Chapter Four

  “What are we thinking boss?” The barber asked, drafting the cape around Dorian’s chest before clipping it around his neck. The embroidered name on the apron reading Mason and the way he pronounced his S’s being over extended due to the tongue piercing. He was a burly man with a shaved head and a full beard that he kept well-manicured and taken care of with sleeves of tattoos running down either arm.

  Looking at himself in the mirror, Dorian could see his brows were jagged and shaggy with the space in his left brow being covered by the overgrown hair. The stubble across his chin had grown out enough to cast a noon day shadow across his jawline. The hair that sat atop his head, while not falling down in tendrils like dead tree branches anymore, still sat messy atop his head. The split and frayed ends resembling oil-stained hay. Catching his own reflection like this, Dorian set his brow in such a way that anyone looking at him may think his overgrown eyebrows might be weighting down his forehead. In his own mind, he could hardly stand to look at himself in the mirror as he chose to look past his reflection to the mural of graffiti behind him.

  “Shave it off.” Dorian said.

  “Do not!” Nicole said as she rose from where she sat behind Dorian with Keeva sitting beside her. Nicole’s hands resting on Dorian’s shoulders for a moment as she looked at his reflection. “I would rather you look put together not fresh out of basic training, what do you think about doing a taper fade and maybe getting a clean shave and trimming up those eyebrows?”

  Trying not to let the grimace on his face show, Dorian turned away slightly as he thought over Nicole’s suggestion. Realizing he didn’t have the room or the will to fight, he decided to just py along. It’s not like my hair isn’t going to grow back, Dorian thought to himself.

  “Alright, what she said.” Dorian said as Mason circled around Dorian to grab a pair of clippers in one hand a sheathed a pair of scissors into his apron with the other.

  “Moms know best right?” Mason said as he turned on the clippers and began to shear away chunks of hair at a time.

  “She’s my employer.” Dorian stated dryly as he locked eyes with Mason long enough for him to pause for a moment.

  “Shit dawg,” Mason said with a scoff and a shake of his head before turning to Nicole and bowing as he pced his hand over his heart. “Very sorry miss, could’ve swore I saw a family resembnce.”

  In pce of a response, Nicole smiled and sat down next to Keeva, leaning over enough to whisper to her “Do I really look old enough to be his mother?”

  “Don’t mind him, Mason just likes the taste of his own foot.” Keeva said and smirked at the scoff Nicole gave at her response. “Honestly, I’m surprised you convinced pup to let someone get so close to his head with a sharp object though. Thought we might have to take him to a groomer instead.”

  Upon seeing Dorian give her a sidelong gre at her remark, Keeva gave him a half smirk and a wink.

  “Why do you call him that anyway?” Nicole asked, keeping her voice low enough that perhaps Dorian couldn’t hear.

  “Pup?” Keeva crified. “Cause he fancies himself a wolf and an independent hunter but he’s more like a dog. Truth be told I’m the same way if I’m being honest with you.”

  “How do you figure that?” Nicole asked, turning her body enough to face Keeva now.

  “People have morals and ideals they like to follow and that’s what they’re loyal to at the end of the day. People act on their own free will and no one else can tell them what to do. Give them a suggestion and orders sure, but at the end of the day they still make the choice to follow that. Dogs are different. Were loyal to people, not ideals or honor or morals. When you said you’d hire him on, I knew that when you said jump, he’d say how high and if you said shit, he’d ask you what color.” Keeva said as he drew in a breath that raised her shoulders before letting out a sigh. “It’s about the only reason I’m willing to entertain this little outing were having. Way I see it, we take him out for a p around the block, see if he snaps at the neighbors or tries to break the leash and decide from there.”

  “And what if he does?” Nicole asked, her voice becoming somber and her eyes locking with Keeva’s enough that Keeva could hardly stand to meet her gaze for longer than a gnce. “What do you suggest we do if he “snaps at the neighbors” or worse?”

  Pausing for a breath, Keeva kept her eyes facing forward with a flush coming to her face. A warmth washing over her as she could feel Nicole’s eyes on her like a magnifying gss concentrating the sun on an ant hill. Enough that Keeva reached up to loosen her tie. The seconds straining like a rope frayed to snapping.

  “I’m not sure if that’s something I can really make heads or tails on ma’am.” Keeva said with a quaver to her voice she tried to dismiss with a cough into her shoulder.

  “Because you’re a dog.” Nicole didn’t ask this, she stated this less as a fact and more of a correction. “And dogs don’t make choices on their own unless their owners make one for them. Is that what I’m hearing?”

