“Hey handsome.” Her breasts hung down, swinging deliciously as she leaned forward to take a mug from me.
“Time to get ready. We got a plane to catch,” I said, a little too gruffly. I was immediately annoyed for letting my anger show.
“Okay grumpy. Give me half an hour,” she said with a frown before blowing on the hot coffee.
I stood in front of her for a second, inner turmoil threatening to overwhelm me. I thought back to the previous night, my mind calculating and cold, pushing Alexandra out of conscious thought.
A deep breath cleared my mind further. I visualized the dark saloon I’d seen as we’d left the hotel and the obscured figures sitting within.
Had there been three of them in the car? Was I even fucking sure there had been anyone in it at all?
My mind ran over the rest of the evening, focusing on details. I couldn’t recall anything else that seemed important. My memory was filled with the emotion that had risen within me, and the rage. I remembered how Alexandra had soothed the rage effortlessly, turning it into desire.
I was useless. She had disarmed me.
Vowing to myself I wouldn’t let my guard down again, I turned away from her. I couldn't meet her gaze without a pang of guilt rising in my gut.
“Okay, Lex. I’ll be getting my stuff together.” I then left the room, barely feeling the burn of the coffee as I drained half the cup in one gulp.
Alexandra
What was that all about?
I’d woken as Cruz left the bed, rolling into the huge dent his body had left in the mattress. My body was still aching in both pleasure and pain from the night before. It had been wonderful.
But as soon as he’d returned with a mug of coffee, I’d noticed that his cold facade was back. He looked troubled and conflicted, making me want nothing more than for him to talk to me. He had to know by now that he didn’t have to keep everything bottled up in that scarred, handsome face of his.
My mind flashed back to the view of his face between my legs. I groaned audibly at the memory of pleasure I’d felt as his tongue had teased me.
After finishing my coffee, I rose from the bed. I felt a slight chill on my naked body, and felt my nipples harden as I headed for the shower.
I was ready about twenty-five minutes later, having applied a little makeup and dressed casually.
Time to see where my bodyguard-turned-lover has disappeared to, I thought, hoping he hadn’t jumped off the balcony.
I found him sitting in the living room, staring at the large ornate desk with a blank expression on his face.
“Guess they’ll charge us.” He gestured at the cracked vase, broken telephone, and other various items on the floor next to the desk. He grunted. “It’ll be worth it, though.”
I smiled and put my hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. With the amount we paid for these rooms, all I’ve got to do is kick up a stink and they’ll be offering us a discount.”
I caressed his muscled shoulders through his black t-shirt. He sighed, but then froze suddenly.
I looked down at him. He was staring at the ornate, expensive-looking phone that had been knocked off of the desk during the heat of our passion. Abruptly, he lifted his finger to his lips and rose to stride over to the phone, gingerly lifting the wreckage of the receiver in one huge hand.
My eyes widened as I saw a small, circular black object that had been crudely taped to the inside of the mouthpiece. Two wires led from it to a small device that had a watch battery attached.
Unfazed, Cruz winked at me, causing my fear to dissipate.
“Guess this phone is busted, right?” He looked at me, blue eyes sparkling. “Shoulda been more careful.”
He spoke in a measured and steady tone, and I played along. “Looks like you broke it, you heavy handed oaf. There’s a trash can in the kitchen. We’ll tell housekeeping when we check out.”
He nodded and rose to head towards the kitchen, where I heard him stamping on something. Then he reappeared in the kitchen entrance.
“Well played. Probably broke when it hit the floor, but you never know.” He looked so calm and nonchalant, I wondered what was going through his mind.
“You spoke to your dad before we left for dinner, right? Did you tell him anything important? Think, Lex,” he said, staring at me intently.
“I don’t know. I mean, yes…I called my dad when my cell was charging. The guy on the desk said we got free international calls.” I glanced worriedly at Cruz, noting his frown of consternation. “We talked about Prague,” I continued, “and that the girls might be coming home early. I didn’t give away any… oh, shit. We did talk about the flight. And where we were going. Shit.”
