After a moment’s hesitation, she gets in the car, and I close the door before facing the five men.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” I tell them sincerely. “Your families will be rewarded.”
Before any of them can speak, I pull out my gun, on which a silencer has already been placed. A look of resignation appears on their faces as I fire off five shots, one for each of their hearts.
I feel nothing as their bodies crumple to the ground. I know I had to do this to keep Tallulah’s location a secret.
“What was that?” she asks from the car, banging on the window.
She’s pulled her blindfold down, but the windows are dimmed from both sides so she can’t see a thing.
“Nothing for you to worry about, angel,” I mutter and get in the driver’s seat, leaving the bodies behind for Heath and Rain to discover. “You’re safe now.”
Two
TALLULAH
My heart pounds with fear as Xavier drives the car away from the Palacio.
This is happening too fast. I thought I’d see him tomorrow, but he’s here now, and I’m not ready. My body shivers in the thin white nightie I’m wearing, and I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me something bad is about to happen.
“Xavier, where are we going?” I ask softly, kneading the silk fabric on my lap. “Do my parents know I’m here? Where’s the surprise you had for me?”
“I’ll explain everything,” he replies darkly, checking on me in the rearview mirror. “Try to get some rest, angel. It’s late, and we have a long drive ahead.”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth as he keeps driving. I can’t bring myself to sleep in the car. I’m too nervous about what’s happening. But there’s something else... the fact that I’m alone with Xavier, which never happens. The mere thought of being so close to him unsupervised sends a shiver down my spine.
I shake my head to get the thought out. I can’t even imagine Xavier wanting to hurt me. He’s never shown me anything but affection, and even though my parents have warned me about him... I trust him.
The drive takes ages, and I’m so exhausted I catch some sleep despite my initial doubts. I fall into a dreamless slumber that’s only interrupted when Xavier gently strokes my hair away from my face. Stirring awake, I flush slightly when my eyes meet his.
“Where are we?” I ask sleepily, rubbing my eyes. “How long did we travel for?”
“We’re at my home, the Casa,” Xavier says with an affectionate smile, holding out a hand to help me out of the vehicle. “Come with me, angel.”
I take his hand. His touch sends shivers down my spine and I can only hope Xavier hasn’t noticed how hard I’m blushing.
I follow him outside where a driver takes over our car and I stare in wonder at the beautiful house we’ve arrived at. It’s gorgeous, an extensive property with a guesthouse and a main building. I can see stables too, and a huge infinity swimming pool in the back overlooking the cliffs and the beach beneath. It reminds me of our house, except bigger, better and more opulent.
“Won’t my parents be worried?” I ask, nervously worrying my bottom lip. “Did you tell them I was coming with you?”
“They’ll find out when you get back,” he responds smoothly, without quite giving me an answer.
“What about Mathilda?”
Xavier narrows his eyes at the mention of my little sister.
“She’ll be fine.”
“She’s very attached to me, so I’ll need to be back in the early morning. I don’t want to worry her. Are we going inside?”
I crane my head, curious to get another peek into the mansion we’re staring in front of.
“We are,” he nods, taking my hand and leading me into the Casa while two guards follow us.
I’m used to this by now, having someone constantly watching me and making sure I’m okay. I don’t even mind anymore. It’s better to be safe than sorry, like my father always says.
In the house, everything is luxurious and so beautiful I’m afraid to so much as look at. I can tell Xavier’s amused by my feelings, and I grin at him.
“So where is this surprise you were telling me about?”
“Come with me.”
I follow him to the grand marble staircase and onto the upper floor. We take several hallways until he guides me into a set of rooms that serve as their own apartment.
Everything is in light shades of pink and gray. The furniture is custom made, there are two beautiful, crystal chandeliers, and the fabrics are the best money can buy. There’s a small breakfast table with two chairs, a bed, bookshelves, a pretty gray and powder pink bathroom, and a closet fit for a queen. After I look around, I face Xavier with wonder in my eyes.