by C. M. Steele
“I know, but I couldn’t wait any longer. Actually, I’m glad you’re here. I need to have a talk with you guys.”
“Okay. I’ll let you guys talk.” I reluctantly let her go. She bends down and gives me a peck that does something to my chest. It’s insane how much I love this woman. I breathe for her. As she leaves, I want to drag her back to me.
“She’s safe out there. Trust me. Boss wouldn’t let anything happen to her.” I nod. I’m guessing that’s the gray-haired guy behind the bar.
“It’s not wired in here, is it?” I ask.
“No.”
“Good. I figured out who is behind all of this.”
“When? Why didn’t you say anything?” Blade rushes out without taking a breath.
I raise my hand to stop him from going crazy. “The second before I walked in. My operations manager called. He knew I came here after giving everyone the slip. He’s the only one so close to me that he knows everything. Even more than Gavin. There was no footage of the courier, and that’s because I don’t believe there really was a courier. He stole the images off the hotel cameras, printed them, and then wiped everything, except that the system had been hacked. And he’s on his way here now.”
I pull out my phone and see that Gavin sent me a text while I was holding Roxie. Are we still on for dinner tonight?
Can’t. I left town to find her.
Are you fucking nuts!!
Then my phone rings. I press the speaker because I want them to understand there’s no secrets. I’m all for taking out whoever’s out to get me and my woman. “Milo, you know damn well you’re not well enough to be traveling.”
“I know. I know, but I need to protect her. She’s having my baby.”
“Fucking hell, yeah! Congrats, bro. I’m happy for you. Did you take Anderson or some of the other guys with you?”
“That’s why I’m calling. Did you talk to Magnus today?”
“No. I haven’t been at the hotel since meeting with the staff this morning. I informed them that you’ll be taking an extended leave as you recover and to direct all questions to me like we discussed yesterday. Then I went to talk to the Amicis to find out what they know.”
“Did they give you shit?”
“Nothing. They claim they have shit to do with it and have made a deal with the Mirage.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, they said it should be in the papers tomorrow and that you lost out on a good opportunity.”
“Well, that’s not how I see it, but if they’re really not harboring anger toward me, then it’s someone else.”
“From what I can tell, those sleazy bastards are apparently trying to appear legal, but I’m not putting my trust in them. We had our meeting with my security team standing behind me. I’ve gone over their public information, and nothing’s out of place. Has Indy given you anything yet?”
“I haven’t spoken to Indy in two days. I need to call him.”
“Okay. What do you need me to do? I have to go to the offices in Milan soon. They’re complaining about the inspection and staff setup, and I know your ass isn’t prepared for that.”
“No. I’m sure as fuck not ready for it. I’m hoping to get her back to Vegas soon. Then you can travel to Milan. Although, I have a feeling it’s going to get ugly around here soon.”
“Do you need me to send someone? I can’t let anything happen to you. I’m serious, Milo. We’ve been friends way too long for you to kick the bucket on me.”
“I’m not going anywhere just yet. When I nail the bastard…”
“So, Milo, I hate to ask, but have you considered that it could be Magnus? He’s the closest to you, even knowing your schedule better than anyone else.”
“I have.”
“And? Do you trust him enough? I’m just shocked that with two master tech guys on it, you can’t find a trace of this asshole. So either they’re in on it, or the mastermind in charge of the project is aware of what they’re doing.”
“That’s a great point. I’ve got to let you go, but stay safe. I don’t trust that it’s not just one person.”
“Do you want me to check on your mom?”
“Yes. Can you stay with her?”
“I suppose. I mean, she’s in love with me, so it’s not so bad.”
“Fuck off, asshole.”
“Miss you too. Be fucking careful.” I end the call and then let out a long sigh.
“He sounds genuinely worried about you, but I’d bust his mouth if that was my mom,” Blade says.
“You should see my mother. She’s worse. They love teasing me because he saw a picture of her when she was a dancer and he asked if I had a sister, knowing I didn’t. They think it’s funny, but I ignore them.”
“A dancer? Well, then, I can’t wait to meet her. Tell Gavin he has some competition.”
Beast chuckles. “I’ll kick his ass if you want.”
Blade flips off Beast. “Fuck off, old man. Anyway, Cyber should be here soon. I called his ass and told him you were here.”
A knock at the door brings Cyber on cue, and he looks fucking pissed. “Are you like stupid? What the fuck are you doing here? Unprotected and weak. You’re no good to Roxie if you die.”
I ignore his ranting and raving because he’s just proved that he wants me to live for her. “What do you think of Indy?”
“I think he’s hiding something. He’s been avoiding me for two days now. Only got a text from him an hour ago, saying that you were coming here.” He opens his messages and shows me.
“What the fuck? How did he know I was on my way too?”
“I thought your staff would know something like that,” Beast adds.
“I did everything through a fake name. I didn’t want anyone to follow me. Magnus claimed that Gavin told him before his meeting, but I didn’t even see Gavin and we’d made plans for dinner. You heard him when he called.”
“Well, either you’re shit at sneaking out, or they’re tracking you.”
“How could they be tracking me?”