I looked at him again, worried. I had given my dad all the details of our impending trip to Prague over the phone. “I mean, it doesn’t matter, right?” I said, my voice raising to a panicked pitch.
“Fuck,” Cruz said.” They needed details. They didn’t know your next destination.” He walked towards me. His face was cold, calm. Professional. A strong, reassuring hand settled on my lower back. “Sit down. Tell me what you told your dad.”
Cruz
She recited the conversation as best as she could remember. As she imitated her dad, her voice deepened and took on a condescending tone. My mind brushed away the amusement I started to feel.
I took a few seconds to think as she finished talking. “We need to go back,” I said. “We…you’re in danger.”
If these guys could sneak into a penthouse apartment and tap a phone without getting caught, they were good. Real good. So I need to beat them at their own game. Somehow.
Alexandra looked up at me, shoulders slumped. Her eyes searched mine, looking for reassurance.
Now ain’t the time to be a pussy. This girl needs you. Fuck, you need her. Time to show these guys what it means to mess with Cruz Miller, I thought, my mind resolved.
I took a deep measured breath in and held it for a few seconds. Folding my arms over my chest, I exhaled slowly as my mind raced to formulate a plan.
Grimly, I looked off into the distance. Feeling Alexandra staring at me, I did my best to look tough, nonchalant, and in control. “Right. Ain’t no big deal, the way I see it. We still have a card to play.” I raised my hand to my chin, rubbing my sharp stubble thoughtfully.
Alexandra shifted in her seat, wiggling her perfect ass nervously. “Which is?” she said, expectantly.
I kept her waiting for a little while longer, enjoying her rapt attention. “Thing is, they don’t know.” I paused and turned to look at her. “That we know they know. Get it?”
She frowned. “That’s it? That’s your genius master plan?”
“Think about it Lex. We start running, they know we’re on to them. They pounce hard and fast. Guns blazing. I’m tough, but I ain’t bulletproof. Well, I nearly am. Could probably take a good few flesh wounds, but still, I’d rather not.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “Other option is, be as calm as fuck. Ice cold. Carry on to Prague. Hit them when they ain’t expecting nothing. Seriously fuck them up.”
I turned to look at her. Her eyes were wide and her cheeks were red. She gaped at me, her mouth half open.
“I mean, fuck them up so bad they can’t operate. Get it?” I continued, trying to justify my plan. “Take out the fucking brains, and most of the muscle.”
When she still remained quiet, I suddenly worried that I was being too brazen, possibly scaring her.
“Cruz,” she said, her voice was low, “right now, I’ll do anything you say. Anything.”
“Anything?” I raised my eyebrows and smirked. “Get your pretty butt back on that fucking desk. Now. We’ve got fifteen minutes.”
Alexandra
I was glowing as we calmly checked out fourteen minutes later. Most of the staff had changed since our entrance last night, but some were staring at us in fascination.
I could still taste Cruz in my mouth as I spoke to the guy on the main desk. After all, I hadn’t wanted
him to make a mess of me before catching a flight. It’s not as if we had time for a shower afterwards.
“Hey. I’m afraid we broke your phone,” I said to the receptionist. “And… a few other items that were on the desk.”
“Yeah. Got a bit carried away.” Cruz chimed in.
The guy stared incredulously at us before speaking. “No problem, mademoiselle. We have, uh, spares, you know. Thank you for staying with us. I hope you come again soon.”
We thanked the desk staff, and strode confidently through the front door, our arms locked. Two bell boys carried my suitcases and Cruz’s pitiful duffle bag.
I made a mental note to get him a decent bag when we got back home. Something manly. Brown leather. Expensive.
A valet had brought the Mercedes around to the front of the hotel. Cruz gave him a hundred euro note. The valet’s eyes widened.
