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I squeezed her hand, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. “You can only do but so much for someone you care about. Ultimately, how they live their life is entirely up to them.”
“I know that somewhere in the back of my mind.”
“Yet you felt you needed to remain her protector.”
She laughed. “I know that sounds ridiculous. My mother used to call it the lost puppy syndrome.”
“It’s an admirable trait. But in this case, the puppy has wolves for friends.”
“I’m painfully aware of that now, although I’m not going to simply let her fall into the hands of a monster.”
“You’re not going to risk your life. I’m going to help ensure Charlotte is safe, but that’s not something I can do right away.”
“What can you do? Not to seem disrespectful, but from what little I’ve seen and heard already, Diego has extreme power in this lousy city.”
I continued to find her defiance refreshing, although the protector in me was fully aware she’d continue to place herself in jeopardy. I refused to allow that to happen. “You underestimate me, Ms. Kingston. I’m going to make a few phone calls to some powerful friends.”
Alexandra exhaled, nodding after a few seconds. “I’ll be curious what you can do.”
“You might be surprised.”
“Who were those men with Mr. Santiago?”
“The chief of police for Miami and a newly elected senator from Florida.”
“What an interesting combination. Is there a power play going on between them?”
Perhaps I’d underestimated her as well. “You’re too smart for your own good, but yes, there is a possibility of war between the Russians and Santiago’s cartel. It’s in everyone’s best interest to attempt to keep the peace.”
“The club is considered neutral ground.”
I nodded. “As intended. However, certain lines are being crossed I won’t accept.”
“They’re worried you’re even more powerful.” Her mischievous smile was enough to drive my hunger to a predatory point.
“I am. So you’re aware, I’ve taken the liberty of having you removed from the schedule at Blackout.”
“Wait a minute. I have to work. I need to make a living. I’ve already decided I’m going to find a place of my own, but I can’t do that without money. I’m sorry I refused to serve them, but no job is worth being treated like an object. Maybe I should look for another job. It’s about time I email another round of resumes for teaching positions.”
I walked closer, allowing the extreme connection between us to speak for me for a few seconds. “You’ve caused quite a stir in the last few days. You’re on a couple radars that could make your life difficult.”
“Where am I going to stay?”
“I have an opportunity I think you’ll enjoy, and I need assistance for a few days. As far as tonight, you’re coming home with me.”
She narrowed her eyes, tilting her head and all I could concentrate on was her plump, delicious lips, hungering to spend time kissing them for an extended period of time. “Are you always this possessive?”
“I don’t take no for an answer.”
“You’re trying to protect me.”
“I will protect you, Alexandra, but that’s not the only reason.”
“What did you have in mind, Mr. Stark?”
“You’re coming with me to Paris. A situation with a new club being opened in a couple months requires my attention. As business doesn’t stop when I’m out of the country, I require someone to keep track of emails and other correspondence while taking notes at meetings.”
“I’ve never been anyone’s secretary before. I’m not qualified.”
