Michael and Nick shared a look, and I wondered if I was missing some vital piece of information only they knew.
“If I were you, I’d create leverage for myself too,” Michael said. “One day, I hope you’ll trust me.”
“Take care of Mom and I might.” I tugged her into an embrace and whispered in her ear, “Congratulations, Mom. I love you so much. And he’s kind of a silver fox hottie, so maybe it’s not all bad.”
Mom chuckled and pulled back, smoothing my hair as tears formed in her honey-brown eyes. “Call me when you get to the safehouse and let me know if you need anything. I’ll make sure you get it.”
I nodded before turning to Nick. “Let the prison sentence begin,” I droned.
Nick scowled before gesturing to the door. “After you, princess.”
I gritted my teeth at the unwanted endearment, and flashed him a humorless smile before exiting.
“I’ll do my best not to strangle her,” Nick said before pivoting and following me.
“I heard that,” I said as we walked through the front door.
“Good.”
He strode around the black SUV and pointed to the passenger door. “Sit in the back. It’s too dangerous to have you up front.”
I planted my fists on my hips, my chin jutting forward as I bristled at his tone. “Let’s get something straight. You have zero right to boss me around.” I held up my hand, forming a circle by touching my fingertips to my thumb. “Z. E. R. O.” I said, sounding out each letter. “Are we clear?”
His fingers wrapped around the door handle and pulled it open. “Get in.”
Huffing, my eyes formed narrow slits.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his tone filled with annoyance.
“Cursing you out in my head,” I said, holding up a finger. “One more second...” I waited and then gave a quick nod. “Now, I’ll get in the car, not because you told me to, but because I’m ready to go.”
I slid in and his huge frame filled the doorway.
“Excuse me!” I said, aware of how my heartbeat quickened as he loomed over me.
“I appreciate you getting in the car like I asked, Alexis.” Stepping back, he slammed the door.
“I didn’t do it because you asked,” I said after he slid behind the wheel.
His eyes met mine in the rear-view mirror before he pressed a button on the center console. The privacy screen began to rise, and I sat back and crossed my arms.
“You have the maturity of a rock,” I said, noticing his smirk before his face disappeared.
Sighing, I pulled up my phone to download some of the apps I’d lost when Nick had destroyed my previous one.
“It’s going to be a long few weeks, Alexis,” I murmured to myself as the car began to move.
Little did I know how true those words would turn out to be...
Chapter 2
Nick
Idrove from Michael’s house in Brooklyn to the tunnel under the small bridge south of Lynbrook. Parking the SUV, I got out and opened Alexis’s door.
“Time to switch cars,” I said, jerking my head. “Let’s go.”
Alexis’s forest-green eyes narrowed, and I scowled right back. She’d been a pain in my ass since the moment I met her, and I found myself wondering if she was always this difficult, or if it was just me.
