I spot Jett a few minutes later. Just the person I am looking for. He’s standing next to one of the many cages scattered all over the room containing captive angels. Girls dressed in barely there lingerie and huge white wings, dancing provocatively. It sort of reminds me of a Victoria’s Secret runway show. As I get closer, I realize it’s Sugar in the cage. It doesn’t surprise me. She’s his favorite girl.
“He’s here,” Jett informs me as I stand casually beside him.
I spy the room and spot Javier standing next to an older, light skinned man with silver hair.
“El Rey is American?” I’ve never seen a picture of him. He prides himself on being a ghost. The simple fact he’s here is exceedingly rare. And it’s a rarity that needs to be exploited.
“Half. Actually,” Jett informs me. “The genes must run strong on his father’s side.”
“Clearly. What time is it?” I ask as the music thumps and strobe lights flicker on the ceiling.
Jett glances at his watch as I continue to survey the room. “Nine fifteen. Eleven thirty-seven is execution.”
“Got it.” I squeeze my grip on Ellie’s leash and glance back at her. She’s pressed against me, her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are down. The clamp and our little peep show must be weighing on her. Two and a half hours, kitten. Two and a half hours left. I look back at Jett and zero in on Javier and El Rey walking our way. Here we go. As the two men approach, I look both of them in the eye.
“Senor Roberts,” El Rey addresses me, shaking my hand. He’s a tall, well-groomed man with viciousness in his dark brown eyes. “I thank you for welcoming me and celebrating me in your home.”
“Mi placer. Es un gesto para expresar mi entusiasmo para las actividades futuras.”
My pleasure. It’s a gesture to express my enthusiasm for future endeavors.I respond in his native tongue to show respect.
Piece of shit.
He smiles brightly. “Yes, I look forward to it. Javier has confirmed everything is in place and the first transaction should happen next week. I’m very pleased.”
I glance at Javier. He hasn’t taken his evil stare off Ellie since he reached us. It makes me want to stab his soulless black eyes right out of his head.
I feel the tension rippling off of her. She recognizes him, and she’s scared.
“As am I,” I respond evenly, even though a reel of murderous images are playing through my mind.
He nods with approval, and the deal is done. Funny how such a simple exchange can fortify a multimillion dollar business partnership. A very illegal, dangerous, clandestine agreement.
I smile insincerely. “Now that the formalities are out of the way. Please enjoy. Indulge. Jett went above and beyond for the guest of honor.”
“Yes, I’m interested to see where this night goes. White attire?” He looks at Jett.
Jett shrugs, holding on to one of the bars of Sugar’s cage. “All I can say is be prepared for a bang.”
El Rey cocks an eyebrow. Javier glares. I keep smiling. Javier then turns his attention to Ellie. She’s been perfect this whole time. If I wasn’t holding on to her leash for dear life, she’d be a figment of my imagination.
“How’s your whore, Kayne?” he asks, and Ellie stiffens.
I want to slit his throat open and remove his vocal cords with tweezers.
“Still mine,” I growl.
El Rey glances behind me, and then very lightly tugs on her chain drawing her out from behind my back. I hear her expel a little gasp, the clamp continuously doing its job. Which pleases me and pisses me off all at the same time. I’m the only one who’s supposed to pull her strings.
“She’s quite stunning.” El Rey drinks her in with a greedy stare. Ellie stands perfectly still, with her head down and hands cuffed in rhinestones by her side. “Look up, my dear.”
She doesn’t move. He frowns. “Not trained?”
“She’s trained. This is her first outing.” I jingle her chain, knowing she feels it right between her legs. “Look up, kitten.”
Ellie sweeps her head up, breathing hard. Her eyes are glassy and her cheeks are bright red.
“Exquisite.” He regards her, stepping closer. “Is she for sale?”
