by Louise Dawn
“What’s wrong, Mommy? Are you sad?”
“No, sweetie. I need a nap.”
Is that how his brother saw her? As a mooch? And how did Leo know so much about her life? Was Antonio sharing her secrets? She’d trusted him. Two options lay before her… Walk away from the man who she’d fallen for or damage his relationship with his overprotective brother.
Leo had every right to shield Antonio, who was a prince among men. Generosity, kindness, and care—defined Antonio’s every action. And what had she done in return? Head spinning, Pearl turned and leaned against the car.
They drove in awkward silence, and Antonio clenched the wheel. Leo could never keep that snarky mouth shut. He used it successfully as a weapon, both in his personal and professional life and now he’d gone a step too far. Glancing at the tense woman beside him, Antonio wondered how she felt. Was she feeling angry? Dejected? Overcome? Hurt?
“Mommy, are you still crying?”
“What?” Pearl jerked around with a forced smile. “Don’t be silly.”
She’d been crying? Damn his brother. Antonio gnawed at his bottom lip as he thought of ways to thrash Leo’s ass.
“You can hug Shreddy.” Aysha waved her raggedy bear in the air. “He can talk again! Look.”
A robotic voice rang through the vehicle. “My name is Shreddy. I love Spaghetti.”
“I’m fine, Bug. We’re nearly home.”
“No, squeeze him.”
“Mom is fine,” Pearl said with a forced smile.
“I acted like a big girl today.”
Despite his concern, Antonio smiled at the kid’s words. “You sure did. You behaved like a princess.”
“I told you, I’m not a princess! I’m a fairy.”
“A stinkbug fairy.”
Aysha giggled. “I smell like bubblegum.”
“You smell like trouble,” he countered.
“You like trouble.”
Aysha’s words caught him off guard, and he barked out a laugh. She was one funny kid whose words happened to be true. He liked Aysha and her mother a hell of a lot. In fact, he couldn’t imagine not having them in his life. Worrying over them constantly had become his new normal, and he’d become greedy.
They pulled up alongside the condo.
“Come inside.” Pearl’s solemn words had him nodding, and he did as asked.
He waited in the living room as she put Aysha to bed. When she finally descended the stairs, he switched off the television and stood. Crossing her arms, she stared at the carpet.
“Leo can be hot-headed and—”
“And he knows everything. Why is that? Did you tell him about my situation?”
“No. I mentioned Rajin to my father. I needed intel.”
“You mentioned Rajin. You just dropped that bomb casually to your family.”
“You’re taking this the wrong way. Look, I’ve never once spoken about your situation or brought up your name in conversation.”
“And yet, Leo knows everything.”
Antonio stepped closer. “Because he works for the CIA.”
That got her attention, and Pearl’s mouth fell open.
“When I asked Dad to look into Rajin’s whereabouts, Leo decided to get involved. He’s been following his little brother and gathering intel.”
“So, you never told him about us.”
“I haven’t told anyone who you are or where you’re located. But Leo has shared his findings with our father.”
Pearl rubbed an arm and looked away.
“What are you thinking?” He didn’t like her cooling expression.
“You’re too involved.”
“With my family?”
“With me. Your brother is right. You’re a protector who’s adopted a charity case.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“I’ve kept a tally of everything you’ve bought. I have a plan—to get better situated. Eventually, I’d like to study online while working.”
“I don’t want you to pay me back. That’s insane.”
“As insane as buying beds, a television, and a sofa set for a stranger? Giving her a car? Allowing her to skip rent?”
“Lending a car. And you’re not a stranger.” Antonio reached for her wrist, and she stepped away.
“You’re like a sturdy ship, sailing onto a successful horizon. I’m the rusty anchor who’s pulling you down.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Antonio approached the retreating woman.
“You should have just done your job—escorted us to New York and left us at the gate.”
“Looking back, I know that I’d never have left you at that airport. That’s not in my DNA.”
“Apparently not, according to Leo. You have a pattern and have done this before—with your last girlfriend.”
Frustration turned to anger, and Antonio swore. “You’re nothing like Bianca. Please, sit. Let’s talk.”
“I’m tired. Thank you for the lovely day.” Pearl walked to the front door.
“Don’t do this—don’t push me away.” He cupped her shoulder.
Her eyes shimmered as she shrugged away. Leo had hit the chosen target with his words and riled up a hornet’s nest. Pearl wouldn’t listen to reason, and Antonio’s only choice was to retreat. He wasn’t giving up, but she clearly needed space.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Antonio stepped onto the sidewalk.
“Thank you for all you’ve done. I’m beyond grateful. But it’s time for you to leave—for good.”
“I’m not going any—”
Pearl closed the door, and Antonio growled out his frustration. Damn his brother, and damn Pearl for thinking she was an imposition. Her pride and his brother’s interference had Antonio pulling out his phone.
“What do you want? I’m busy.”
“Fuck you for going after Pearl.”
“I didn’t go after her.”
“You have no right to interfere in my life. No damn right!”
“That’s what brothers do. And you’re in too deep. You’re wading into a relationship with a complicated woman carrying a shit-ton of baggage.”
