Celina’s smile beams. “That man had better claim you quickly or there will be hell to pay. Don’t give in too fast, though. He deserves to suffer.”
“He does,” I say with a return smile. “But what if he doesn’t come?”
“Oh, girlfriend, he’ll come. I promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Austin
It’s after midnight when I arrive at the Scottsdale Airport. I use an air service when traveling and Andreas managed to arrange a late flight. He’s included himself in the travel itinerary and he’s back on my needs-to-be-beat list.
“I’m your protection. It looks bad for you to go into another territory without me. You should have more than just one bodyguard, but I didn’t figure you’d go for it,” he said before we boarded the small jet.
He was right.
I’ve thought about how to approach Moon’s home since we left. I still don’t have a set plan. There’s a rental vehicle waiting, and I ponder how to deal with Moon while Andreas navigates the streets. When Victor was alive, we visited Moon’s place about once a year. Cindy came along even though Victor rarely involved her in business. Cindy enjoyed Madison’s company, so Victor gave in.
We hit the tight road leading up to the front gate and two vehicles pull out and block us, causing Andreas to abruptly stop the car. I step out unarmed and raise my hands as does Andreas. “I’m here to see Moon,” I tell the first guy who approaches.
“He’s expecting you, Mr. Miller. I need to check you and the vehicle for weapons first and then you can drive up to the house.”
I don’t like that Moon knew I was coming. The men sweep the vehicle inside and out and give us a thorough pat-down. Andreas is carrying a small pocketknife, which the guard takes away. Andreas lifts an eyebrow at me and I shrug. Moon’s security is tight, which is why Melina’s safe here.
We finally pass inspection and make our way through the gate and up the drive. Although it’s after midnight, Moon and Gomez step outside and greet us.
I take Moon’s hand when it’s offered. Gomez and I don’t shake. I held his position and you always keep your hands free. Andreas knows the rules too.
Moon’s lips twist like he wants to smile. “Took you long enough. I expected you hours ago.”
I have no desire to smile. “Where is she?”
“She’s sleeping. We’re going to talk and then you’ll find a nice hotel for the night and return tomorrow at a decent hour.”
Gomez notices when I flex my fingers. His do the same. Andreas is to my left and slightly behind me; he’s ready if shit goes down. Not that we’ll win without weapons but Moon is pushing my buttons and I’m damn close to pushing back. “So talk.”
Moon gives me a long, cold look before a slight smile appears. “We’ll go to the dining room and have coffee. This won’t be a short conversation.” He turns his back on me secure in the knowledge that Gomez has his safety under control. I turn my back on Gomez hoping Andreas will do what I pay him to do.
I’ve been in the dining room before, albeit under better circumstances. Gomez and Andreas remain standing until Moon pushes out a chair and nods to Gomez to have a seat. I do the same with Andreas. I guess this will be a friendly chat. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t change quickly. I’ll play this game for as long as I can take it.
Moon steeples his fingers on the table. “My men are looking for Fernandez and if I find him first, you won’t have the opportunity to kill him.”
“I plan on finding him first.” This is not starting well.
“Then we’re in agreement that one way or another he’s a dead man.”
“Why are you involving yourself?” I ask instead of agreeing to his terms.
“Besides the fact that he killed good friends of ours you mean?” Moon is smooth and doesn’t show emotion.
“Yes, besides that,” I answer in the same emotionless tone.
“Fernandez has a man partly responsible for the unsuccessful hit on Madison. I was to exchange him for Melina. That went south when Fernandez tried to kill her.” Moon hesitates and lifts an eyebrow, which I don’t acknowledge, so he continues speaking. “I’m on the hunt for both of them.” Again, I don’t challenge him. “My wife also has a fondness for Melina and offered her a job answering phones for the service. Melina is doing great and can stay as long as she wants.”