“For last night,” Cruz said with a nod. “When we… were in a hurry.” He then handed the bell boys a fifty euro note each, and they thanked him profusely, shaking his hand and looking at him as if he was a movie star. I didn’t blame them though. He looked like he could have been some kind of action-movie hero. Meaner than Vanne Damme, and harder than Stallone. Not sure about Schwarzenegger in his prime. Now that would be a fight to see.
“What’s brought about this sudden generous streak?” I asked, laughing as we got into the car.
“I’m always generous,” he grunted.
I remember his words earlier-- to be cool because if they tapped the phone in a penthouse apartment, they could have bugs anywhere.
I grabbed his thigh. “Just get us to the airport, you handsome thug. We’ve got a plane to catch.”
And some bad guys to fuck up, I mentally added.
Chapter Thirteen
Cruz
I noticed the same black saloon with tinted windows as we left for the airport but made a show of pretending to ignore them as best as I could.
The drive to the airport was uneventful, other than glimpses of the cars following us. I counted at least two. I kept an eye on them, but drove normally, even slowing down at a set of lights so I wouldn’t lose them by accident.
I was amazed when my phone rang as we approached the airport. I answered hesitantly. “Yeah?” I barked. It was Jean, my French contact. He sounded nervous. “What’s up, bro? Talk to me.”
He spoke rapidly, in very vague metaphors, but I got the gist of what he was saying, though just barely.
“It is said, my friend,” he muttered, accentuating his French accent, “that Prague, it is very hot this time of year. No? Be careful in the heat. It can be…dangerous.”
“Got it. Hot weather. Thanks for the tip.”
“One more thing, mon frere. Our mutual friend in Prague--he’s eager to return the favor, so I hear. I have persuaded him that it would be unwise for him to… avoid showing you hospitality, yes?” He continued on, rushing the words out. “I will be going away for a while on vacation. I have some business to attend to. If you… are able to stand the heat in Prague, I will be grateful. I will be taking care of something on my end that will... help you.” The phone clicked, the call dropped his end.
I turned my phone off and passed it to Alexandra. “Take the battery and SIM out,” I mouthed at her silently.
“Who was that on your phone. A friend?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Yeah. An old friend. He said it’s a bit hot in Prague. Says we gotta stay cool, okay?” I squeezed her thigh reassuringly.
A while later, we settled into our business-class seats. We sat next to each other this time, at the back of the central aisle because I wasn’t letting her out of my sight. I’d watch her piss if I had to.
I shook my head to clear the mental image, picking up the drinks menu in front of me.
Most of the other passengers were drinking soft drinks and tea. I ordered a large whiskey, pointing at what I’d guessed was probably the most expensive one. I fought better after the first few whiskies anyway.
Alexandra had relaxed somewhat now we were on the plane. She had been nervous in the lounge, pacing. I had eventually persuaded her to have something to eat, and then two glasses of champagne.
“It’s a shame we’re not in first-class. You ever joined the mile-high club?” she said grinning at me, champagne in her hand.
“Mile high what?”
She looked at me blankly. “Really? You’re going to make me explain?” She raised her eyebrows. “You join the mile-high club when you have sex on a plane, idiot.”
She threw a peanut at me, laughing as it bounced off my forehead. I didn’t even flinch.
I got a large chunk of ice from my glass, and deftly slipped it down her top and into her cleavage, poking it well into her bra. I guessed it probably got to her nipple. She gasped, swearing at me as she frantically removed it.
“You bastard,” she laughed.
I pointed a finger at her. “Don’t mess with me, doll. I got shitloads more ice.”
Alexandra
The plane trip had been all too short, the hour-and-a-half flying by as we chatted. Or, as I chatted, more accurately. Cruz had returned to his gruff self for the most part. I still saw flashes of the man that I’d seen come out of his shell last night though.
