Meanwhile, the agents uncovered his location, and she set up to meet Desi at the little restaurant where they first met. It had been her idea, and ultimately upset Nash and Riker. Their friends calmed them down, but she had to end this craziness. She trusted Nash and Riker to keep her safe. They needed to put the past behind them and lock down the drug operation, its leader and affiliates as well as Desi. Luke had been a big help and was offered a plea bargain for information that led to the capture of those involved.
“You be smart and don’t try to be a hero. That’s our job,” Riker told her then smiled before kissing her lips.
“You do exactly what we said. Do not stray from the plan. Talk to him. Lead him to believe what you say is true, and then get him to take you with him to meet the leader. Keep a wall by your back whenever you can,” Nash told her. He was so serious as he rechecked her wire for the tenth time. She took his hands and squeezed them.
“I’ll be smart, not stupid. I know that you’ll protect me.”
They had been over the plan so many times, she wondered if she could pull off the emotions needed to do this. She would dig deep. She wanted a future of happiness, not one laced with fear of always looking over their shoulders.
Nash kissed her then fixed her lipstick.
“How do I look?” she asked.
“Edible,” Riker stated.
“We heard that. We can hear everything,” one of the agents said, and they laughed.
“Good. Then everyone knows that she’s ours.” Nash kissed her again.
Chastity had to move around to a few different places before reaching the destination. They didn’t want to take any chances that she was followed or that the building was being watched. So they utilized some underground exits and subway maintenance exits to leave the Four Seasons hotel.
* * * *
Chastity walked into the little restaurant and was greeted by the manager. She remembered her immediately and even gave her a hug hello.
“What the hell happened to you?” the manager asked.
“I got mugged. It was an experience I won’t ever forget,” she told her.
“Holy shit. That stuff still happens? Go figure. Well I’m glad you’re okay. Take a seat at that corner table. It’s nice and private back there.”
“Great. I’m meeting someone.”
“Nice. Is he hot?”
“You’ll see,” she said then winked back.
Chastity walked over and sat at the table. The minutes passed, and she wondered if Desi would be a no-show. Had he somehow figured out that this was a setup? She wished she could speak with Nash and Riker.
She was getting antsy after ordering an iced tea and waiting for a while. Then the door opened. Instantly her body began to shake. She hadn’t expected such a fearful reaction to the man. He was so damn big and strong. He wore blue jeans and a button-down shirt. He looked normal. That just didn’t sit right with Chastity at all.
The manager greeted him, gave him a wink, took his drink order, then walked away. As he bent down to kiss her cheek, she turned from him. It was instinctive.
He reached up, blocking anyone’s view of his move and grasped her chin. “Don’t you ever pull away from me,” he told her. She held his gaze and felt the tears hit her eyes as the sickness filled her belly. This man was a complete monster. How come she hadn’t seen it sooner?
His lips touched hers, and she closed her eyes and tried to pretend that it was okay.
Releasing her lips and his hold, he didn’t sit across from her, but instead right beside her, where he could block anyone’s view of her.
“Couldn’t you put on some makeup to hide that shit on your face?” he asked her, and she was shocked.
“You caused the shit,” she replied sarcastically, and without thinking. He gripped her thigh under the table. She gasped.
“I’m sorry. Please let go of my leg. I didn’t mean it. I’m just confused and upset. Please, Desi. I need you.”
He held her gaze. His eyes as dark as night bore into hers.
“I need you, too. Underneath me, in bed, where you belong.”