“Fuck you, Kane.” I hang up and dial Adrian.
“Yo, man, what’s up?”
“Yo your fucking ass, Adrian. The big bald Mexican. He’s a killer and you will end up dead if you’re not careful.”
“I can handle him.”
“He’s not a man that shows up without a shit show planned in the future. If he’s too close to Candace, and you go at him, he might just fucking kill her. Do not make a mistake and get her killed.” I hang up and exit the car, intent on getting eyes on Candace right now.
With long, quick strides I travel the parking lot until I’m at the front door where I find my father waiting. He stands regal, still a powerful presence in a tuxedo or a pair of scrubs, and yet, the respect I once felt for him is long gone.
“Tonight will be interesting,” he greets dryly, once I’m standing toe to toe with him. “How many people do you think will be waiting for you to beat my ass again?”
“Everyone who knows you will be hoping I do,” I assure him.
“I’ve saved many lives, son.”
“And I’ve watched you take at least two. Shari Moore, who died on my table thanks to you and then, of course, my mother.”
“Says a man who makes a living killing people.”
I smirk. “You should remember that, old man. I do. And it could be you. Let’s go.” I motion toward the door.
He grabs my arm. “I don’t want to be your enemy. I’m only helping Tag to help you.”
“More like you’re trying to ease some level of guilt you believe you’re supposed to feel. Let’s go.”
He grimaces but smartly releases me. I walk to the door and enter, and he’s quick to follow.
“You’re going to give Tag what he wants,” he assumes as we walk through the elegant lobby of navy blue and gray decor.
“I’m going to give me what I want,” I reply, motioning toward the sign that points to the stairs going down.
We head down the steps, the sound of a piano playing gradually growing louder, and we don’t say another word. The man killed my mother and now he’s helping a man I’m about to kill before he can kill me and Candace. At the end of the stairs, we’re on the lower level where we cut right and pause at a double doorway where a man in full dress uniform greets us. My father signs us into the party and together we enter. The room is a typical party room with tables of food to the left and right, and an ice sculpture of three soldiers in the center of the room. Women in fancy dresses are decorating the arms of men in tuxedos and full army uniforms.
Asher speaks into my earpiece. “She’s near the stage, and Adrian is shadowing her. And, Savage, man, I thought the bald dude was there to protect Gabriel. He seems more interested in Candace’s every move.”
I grind my teeth and endure an encounter with one of the doctors I used to work with, and not because he’s an asshole. I barely remember the guy, but he’s still just as geeky and nasal as he was then. It’s downright adorable and all, but I just need the fuck away from any obstacle that stands between me and Candace.
“What are you doing these days?” the man asks.
“Trying not to kill anyone,” I say. “Actually, that’s a lie. I do try to only kill the monsters.” He eyes the scar on my face. “That one I killed,” I assured him.
His eyes go wide, and I step away from the encounter as Asher speaks again. “Our team is in position for the extraction but sunrise is imminent in that part of the world. You have fifteen minutes and you need to leave if we’re doing this thing in unison.”
I’d tell him to fuck off and say I know, but I’d draw attention I can’t afford. I weave through the crowd until my starving eyes find my Candy baby. She’s standing with Gabriel who thank fuck is not touching her. That bald King Kong Motherfucker is right next to her, too, and one look at him and I know he’s more Tag than I will ever be. He’s a cold-blooded killer, the kind that never drinks himself into submission to get the job done. He’d rather be all in, living the kill. I stop at the bar, give her my back and pull out my phone, texting her a message: I’m at the bar. Bathroom. Now. Delete this. And because I’ve studied the hotel floorplan, I add, Exit the East door. I’ll be in the back stall. I push off the bar, and start walking, aware that Candace will follow, but so will King Kong.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Candace
Gabriel is speaking to some politician I don’t know when I read the message from Rick and quickly delete it. I slide my phone back into my pocket and when my gaze lifts “the brute” as I’m calling my new bodyguard is staring at me. I purse my lips and when there’s a break in conversation, I lean into Gabriel and whisper, “Bathroom. Do you want a drink on my way back?”