“Not if I can help it,” Slate muttered.
Colton looked at Logan. “I think we’re going to have fun.”
Chuckling, Logan climbed out of the car, offering his hand to Kieran. “C’mon babe, let’s see if we can get a tour of this gorgeous place before we leave.”
“Perfecto,macushla,” Kieran said staring at the villa’s striking architecture.
Slate helped Dakota out, then walked over to his friend and introduced everyone.
“Nice to meet the man who finally made an honest man out of my friend,” Giovanni said, shaking Dakota’s hand. “Now, if you’ll be kind enough to follow me, my butler has set up some light refreshments for you in the living room.”
“Thanks, Gio,” Slate said, “we won’t be in your hair for long.”
~/~/~/~/~
Brenda prided herself on remaining calm, never letting anyone see what she thought or how she felt but that all changed when a text arrived.A fucking billionaire…a real-to-life fucking billionaire. How fucking lucky can I get!Excitement caused Brenda’s hand to shake as she set the phone down. Inhaling and exhaling several times, she willed herself to relax, knowing she needed a clear mind to figure out her next step.Fuck you Michael. See what you missed out on. You never listened to me.Setting aside her feelings, Brenda decided to offer a package deal—David and his mother. She’d get even more for both of them. Pulling a cord hanging next to her desk, Brenda waited until her assistant knocked.
“Come in,” Brenda called, watching as the girl entered and walked over to her. “I want Mrs. Rossi cleaned up and made presentable.”
“Shall I also remove her shackles and chains, High Priestess?”
Thinking for a moment, Brenda said, “Yes, and I want her room cleaned, also. And when you’ve finished, lock her in and post a guard outside the door.”
“As you command, High Priestess,” the assistant said, bowing.
Leaning back, Brenda smiled.I finally hit it big.Her mind was filled with ideas of what she’d do after her big payday.Blowing this joint would definitely be the first thing I do, then maybe move to France and buy a chateau…or maybe sail around the world!Finally returning to earth, Brenda rose, stripping as she walked to her bathroom, intent on making herself beautiful.Who knows, maybe I can snag my own billionaire.
Chapter 43
Staring into the darkness as the speeding car brought them closer to the High Priestess, Dakota began to feel nauseous. He wasn’t sure if it was caused by his pregnancy or remembering what he read about Brenda. But whatever it was, he couldn’t afford to succumb to it, especially since Zane was depending on him. Leaning back against the headrest, he closed his eyes, cleared his mind, and concentrated on the role he’d play in saving David’s mom.
Glancing over, Slate saw the worry in his mate’s face. Using their mind link, he said,Hey, babe, wanna talk about what’s bothering you?
No…yes…I don’t know. What if I can’t hear her thoughts? What if I screw up so badly she kills David’s mother?
Babe, I don’t think she’ll harm Mrs. Rossi.
But you don’t know that!
You’re right, but I’d be willing to bet she won’t.
Why are you so sure?
Because Mrs. Rossi is her bargaining chip with David and harming his mother removes all the power she has over him. Remember, she thinks the law is on her side.
I can see that.
Trust me, everything will work out ‘cause you’re about to see a master negotiator at work!
Giggling at his mate’s cockiness, Dakota snuggled against Slate, and said, “I’ll be the judge of that.”
Chuckling, Slate responded, “I expect top marks. Oops, I think we’re here.”
Looking through the windshield at the foreboding structure at the end of the gravel driveway, Dakota felt the evilness of the place and a shiver ran up his spine.
Oh my god, Slate, I can’t believe sweet David grew up in a place like this.
I know. Can you find the High Priestess’ thoughts?