  “Nicole.” Dorian spoke and watched as Nicole’s head snapped around to face him, her features bright and her smile beaming at him enough that Dorian felt like he was standing in a spotlight. In pce of his urge to turn away from her, Dorion’s gaze flicked upwards as a gesture to his hair. “Is this good?”

  “I think that’s much better than a shaved head that’s for sure.” Nicole said as she stood and inspected the cut with a waft of the after shave causing Nicole to take a half step back. Reaching inside of her purse, she produced a less than modest fold of bills before handing it off to Mason. “Looks good to me, but maybe take it easy on the aftershave next time hmm?”

  “Will do Miss, long as you make sure Keeva keeps bringing me new faces.” Mason said and beamed at Keeva.

  “I appreciate the st-minute cut Mason,” Keeva said as she locked hands with Mason before pulling him into an embrace where they spped each other’s backs before parting. “I’ll probably see you next week though.”

  “Chair is always empty for you Key.” Mason hollered after them.

  “So is the eyebrow spacing a choice or…?” Keeva teased and smirked at Dorian and to Dorian’s credit, he smirked back with an elbow jab to Keeva’s ribs.

  “Took a blow to the head, guy was wearing rings.” Dorian stated.

  “Then it just started pissing blood.” Keeva said with a nod as she reached up to tap a scar that was right along her hairline. Knowing that no matter how shallow a head wound was it would always just start pouring. The two of them sharing in a subtle chuckle at this observation before Nicole turned her head over her shoulder to smirk at the two of them.

  “It’s nice to see you two bonding over war stories.” Nicole said as she started towards the car with Keeva opening up the back seat door for her and tapping the seat beside her for Dorian to join.

  Turning his gaze to Keeva for a moment, Dorian caught the almost imperceptible gesture Keeva gave to tell him to just follow along with Nicole’s request. Complying with this, Dorian slipped into the back seat as Keeva stood with her back to the opening and surveyed the area for a moment before shutting the door. Circling around to sit herself in the driver’s seat, she gnced over at Nicole.

  “Where to next ma’am?” Keeva asked.

  “It looks like Hugo is back in the states.” Nicole said as she peered at her phone screen. “He said he’ll make time for us today so let’s head home to meet him.” Nicole said as she slipped her phone into her purse and squeezed her narrow fingers against Dorian’s knee. “We’ll finally be able to get you some better clothes.”

  The pants Dorian wore barely fit around his waist and needed a belt while the leg was about an inch shorter than what he normally wore. The t shirt he was wearing hadn’t fit much better as it hung loose and long off his body, draping over his frame and exposing the harder angles to his shoulders. Dorian was just grateful the running shoes were the right size but felt awkward. “They were my ex-husbands clothes,” Dorian remembered Nicole saying. “They aren’t much but I thought it might be nice to not have to wear the same thing you did yesterday.”

  This was in stark contrast with what Keeva wore. Bck scks pressed to a razors edge. Bck suit jacket tailored to her figure that gave enough of a feminine curve to her form without being sacious. Dorian wasn’t sure if Keeva’s shoulders were really that broad or if the jacket gave off that illusion well enough but still managed to accentuate the curve of her waist. Couple that with the white button down and the slight sheen on the bck patterned tie.

  “Is this how you domesticate all your dogs or am I just special?” Dorian asked as he cocked a brow slightly at Keeva who peered at him through the rear-view mirror.

  “You have…” Nicole began and paused for a breath. “Very impressive hearing. Even if this is just a trial run to see how you well you’ll work with us, you’ll still be representing me and subsequently my company. I have a standard to uphold and you can consider this my debts repaid for what you were able to do for Ashley, sound even?”

  “I can respect that.” Dorian said before his eyes flicked down to where Nicole squeezed his knee again before looking back up at her.

  “Gd we have an agreement then.” Nicole said with a scythe bde smirk.

  The return ride home was spent in silence save for the radio pying just soft enough to be heard. Upon parking and riding the elevator up to their floor, Dorian saw a man approaching form the opposite hall that beamed a smile their way. He was a round faced and handsome man. Apple cheeked and rotund with a suit tailored down to every curve of his body. Of which there were several. His face was covered in a dusting of a beard while his hair was kept short with a balding patch along the back of his head. As he smiled on at Keeva and Nicole, who in turn reciprocated the expression. Hugo, Doiran assumed, set down his trunk before he opened his arms to catch Nicole in a hug.

  “Hugo it is so good to see you again!” Nicole said as she could hardly even get her arms all the way around Hugo’s toros while Hugo’s arms could nearly wrap around Nicole twice. “How was Min?”