“Can you stand for me?” I do my best, feeling the burn in my knee. “In fact, where the fuck is your cane?”
“In my rental.”
“Give me your keys so I can grab it. Pat him down, Blade.” I reach for my keys and then freeze. “There may be a tracker on your clothes.”
“You’re not the Santini I want rubbing me down,” I tease.
“Don’t start with me. If my sister knew what to look for, I would have her do it. Don’t get hard because we have the same pretty eyes.”
“Just for that, I’m telling Gavin you’re trying to move in on his territory.”
“Bastard.” He slides off my jacket and methodically runs his fingers down every seam of my blazer.
Cyber comes back with the cane and Boomer. “We haven’t officially met, but I’m Boomer.”
“Hello.” We shake hands and then Blade goes to my body, patting me down my clothes.
“Doc’s on his way to do an examination. Are you okay? You’re looking a little shaky.”
“Yeah. It’s just been a really long fucking trip.”
“We get it,” Boomer says, taking a seat behind the desk as he watches.
“Here, take your cane, at least. It’s fucking heavy, by the way.” Cyber lifts it sideways like a band leader, testing the weight.
“Yeah, well, I need it to support my weight.”
“You’re all clean. Is this the phone I sent you?” Blade asks, stepping back and looking at it on the desk. I nod. “And you don’t have the other one with you?”
“No. I purposely left it behind. I might not be a fucking soldier like you, but I’m not an idiot.”
“Then I’m guessing they tracked you when you rented the car?”
“I used a fake name.”
Cyber unfolds his arms and slaps his forehead. “Shit. Do me a favor. I don’t know why I haven’t thought of it before, but can I see this?”
He grabs my cane and cracks it aga
inst the wall. A microchip falls out amongst the shattered handle. “Looks like this is how they’re keeping track of you.”
“Pinche baboso. I’m going to kill him,” I snarl, my fists flexing.
“Indy put this in your cane?” Cyber asks. I see the dismay in his face. They are friends, even if they’re not best friends, so I get it.
“No. He hasn’t been near my cane. Magnus ordered it and picked it up for me before I was released from the hospital.”
“So either he’s working with Magnus, or he’s under the belief that any request from Magnus comes from you.”
“Shit. I had to leave Magnus in charge of everything other than what Gavin handles while I’ve been trying to recover, so all orders were given by him.”
“Good. What we’re going to do is take you back to my place where you can recover. My sister lives with me so I’m sure that’ll make you happy, but I need you to rest. If you’re right and my sister is pregnant, she’s going to need you more than ever.”
“She is.”
“Well, then, let’s get the fuck out of here before we get into any shit.”
“Good. I need Roxanne with me.” I watch Boomer type on his phone before tucking it away.
“Here’s the plan. Blade, you take them in my truck. I’ll ride your bike back to the clubhouse. Crystal, Morgan, and Penny are already at the clubhouse with Mick and Jackson and a couple prospects. Beast, you and I will walk out first. They will come out after we give the all-clear. If he’s been a step behind you, there’s a chance he’s already outside, but he doesn’t know us or that we know about him. Then we’ll play it from there.”
“Understood, Prez.”
We walk out, and Roxanne is chatting with another woman behind the bar. Beast nods to the woman and they both come around to us. “Mary, baby, let’s go. We’re going to go to the clubhouse.”
“Is everything okay, Will?”
“Yes, baby. I’ve got work to do, and your pretty ass needs to be where I can see you.” He drags her into his arms and kisses her hard.
“My beast,” she sighs, making Roxanne giggle.
Roxanne grips my hand and interlaces our fingers as we head out of the bar. It feels too fucking good to have her at my side. “I have a lot to make up for.”
“No. You don’t.” She presses her head to my shoulder just lightly before straightening herself.
Blade places a hand on her back. “Rox, I’ll be driving you back home.”
“Okay. Please tell me you’re coming with me,” she pleads, looking up into my eyes.
I bring her hand to my lips. “Of course. I don’t want to be apart again.” Her smile makes me forget everything but her.
“Come on, lovebirds. Trouble’s not over yet.” We get into the black-on-black SUV and pull out without a problem. I hear motorcycles behind us, but then they turn down a different road.
The silence is deafening until my woman’s belly makes her hunger known. “Oh shit, mi sirena, you’re hungry.”
“There’s some leftover soup from yesterday,” Blade tells her.
She moans innocently and I hold back the groan, but Blade has his eyes on the rearview. “Rox, are you trying to give the man blue balls? Cut him some slack.”
She blushes.“I’ll fix that later. Oh, I mean, I don’t know if we even can.”
“Shit. The soup’s going to have to wait. You both are going to the clubhouse. Change of motherfucking plans.” He turns down a different street.
“What’s wrong?” I grit out, sensing shit’s about to get crazy.
“We have a tail. The guys are circling around to check it out, but I think it’s your guy from the hotel. Don’t look back. Just relax.” Suddenly we can hear a crash behind us and gunshots going off. Roxie reaches out, clinging to me. I cradle her to my chest, knowing we’re in an armored vehicle.
“Oh my God. Milo,” she cries out, trying to pull me down too. “They can’t take you away from me again.”