As soon as the plane grounded, I saw a change come over him. He sat up straight, finishing the last of his third whiskey, swallowing the remaining half-glass with one gulp. And then he was on his feet as soon as the plane came to a stop. His eyes were cold, surveying the passengers around us. I saw him breathing deeply.
He was more than cool. He was ice-cold with the eyes of a killer, preparing and getting in the zone. His pose was solid, arms slightly raised, palms face up, muscles bunched, jaw clenched. The sight made me scared and horny at the same time.
I wondered if I was actually in any danger at all with Cruz by my side. I almost felt sorry for anyone who tried to mess with him.
He came around to my side of the aisle, standing protectively behind me. I could feel the presence of his reassuring frame shadowing me; I would be invisible to anyone standing behind him.
His arms circled me protectively as we moved towards the exit, his huge hands settled on my waist. We walked in time as we headed towards passport control.
All of a sudden, his pace quickened, and he came to my side now, ushering me towards the gate. Crowds of people seemed to part as he strode through, subconsciously avoiding him.
We were through in no time.
“Ain’t got time to get the bags, Lex. Stick with me. We need to get the fuck outta here, right now. Stay cool, okay?”
I felt a twinge of panic in my stomach and started looking around at the crowds of people milling here and there, wondering what Cruz had seen.
I guessed he had plied me with champagne to ease my nerves, which had definitely helped.
I had a few spare clothes in my hold-all, which would have to do.
I tried to breathe slowly in through my nose and out through my mouth, imitating Cruz. Soon, I started to feel a relaxed and almost meditative calm come over me as we reached our car.
I didn’t know a great deal about cars, but this one was sleek. A black Mercedes coupe, smaller than the large saloon we’d had in Paris. But just as luxurious. The car looked both sleek and mean.
A vision of Cruz in his suit the night before rose into my mind.
“Gotta thank your dad for this when we get back. AMG.” He patted the car as he opened the door to let me in, shielding me with his body. “If they keep up, I’ll be amazed.”
As soon as I was in the car Cruz jumped across the hood and was in the driver's seat in a second.
“Was that really necessary? Show-off,” I said.
His face was hard. “Hold on to something, Lex. But not my cock this time.”
Moments later, I was stunned into silence as the car roared from the terminal, tires screaming and smoke billowing from them as we sped away at breakneck speed.
; I was left breathless at the raw power of the car as I was thrown back into the bucket sports seat. I held onto the door’s armrest for dear life.
Cruz
As we were leaving the place I’d seen a few figures following us. I recognized one of the Russians who I’d bumped into on the flight to Paris. There were at least three others, probably more lurking in the shadows.
They were close. This was it. It was time to stop thinking.
The sheer power of the car I drove was even a shock to me. I’d done getaway driving in the past, but this car was something else.
As I accelerated out onto the main road, tires and loud engines revved behind me. Two cars were on my tail, swerving around shocked drivers.
The game was up now. I just had to be one step ahead. Set up the first meeting so it went in my favor.
I felt sorry for Alexandra in the passenger seat as I barely made it through a red light, swerving violently right across a large intersection. The tires cried out as they kept the car on the road, back end tailing out as we sped around the corner. I eased off the accelerator until the car righted itself, and then slammed my foot down.
We shot forward again, the road ahead clear. Two cars followed, slightly farther behind now; they had obviously run the red light.
I visualized the map of the city I’d spent time memorizing, looking around for landmarks. I was fairly sure I knew where we were. I was heading towards a hotel I knew had an underground car park.
If I could get there first…
I reasoned that it would give me a few minutes at least. Enough time to get to a room.
I was unarmed, but the first bad guy to get near me would solve that problem. I would simply break his fucking arm and take his gun. Easy. I’d done it before plenty of times.
Might even shoot him if he looks at me funny, I thought angrily.
The lights at the huge intersection a little way down the road were red, and traffic was backed up. I braked sharply and swerved into a narrow side street for a quick detour, dodging a couple market stalls and a few pedestrians who looked at me, shocked.
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