Chapter Four
When Axe wanted something, he got it done. No hesitation. No backtracking. No excuses.
Leanna Rivera was in some kind of trouble, and he was going to get to the bottom of it. He’d been aware of the hot brunette for far too many years, but he’d kept their paths from crossing and made it a point not to know her socially.
He’d promised his father, and a family oath was an oath.
This time, she was in over her head, and he would never forgive himself if she walked into danger without backup.
Rex Carter was unable to get Leanna back on the phone, likely because she’d blocked his number, so Axe drove himself to the storefront office of Jazzy Gem’s Escort Services.
It belonged to Jasmine Gimeno, the only sister of Gonzalo and Guillermo Gimeno, two brothers who operated a private security company. He needed a refresher class from them to brush up on his undercover skills, so now was a good time to visit.
He parked his BMW convertible, taking two parking spaces so no one would horn in and chip the paint. The office was between a tire shop and a smog check station and smelled like a combination of rubber, grease, and cheap air freshener. But then, unlike Bad Boys for Hire, most of Jazzy’s business was done online, except when she needed to interview her escorts. Having a tire iron on her desk ensured both her safety and authority.
“So, it’s the Axe man,” Jasmine said, flicking him a flirtatious smirk. “Long time no see. Must be dark behind those shades.”
Jazzy always acted like she had a crush on him, but he knew the score. He was as off-limits to her as she was to him. Families with secrets tended to keep each other at arm’s length. Not knowing meant no chance of squealing. No accidental mixing of emotions that could compromise business deals. Not that Jazzy wasn’t a sexy woman. Her allures weren’t enough to tip the balance. She had two big, bruiser brothers and an extended family representing every prison from the Mexican to Canadian borders.
So did he, and those on the inside weren’t as friendly as those on the outside. Fortunately, both he and Jazzy had never run afoul of the law, as far as he knew.
He slowly lowered his sunglasses and took a seat on the rickety plastic chair. “I want a job.”
She let her large, doe-eyed gaze linger on his scarred and too-rugged face. “My clients prefer the non-dangerous pretty boys. I’m in enough hot water after the S&M-13 gangbanger escorts were shot at by superhero vigilantes.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not asking to pose and give gang signs at a romance convention,” Axe said. “Keep me in reserve in case a certain lady requests a bodyguard escort.”
“You’re looking at the wrong business, Axe.” Jazzy leaned back in her chair and picked up a nail file. “All requests for bodyguards go to Lo and Mo.”
“Not this one,” Axe said. “I’m to be a bodyguard impersonator, not a real one.”
“Why would any fool hire an impersonator? Unless she’s setting herself up as bait? Either she’s in danger and needs protection, or she wants to appear like she’s rich and famous enough to need a bodyguard, but not actually have one.” Jazzy crossed her long, sexy legs and filed her nails.
“Expect a call from Leanna Rivera,” Axe said. “She has a personal mission to Mexico and wants someone to watch over her. I aim to be the one placed.”
“You’re a busy nightclub owner. Why would you abandon your hot club and chase a woman through Mexico? Who is this Leanna Rivera?Que familia?”
“She’s not involved with any of the cartels,” Axe said. “Not at all. She’s a baker. Owns Bumblebee Bakery. Personal friend.”
“If she’s a personal friend, why am I involved?” Jazzy narrowed her eyes and pointed the nail file at Axe. “Don’t tell me you’re stalking her.”
“I’m protecting her,” Axe said. He put down a wad of hundred-dollar bills. “When she calls, I want the job.”
“Do I give her your name?”
“Whatever you want,” Axe said. “I don’t think she’ll turn me down.”
“Cocky much?” Jasmine counted the money. “Why involve me? Not that I don’t appreciate the bonus.”
“You know better than to ask questions.” Axe replaced his sunglasses. “Let’s just say it’s family business.”
“La familia, si, siempre es lo primero.”
Family always comes first.
“And last.” Axe strode out the door, bumping into Gonzalo and Guillermo.
“You bothering my sister?” Mo bumped fists with him.
