“Amigo?” I’m interrupted by a thick Spanish accent. I glare up at the man standing in front of us, and Ellie shifts uncomfortably away from me. I could decapitate Javier. The homegrown Mexican scumbag—and my house guest for the next I don’t know how long—has just ruined a defining moment. I stand menacingly and shake his hand.
“I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow,” I say as politely as possible.
“I caught an early flight.” He slaps my shoulder. “Too excited to see you.”
Ellie watches our exchange. I can’t tell if she notices anything is off or not.
“Ellie?” I hold out my hand for her to stand up. “Would you mind getting some water?” I pull out a fifty. She nods with a small smile, acknowledging both of us. She takes the money then slips silently away.
When Ellie is out of earshot, I snap at Javier. “What the fuck are you doing showing your face here?”
“Your driver said you were out for the evening. Sounded like fun.” He smiles at me with that wicked grin that I want to wipe right off his face.
“I don’t think it’s wise to be seen in public together.” I speak through clenched teeth.
Javier shrugs. “It’s dark in here.”
I huff.
“The girl, is she one of yours?” He ogles in the direction of the bar, where Ellie is standing with her back to us, ass on display.
“Not exactly.”
“Available then?” He raises his eyebrows.
“For what?” I sneer.
“Something to occupy my time with while I’m here. She looksentertaining.”His eyes sparkle with something sinister, something that spurs a disturbing memory to flash before me.
It feels like someone just tied a noose around my neck.
“I have plenty of girls to keep your time occupied,” I inform him directly.
“Yes, but I wantthatgirl. In my room. Tied to my bed, tonight.”
Why? So you can rape her repeatedly and beat her within an inch of her life? Like hell.
“I’m afraid that can’t happen,” I respond coolly, while my blood simmers in my veins.
“And why is that?”
I make a drastic decision.
“Because I’ve already claimed her. She’s mine.”
I just fucking hung myself.
“I DIDN’T REALIZE YOU WEREin the business of acquiring slaves.”
My heart rate spikes. “I wasn’t, but spending time with you has given me a new perspective.”
Javier’s mouth twists. “Glad to be an influence. Too bad you found her first.”
“Yeah, well, you know what they say. Finders keepers and all.”
“Yes.” He looks at me perversely, and I don’t like it one bit. His black eyes are hollow. Soulless. I know all too well what he’s capable of. “Better keep her close.”
Oh, I will.
