Fallen Empire (Dirty Empire)
She’s studying us through intelligent dark eyes. There’s genuine curiosity in that gaze. What is it about us that interests her so? And should I be afraid? Nothing in Gabriel’s demeanor hints at an answer, either way.
I’m intimidated by her, that much I know.
After a moment, she gives a nonchalant shrug. “How was I supposed to know our goals would align so perfectly?”
“That remains to be seen.” Gabriel pulls me onto the couch beside him, curling a protective arm around my shoulders.
I sink into his side as Ava’s phone rings. She answers it with a few murmured words in Spanish before hanging up. “Your brother will be here momentarily.” Her eyes twinkle with anticipation. “Merrick and Vince Perri are with him.”
A barely audible sigh escapes Gabriel that only I can hear. “Why do you need them here?” His tone is cold and stony. He doesn’t trust her.
Another shrug. “If it is as you say and neither of them will challenge me with the territory, then I would like to hear it from them myself.”
“Or you’re planning on executing all of us at once.”
My stomach clenches. Afraid, it is. After all, this woman’s father wants Gabriel and Caleb dead. She said so herself.
She rests her elbows on the desk and studies her fingernails. Her bright red nail polish matches her suit. “Now why would I have my doctor stitch you up only to execute you? And in my own personal estate, no less.”
“I don’t know. You’re a Navarro. I’ve heard things.”
“And you are an Easton. I’ve heard things as well. Should we believe everything we hear?” she throws back, a touch of irritation in her voice.
They level each other with a hard stare.
What does Gabriel think of this woman who hunted us down and forced us out of our car at gunpoint?
Just as quickly, she seems to snap out of her foul mood with a broad smile. “Excuse my rudeness. You two must be hungry. My chef has been busy in the kitchen. Let me see what he can prepare for us to eat.” She reaches for a phone and dials, taking her attention off us for the moment.
“Do you know where we are?” I whisper.
Gabriel smooths a hand over my knee. “We’re near Temecula, California. About an hour’s drive from the border.”
I steal a glance Ava’s way. “Do we need to be worried?”
He regards the woman across the room. “She and her father don’t see eye to eye.”
“So, she doesn’t want you dead?”
“I don’t think so. And, if I’m right, she might solve a lot of problems for us.”
“And if you’re wrong?”
“Then we’re climbing into bed with a poisonous snake.” He offers me a wry smile. “But it still might work to our advantage.”
The drone of a helicopter approaches as she’s ending her call. “The kitchen is whipping up something special for us. I hope you brought your appetites with you.”
Gabriel snorts. “Actually, I think I left mine back on the pavement in Arizona.”
She rolls her eyes and curses in Spanish, then looks to me. “He’s not going to let that go anytime soon, is he?”
“Probably not.” Neither am I.
She laughs as if my answer is amusing. Her gaze rolls over my dress, the silky blush-colored hemline now tarnished by dirt and dust. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you.”
“Where were you two going, looking so lovely so early in the morning?”
“Had a meeting with my lawyer,” Gabriel says without skipping a beat.
We were getting married. We should be married. Gabriel should be my husband. But he is clearly not offering more information to this woman than is necessary.
Her pristinely groomed eyebrow arches and I know she doesn’t buy that vague answer. “Well, hopefully you can reschedule your meeting once we’ve sorted all this out.”
A knock sounds on the door, just before it swings open and Caleb strolls through. Gone are the bleary eyes, briefs, and silk robe. He’s dressed in a collared shirt and dress pants, and looks as stylish as he does heading in to Empire for work, minus the tie. Merrick and Vince saunter behind him —all picture-perfect versions of calm and cool and arrogance, as if they’re not facing off with a deadly enemy.
When Caleb sees us sitting on the couch, his shoulders visibly sink.
“Hello, my name is Ava Navarro.” She stands to greet them, pulling her shoulders back. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Caleb’s blue eyes rake over her body and I catch the appreciative glint—one can only imagine what types of filthy thoughts are cycling through his mind—but when he meets her gaze again, there’s something unnerving and lethal in his gaze. “Gabe?”
“All good.”
He surveys the rest of the room and the two men with guns who have positioned themselves along the perimeter of the room. His gun holster is empty, as are Merrick and Vince’s. Not surprising. And probably for the best, given what happened the last time Caleb was armed and in a room with his enemies.