“And that means nothing to me.” Malcolm pushes the folders toward them, sitting back in his seat while they read through the contents. “I chose the where, how, and when. Not you.” Mildred tries to protest, her brother shaking his head, but my cousin carries on. “If you lie, at any point, I’ll take ownership until my fee is paid. Ten million per infraction. Understood?”
“That’s outrageous!” she yells, standing from her seat. The rough movement causes her chair to tip back and for her brother’s face to become pale. “I’m not giving you—”
“We’ll sign.”
“Are you kidding me?” Mildred glares at her brother not a full second after he agrees, face red with anger. “We can’t just give him—”
“Shut it and sit down, Mildred!” Antonio’s voice thunders: it’s the angriest I’ve never seen him. “We need him, and I won’t get fucked in the ass because you think the world should bend at your feet. I’m the president, not you.”
“If this goes south, I’ll spit on your grave,” she hisses, her face turned and I hear a low sniffle that’s out of character, but I don’t question it. Mildred has always been off to me. Instead, I focus on the apologetic expression her brother gives Malcolm.
“I don’t want your apologies.” My cousin nods at the group of pens atop the table. “Sign before I change my mind. Those are my stipulations. Take them or leave them.”
They took, and now we overthrow after removing all traces of the contract in this country. I’ve sent the files out this morning via private courier to the office in Costa Rica.
“Ready to head out, Muñeca?” Javi asks from the edge of my desk, pulling my attention from the scheduling I had to adjust due to today’s bull. My neck cracks as I look at him, my head throbbing a bit from hours upon hours of tracing every last chunk of info with the IT department. “You look exhausted.”
“I will be in a minute. Why?”
“I’m waiting to walk you out before heading out to pick up the twins.”
“They’re not hiding under a rock in Utah?”
“Hiding in plain sight approximately twenty minutes from here.”
Nodding, I ignore the sudden bout of butterflies at his smile. At the softness in his eyes. “Who’s going? Should I prepare a statement or—”
“Not necessary, beautiful. I already put something together for you in case we’re intercepted by anyone watching the place.” Javi places a USB flash drive beside my pen holder that l left right where he left it and he smirks every day it stays that way. Sure, it pissed me off, but at the same time, I find his knack for finding ways to get under my skin annoyingly endearing. “They shouldn’t, but it’s just a precaution.”
“Okay.” I grab the small device, shut my computer down, and open my purse, leaving the USB inside a small pocket. “My car’s in the—”
“I’ve moved mine beside yours. It’s not an issue.”
“Thank you.” Christ, I find him sexy when thoughtful.
“Muñeca, never thank me for taking care of you. It’s my pleasure.”
And damn me if I didn’t blush right then. I like the sound of being his more than I should. Love the thought of him being there for me.
Not because I’m weak, but because it makes him happy to be near me. Because I’m his focus.
He’s going to break my walls down, and I’m starting to question if I need them.
11
I ARRIVE AT the private penthouse the Frederick twins keep in Chicago. It’s in a nice area, less than half an hour from the Asher building, where they hide in plain sight. Not in Utah like they hope we’d think, burning daylight hours that could lead to their escape.
Because it’s hard to find an ant in a pile where possibly millions surround the guilty one, but I have a skill many don’t.
Patience.
In Colombia, I took personal care of my family’s enemies. Politicians and cartel members, it made no difference and there are plenty of places to hide but give a rat confidence, and it shows its face. Security gives comfort and the feeling of untouchability; that’s when I strike.
The lobby is busy when I step inside. Multiple heads turn to look—the group of women checking in begins to whisper and giggle, but I don’t pause or encourage.
I’m here for the twins, with Carmelo as added encouragement if need be.
And while I’ll never hit a woman, if I have to make her brother suffer so she complies, so be it. They brought this upon themselves.
“What floor?” Carmelo asks, stepping into the empty elevator cart.
“Penthouse.” At my response, he presses the needed button using a pen and leans back, adjusting the two boxes in his left hand. And so do I, pulling my phone out and bringing up Mariah’s number.
There’s been a subtle change in her over the last few days. She’s been a tiny bit softer toward me, and I love it—revel in the rosy tint that sweeps across her cheeks when I bring my daily offering of chocolate or coffee.
A bribe? Maybe.
But there’s something so delicious about those innocent reactions.
So unlike her normal demeanor, and yet, Mariah is letting me in. Little by little. One interaction at a time.
Whatcha doing, Muñeca? ~Javier
Immediately three dots appear.
Thinking. My mind keeps going around in a circle. ~Muñeca
About? ~Javier
For a second or two no sign of her typing, but then her next words fuck with my head. My dick.
Here I am, all alone inside of this large bath with bubbles and a glass of wine thinking about you. About the one kiss you stole and how much I liked the way you taste. ~Mariah
Fucking tease. Motherfucking destroyer of my will.
A low hiss escapes, my cock swelling at the mere thought. She’s going to pay for this.
That little demon knows what she’s doing. This game of hot and cold—taunt and chase that she both loathes and yearns for.
With one hand she pushes me away, and on her next breath, pulls me closer.
Close enough to touch but not bend over.
I could be back home in thirty and at her door in five more.
A throat clears, and I look over at Carmelo. “I’m a little hungry.”
“We can stop after.” My response is a little strained, my thoughts jumping between my needs and responsibility. “Anything in mind?”
This mindless conversation is needed, and I focus on him and not the throbbing of my length, the pulse in my veins that’s thankfully hidden behind my suit jacket.
“Dominican if you’re down?” My response is a nod, and he smiles. The guy’s young and ambitious, but smart and hard-working—reminds me a little of the men in my family. It’s also why I’ve taken him under my wing; he could go places in a business like this if he remains loyal. “I hope the crying doesn’t last long. This woman is too extra for me.”
“Agreed,” I say, nodding absentmindedly while staring at my phone’s screen. Mariah sent me a picture while he interrupted me, and I wish I hadn’t clicked on it. Not now, when I can’t rush back and punish my Muñeca for this infraction.