“Did you sleep well?” He leaned his hip against the counter and crossed his arms.
“Eventually. It took my mind a bit to shut off.”
He nodded. “Same.”
“I woke up a couple of times and thought we were still in the jungle,” she admitted.
“You’re safe now.”
Am I?So much was happening behind those glittering blue eyes of his and she wanted to ask, but fear held her back.
The machine finished spitting out coffee and he took the mug. “I don’t have anything to make for breakfast, but we could go into town to get something.”
“Okay.” Her attention shifted to the levered door. “Which reminds me. I forgot to put my clothes in the dryer.”
“Those clothes?” He tipped his head toward the table.
She looked over, and there were her pants and shirt neatly folded, her matching plain white bra and panties arranged on top. “Oh. Um, thank you.”
Her cheeks warmed, embarrassed that he’d touched her underthings. Mostly because they weren’t her sexiest ones. No, she’d worn her more comfortable and plain underwear—and she instantly regretted not choosing something with a little more lace.You’re such a practical virgin,she chastised herself. But running through the jungle wearing a lace thong and sheer bra with zero support probably wouldn’t have been the best option.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She snapped the word out far too fast, then tried to backtrack. “I just mean, you don’t have to do my laundry. I can do it myself.”
“I’m sure you can. I was only helping move things along since I have my own to do.” He took a sip of coffee, studying her over the rim.
“Oh, right. Sorry. I didn’t think about that.” Her eyes narrowed a little. Although hadn’t he said he planned to burn his clothes? And how much laundry could he possibly have since he hadn’t been home in over a month?
“We’re going to need to get you more clothes. My friends’ wives probably have something you can wear.”
She gave him a small nod and drank her coffee. They were both avoiding the most important conversation hanging over their heads—José. What to do about his plans to join forces with the Cardenas brothers. And how Xander planned to use Essie to get his revenge.
When Xander’s pocket buzzed, he pulled his phone out and checked the screen. “Brand is here.” He set his mug down and stalked over to the front door to let the other man inside.
Essie held her warm mug close, stepping into the living room. The men swapped greetings then sat down across from each other. Brand took the armchair on the other side of the coffee table and Xander sat down on the couch. He motioned for her to join them, and she perched on the couch beside him.
Brand handed a gold necklace to Xander. “Mitch’s men found it on the gate. Figured you’d want it back.”
Xander took the necklace, closing his fist around the chain, the cross dangling. “Thanks. And, yeah, I do. It was my sister’s.”
As he put it on, Essie reached for her own necklace. She had a habit of holding it when her world tilted and confusion unsettled her.
“I told Mitch you have Barrera’s sister,” Brand announced. “He wants to take her into federal custody. Keep her safe.”
Xander’s eyes narrowed. “You mean use her as a bargaining chip.”
“It’s for the best.”
“Yeah, for Mitch.”
Who is Mitch?Essie wondered. But she didn’t dare ask. These two men were damn intimidating, and she could feel the tension ratcheting up between them.
“You’re not taking her.” Xander plunked his mug down on the coffee table and met the other man’s eyes, clearly issuing a challenge.
One Brandon didn’t back down from. “Yeah, I am.”
Okay, time to speak up.The conversation was about her, and they hadn’t even bothered to include her. Besides, wasn’t Xander planning to do the exact same thing? Use her to his advantage? This was her life and she should have a say. Holding up her hand, she cleared her throat. “Excuse me.”