“The only baggage in my life right now is you.”
Leo fell silent, and Antonio paced the dark lot.
“Yes, Bianca hurt me. And yes, you lost your heart at sixteen when you lost—”
“Don’t say her name!”
“I won’t be a cold bastard like you.” Antonio looked up at the dark sky. “Today, you hurt a good, kind woman. If that’s the man you’ve become—the son that our father raised.”
“What the hell are you saying?”
“He’s always taught us to help others and to protect….” Antonio swallowed. “And to protect what is ours.”
“You’re saying Pearl and the kid are yours?”
“I’m saying, threaten them again, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” Antonio hung up and huffed out a long breath. He glanced at the time and made another call.
Martin picked up after the third ring. “It’s four-thirty in the damn morning.”
Antonio winced. “Sorry, I forgot about the time difference.”
“Well, I’m up now. I’ll go to the gym.”
“Any news?” Antonio needed to know how the search for Rajin was going.
“This isn’t a secure line. No change. His known assets are frozen, but he has many hidden accounts, and we’re discovering several aliases. He has an extensive network. He may have also targeted Chantal—the ambassador’s daughter. We’ve put a protection detail in place. She was attacked at a market.”
“Because he’s looking for his family? Is Chantal okay?”
“Fine—just stubborn. And yes, he is looking for his family.”
Antonio wanted to dig deeper into the attack and would call from an office line in the morning. He said as much to Martin before hanging up. A sinking feeling in his gut warned him that Rajin wouldn’t stop until he found his daughter. Moving Pearl and Aysha to a safehouse woul
d be a cautious bet.
Antonio grabbed a blanket and pillow from the trunk of his suburban, climbed in, and eased back into his driver’s seat. Another uncomfortable night lay ahead.
Pearl had to let him go. Chest hurting, she turned and leaned against the door and sunk to her knees. For a moment, she’d felt like she’d mattered—as a woman. Not as a charity case or a trophy wife. Perhaps it was all her imagination—Antonio’s burning gaze whenever he looked her way. The way he kissed her like she was somehow precious.
Touching her lips, Pearl cherished those intimate memories. She’d never felt like she’d belonged before—not to a place or a person. Why couldn’t she stand on her own two feet? Why couldn’t she be the best mom for Aysha? Every avenue she explored was a failure. Falling… rising… falling again. And she’d used Antonio as a crutch.
She had to say goodbye. He deserved a partner who could give him everything. She couldn’t even take care of herself. Antonio Torres was too good for her. His shining goodness and beautiful family… well. They came from different worlds.
Self-loathing had her clutching at her chest, and Pearl began to sob. All the heartbreak and frustrations from the past months poured from her aching soul as she cried humiliating tears. How did she constantly spiral into a complete mess?
All is not extinguished.
Words from long ago whispered in her brain. From a Sri Lankan poem? Was that where she’d read the line? Pearl swiped at her cheeks and took in a shaking breath. The time had come to stop looking over her shoulder.
Rajin’s shadow would no longer stalk her every waking moment. Time for practical persistence. If she could just achieve a measure of financial security… Rolling to her feet, Pearl headed to the drawer that contained office supplies and pulled out a notepad and pen. The time had come for war.
Chapter Fourteen
The three o’clock slump. Antonio leaned back in his office chair and stretched. The previous night’s lack of sleep didn’t help matters. Sleeping in a car was as uncomfortable as all hell, and his stiff neck still ached from the awkward angle.
Glancing at his phone for the hundredth time added to his foul mood. Pearl was ghosting him. She hadn’t answered calls or texts. He’d swung by on his lunch break and spotted her with Aysha in the yard at the back of the condo, so he knew they were at least safe. Rubbing a hand over his face, Antonio thought of ways to breach her defenses. Her damn pride wouldn’t quit, but neither would Antonio.
“Nice office. Bigger than I thought it would be.”
Antonio’s eyes jerked to the door, and he stood suddenly.
“What? Surprised to see a guy like me in a place like this?” Hands in pockets, Everett stepped through the door. He wore athletic gym gear— a hoodie and gray sweats—and Antonio raised his brows.
“Damn right.”
Antonio thought of what else to say as he studied the tycoon. He’d done his homework on the military contractor who looked good on paper, but rumors told a different story. This was one of the most dangerous and powerful men on the continent. And he was Pearl’s brother-in-law.
“I thought we could work out together—get to know each other?”
“Why would we do that?” Antonio sat back down and reached for a file he’d been working on.
“Because I’m a protective dick, and since you’re hanging onto my family like a damn leech, I need to know what makes you tick.”
“And you’ve decided to barge into my office? How did you get past security?”
“I was here for another appointment with one of your directors. I’m gonna get straight to the point. We’ve both performed substantive checks on each other and have mutual goals. Let’s work together.”
“Mutual goals, huh?” Antonio chuckled. “I don’t have anything in common with you.”
“Get off your high fucking horse. I’ll meet you at your makeshift gym down the road.” Everett stalked out of the office, and Antonio sat back in his chair. The bastard had done his homework. Perhaps it was time for Antonio to do his. After a moment’s thought, Antonio rose and reached for his keys. His workout gear was in the car, and it was time to put Everett to the test.
