I pull my keys out of my pocket and slap them into Javier’s hand. “Get out of here. My Maserati is parked in the lot on the corner. Hit Mansion on the GPS. It will direct you where to go.”
I watch as Ellie approaches. Completely innocent. Completely unaware her whole life is about to change. Tonight.
Javier lifts her hand and brings it to his mouth when she reaches us. “Señorita.”
He sounds so suave. So genuine. I want to punch his goddamn lights out for even touching her.
He doesn’t say a word to me when he leaves.
I look down regretfully at Ellie. I knew I put her in danger by being here. I just didn’t realize how much fucking danger.
“Are you ready to go?” I ask. My heart twists, but my arousal roars to life.
“Yes.” She’s so sure, so confident. She has no idea who she’s leaving with.
“Leave first. I’ll have my driver pick you up in the back alley. I think it will look better if we go separately.”
She nods, all blushed cheeks and starry eyes. I wonder if she’ll look at me that way in the morning. I watch grimly as Ellie walks away. Then I pull out my phone.
“Jett,” I snap at my driver, the house caretaker, and my best friend. “Why the fuck would you bring him here?”
“He whipped out a knife and demanded that I take him wherever you were. Bit mistrusting, don’t you think?”
“Coming in a day early unannounced? Nah.”
In the business we’re in, trust is a nonexistent commodity. “Why didn’t you let me know he was here before you picked him up?”
“I called and text, shithead.”
I pull the phone away from my ear and check it. It’s on silent. Stupid fuck. And sure enough there are several missed calls and texts. I groan in frustration.
“We have a situation,” I tell Jett as I hurry through the restaurant. “Meet me out front. I sent Javier back in the Maserati.”
“Oh, that was smart. I wonder what kind of trouble he can get into with that,” Jett patronizes.
“He better not get in any. It’s risky enough he’s on American soil.”
“True. So what’s the situation?”
“Ellie.”
“Ellie? The girl you’ve been obsessing over?”
“I haven’t been obsessing!” I snap.
“Mmmm hmmmm,” Jett responds. “She rejected you? Need some ice cream?”
“No, cocksucker. Javier. He wants her. I made an executive decision.”
“Oh no. Kayne, you and executive decisions are never good.” He sounds worried.
“Yeah, well, it was either that or let Javier get his sadistic hands on her. And like hell I was going to let that happen.” Another disturbing image flashes across my mind. I shudder. “You have any stuff stashed?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Jett pulls up just as I get outside. I hop in the limo. “Go around to the back alley. Where’s the stuff?”