Yeah, he’s doing a damn good job of getting under my skin. “You could have mentioned Melina was answering phones when we spoke earlier.” I have no doubt my eyes are filled with murder.
It doesn’t affect Moon in the least and he gives me a calculated smile. “And miss this little reunion? You should have been here days ago.”
I slam my fist on the table, my civility at an end. Gomez jumps from his seat and Andreas quickly follows. Moon only raises his eyebrows again while acting like this is some kind of fucking tea party. He waves at Gomez and Andreas to sit.
“Boss?” Andreas asks me.
“Sit,” I say with all the frustration I feel. I keep my gaze on Moon. “Melina is mine. It’s not up for debate. If you find Fernandez before I do, do the world a favor, and take him out. Melina is leaving here with me tonight.”
Moon’s eyes go from brown to black and any semblance of a smile disappears. His jovial mood is at an end too. “Melina will do what she wishes. She’s under my protection and that includes from you.” He holds up his hand before I go into combust mode. “The last time you had her, you fucking pissed on her unconscious body. You also held her against her will and inked over thirty percent of her skin. As you know from my dealings with Victor, I don’t tolerate human trafficking in my territory. For Victor, it was the same.”
Fuck. This won’t end well. I suddenly wonder if Andreas has a family. I’ve never asked or cared and why the hell should I now? It bothers me that I even consider his personal life. My balls must have recently receded. My chair flies back a foot when I abruptly stand. Andreas raises his hands after the gun in Gomez’s hand clicks.
“Sit down,” Moon commands. I need someone to kill and Moon is looking like the best possible candidate to relieve my fury. I remain standing and Moon remains calm. “Why don’t you tell me what you need Melina for,” he says just as calmly.
Fuck. “She’s mine,” I grind out.
“Yes, if she chooses to be. From what I’ve seen of your actions, you are not the choice she’ll make.”
“You seriously pissed on her?”
We all turn to the doorway, where Mak stands with her own gun in her hand. If things could go worse, they just did.
“Fuck.” I wipe my palm over my face and sit back down. “Yes. I pissed on her before returning her to her brother. That has no bearing on the fact she’s mine.”
Mak steps further into the room, her gun partially lowered. “It has everything to do with it. You actually pissed on her?”
Christ, fuck I understand why she isn’t happy. “She’s mine,” I continue before Mak interrupts. “If she chooses,” I concede to keep the peace with Moon’s woman. It’s not easy because all I can think about is taking Melina home and locking her in my basement if she doesn’t come willingly.
“Once she knows you pissed on her, I don’t think her answer will be the one you want. And speaking of want, why?”
That is the big question and I answer truthfully. “I don’t fucking know.”
“Then figure it out. She works from eight until five tomorrow. You can speak to her when she’s off work. Until then, I’m tired and I’m going to bed. You can stay in the guest bedroom down here on the main floor, but I don’t want her seeing you in the morning. She’ll need time to deal. Are we clear?”
Moon speaks before I can answer. “He’s going to a hotel tonight.”
Mak smiles at him. “That would be inhospitable. You need to watch him and there’s no better place than here. If he gets out of line, it gives me an opportunity to shoot him myself. When a dog marks his territory, it’s serious business. This is our territory and
we won’t be giving him that chance.”
Moon shakes his head and smiles at her. “As you wish, my dear.”
“Don’t ‘my dear’ me. You know I’m right or you wouldn’t agree.” Moon lifts his hands in supplication. Mak turns back to me. “Have I made myself clear or can Gomez give you a lift to the warehouse?”
She’s made it damn clear. I bet she was pretty damn ballsy as a cop too. “Clear, and thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome and now I’m going back to bed for more beauty rest. Tomorrow, or should I say later today, will be interesting.” She walks out after placing a quick kiss on her husband’s lips.
“I actually feel sorry for you,” Moon says a moment after she leaves the room.
“How so?” I answer in a defeated tone.
“Mak has a tender spot for Melina and she won’t make this easy.”
