“He doesn’t care about leaving behind evidence,” Rowan says, his eyes never leaving the man’s face. “Not a good sign.”
“We also have reason to believe he’s been with Blix since the beginning, but we’re still piecing together his story.”
“You said there were two new associates,” Rowan presses.
Freddie’s thin lips disappear with his frown. “We don’t have a positive ID on the second,” he says. “It’s possible he’s deep undercover.”
That’s not good enough for me. “Why are you sure there’s another?”
“Four people are on the manifest coming from Miami. All were on the same flight. All arrived at the same time. It’s not a coincidence.” He glances up, dark eyes determined. “At least we’re not treating it like a coincidence.”
Rowan pats his shoulder. “Good work.” My eyes remain on the three faces on that laptop as Rowan continues to the door. “I’m confident none of those men will get anywhere near Ava.”
“No one will,” I confirm.
Our steely eyes meet, and he’s as serious as I am. “I know I can trust you.”
* * *
It’s dark when I leave the palace on my motorcycle. Rowan was reluctant but willing to let me slip out for a few hours—I didn’t have to tell him much, just that I had made plans with someone before I knew they were home. Freddie was more than willing to take my place as Ava’s shadow. He’s the only one the king and I trust for the job. He’ll keep her safe, but won’t make her feel afraid.
Now, on my bike winding through the glittering streets, my insides are a twisted knot of concern and dread. I had no idea the threat had grown so high. What the fuck am I going to do with Kass? How am I going to keep tabs on her and protect Ava? The question has battered my mind since this morning, but now it presses so hard, my forehead aches.
I’d have to discuss it with her tonight. Now that we’re involved, she’s not safe. My being in a critical position makes Kass a liability Blix would be all too happy to exploit. I can just see that fucker rubbing his hands together at the prospect.
My fists tighten on the grips of my bike at the thought. I’ll break every bone in his body…
Cool air pushes against my face, and I do my best to calm my raging insides. I don’t want to be angry when I pick up my girl. Instead, I look up at the twinkle lights draping the colorful awnings of the cafés and restaurants along the streets.
Music is in the air, and tourists mix with locals at the small tables. Their lives are carefree. They’re oblivious to the dangers someone like me lives with. They laugh and share wine, coffee, dinner, or pastries. They kiss and make memories in this beautiful city by the sea.
It’s October, and the number of tourists has tapered off, although it hasn’t disappeared. The days will grow a bit cooler, and the rain will increase. I slow to a coast when I reach Kass’s warehouse apartment, and once stopped, I smell the weight of the water in the clouds obscuring the moon. It’s a dark night outside of the cheerful lights of the busy streets.
Concern tightens my brow, and I wonder if it would be possible to take Kass to the palace for the night. The loud clatch of a metal door draws my attention, and I look up to see her emerge from her buildin
g.
In spite of everything, my insides release when I see her. Desire, longing… something like love replaces all the rage I’ve been wrestling with on my drive.
She’s dressed in tight jeans that show off her slender figure, a long-sleeved, filmy black shirt with a low V-neck. A gold necklace peeks out of the opening, and those glasses are back. Her lips are deep red, and she crosses the narrow sidewalk to where I’m parked as if she’s drawn to me.
“You’re too good at this,” I say, shaking my head. “I would never have figured it out.”
“The glasses help,” she says, giving me a little smile. “They help the dark shapes have a little more definition.”
“But it’s a dark night,” I say, sliding my hands around her waist and pulling her to me.
With her tall boots and my position still sitting on the bike, she’s closer to my height. She places her hands on my chest and runs the tip of her finger along my chin.
“And you’re sitting right here under this bright streetlight.” She smiles, but her beautiful blue eyes that don’t quite meet mine tell me something is troubling her.
Her eyes. They’re the only way I understood what was happening when she told me she’d lost her sight. They focus somewhere along the tops of my cheeks, never quite connecting with my gaze. While it hurts losing the connection we used to share when our eyes locked and we could read each others’ souls, all that fades away when I hold her, kiss her, see her entire body light up with her laughter… or bloom with ecstasy when I make her come.
I still see her soul.
I lean forward to kiss the side of her jaw, speaking right in her ear. “What’s wrong?” I’m rewarded with a little melt, but she shakes her head.
“It’s nothing. Just… dealing with my business.”