"You don't have to worry about that furball. He would have stayed in his territory. The only reason he would'veventured this side is if food got scarce there and he was desperate. And food isn't scarce out here."
I stand up from the blanket, unable to sit close to him anymore. I can't believe how easily I forgot who he was. A dangerous man who kidnapped me. A man I should be wary of, not leaning toward. He's still my enemy. I shouldn't forget that.
"We should get going," I say, dusting my hands over my pants. "This has been amazing though," I smile, hoping he doesn't think I'm being rude.
With a groan, he gets up too and picks up the blanket to shake it off. "It will be dark soon," he agrees. "We still have to climb back up, and that'll take at least half an hour.
Chapter 9 - Bardil
The hike was amazing. I had a lot of fun. It was so good to let loose and forget the drama.
And Nikita seemed to enjoy it. Her cheeks were rosy and her smile wide.
And climbing back up that wall, she really impressed me. Surefooted and confident.
I've never met a girl like her before. Someone who can catch me by surprise.
Nikita is in the shower, washing off the mud and warming up. The sun was setting when we got back, and the temperature dropped quite a bit. I'm about to head toward the other shower when my phone buzzes, ringing unexpectedly.
"Simon," I mutter, looking at the screen. Wariness seeps into my thoughts.
"Hello," I answer.
"Bardil, hey man, how are you?" he says cheerfully.
"I'm good, I'm good," I say, reminding myself that even though he sounds friendly and open, I should be careful. He's sided with the enemy.
"Listen, brother, I know it's last-minute and I'm not even sure if you're back on Miami soil again, but I have a huge favor to ask."
"A favor?" I repeat.
"Yeah. I really need help tomorrow. Marlen is swamped with some operations out of town, and something's come up that I can't do alone. I know it's been a while, man. But I could really use your help tomorrow," Simon says, sounding desperate.
"What's it for?"
"A delivery. The client is that guy that you brought on board early last year. It's a massive order, and I'm not comfortable doing it alone."
"And you can't take one of your newfriendswith you?" I ask, sounding bitter.
"No man. This client isn't linked to the alliance. It's our family's business. No one else's."
I sigh, pressing my fingers into my eyes and massaging them.
I could say no. I could say I'm busy.
It's almost two hours of driving to get there and another two hours to get back. Would I want to leave Nikita alone at the cabin for that long?
But this could be an important moment. The moment I win my family back.
"Bardil?"
"I'm here. Yeah. I can help. What time? Where?" I say.
"Jeez, that's good news. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this," Simon exclaims. "Can you be at the main warehouse at seven?"
"Will do."
After hanging up, I'm tense. There are pros and cons to helping Simon. But overall, the bottom line is that I don't want to say no when my family calls me, needing me.