“I don’t deserve easy,” I counter.
“At least you’re wising up.”
That will be determined tomorrow. I definitely need sleep tonight.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Melina
I’m having trouble registering what Mak is telling me. “He pissed on me after drugging me?”
“Yes. Gabriella and I bathed you before putting you in bed. You smelled like piss, but I had no idea why and Moon didn’t volunteer the information.”
So many things go through my mind. “Why would he do that?”
“He marked his territory, or so Moon told me last night when he finally came to bed. Who knows why men do stupid shit. I’ll put a bullet in his dick if you say the word.”
I like the sound of it. “Where is he now?”
“He’s downstairs having breakfast. We’re leaving by the side door and you won’t be seeing him until this evening. The first round of clothing will be delivered today and we’ll have you popping so Austin knows what he’s missing when you kick his ass to the curb.”
I look down for a moment and then meet Mak’s gaze. “I don’t want to see him at all. I have nothing to say to him.”
Mak sits beside me on the bed and takes my hand. “I think you have feelings for him and it all started in the worst possible way. You’re an amazingly strong woman and this is your choice. Take the day to think about it. If you don’t want to confront him tonight, he’ll leave.”
I tighten my grip on hers. “I never want to see him again.”
“That can be arranged too. My husband is an expert at it.”
I give her a tiny smile. We both live in a world of violence and death. I will no longer be a pawn in Austin’s or my brother’s games. Somehow I need to find the willpower to resist him and I will. I just need time to think.
∞∞∞
The service is busy. I’ve dealt with two new clients, started their background checks, and booked eleven verified clients. I’m getting the hang of things even when my brain is far away from what’s happening at the front desk.
The elevator dings and I inhale sharply, hoping Austin doesn’t walk through. It’s Cori, thank God. “What’s up, chica?” she asks when she sees me.
“I’ve just booked your favorite client and he wants you for two days around the clock.” I give her a wicked grin. “Hope you can walk afterward.”
She laughs. “With all the great sex I’ve had, no man has ever kept me from walking away, honey.”
“You still think sex is great even when they pay for it?”
She shakes her head. “If you don’t like sex, this is the wrong line of work even for a receptionist.”
I shouldn’t have said anything because now my face flames and Cori’s laughter fills the room. “Please tell me you’ve had sex.”
I brush hair out of my eyes even though I want to hide behind it. “Yes, exactly twice, or if we count in the same night I think it’s three times.”
Cori looks up at the ceiling. “Lord save me. Sex three times should be a felony.” She walks through the side door and comes behind the counter where I sit and leans against the desk. “Explain to me how a woman as beautiful as you has only had sex three times.”
Over the next half hour, I tell her everything. I finish with the latest development and I’m shocked when she laughs.
“You have no idea how many times I’ve been pissed on, honey. It’s a guy thing or at least a thing to some of the guys. As far as beating you, been there done that and not my thing, but if the money’s right, I’ll do it.”
I’m stuck on the beginning of her statement. “You’ve allowed men to pee on you?”
Her laughter is longer this time and it takes her a few moments to gain control. “Your life has been shit and still you’ve been sheltered. Think of wolves marking their territory. Hell, think of a dog if you want. Most men need sex and dominance to make them feel like men. The most basic way is to mark what they want. From what you’ve told me, he marked your skin with the biggest claim I’ve ever heard of. He might not know it, but you’re his. Moon will need to kill him to keep him away. Knowing Madison, she’ll be in line to end him too. You need to claim your man or dump the asshole. Just make sure you make a decision you can live with.” She squeezes my hand and releases it. “I need to work out and then head home and prepare for my two days with Henry. He might not piss on me, but the man has some serious kinks and I get to partake for forty-eight hours. I need to shave my lady bits too. If you decide to keep the asshole, you might think about shaving yours. You never know when a kinky mood will strike.” She winks and walks away.
