“Hang on a minute. I’ve got to go to Melbourne next week, so I’ll take it to him, Max,” Marco offered. “Isn’t it better to have something that important hand-delivered?”
“Shit, Marco, you’re right; I don’t want any fuck-ups. I’m so damned stressed over this I’m not thinking clearly. Once McBride has this documentation, we can go ahead with the take-over. Zane, you need to do everything in your power to keep Tate Turner locked behind bars a while longer, at least until Marco and I finalise that those Sinclair shares are in the Brunetti name. That way, they will be untouchable.”
“Consider it done, Max,” Zane said confidently. “I’ll try pulling some strings. He’s up for parole in a couple of months, so we have plenty time unless he gets released early for some God forsaken reason.”
“He better not. Marco, any chance you can leave early Monday for Melbourne?’ I asked. “I’ll call McBride and let him know you’re stopping by. He said he will get on it the minute he has these papers. Here’s his card; he is one smart bastard,” I stated as I handed him McBride’s business card. “And make sure you go straight there; no detours,” I warned him.
“What the fuck do you mean by that?” Marco swivelled his head at me in anger.
“I know you, Marco. You think with your dick all the time. If you so much as glance at an attractive woman, you go hunting her down and forget what you need to do.”
“Fuck off, Max. I’m not that careless, okay? I know how important this is, and I don’t want Turner coming after Jada or Milan any more than you do. With the charges that guy has, he sounds like a freaking monster. In saying that, I think we need to get some form of protection for the girls. Shit, I just had a thought: When he’s released and realises those shares are in the hands of the Brunetti’s, he’ll come after Mia.”
“Shit!” I was so fixated on Jada I completely forgot about the effects it could have on my own sister.
“Don’t stress, Max. I’m trying to set up that new security system for you in all the resorts. I will have it covered, okay? If and when Turner is released, all three of them will have protection and if we have to assign a bodyguard to each of them, so be it,” Zane assured me.
“Fuck, this better not backfire on us. When are you going to hurry up and give up that badge anyway, Zane? I’ve told you a thousand times I need you here as my head of security for all the Hotel and Spa Resorts. Marco and I are willing to make you a silent partner; when are you going to resign, man?” I knew I pressured Zane all the time, but he was the best and I needed him in my corporation.
“Jesus Christ, Max, how many times do I need to fucking tell you, there are cases to be solved; I can’t leave people in the lurch, now, can I?” Zane spat.
“That better be the reason and not that bitch you’ve been seeing for the past couple of years. If she’s all that’s keeping you in Adelaide then fuck her off. She’s only good for one thing, so move on, hurry up and wrap up those cases, will you!” I was almost screaming at him.
Zane’s jaw clenched, and I thought for a minute there he may have punched me out. But he was my best friend, and I always told him straight. He let out a big breath and ran his hands over his short, almost-shaven hair.
“Fuck you, Max. You of all people should know why I am still with her. I know what she’s like but at this point in time, she suits my needs. And I have very specific needs and she is happy to accommodate me.”
“And those needs are?” Marco raised his eyebrows and questioned Zane.
I glared at my brother, trying to warn him to shut up.
“Nothing you need to know right at this moment, Marco. So, you’re good for Monday then?” I asked, trying my hardest to change the subject.
“Yeah, sure, it’s no problem at all. Like I said, I need to be there for a finance meeting Tuesday morning, so it’s no big deal. Better that I go anyway. I mean, from the looks coming your way from Jada tonight after arriving late and being away all week, I sure would hate to be in your shoes, man. Bro, you’ll be lucky to wake up with your penis intact tomorrow morning.”
I smirked at the both of them and we all roared with laughter, all our stress and anger temporarily forgotten.
***
“Ready, Princess?” I announced as I walked out of the study, Zane and Marco following closely behind me. I couldn’t wait to take her home back to the penthouse so we could get away from all this chaos.
I took one look at Jada; although she was tired, she still managed to look sinfully sexy. She had better not even think of hurling any insults at me, I thought. I was fucking knackered. I could barely think straight, and I was ready to stop her taunts anytime with my mouth. My lips. My teeth. My tongue.