I glare at him. “Not too much fun.”
Javier just stares back at me. It’s no secret our relationship is less than amicable. But we both have something the other one wants. So we play our little pissing game. Tit for tat until one of us ends up on top. And I already know who that’s going to be.
I turn to leave.
“¿Cómo está tu puta, Kayne?”
How’s your whore, Kayne?
I glance over my shoulder haughtily. “Aún mia.”
Still mine.
THE DRIVE INTO THE CITYis tedious. There’s traffic through the tunnel and all throughout midtown. I’m dreading this meeting. I tried to blow it off as many times as possible, but Mark is insistent. It’s part of the reason I hired him; he gets things done and quickly. But I had hoped to avoid stepping inside Expo until things cooled down. No such luck. The car drops me off in front of the modest-size building with the large hammered metal sign. Mark’s little company is doing well for itself.
I take a deep breath and step out onto the sidewalk. It’s early May, and the temperature is comfortable. Not so hot you’re sweating through your suit; not so cold you need an extra layer.
“I’ll call once I’m ready to be picked up,” I tell the driver. Usually Jett drives me into the city, but I felt it was safer for Ellie if he stayed behind today, and he agreed. I didn’t like that flicker in Javier’s eye when I told him I was leaving the house. It’s still bothering me. I want to make this meeting quick then get my ass back to Jersey. Mansion is located in an elite country-like suburban community an hour outside the city. It’s privately tucked away, inconspicuous to the naked eye, and perfectly situated for my clients all over the metropolitan area and beyond.
I walk into the contemporary-designed building and head toward the elevator. The last time I was here, Ellie was standing right next to me looking a little embarrassed and totally tempting in a tight pencil skirt. What I wouldn’t give to live that day over again.
The elevator doors open to a sickly looking Mark. I frown. His skin is pale, his eyes are red, and his clothes are wrinkled. Very unlike the neat as a pin man I’ve come to know.
“You look awful.” I step out of the lift.
“I am awful. I’m a wreck.” He doesn’t even shake my hand. Instead he pulls out a bottle of Tums and pops two into his mouth. “I haven’t slept since Ellie disappeared,” he says crunching away.
Oh shit. This is exactly why I wanted to avoid all things Expo.
“Why don’t we have some coffee and talk?” I put my hand on his shoulder.
Mark nods. “The conference room is prepared.”
I follow Mark down the hall, past numerous employees, to the corner room framed with windows. The energy in the office is different compared to all the other times I’ve been here. Mark prides himself on having a positive, upbeat work environment. He’s always boosting morale and incentivizing his employees. But today, the negative energy is palpable. And I know exactly why that is. It isn’t the same without Ellie, and it’s affecting everyone. Including me.
Mark plops down in his usual seat at the table as I shut the door behind me. He eats another antacid, leaving the large bottle out on the table.
I decide to pour Mark some tea instead of coffee. I figure it would be easier on a sour stomach or enflamed esophagus or whatever the fuck he has going on.
I place the cup in front of him and proceed to sit across the table.
“Thank you.” He lifts the white mug with Expo’s rainbow colored logo on it. It’s as modern as the sleek building we’re sitting in.
“Want to talk about it?” I ask as Mark takes a sip of the steaming tea. I would’ve at least blown on it first, but by the looks of him, he’s not feeling anything but anxiety at the moment.
“It’s my fault,” he blurts out.
“What?”
“Ellie’s disappearance is my fault.”
My jaw drops. “Why is it your fault?”
“Because I should have been watching her more closely.”
“Mark—”
“That beautiful little spitfire is gone. And I’m completely helpless.” He puts his head in his hands. This is not good. I knew Ellie being taken would put a strain on her friends and family, but I never imagined Mark would blame himself or fall the fuck apart. I’ve never really had friends or family who cared about me that much, so maybe I underestimated the impact of her disappearance. She’s lucky, and loved, by more people than I realized. I feel a strange twinge in my chest. Jealousy? Envy maybe? Jett is the only person who would give two shits if I ever disappeared. Regardless of the repercussions, Ellie is safer being held captive by me than being tormented at the hands of Javier. I stand by my decision. As deceitful as it is.