I’m shaved because I prefer my lady bits that way but I don’t volunteer the information. I need to sort out my feelings and a single day is not long enough. If he wants me, he’ll come after me and maybe that’s what this strange relationship is all about.
∞∞∞
I tell Mak my decision on the ride back to her home.
“You’re sure you don’t just want him dead?”
I shake my head. “Of that I’m sure. I need more time and he owes me this and a hell of a lot more if I decide to forgive him.”
Mak calls Moon and tells him to clear Austin out of the house before we arrive. I nervously listen in. She ends the call and gives me an evil grin. “Too bad we don’t get to watch. Austin is a dangerous man, but so are Moon and Gomez. They’ll handle him and give you time to think. Besides, I’ve just gotten you trained and I don’t want to lose you too quickly.”
“I love the work and I don’t want to leave.” It’s the truth.
∞∞∞
Moon greets us at the front door and wraps Mak in his arms. They kiss and I look elsewhere, which happens to be at Gomez. He has a split lip and a bruise on his swollen cheek.
“How did it go with our visitor?” Mak asks before I can. She’s still in Moon’s arms.
Moon looks to Gomez. “For some of us, it wasn’t bad. Alex didn’t appreciate some of what Austin had to say and they had words. Austin’s man wasn’t too happy, but Austin ordered him to stay out of it.”
Mak steps away from her husband and walks to Gomez, turning his head so she can see the damage. He stands still but the sour look on his face shows he’s uncomfortable. “Poor baby. Celina will make it all better. Who won?”
“Draw,” Gomez says and turns away. “You need to replace the coffee table. Gabriella took care of the blood,” he says over his shoulder before he heads to the back of the house.
“I bet that sits well,” Mak says and covers her mouth.
“He’s always wanted to tangle with Austin. He loved every minute of it. Hopefully Austin will get his man up to speed and we can leave the animals to fight it out while the calmer heads discuss things civilly.”
Mak laughs loudly. “You know you want to be in the fighting mix, so don’t deny it. The day you turn civilized could be the day I kick your ass.”
The love he feels for her shows in his eyes. “You can try.” He turns and winks at me. “How you holding up?”
“I’m sorry to cause all these problems. I don’t want any
one hurt.”
“No problem. Your man is in about the same shape as Alex. They’ll both live to fight another day.”
My brother would be up in arms and someone would be dead. If he couldn’t kill the person responsible, someone else always paid. I often wondered why men followed him. One day he treated you like a member of the family and the next day he killed you. For the first time in my life I’m safe. The biggest question is for how long.
Strike that. The biggest question is what the hell do I do about Austin?
Chapter Twenty-Six
Austin
Andreas glares and I glare back. “Someday you’ll act like a boss, boss.”
“And someday you’ll stay out of things that don’t concern you, fuck head.”
“Name calling, I’m impressed.”
“Fuck you!”
He only laughs.
“Why the hell do I make other men shake in their boots but you have no fear?” I ask.
Andreas looks down at his feet for a moment and then meets my gaze again. “You’re loyal. You protected Victor with your life and earned my respect. You’re straight up and I respect that too. Victor thought of you as a son. He knew what he was doing when he left you his territory. The other men feel the same. I’m ready to take over your old job and serve you or help the person you choose to do it. You just need to step in and fill the right shoes. They’re not too big for you.”
He’s pegged the entire problem in a few short sentences. I don’t feel I can fill Victor’s shoes because no one can. “You know I’d kill you if I had to.”
He shakes his head and smiles. “That I’ve never doubted. What the hell are we going to do about your woman?”
I don’t hesitate. “I’ll be paying her a visit this evening and you won’t be tagging along.”
“Moon has the best security I’ve seen and Victor’s was up there. You could take a few lessons while you’re inside. That is, if they allow you to leave.”
“I’ll be leaving and have Melina with me. You can count on it.”
Combust (A Hotter Than Hell Novel Book 6) Page 14
