Love in Spades: Four Kings Security Book One (Four Kings Security #1)(16)
He finished showering, turned off the water, and dried himself before heading back into his bedroom. From his walk-in closet, he picked a slim-fitting taupe button-down short-sleeve shirt with striped cuffs, black slacks, and a brown belt that went with his brown brogues. Feeling better already, he fixed his hair, grabbed his wallet, keys, and a pair of aviators that matched his outfit, and headed downstairs in search of breakfast, and more importantly, coffee.
Maybe it had all been a dream? The details were rather fuzzy, so it was possible. He remembered parts of being in a car with two other men. Maybe they’d dropped him off? Once downstairs, he neared the kitchen and the sound of voices, one of them a familiar low sexy growl that went straight to his groin.
No. No way. He hurried into the kitchen and came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the sinfully beautiful man leaning against the breakfast bar counter, a mug in his hand. Colton’s eyes were drawn to the man’s right hand, and the small black spade tattoo between his thumb and index finger. He was dressed in black military cargo pants, a black baseball cap with the white Four Kings Security logo, black boots, and a black T-shirt that stretched obscenely over his muscular chest and biceps. Across from him sat the two men who had been in the car last night, both sporting card suit tattoos in the same spot as Ace on their right hands, one a red heart, the other a black club. One was big and broad with auburn hair and warm hazel eyes. Next to him was a slightly smaller, leaner Hispanic man. Colton remembered him speaking Spanish at one point to the other men. His hair was black, his jaw stubbled, and his eyes deep chocolate brown. The three men studied Colton intently. It was unnerving.
“Good morning,” Ace said cheerfully. He pointed to the espresso machine. “There’s coffee.”
Colton narrowed his eyes. “You kidnapped me.”
“No. We—your security detail—escorted you home.” Ace picked up a tablet, then held it out to Colton, who marched over and snatched it from him. His stomach dropped and his ire rose with every word he read. It was a contract between his father, their company, and Four Kings Security. Oh, that sneak. If it had been between him and Four Kings, Colton would have been able to do something about it, but his father had brought the company into it, and company policy covered hiring outside security for Connolly’s executives should the need arise. How could his father do this to him?
“I’d like to discuss the changes we need to make around the property.”
“Changes?” Colton’s head shot up and he stared at Ace. When he spoke, his voice came out quiet. “You want to make changes to my home?”
Ace’s gaze turned sympathetic. “I promise you, we’ll only make changes to what we consider essential, and no one will invade the privacy of your bedroom. Any changes we make are a direct result from the risk assessment we’ve conducted. It’s necessary to maintaining the security of both you and those under your employment here on the property. Your security system is good, but not up to our standards. We’d like to install thermal cameras and new biometric keyless locks that operate with approved retina scans and fingerprints. The new system will electronically monitor anyone entering and leaving the property and will keep an electronic roster we can access from anywhere. We already have three specially equipped SUVs on-site, one outside the property, one parked at the front of the house, and one at the back, ready twenty-four hours a day for a quick getaway. We’ll provide additional transport as needed. In case of noncompliance, changes can be made on your behalf. It’s in the contract. But I would rather run things by you and get your input.”
Ace gently took the tablet from Colton’s hands, which was smart considering Colton’s hands were shaking. They’d come into his home, and now they wanted to take control and make changes. If he refused, they’d been given the go-ahead to continue.
“Your panic room has been inspected and would need updating with the new system, but we also have a safe house ready in case of emergency evacuation, the location of which is disclosed only to me and my security team. Your home will be stocked with emergency supplies, including satellite radios and shortwave radios. You already have a top-of-the-line power generator, which is great. I’ll be showing you some nonlethal approaches to stopping and detaining someone. It helps keep the lawsuits to a minimum. If we deem it necessary, I can arrange lessons in close-quarter combat. King is running a thorough check into everyone at Connolly Maritime and anyone who does business with you. He’ll let us know the moment any red flags pop up. Nadine provided me with your schedule, so I’d like to sit down with you to discuss some of the concerns I have on events with a high-risk factor.”
Colton walked to the cupboard, took out his favorite coffee mug, and made himself a latte while Ace continued to tell him how they’d be stripping Colton of his freedom piece by piece. Once his latte was done, Colton took a sip, then left the kitchen, heading to the stairs, Ace on his heels.
“Colton, I know this might seem extreme, not to mention inconvenient, and I’m sorry, but we’re talking about the very real threat to your safety. It’s my job to do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
Do whatever it takes. Colton flinched at the words. It wasn’t the first time he’d heard those very words, and they’d destroyed him. Never again. He took the steps two at a time, stalked into his office, and slammed the door in Ace’s face. He locked it, ignoring Ace’s knocking.