Ready For Love?

Chapter 38

Reid POV

I listened in as Annie tried to convince her sister there wouldn't be any quick wedding, but she wasn’t saying there wouldn't be any.

I enjoyed watching her talk, roll her eyes and be animated with her sister on the phone. I could partially hear what her sister was saying, but it was obvious. It was good to know her sister was on my side.

I will try to pull Fi to the side tomorrow.

My scope is on a little service before her sister goes on her honeymoon, then we can do something grander later on. I'm not dumb enough to believe a surprise wedding would go down well either.

And I do need to propose first... and I need to get rings.

I got a quick call from Keys while I was walking back to our table. He has some information he wants to talk to me about when we get back. I’m hoping it's something that can help blow this case open, so I have the leverage to follow Annie and the kids back. Let's be honest, I doubt I will be able to get the small service before then.

Her sister was talking while Annie glared at my knowing smile until Beast sat down at our table, between us as we were on opposite sides. He made himself real comfortable real quick.

I quirked an eyebrow, keeping a mask of indifference.

Folding his arms, he got a nod from Annie before he turned to me. “Clear night.”

“I’ve heard.” Playing his little game.

“Not sure you had. There was an updated report.” He looked at Annie, who was now engrossed in a conversation with Ethan. I would guess by her tone.

“Hey sweetie! Did you miss me yet? Well, too bad because I missed you and can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” Definitely Ethan. She laughed to whatever he was mumbling. “Anyway, I just wanted to let you and Addie know I will have a friend coming to help me pick you up. He’s just a new friend I made, and I didn’t want you get worried about who he is because he is very tall.”

Beast turned back to me then. “All threats of rain have been confirmed to have cleared for her and the kids.”

“Was there any rain due though? I was sure they had already confirmed there wasn’t a threat. I checked.”

He nodded slightly. “I needed to make sure myself. Never trust those weathermen.”

I know he has a lot of contacts, like myself, but has a few more on the wrong side. Everything had come back as clear from Satans Tribe with my only issues being my current contracts.

“Guess I owe you one for confirming?” I know he’s interested in Annie, but Beast isn’t known for doing anything for free.

Annie was now speaking to Addie, warning her as well. Addie seemed to have read between the lines and had a lot of questions.

I tried not to laugh or say anything as Annie kept reassuring Addie we were just friends, and I was just coming to help. “The streets are different around here. I have to drive on the wrong side and get nervous, so having him drive helps.” She tried.

I’ll have to be careful around Addie, knowing she will be watching my every move.

Beast was distracted, listening in for a moment as well, before he looked back at me, a serious expression taking over his face again. “No. Some things are just worth checking… and protecting.”

“That they are.”

Annie cleared her throat while looking at the two of us. “OK you two. Stop with the staring contest. How are you Beast?”

“Great.” He winked at her. “Hope to meet your kids at the compound one night.”

She shrugged. “We’ll see. As long as you mind your manners.” She quirked a brow, making his smirk widen.

“My brothers and I will be on our best behavior. Scouts honor.”

She scoffed. “You a scout? I doubt it, but I’ll take your word.”

He actually laughed before getting up. “Have a good night Anne.” He pecked her on the forehead, leaving Annie confused before he turned to me. “Rip.” And walked out of the restaurant with three brothers following him.

“OK, I know he did that for a reason. Why?” She demanded as soon as he was out the door.

She was really starting to pick up on a few things.

“He was making a show that you're also under their protection.” I wasn’t going to tell her yet that he also confirmed Satans Tribe was 100% off her back. I needed to find out more about why he thinks that. I’ll also ask Keys to see if he knows anything.

We finished up at the restaurant and went to the movies. Annie was excited about seeing something that was more than ‘PG’ rated and that didn’t have singing animals.

Kids movies… haven’t watched more than a few seconds of some. I’ve heard a lot of complaints from others about having to watch the same kids show or movie 10 times in a row and having some song stuck in their head. Something else to look forward to.

Driving back to the compound, enjoying the feel of my Annie at my back, her arms wrapped around me. I felt calm, complete.

We reached the compound and I held in my laugh at how her legs were always a bit wobbly after being on the bike. She’ll get used to it.

“You head up, I need to speak to Keys for a moment.” I pecked her on the lips and went to pat her perfect ass, but she had it protected with her hand, making me growl.

She laughed and walked away, shaking her ass triumphantly. I’m going to enjoy making it pink later on.

Keys was in front of his many screens as always.

He brought up some of the pictures on the screen that I was looking at earlier. “So, this new cartel is good, as you know. Every agency is losing their f*****g mind. None of these men or women have any records, warrants, nothing. No one seems to know who they are and what recordings there are, they even keep changing their accents. f*****g genius. Don’t even know if they are cartel, gang or mafia.”

Keeps getting worse.

“Have you or anyone got any clue about them yet?”

“I got a partial face recognition from a private clip shared on i********: from a shooting at a music event in Moscow in 2024. Here…” He brings it up and plays it.

There is screaming and chaos. The woman is seen only briefly, but Keys program still found her.

“Looks like she was escaping the terrorists as well. IS came out claiming the attack. So it isn’t much help except to give the question of if she’s Russian. So it’s a start. Still trying to find passports, even if they are fake.”

“Is there any chat?”

“Yeah. Some f***s are still trying to blame the Italians, especially since they are coming to town next Wednesday.” Not surprised.

Always easy to go with the easy answer. The quick answer so they don’t have to do any f*****g work.

“So Washington not New York?”

“New York, Washington, then California after what has been reported through visa and flight manifestos.”

They weren’t really in the scope anymore, but it was good to know. “And the Russian Mafia? Any movement that could show affiliation?”

He sighed and shook his head. “None. I’m the first to love a good challenge, but even I’m getting frustrated.”

“Beast also caught up with Annie and me at the restaurant earlier. Said he confirmed the threat was gone. Any news on Satans Tribe to your knowledge?”

Keys chuckled before nodding. “Yeah, word is they had a ‘discussion’ this morning over a few things. Didn’t know that was one. He make any type of show?”

“He kissed her on the forehead in the restaurant.” I tried not to growl as I spoke, but my voice was still very gravelly.

Beast meeting with Satans Tribe... Satans Tribe who spoke to the mole, then made a show that they cut all contact with the other clubs that deal with this new cartel... I think Beast and I need to have a few conversations as well.