Speechless (Pier 70 #3) (31 page)

Authors: Nicole Edwards

BOOK: Speechless (Pier 70 #3)

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“You sure?” RT inquired.

Without hesitating, Z answered with, “Positive. Why? Is that why I’m here?” Z glanced around mainly because looking at RT was making his body hum to life in a way that was definitely inappropriate but couldn’t be helped. “’Cause you coulda done this over the phone, ya know?”

RT shook his head. “I called you in because I wanted to talk about Kevin. I met with him a couple of hours ago.”

Oh, shit. The absolute last person Z wanted to chat with RT about was Kevin. Hell, he’d prefer to talk politics or religion—both subjects he generally considered completely off limits—rather than discuss the fucking douche that RT had hooked up with.

Z had never disliked anyone as much as he disliked Kevin. The guy was a first-rate dickhead who considered himself high and mighty because of the fact he was sleeping with RT. A point Kevin always made sure to relay.

There were a few comments Kevin had made over the years that Z was sure he’d never forget.

Don’t forget who you’re talkin’ to. Remember whose bed I keep warm at night. That makes me practically in charge.

I don’t want to have to tell you that I can call the shots, but I will. If I see you lookin’ at RT like that again, I’ll make sure he cans your ass. After all, I do pull most of the strings with him.

I’m the one he eats his meals with, the one he’s fucking every night. You’d be wise to remember that.

Yep, first-rate prick.

Rather than share his feelings on the subject, Z steeled his expression, waiting to see what RT had to say.

“We have no choice but to terminate his employment,” RT explained. “I spoke at length with Casper and Bryce a little while ago, and they agree. What Kevin did…?” RT shook his head in disbelief. “It’s unforgivable. We’re just damn lucky no one died.”

There was that. The man their client had hired them to find had been lucky as fuck, and it had cost Z the “scratch” on his arm and a near miss with a few bullets. The wealthy businessman who’d been kidnapped by the cartel had been delivered home to his wife and kids, and for that, Z was grateful.

But Z was pretty sure the failure of the mission—at least on Z’s and Trace’s parts—had been Kevin’s intention in the first place—to get Z and Trace killed so he could swoop in and save the day. The guy had always been volatile, but ever since his relationship with RT had become rocky, Kevin had grown more and more unstable. On more than one occasion, he’d accused Z of wanting to fuck RT. It never mattered what Z said to defuse the situation, Kevin had never believed him.

“I hope you’re not expectin’ my input,” Z stated. He did not want to be part of this. It was up to the big dogs as to what they did to Kevin. Whether they fired him or reprimanded him, that was their choice, not Z’s.

“No, I’m not,” RT assured him, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk. “I just wanted you to know that I take this seriously. The welfare of my employees is important to me. I can’t sit by and let Kevin get away with this.”

Z couldn’t say he wasn’t happy with that decision. If Kevin had gone so far as to try and get Z and Trace killed because he was jealous, there was no telling what he was capable of.

Shrugging as though it didn’t matter one way or the other, Z got to his feet.

“I’m sorry this went down the way it did,” RT said, standing as well.

“It wasn’t your fault,” Z replied, looking directly into RT’s eyes, wanting the man to realize he meant those words. RT was the type to take everything on himself, even the irresponsible actions of a man like Kevin.

“It’ll get better from here,” RT said, smiling, though it was obiously forced. “I promise.”

Yeah, well, Z wasn’t so sure RT could ensure that, but Z wasn’t going to disagree. After all, Z didn’t hold RT responsible for any of it. He was only human; there was no way he could’ve seen this coming.

“Smooth sailing from here on out,” Z replied with a smile as he moved toward the door.

“Why’re you limping?” RT asked as Z placed his hand on the doorknob, anxious to put some distance between him and RT. When the man showed his softer side, he only enraptured Z more, and that wasn’t necessarily a good thing.

“Huh?” He didn’t bother to turn around.

“You’re limping. Is somethin’ wrong with your leg?”

Peering at RT over his shoulder, Z smiled. “Cramp.”

RT’s eyes narrowed, and Z knew his boss didn’t believe him, but he wasn’t going to go into detail. The man had enough to worry about as it was.

“See you on Monday?” RT asked as Z opened the door.

“Monday.” With that, Z left, feeling the heat of RT’s gaze trailing him as he did.

As he hobbled out of the office, he had to wonder whether or not Kevin’s termination would also mean the end of his relationship with RT. It shouldn’t matter to Z, but for some strange reason, it did.

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