“I’m not letting anyone come between us again,” I whisper, brushing her hair back behind her ear.
“Calm down, Rox. It’s just Boomer. They’ve got the fucker.”
“Good. I want to string him up by his balls,” I grit out, having lost so many moments with Roxanne.
“How far are you willing to go?”
“I almost lost my woman. I want him dead. What is it going to take to make it happen?”
Blade’s grin that spreads across his face shows his crazy side. “A lot of fun. But we should question him first.”
“Of course. I want to know who else is gunning for me.”
Chapter 10
Roxanne
As the clubhouse gate opens up for us, a thousand thoughts run through my head. Mostly, I can’t believe that he’s here and that he didn’t abandon me. My heart’s thumping out of control as we hold hands. I want to be in his arms. I’m not ready for the separation, but I know how it works. The men treat us like equals until it comes to this part. I can’t say it’s a bad thing, but I’ve just got Emiliano back.
“Mi amor, please relax.” He brings my hand to his lips. Pure emotion shoots through me when he does that simple gentlemanly gesture. My panties are soaked when I shouldn’t be turned on at all.
“Let’s get you both inside. Rox, open the door. I’m going to help Emiliano in. We kind of broke his cane.”
“Damn it, why would you do that?”
“It’s okay. I’ll explain later, but I can walk just fine.”
“Now’s not the time to be a badass, Martín.”
“Okay.” He concedes, but he hates it. I see that it takes lot out of him to depend on someone else, especially another man. My heart breaks even more for all that he’s been through. His lack of contact these past seven weeks makes a lot more sense. If he can’t care for himself, how can he protect me from a real threat. Leaving me to my brother and the Riders must have been very difficult for him.
My brother takes Emiliano’s arm while I take the lead alongside Wrench who just pulled up. “Hey, so I’m missing a fucking ton of shit, but come on, let’s get you inside, Roxie.”
“So who the fuck is this guy? Is he the reason you’re all mopey?” he asks, holding the door for us.
“Shut up, Wrench,” I hiss, flushing with embarrassment. I’m glad that it’s already dark out because I’m as red as a tomato.
“It’s okay, Rox. Your man here has been like an eager puppy dog ready to hump your leg since he got out of the hospital.”
“God, you are such an asshole, bro.”
“I got to get in all the shots I can before he steals you away from me.”
“Well, you better get them in as much as you can because we’re leaving in a couple of days.”
“What?”
“I told you I came back for what’s mine, Roxanne. I have a hotel to run, and from what you told me, I have a restaurant for you to practice in.”
“What?”
“Are you losing your hearing, Rox?”
“Ugh, fuck off.” I flip off my brother, and Emiliano lets out a massive chuckle that shoots through me.
“Hot damn, if I wasn’t married.” Crystal gives me a wink, knowing Boomer’s behind her.
“Don’t get Emiliano on Boomer’s bad side.”
“What the fuck?” Boomer growls from behind his wife.
“Oh, there you are.”
“You’re going to get a good spanking when we get home.”
“Good.” She reaches up and kisses him wildly. “Now go and get your shit done.” She cups his crotch in front of all of us.
“Damn, tigress. I’m keeping your ass pregnant.”
“Emiliano, this is Boomer’s wife, Crystal. She loves getting him riled up.”
“They all do,” Jackson grumbles, coming into the room with Penny at his side. “Hello, I’m Jackson, and this lovely woman is my wife, Penny.”
“Hello.”
“Boys, let’s get the women settled in. We have business to attend to. Ma
rtín, you can join us, but I’m afraid it’s best that you stay out of the action.”
“Mi sirena, I hate to leave you, but I’ll always return to you.” He pulls me into his arms and slams his mouth down onto mine, forgetting all those in the room as he growls and swipes his tongue over the seam so that I part my lips for him. I moan, sliding my hands up his chest. With a couple of coughs coming from my brother and the guys, we part.
“I’ll be waiting,” I whisper.
As soon as we get into the secured area, the girls are on me. “What the hell? The guy from the hotel? When were you going to tell us?”
“That’s some bull.”
“Says the one who married Mick without telling anyone,” I remind Morgan. She kept it a secret until Mick woke from his coma before Halloween.
“True. She’s got you there.”
“So what’s going on? Dish, girl.” I go into how he met me in the elevator and we had sex all night long and then in the morning when I ran away. Then I explain the reason the guys are in the back.
“So who is it?”
“I don’t really know. It’s not like I could see who it was, but it’s someone from Emiliano’s hotel.”
“That’s crazy. What if you two had still been in bed together?” Oh my God. I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know if I can go back to the hotel again.
“Morgan. How do you come back here?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean from the attack outside. Mary, I guess I can ask you the same thing?”
“I’ve been here from the start, so for me it’s my home away from home.”
“For me, I know that that bomb was in William’s briefcase, making it hard for me to be around briefcases, but I love him and I’ll be wherever he is.”
“Maybe you can move out of the hotel?”
“He lives there.”
“Well, probably not anymore since he was almost blown up.”
A chill goes through me as my head fills with the terrible image. Tears fall from my eyes. “True. I’m just afraid.”