“I couldn’t agree more. Now get some sleep.”

Dominic had hired Sese from a restaurant in Jakarta after eating the best beef rendang he’d ever had. That the young chef handled himself superbly in a bar fight later that night had further clinched the deal; it had also established immediate rapport with the members of Dominic’s personal security. In addition, the huge Polynesian could outdrink anyone on the crew, a feat of some consequence in the peer group that saw to Dominic’s safety.

Although Sese didn’t take orders well from anyone but Dominic, the other men had learned to ask politely if they wanted him to cook them something special.

Passing the dining room, exercise room, and small library, Dominic reached the circular staircase that led up to the lounge.

Leo raised his glass and smiled as Dominic came into view at the top of the stairs. “Safe and sound,” he drawled. “Fuck the Balkan mafia.”

“Temporarily,” Dominic reminded him, walking over to the bar and pouring himself three fingers of whiskey. “But thanks everyone.” He surveyed the group of hard-bodied, battle-scarred veterans relaxing in green leather club chairs with drinks in their hands, the pungent smell of kif in the air. “Katherine’s safe. I’m pleased.” Dropping into a vacant chair, he drank half his whiskey, rested the glass on the chair arm, leaned back, and softly exhaled. “She’s going to wonder why we’re traveling with so much security though. I’ll have to come up with some logical explanation. I just don’t want to scare her needlessly.”

“You’re good at that, Nick. Telling women what they want to hear.” A flash of a grin, an Australian accent, a glass lifted in salute.

“I think that’s your department, Clive.” Dominic smiled. “You’ll have to give me pointers.”

The handsome young man with a permanent Aussie tan, the neck of a weight lifter, and hair so blond it was white offered up a look of fake surprise. “You talkin’ to me, mate?”

“Yeah, you. Anyone who can escape their own wedding and leave the bride smiling is what I’d call fucking persuasive.”

“We were friends. It helped.” Clive shrugged. “That’s not your style, Nick.” He gave Dominic a lopsided grin. “Not that your style doesn’t get results.”

“Better results now,” Dominic said, very, very softly. “Katherine’s a rare gift. I’m not sure I deserve her.”

An awkward silence fell. They’d never heard Dominic speak of a woman with such tenderness.

“Do you think they’ll follow us?” one of the men asked to break the disquieting hush.

Dominic looked blank for a moment, then he spoke in his normal, easy drawl that still held faint hints of California surfer. “Most of the mafia foot soldiers can’t make it through U.S. customs. A few might, but not the entire roster that came into Singapore. Which reminds me.” He turned to Leo. “Have you gotten in touch with Gora?”

“An envoy’s en route from Sofia. I’ll know something in a day or so.”

“I need a week before I meet with him.”

“I guess I don’t have to ask why?”

Dominic gave him a cool stare. “I understand sooner is better, but it’s not going to happen. A week minimum. After that anywhere, anytime—I’m ready to parley.”

“It’s going to cost you.”

“We’ll see. Gora has a family that makes him vulnerable. Also a barely legal mistress in Rome he can’t stay away from for long. I’m thinking she’s our best chess piece.”

“Can you trust him?” Danny asked, holding his breath after a big drag from the bong.

Dominic shrugged. “Hard to say. He’s been reliable in the past, but regardless of his trustworthiness, Katherine is going to need security.”

“What kind of security?” Leo asked, his voice measured.

“My kind.”

Eyebrows went up around the lounge, but no one voiced their thoughts. They’d all been with Dominic since he’d first met Max, Leo, Danny, and the others in a Cape Town bar where everyone had been drinking their breakfast before a day of surfing. As an employer Dominic paid premium wages, gave generous travel allowances, footed the bills for homes or apartments, and allowed flexible schedules that offered time for families. Any of them would take a bullet for him even if it wasn’t their job.

Leo’s face was expressionless. “How soon do you want Katherine’s security in place?”

“Starting now. Make whatever adjustments you need. Bring in whomever you need. Do it quietly. Katherine’s not to know of the added surveillance. I won’t have her life disrupted by Gora or anyone else.” Dominic suddenly grinned. “Don’t look so surprised. She’s an incredible woman. I’m not about to put her in jeopardy.” He dipped his head. “For purely selfish reasons. Is that better? Less shocking?”

“You have to admit, Nick,” Danny said, flipping a dreadlock out of his eyes, “you with a woman for more than a few hours is shocking.”

“Get used to it.” Dominic grinned again. “And so will I.”

Dominic’s phone suddenly pinged. Pulling it out from his jacket pocket, he glanced at the display. Coming to his feet, he set his glass aside and said, “Get some sleep while you can. I’m not sure what our schedule will be in San Francisco. See you when we land.” Moving away, he hit the answer bar. “Give me a minute to get to my office, Justin. How’s the family?”