“Her brother’s a drug dealer, you know,” my father said snidely. I set my jaw. He went on, “Got himself hooked up with a nasty piece of work called Manolo Gutierrez. Likes to call himself Razortip.”
I felt myself stiffen but kept my face impassive. I wasn’t sure I knew where he was going with this. I didn’t want to know. But I had no doubt I was about to find out.
“Turns out one of ole Razortip’s business ventures got a little boost recently. Hundred grand. About the same time your good buddy over here facilitated a transfer for the same amount.” Now it was Andy’s turn to stiffen. He shot me a look.
My father’s face was still red with anger, but now he’d added snide contempt to his expression. “Looks like your whore has you funding drug deals, my little Prince,” he said. “Unless that’s your new line of business,” his lip curled, “I’d say she’s playing you for a fool.”
Andy and I remained silent as he turned abruptly and stormed out. As the door slammed shut behind him, Andy stared at me. His eyes were wide.
“Jesus Christ, Prince!” he finally gasped out. I had no words to respond with. “Is this for real?”
“I…” I began, then faltered. I didn’t have an answer.
“You realize that if this gets out, we’re fucked, right?” He was shaking his head. “Horst is an absolute stickler for propriety. You know what the Swiss are like, don’t you?”
I rubbed my eyes. “I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
“I fucking hope so, goddammit!” His voice was growing agitated. “Because we’re dealing with a multinational corporation here. One with government connections. If there’s even a hint of mob involvement, this pile of paper is worth shit!” He dashed his hand over the folder on the desk.
“I’ll speak to her, alright?” I said firmly. Though my voice hid a swirling sense of dread. Something was going on. Something she hadn’t been telling me.
“I suggest you do, my friend. Because we already know you think she’s worth a million dollars. I pray to God she’s not going to cost us a billion.”
Chapter 4
Sasha Ramirez
“Prince? Are you home?” I called out as I walked through the front door. The lights were on inside. Though I wasn’t expecting him to get back before me, his hours had become erratic lately. “Or should I be looking for my Prince?” I added. Either way, it warmed me. I still almost thought of him as two separate men. Prince Walker, the arrogant billionaire who would take me whenever he pleased. Or Alec, the sensitive genius who ran me hot baths and played my body like a harp. The best of both worlds.
I loved them both.
A movement in the living room caught my eye, and I turned to see him silhouetted against the tall window overlooking the city. Twilight was descending, and lights were twinkling beyond him.
“Hey,” I said softly. “Whatcha doing there?” He turned abruptly and stared at me, his eyes hard. “Hello, Prince.” I walked over and smiled up at him. I was still fragile after the shock of yesterday and my gruesome discovery that came with Razortip’s note – I still had no idea what to do about it. Alec would have been better for me now. But either would do. “Busy day at work?”
He had a scotch glass in one hand, and he raised it to his lips before he answered. “Interesting,” he said simply.
I tilted my head. He was being strangely reserved. “Interesting good or interesting bad?”
“Who the fuck is Manolo Gutierrez?” he asked softly, then took another sip from his glass.
I felt my knees go weak. I opened my mouth and then closed it again. “I- He…” Fuck!
His eyes hadn’t left mine. Still cold as emerald chips. “Who the fuck is Manolo Gutierrez, Sasha?” he shouted at me. I gave a tiny shriek and clutched my hand to my mouth. There was no way to hide my terror. No point either.
He knows! My God, he knows!
“He- He has my brother,” I finally choked out. “He took him. He’s going to kill him!” The words were babbling out, but not in any way that was making my case any better. Tears were beginning to prickle. I couldn’t seem to catch my breath.
“Your brother, the drug dealer?” he bit out.
I shook my head. “Emilio’s not like that!” His expression grew colder. “He’s made some mistakes,” I acknowledged, “but he’s a good kid. I swear it.”
He was still towering over me, his posture not softening. “You sent money to these people, Sasha,” he said at last. I nodded, swallowing hard. Why deny it? It was all going to come out now anyhow. “What else have you sent them? Are you doing deals for them, Sasha?”
“Oh, my God! No! No, I would never!” How could he think that of me? But then again, I hadn’t given him much to go on.
“Do you have any idea what this could do to me if it got out, Sasha?” he said grimly.