  “A bore as always, I was just gd to have enough time to whisk myself away to Italy for my st few days there.” Hugo said, his voice booming through his diaphragm as though he were on a stage and needed to project his voice. “And the lovely Keeva makes an appearance once more; hello my dear how are you!”

  Reaching out to each other, Hugo and Keeva shook hands with Hugo cpping his other hand around Keeva’s forearm. The two beaming smiles at each other before breaking away from the handshake to embrace each other the same as he had Nicole.

  “It’s good to see you again you big bastard.” Keeva said and pulled herself away to gently hold Hugo’s hand in hers. “What was so bad about Min anyway?”

  “It’s this damned industry and their agencies!” Hugo said as he flung his arms into the air in defeat. “All of them hire models that are so thin they turn sideways and disappear so you can just about imagine their food can perform the same sort of tricks and I simply must keep my masculine figure.”

  That got a ugh out of Nicole and Keeva with even Dorian smirking at this before stepping forward and offering to shake Hugo’s hand. Hugo’s handshake nearly swallowing most of Dorian’s hand in the process as they two made polite with each other as Nicole took care of the introductions.

  “Hugo, this the newest member of my security team.” Nicole stated before turning to Dorian. “Dorian, Hugo has been my personal tailor since I started my own company.”

  “I had the honor of designing Ms. Adler’s wedding dress no less, it’s simply a shame what happened with you and that… oh what was his name again?” Hugo said as he tapped a rge finger to his chin in consideration.

  “Would you like to see Ashley?” Nicole interjected in Hugo’s pontificating and earned another jolt out of the man in excitement.

  “But of course, but of course!” Hugo boomed as he retrieved his luggage as they entered the house. Hugo hardly able to get a full step through the door before Ashley was upon him. Leaping into his arms as she wrapped her arms around the back of his neck with Hugo holding her close with one arm and carrying her the rest of the way into the room. Allowing Keeva, Nicole, and Dorian to enter.

  “Oh my god Hugo, I missed you so much!” Ashley said as she pecked a kiss to Hugo’s brow before he set her down.

  “And I you my dear, where have you been?” Hugo said with a slight accent that made his been sound like he was saying bean.

  “Long story.” Dorian and Keeva said in unison.

  “Ashley,” Nicole called out as she leaned against the kitchen isnd littered with various circuit boards, wires, and several other electronics Dorian couldn’t identify. “We talked about this, no computer components in the kitchen remember?”

  “Naughty, naughty Ms. Ashley!” Hugo chided pyfully.

  “Mom I’m not twelve anymore you don’t have to talk to me like I am.” Ashley snarked in return as she began to gather up her build supplies.

  “As long as you’re still under my roof and on my pay roll, I get to tease you a little.” Nicole said as she circled around to peck a kiss to Ashley’s cheek. “Now I want this gone by the time I’m done with my meeting.”

  “Yes ma’am!” Ashley called out from down the hall.

  “Pay roll?” Dorian asked Keeva under his breath.

  “Ash runs IT for us.” Keeva expined.

  “Conflicts of interest are just part of the job description then.” Dorian said and smirked at the scoff he earned from Keeva.

  “If you two are done whispering to each other…” Nicole called out from the doorway to her home office. Hugo standing adjacent to her with his trunk still in hand.

  Tapping the back of her hand against Dorian’s abdomen, Keeva stepped into the office with Dorian in tow and Hugo bringing up the back. Closing the door behind him. Hugo set up his trunk, set his suit jacket inside and produced his tools of the trade. A pen and a pad of paper, a tailor’s tape measure, and an eye for detail as Dorian was already standing with his arms up. Hugo’s massive fingers already working quickly as he took down every measurement one by one. Starting with his chest and working his way across Dorian’s torso.

  “As we’ve discussed, I’ll need you to show me what you can bring to the table Dorian.” Nicole began as she produced a pair of reading gsses form her desk and slipped them over her nose. Her hand swiping at the mouse of her computer as she pulled up something along the screen. “I have a client that needs to close out a deal and they’re having trouble getting to the negotiation table.”

  “Private escort job should be easy enough for the pup, who are you thinking of sending to the table?” Keeva asked as she unbuttoned her coat before taking a seat across from Nicole’s desk.

  “It’s not that kind of close out.” Nicole corrected, her eyes flicking over to meet Dorian’s who kept his head straight as Hugo measured his neck.

  “You don’t think it’s a little inappropriate to be talking business with our guests around?” Dorian asked, his statement ced with a sort of double speak.

  “Hugo here has tailored for Senators and Congressmen and even a president though he won’t confirm or deny that st part.” Nicole said as she crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair. “Believe me he’s the only person I’d have sitting in on my dealings because he only repeats what people need to hear.”