The drive to the small warehouse was a short one, and Pearl’s brother-in-law waited patiently as Antonio rolled up the metal door.
“Make yourself at home. I’m getting changed.”
“Impressive. You designed this yourself?” Everett took in the ample space. “What is this called, a ninja gym?”
“A parkour space.” Antonio strode towards the bathrooms, passing the built simulations, which included numerous obstacles and graded walls. Floor trampolines and various practice mats sat on the far end.
When he emerged back into the gym, Antonio found Everett examining a climbing wall.
“What do you want to do?” Antonio folded his arms. “Want to get in the ring? I have gloves in the corner.”
“This is your facility?”
“I have partners and investors,” Antonio acknowledged.
“Why parkour?” Everett turned, and his expensive cologne lingered.
“It’s just one of the skills we offer—aside from martial arts training. For five years, I’ve taught military parkour to Special Forces—my specialty. Parkour is one of the best ways to train for an urban environment.”
“You teach them in this space?”
“Only for the basics. Parkour is an outdoor endeavor and can only be refined on the streets.”
“Leaping from building to building? I thought only stuntmen did parkour?”
“We teach stuntmen too.” Antonio smiled. “You’re too old to start. You have to train your muscles from a young age. Learn how to fall, and roll. Impact avoidance is essential—learning how to land properly and not cause damage.”
“I’m guessing you’ve done this for a while?”
Antonio nodded. “Since I was ten. I learned this in Brussels from my father’s NATO colleague. And I never had soft crash mats to land on—he taught me on rooftops and narrow streets. I know how much force I can take.”
“You’re all about control and precision, aren’t you?” Everett’s sharp gaze took in Antonio’s widened stance.
“Having good control over my body is a must. I train the right muscles to take the impact, which takes the pressure off the joints.”
“I’m guessing you’re just as skilled in martial arts. Did your father always demand perfection?”
“You know a lot about my family.”
“An unspoken demand is the most powerful.”
Feeling annoyed, Antonio ran his tongue over his teeth.
“Show me some moves.” Everett turned in a circle and scanned the gym.
“I’m not a show pony.” Antonio threw a mouth guard at Everett. “Here, if you want to learn, climb in the ring.”
After both men pulled on protection wear and gloves, they took up a fighting stance. Everett moved smoothly and had a good defensive posture. Impressed by his opponent’s first strike, Antonio stepped to the side. Everett jabbed again, and the sparring began.
He had the fundamentals in place, and Antonio guessed that he’d learned much of his fighting skills on the streets. Everett fought aggressively to win and landed a few bruising blows. But, an hour later, and he was no match for Antonio, who’d dedicated his life to learning hand-to-hand combat. Antonio also knew how to move fast, using minimal energy while relying on reflex.
He repeatedly pinned the tycoon to the mat before quickly rolling away.
“You know how to wrestle.” Everett flopped to his back after tapping out. “Shit, you know everything.”
“I’m passionate about my hobby.” Antonio stretched out a helping hand.
“Hobby, my ass. Give me a second; I can’t breathe.”
“You’re good. I’d rank you among the best I’ve fought. Do you want water?” Antonio rolled out of the ring and walked over to the fridge.
“You’re not even out of breath. Are you human? I mean, I can fig
ht better than most—I’ve learned the hard way. But you’re a terminator.”
“Why are you here?” After placing the water in Everett’s limp hand, Antonio sat beside him and took a long sip of his own water.
“Why do you think? I saw the way that Pearl looked at you.”
“And so, you decided to launch a full investigation into my life?”
“Damn right.”
“Your interference is unnatural.” Antonio glanced over at the prone man.
“From what I’ve seen today, you’re lethal. Deadlier than I’d first thought, and I’ve met many dangerous men throughout the years. Although you’re positioned on the side of ‘good,’ I can’t help but be concerned.” Everett sat up and wiped his brow. “I’ve known Pearl for my whole life. We lived through some brutal shit. The institution where we lived—they never protected the kids.”
Antonio placed his water on the mat and glanced over. “In what way?”
“Every way. The older teenagers would pick on the newer youngsters. Pearl landed in the hospital in her first month. Two punks beat her behind a hedge during recess—with bricks.”
Antonio’s stomach dropped, and he stilled as Everett continued talking.
“Thanks to a head injury, she was hospitalized for a week. Coraline was even younger and so vulnerable. I was just a kid myself, but I couldn’t ignore the two sisters, who had no one in their corner.” Looking up at the ceiling, Everett shook his head. “I was useless, but I learned to fight. I read taekwondo books at the library. I began to train. I got beaten regularly, but as time passed, fear and respect rolled my way. I couldn’t fight the much older kids, but I could deal with the smaller threats.”
“Thank you. For protecting Pearl.”
“I don’t need your thanks. What I do need is for you to prove your worth. If you want acceptance in my little circle, fight for it. Until then, you’re my enemy. No one fucks with my family.”
“I care about Pearl and Aysha and—”
“Your generosity doesn’t make sense.” Everett rolled to his feet, and Antonio did the same. “I don’t believe your story.”
