Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 121696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 608(@200wpm)___ 487(@250wpm)___ 406(@300wpm)
Asia looked ill at ease in a short black dress. With the low cut of the neckline, the collar and pendant were plainly visible. Next to her, Juan stood tall and proud in a white suit. He clutched her hand like he was afraid she’d try to get away, even though the fucker had made sure she couldn’t escape. The kingpin took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and handed it to her. When the boat started moving and Juan got caught up in a discussion with Tony, her gaze moved around the space until it found him. Her eyes locked on his, but she didn’t linger with her stare.
For the rest of the afternoon, he watched her as he mixed. It wasn’t until an hour later, when Juan was seated among a group of men, that she ventured with careful steps to the bar. He drank in the vision. Her hair was dried straight and brushed back. Charcoal eye shadow and black eyeliner made the green of her eyes pop. Her lips were painted a bright red, accentuating her sultry bow-shaped mouth. She was a fucking goddess. Her breasts, obviously free under her dress, bounced a little as she walked. The sight sent an ache to his cock and a bout of feverish jealousy to his heart.
She stopped in front of the bar. He should say something, but all he could focus on was how glamorous and unobtainable she looked. She was always a knockout, but this look on her was taking it to a new level, and he hated it. He hated it because there was no doubt that Juan had chosen the outfit. It wasn’t her style.
Disapproval—or maybe regret—flashed in her eyes. “You came back.”
His uncooperative mind refused to construct a sentence. He could only stare at her like a horny teenager drooling over his first crush.
“Will you mix me a drink?” she asked with a brave attempt at sounding cheerful.
For the first time in his life, he couldn’t think of anything. Names of cocktails flittered through his mind, but nothing stuck. She dominated his awareness and consumed his senses.
Slipping sideways onto one of the bar stools, she said, “Make it something strong.”
Mechanically, he placed a glass on the counter. He gathered bottles randomly, grabbing whatever his hand fell on, as he pulled himself together and found his voice. “Tell me you’re all right, kitten.” He’d never forgive himself if she weren’t. “Did that fucker—”
“He made me wear this dress.” She rested her chin on her shoulder and stared at the ocean before continuing in an emotionless tone. “It was hers.”
He didn’t have to ask. The dressed had belonged to Marina. That sick fuck, Juan. Asia’s attempt at acting unfazed failed miserably. No matter how well she tried to hide it, she was upset. He studied her through his lashes as he mixed her drink while helpless fury twisted his insides.
Rolling back her shoulders, she pursed her lips and lifted her chin before facing him again. “He said there’d be a wardrobe waiting for me when we get back to Cartagena. He’s having all her old clothes adjusted.”
He slid the drink over the counter and glanced around. When he was sure no one was watching, he pushed the glass into her palm and cupped her hand. “The only thing waiting for you will be me.”
Her green eyes didn’t light up with a spark of hope. She didn’t believe him.
“Give me your phone,” she said.
“Kitten—”
“Give me your phone, Sean. I don’t have much time.”
He took his smartphone from his back pocket, unlocked it, and handed it to her. She flicked her thumb across the screen and punched in a number.
“That’s my granny’s number.” She left the phone on the counter. “If anything happens—”
He gritted his teeth. “Nothing is going to happen.” He hated what he had to do, but they didn’t have another option. “I’ve spoken to someone who can help.” The next part was difficult. It was like stabbing himself with a knife in the stomach. “But we’ve got to do something for him first.”
Her eyes flared. “What have you done, Sean?”
The need to wrap his arms around her was overwhelming, but the best he could offer was brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “Don’t worry. It’ll work out.” He leaned his elbows on the counter, putting their faces close. “We need information on a man called Godfrey. Pay attention when you’re around Juan. Anything you hear, no matter how trivial, you tell me.”
Reeling, she lowered her voice. “You want me to spy on Juan?”
“I wish I didn’t have to ask you this.” He gave her an imploring look. “It’s the only way. I made a deal.”
She hesitated for a beat. “You trust this person you made the deal with?”
Even if Cain was an asshole, it was widely known that he always kept his word. “I wouldn’t have risked your life if I didn’t trust him.”