keep this quiet. Ill need to talk to Lay when its finalized, to go over a few things. I mentioned it last night but I dont want her to hear about this from somebody else.

I can say the same to you. When people hear about the meet, they may try to make trouble. Rick made his way to the door.

I opened the door. With you at my back, I got no worries.

Oh, you got plenty to worry about. You should see your woman holding my baby. He flashed a grin.

Oh, yeah? I followed him out in the hall. I was curious.

She wants one. It was written all over her face. Rick shook his head.

We heard voices coming from the kitchenette, so I followed Rick there.

Layla was sitting in a chair facing the door with a towel thrown over her shoulder and a baby in her arms taking a bottle. She looked up as we entered. She got hungry. She looked down at Nahla, and her smile took my breath away.

Rick was right. Lay wanted a baby and she looked so good holding one.

I moved closer and ran my fingertips over Nahlas head. She stopped sucking on her bottle and looked at me.

h.e.l.lo Beautiful, I said softly.

Shes a good girl, no trouble at all. Layla stopped watching me and turned to Rick.

You look good with a baby in your arms. I told her softly.

Our gazes met, and I watched hers get s.h.i.+ny. Yeah, my woman wanted a baby. I gave her a slow smile, and she gave me one in return.

She likes you. Ricks voice broke up the moment.

Weve had fun. Lucky for me Jenn isnt that into babies. I got to hold her the entire time. Layla put the empty bottle on the table and repositioned the baby to her shoulder.

Rick, you and Nahla want to join us for lunch? We were just heading out. One of the best parts of having Layla working here was that we could go to lunch, together.

Thanks, man, but I think Ill go home, make some calls, and hang with my girl. Rick held out his arms for his baby.

Layla washed the bottle, and put it back into the bag. Remember, anytime you need a sitter, I volunteer.

We volunteer, I corrected.

Layla walked to me and kissed my cheek.

I pulled her into my side. Soon, I whispered in her ear. It was a promise.

When we got home, I changed and started my workout. Layla went into the kitchen to begin dinner. It was crazy how easily wed fallen into this routine. In the past when I had a woman around, she was always around. Underfoot, like if she couldnt see me, I might disappear.

Layla gave me s.p.a.ce. At work, she might wave as she walked past my office on her way to get a drink, but she didnt hang around. At home, she spent time in the kitchen and would join me on the sofa while I worked. She would read or be on her laptop. She seemed comfortable entertaining herself. It was easy to have her around.

I opened a bottle of wine at dinner. I knew she didnt drink much or often. I needed to talk to her about the meet Rick set up. I waited until Id helped her clean up the kitchen, and then I changed the sheets on the bed. I knew she liked that, how I made the effort to make one of her wishes come true.

Id just joined her on the sofa in the man cave, when I got a call from Rick.

Sorry babe, gotta take this, I said.

She waved her hand in a go on motion. G.o.d, it was great that she didnt get p.i.s.sy when I took calls.

Tomorrow, ten, at The Red Rocket. Ricks voice was tense.

He accept the limits on partic.i.p.ants? I meant Vador and his second and me with mine would be only ones to attend.

Thats the plan, but I say we bring in everyone. Ricks low voice rumbled in my ear.

Agreed. Thanks man, go back to your daughter. Ill arrange the back up.

Copy that. Rick hung up.

I dropped my phone onto the coffee table, and I picked up my wine gla.s.s. I slowly twirled it a few times before I took a drink.

Everything all right? Layla was watching me closely as if she sensed that something was up.

Need to have a talk, I told her. I watched her eyes go from frightened, to resolute, and finally worried.

I know youre getting a feel for what we do at Limited, I started.

She nodded. I still have a lot to learn, but everybody has been really great dealing with my questions and screw ups.

Shed made very few screw ups. Jenn and Rick had both told me I needed to give her more money, because she was doing great and fitting in so well. A part of my job is to deal with bad people. I kept my voice soft.

You told me that at the beginning, she said cautiously.

This thing with the Cancerberos has gotten out of control.

I watched her eyes widen.

I put out the word you were under my protection after I brought you here. I waited until she gave me a nod. Then the Morenos burned down the house around us. I issued another warning to Vador over the phone. He said he would handle it.

She was now biting down on her lip.

He hasnt. So, I had Rick arrange a meeting between me and Mr. Ulloa. A formal face-to-face discussion.

Her eyes got even bigger. Just because of my car? Honey, it isnt worth making such a big deal over. I mean making this meeting formal and all, isnt that dangerous? Her voice shook.

I weighed my answer carefully.

The truth Forde, she urged.

I wanted to smile. My woman was strong. Yeah, theres a danger factor, but Rick will be there, and Ill have people around.

She asked slowly, And these people, theyre good at being around?

Yeah, theyre good. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. The woman was smart.

She still looked worried. Will Mr. Ulloa have people around?

Probably. I would if I were him.

She let out a sigh. Youre doing this for me?

For us, I said, infusing confidence in my response.

Im so going to owe you. She flashed a quick smile, and then took the gla.s.s from my hand and climbed onto my lap, straddling me.

Yeah, youre going to owe me. I kissed her.

Chapter Seventeen.

It was after lunch and clearly everybody knew about the meeting that night. Id had my fill of inquiring looks and subtle questions. Our people were worried about how I was handling the news. Luckily Zoe called and invited Forde and I to dinner. I jumped at the chance to do something to keep my mind from worrying.

I headed to the kitchen for a bottle of water and ran into Rick. When do I get to see Nahla again?

His smile was pure sweetness. I have her the rest of the week, so how about some afternoon?

Its a date. I opened the refrigerator door and noted that I needed to restock the water and Red Bull. I grabbed a bottle of water and unscrewed the top as I turned.

You know Ive got Fordes back on this right? Ricks gaze was serious.

I know. I had no doubt Rick would lay down his life for Forde.

But youre still going to worry?

Of course Im going to worry. Thats a lot of, uh, alpha male bad-a.s.sedous in one room. I shrugged trying to keep things light.