“Can you give Alba this for me?” She held out a paper bag. “It’s a book.”
I didn’t take the bag. “I’m not going to her place tonight.”
“Why not?” She frowned. “You go every night at nine when the other guard gets here.”
“He’s running late.”
“So, take it when he gets here.” She raised the bag in front of my chest and smiled again.
“What kind of book is it?” Not that I really cared but it seemed to be important to her.
“A romance book.” She smiled wider. “A spicy romance book about Mafia men.”
“You should give it to her yourself.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Oh, jeez. Are you too tough to carry a book?” she asked teasing me. “You might like it. There’s lots of sex in it.”
I growled and took a step back. “Give it to her yourself. Also, Ciro said to expect him around ten.”
“Ten, tonight?”
I grunted.
“Oh, heck no. I’m going straight to bed so he can just wait until tomorrow.” She twisted her lips and furrowed her brow the way women do when something was off. “Wasn’t he supposed to be here an hour ago?”
“He hasn’t left LA yet. His jet is having mechanical issues.”
“Wait. I thought he was in Canada?” She tilted her head, considering me. “Why is he in LA? Or more like, who is he visiting in LA?”
Oh, shit.
“He had business and will be here by ten.”
“I’m not letting him in and you’d better not either.” She pointed her finger up at my face.
I groaned. “He’s my boss. I don’t call the shots, Isla.”
“Then get a new job. Good night.” She shut the door and heard her set the electric lock.
Great. Now she was angry and would probably tell Alba. It was fine. I didn’t want Alba to like me more than she would like someone who stopped by her place for a booty call.
I shook my head.
Dammit.
It was more than a booty call. The sex was incredible. We showered together and had more sex. Then I cuddled with her for a few hours while I slept, before reporting back to Isla’s.
It was obviously time to break things off with Alba.
I forced myself not to think about Alba or Isla for the next half hour. Ciro couldn’t get here soon enough. I had a weird, almost unnerved feeling inside me, reminiscent of the night my father was murdered. I had sensed something bad was coming that night and I had the same feeling now.
The usual occupants nodded at me as they went to their units. But two new faces strolled towards me. My shoulders stiffened as I watched them. They stopped at Elsie’s place. Roy opened the door and they went inside.
My jaw twitched and I put my hand on my gun. I didn’t like that motherfucker. I was sure he was a drug dealer. Any man that abused their girl was a worthless piece of shit. I would enjoy giving Roy a taste of his own medicine, a brutal beating to rival what he did to Elsie.
But I couldn’t worry about Roy or hisfriends.
I checked the time. The last text I received from Ciro an hour ago said he was on a helicopter. He would let me know when he made it to San Francisco.