  “Speaking of what people need to hear.” Hugo said as he took the st of Dorian’s measurements along his wrist before bending down to one knee. His own suit tailored to perfection to flex at his waist and knees to avoid riding up or looking sloppy. “What side do you dress to Mr. Dorian?”

  “Left side.” Dorian began. “For the pants I’ll need a mid-rise ft front trouser, preferably with an estic waistband but keep the belt loops for accessorizing. Slight taper on the leg with no break on the ankle.”

  “Slight taper, no break, estic waist.” Hugo murmured under his breath before turning with Dorian to see Nicole and Keeva staring at the two of them. “Something the matter dies?”

  “Who knew pup knew suits.” Keeva said.

  “Hugo, for the color and material, make sure it matches Keeva’s as well.” Nicole interjected. “Dorian what were you thinking for the jacket?”

  “I usually go with a half canvased, single breasted two button closure. Peak pels, medium width with double vents, natural shoulders with light padding and a slight waist suppression.” Dorian stated as simple as though he were pcing an order at a burger joint. “Depending on rules of engagement I may need to have a slightly looser fit around the ribs to make sure there isn’t any imprinting with a holster.”

  “Hugo, could you do a hidden compartment in the jacket itself. Dorian mentions he dressed to the left so I assume you’re right-handed?” Nicole asked and saw Dorian’s brows wag with surprise at this remark, confirming Nicole’s prior statement.

  “How hidden would you like it to be Ms. Adler?” Hugo asked as he looked up from his notepad.

  “Hidden enough that it’s not obvious but somewhere he can easily retrieve it.” Nicole said as she ced her fingers together and propped her head up onto her hands. “I also think a functional surgeon’s cuff would look best as well so be sure to take that down.”

  “Surgeon cuff, hidden pocket…” Hugo said under his breath again. “Now is there anything else that you would like to add to this Ms. Adler?”

  “Yes actually, I think you should add at least an inch on the measurements you’ve taken so far, I think Dorian might be filling out past the measurements you’ve taken if he’s able to impress on this job.” Nicole said as she beamed her eyes and a smile towards Dorian’s form.

  “Speaking of,” Keeva began as she focused back in on the assignment at hand. “What are the rules of engagement here and what exactly are we dealing with on this close out?”

  “Your usual under the table sort of riff raff unfortunately.” Nicole said with a sigh as she turned her attention back to her computer screen. “They think that they can set up toll roads take a cut from any convey rolling through west Texas. The client doesn’t want to get the authorities involved and I mentioned that I might have someone to help with brokering safe passage through this area. Think this is something you and Dorian can handle?”

  “If I’m understanding you correctly.” Dorian interjected. “As long as were quiet and we clean up any mess we make the rules of engagement are open. We make sure this client of yours can conduct business as usual and that’s the end of the job.”

  “Precisely,” Nicole said as she stood with Keeva standing with her. “Hugo, about what timeframe are you thinking you can get me that suit? I’ll only need one for now though I may put you on retainer for more in the future.”

  “You can expect it as early as,” Hugo began as he produced a smartphone from his jacket, snapping a picture of the notes he’d taken on his pad before returning his attention to Nicole. “This evening. I have one of my apprentices working on the details now and he should have it wrapped and on your doorstep by sundown.”

  “In that case, you two will be leaving first thing in the morning. Keeva, use this time to get Dorain ready for tomorrow.” Nicole said as she walked to the door with Hugo and Dorian in tow. “Oh, and one st thing Keeva.” Nicole asked as she dusted her fingers across Keeva’s shoulder before snatching her cws around Keeva’s tie and yanking her down to meet her lips. The two embracing in a kiss that broke apart just shy of either Hugo or Dorian being able to react. Though Nicole kept her hand wrapped around the length of Keeva’s neck tie as she straightened the knot and tightened it against her throat. “That… is how I domesticate my dogs.”

  Releasing her grip over Keeva’s tie, Nicole pressed her index and middle finger into Keeva’s shoulder to force her up right as she gestured for the trio leave. Nicole closing the door behind them.

  “Do I have any…?” Keevan began as she gestured at her lips.

  Hugo searched over Keeva’s mouth for any stains of lipstick before shaking his head.

  “Not from the looks of it.” Hugo said, his tone hushed. “I should really get going though I’m sure the two of you have much to do today.”

  “Nice meeting you Hugo.” Dorian said as he shook Hugo’s hand. Hugo holding onto Dorian’s for a moment longer as he tapped his palm against Dorian’s wrist and looked him in the eye before parting towards the door.