I need a goddamned bottle of tequila—and a cold shower. “What do you want?”
“Whiskey and coke.”
Unable to deny that beautiful face anything, I’ll get it for her. But first . . . I move quickly, gathering her clothes and shoes, and stuff them in the suitcase she opened earlier. Then I zip it up and carry it to the door.
“Hey!”
“What?” I ask.
“You can’t leave me here with nothing to wear. What if Diaz or Lazaro comes back while you’re gone?”
“Don’t worry, Serafina, you look great in a towel.” I open the door and step into the hallway.
Serafina
The moment the door clicks shut, I start shaking. His scent is all over me. That same cologne I remember. What do I do now? I met Eagle when I was fifteen and in danger from my maniacal brothers. Caleb took me in without question and protected me. Though we shared everything—our secrets and dreams—the one thing he held sacred was my age and innocence. We fooled around plenty, kissing and petting, but never sex. He told me to save myself for a man worthy of my love.
Eagleisworthy. I’m twenty-one now. He’s only five years older than me. If I sleep with him tonight, what are the chances I’ll ever see him again? I live in a different state. And as far as ever working in Holly Beach again . . . Ben is in for a big surprise on Monday.
I start pacing, weighing the pros and cons. Loving him will give me something I didn’t have before. A tangible memory. I’ll sleep better. Dream better. Breathe easier. Because all I’ve fantasized about is returning home and claiming what I never had before—Eagle as my lover. My body reacted instantly. My nipples are hard and I’m wet for him. Our kisses were like molten lava.
Someone knocks on the door.
“Yes?”
“It’s Diaz.”
“Come in.”
He takes one look at me and doesn’t say anything about my lack of proper clothing. “Mr. Mendoza asked me to deliver this to you.” He offers me a thick envelope.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know.”
“All right.” I take it and tear the top open. There’s a stack of money inside and a note card. I pull the paper out and read it.
Please accept this as restitution for your pain and suffering. Go on an extended vacation or take some time off from work.
LM
Hush money. That’s the first thing that comes to mind. I keep the negative thought to myself and count the bills. There’s five thousand dollars in crisp hundreds. A ridiculous amount of money. I stuff it back inside the envelope and stare at Diaz like he has two heads.
“I can’t take this.”
“I’m just a messenger,” he says. “But I’ll offer some friendly advice, Ms. Scala. You strike me as a bright girl. Consider where you are. Remember what happened tonight, and let it serve as a reminder that not all men are without honor.”
I don’t even know what to say.
Diaz turns around and leaves me standing there with the envelope of money in my hand. It’s cash I desperately need, but not like this. Not from a man I loathe. Drugs destroyed my eldest brother and his MC. Lazaro Mendoza represents everything I hate. I walk across the room and drop the envelope on the top of the dresser. Let the next person who stays in this suite benefit from his dirty money.
Wait a second . . . I start opening drawers and find some men’s clothes. Several pairs of boxers, plenty of T-shirts. I grab one of each and get dressed.
Eagle returns ten minutes later with a bottle of Jack Daniels, two sodas, and a plate piled high with cold cuts, cheese, bread, and chips.
“What’s this?” I ask, ambling over to the table where he set it down.
“A peace offering,” he says.
