“Why doesn’t that reassure me?” Alec muttered, stepping aside as the women swept past.
As they filed into the elevator together, Gaby felt relieved she wasn’t alone. She’d told herself she needed air, but what she really needed was something to take her mind off last night, off Rhys choosing silk and lace that would hug her body, and off the mixed messages he was sending that wrecked her equilibrium. And she couldn’t think of a better distraction than Cari’s energy and Emily’s dry humor. They were both with dominant men, much like Rhys. If they couldn’t distract her, maybe they could at least offer some advice on how to survive.
***
At a quiet, off-the-main-drag Mexican restaurant a few blocks from the office, they claimed a shady table in the high-walled courtyard tucked beneath a riot of bougainvillea. Instead of margaritas, they ordered iced tea and barely glanced at the menus.
Rafe lingered at a table near the entrance, pretending to scroll through his phone while scanning reflections in the glass.
Gaby hesitated to ask, but her curiosity won. “With Enzo out of the picture, why do you still have a shadow everywhere you go?”
Cari gave a small, tight smile. “You can take the family out of the girl, but not the girl out of the family. It never quite lets go.”
She didn’t elaborate about what family; she didn’t have to.
“You’re still in danger?”
“Just because Vinny’s doing time in Otisville and Enzo is dead doesn’t mean they stop,” Cari said with resignation. “They’re in disarray without a leader, but one could emerge. Or they could fade into the ether. Dev’s words, not mine. Either way, he’s not prepared to let his guard down. Now, if ever.”
Gaby exhaled slowly. “I guess that makes sense.”
“It’s annoying,” Cari corrected lightly. “But he’s the expert, and almost always right.”
“Also annoying, I’m guessing,” Emily teased.
Cari smiled, less tight this time. Then she leaned forward. “All right, Gaby. It’s your turn to spill. Tell me how you really are. Rhys has had you in training every night this week. That can’t be easy.”
“I wouldn’t call anything with Rhys easy,” she muttered.
Emily stirred her drink thoughtfully. “I’ve noticed. It’s so unlike him.”
Curiosity slipped past her guard. “How do you mean?”
Emily rested her chin in her hand. “When Rhys guarded me, he was always relaxed. Dry humor. Unshakable calm. But, with you? He’s wound tight, like he’s bracing for impact.”
“You don’t know the half of it. One minute he’s smoldering hot, the next, he’s freezing me out.”
“Something happened in his past,” Emily speculated. “I’d bet money on it. I asked Alec if Rhys has ever been married or had a serious relationship, girlfriend, or long-term sub. He said not that he knew of, but that it wasn’t our business.”
“Leland said the same thing,” Gaby murmured.
“I think you’re on to something, Em,” Cari said, nodding. “He’s never been serious about anyone at the club, until…”
“I broke him further,” Gaby said, shoulders slumping.
“No. He was cautious long before you came along,” Cari assured her. “He’s holding back for a reason. We just need to find out what that reason is.”
Gaby nearly groaned. “I can’t. Not now. I’m trying to focus on the mission. It’s personal enough. And now I have to play the role of”—she lowered her voice to finish—“Rhys’ssex slave.”
Cari and Emily exchanged a silent look. Then identical slow grins.
“What? Why are you smiling?” she demanded.
Emily raised a perfect brow. “You might accomplish more than one mission in Costa Rica.”
Cari nodded sagely. “Forced proximity does interesting things to people.”
“Especially,” Emily added, the sly smile reemerging, “when there’s chemistry simmering just under the surface.”
