“I have a specialprizefor you. Since you’re so good at fighting I want you to protect someone,” he said.
“Who?”
“An archeologist.”
“You want me to protect an archeologist?”
He nodded with a secretive smile.
“From what? Dirt and dust?”
“The Momsies are sending us their finest archeologist, and someone needs to protect the weakling.”
I rubbed my scar and followed the line that ran up to my temple. It was a habit of mine and something I did when I was stressed or annoyed. “Do I look like a fucking babysitter?”
Khan turned to face me with his own eyebrow lifted in a perfect arch. “Consider it a great honor that I’m appointing you, to protect the precious gift we’re receiving.”
“Flattery doesn’t work on me, Khan, and you know it,” I said and wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand.
“I’m not giving you a choice. In three days, a frightened archeologist is going to meet you at the border and it’s your job to secure his safety while he’s in our lands. Is that understood?”
“I’ll give you my best man,” I said with a nod but that only made him laugh.
“No, Boulder.Youare personally going to protect him.”
Frowning, I picked up my glass of beer. “You know I don’t have time for that. I have businesses to run.”
Khan stepped closer, snatching the beer glass out of my hand. “It’s a fucking order!”
I sighed but bit back further protests, knowing that it would only make things worse. “Yes, lord.”
Khan’s eyes softened and he placed his hand on my shoulder. “Boulder, my friend, I know it’s a shitty job, but I can’t walk around with a black eye and not have someone suffer for it.”
“You challenged me to fight you,” I defended myself.
“I did,” he said calmly.
“It’s not like I had a choice.”
“Exactly, just like you don’t have a choice now.” Reaching out his arm he pressed his wristband and an image was projected above his arm.
“May peace surround you,” a blonde female said and I moved closer to see the recording. The image was flickering and the words changed in volume.”
“What happened to the recording?” I asked.
“The messenger insists that it was corrupted before he received it. I don’t know what happened.” Khan pointed to the woman and started the recording again.
“My name is Councilwoman Pearl. We have selec… one o… our finest archeol… name is Christ… Sanders. We ask that you honor our agreeme… and secure h… safety.”
“I can’t hear half of it,” I complained.
“They’re sending their finest archeologist, named Christian Sanders, and you will protect him with your life.”
I mumbled low curses under my breath before asking, “When?”
“I already told you. In three days.”
“But how long do I have to protect this fucker?”
