He tensed but nodded slowly. “I apologize.”
“You want me to babysit Malone’s sister?”
“Essentially, yes. It will ruin his fucking holiday and teach him a lesson about protecting those you care about.”
“Sounds simple enough but has nothing to do with the real reason you want me to take her. You either tell me the truth or find someone else.”
“That is the truth,” he shot back in annoyance. I could see straight through his bullshit and Gabriel didn’t appreciate my clairvoyant vision. He also didn’t like being questioned. I didn’t give two shits what he did or didn’t like. I needed to knowwhat I was dealing with. When he simply glared back, but didn’t respond, I decided his time was up.
“Good luck. It’s short notice so I’m not sure if you’ll find anyone who will handle this properly, no matter how much you offer…” I stood to leave and Gabriel gave in.
“Fuck. Wait…” He massaged his chin and a narrowed stare landed on me. “I need to move some things around in the city. If Malone is distracted, I can get it done without issue.”
“And by distracted you mean concerned about the whereabouts and safety of his sister?”
Gabriel nodded stiffly.
“Good enough. How long do you need himdistracted?”
“Three, maybe four, days starting this evening.”
“You want me to grab her tonight?”
Christmas was in two days.
“I have a flight leaving in a few hours. I’ll be out of town with my family by the time you get this taken care of.”
Which meant Malone was less likely to assume Gabriel had a hand in kidnapping his sister. The Arlo family would be the first accused of taking Cia, regardless of the agreements between them. Gabriel would present as the innocent party who offered all his resources to assist in finding Cia while he spent the holiday tucked away at some luxurious location spoiling his family. None of which was my concern.
“I’ll think about it.”
My decision was already made but I wanted to make him sweat it out for a few hours.
“Nex, this is time sensitive.”
“It’s last fucking minute and I said I’ll think about it.”
“How long?”
I glanced at my watch and noted that it was just after nine in the morning. I had a few last minute details to handle before Ishut down for the upcoming week. “You’ll have my decision by six this evening, along with my price,ifI agree.”
“No later than six.”
I lowered my eyes and the muscles in his jaw flexed from annoyance. My reluctance to simply say yes angered him and amused me. “Is that a question or a statement?”
“Question,” he mumbled with a failed attempt of correcting his attitude.
Smart man…
“I thought so.” I turned to leave, tossing out my final words as I left his office. “I’ll be in touch.”
As soon as I was in my car, I dialed the person who could provide me with the details Gabriel was withholding. No matter how much he asserted I had all the information, he was still fucking lying.
“Nex…” she breathed in a sultry tone that had me grinning. Morgan worked at Tempt Me and for the past eight years she had done everything in her power to get me to fuck her. I refused. She was the type of woman that came with strings attached and I didn’t do attachments. I did, however, utilize the women under her employ. “Are you calling to ask what I want for Christmas? If so, you already know what’s on my wish list.”
I laughed lightly. “I do but you’ll have to send that list to someone who’s willing to deliver.”
“You’re cruel.”
