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“What the hell do you want to do? I have men searching for her but it’s as if she never existed. Maybe all this was a game to her. Did you think about that?”
“Trust me, Kane. She exists. And what the fuck are you getting at?” I knew because her scent continued to strangle my senses. His deep exhale and shake of his head were no less infuriating. “Be careful how you fucking answer me.”
He took a few seconds, cursing under his breath. “I don’t mean any disrespect, but did you ever consider the fact this was some game being played.”
“She wasn’t exactly chomping at the bit to marry me, Kane. That wasn’t some act.”
“I don’t know. I’m just suggesting you think about the possibility.”
The man was right that I had to consider everything, but her emotions had been real. I scanned the perimeter of the parking lot, trying to get my head out of my ass.
“Did you check the airports and train stations?”
“That’s the fifth time you asked me and the answer continues to be the same. Fucking yes. Maybe you’re going about this the wrong way.”
“Meaning what?” My anger was increasing with every second there was no information. She’d left with her purse, but she couldn’t have gone far.
“Meaning there must be somewhere in this godforsaken city she told you she enjoys. She was in this country for weeks, which means she did more than go out to clubs.”
“Let’s just say we didn’t do that much talking.”
“Christ,” Kane huffed. “I don’t want to know.”
“Meaning she refused to tell me any juicy details about her personal life.” Maybe because I hadn’t cared enough to learn. I glared at him before planting my elbow against the passenger door, running my finger back and forth across my lips. I was shifting from being concerned and annoyed to something much darker. If the woman honestly believed she could do this without consequences, she was dead wrong.
“Maybe she needs space to think. You did almost die, which means you should be concentrating on finding the asshole who did this. Although I think you have the answer to that.”
“Are you finished rambling?” I asked him. Friend or no friend, he was toeing a line he shouldn’t cross and somewhere inside he knew it.
He threw up his hands, knowing me well enough to realize the attack was enough to yank out the violent man inside of me. And Kane didn’t want to be anywhere near me when someone took the brunt of my frustrations.
“She’s my wife, Kane. You know, for better, for worse, for richer and poorer. That kind of bullshit.”
“Since when did you take vows like this so seriously?” He dared to grin but as soon as I gave him a harsh glare he rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath.
“Maybe this shit was forced on me and maybe Maria did grow up in an environment where facing danger is something she should be used to, but that doesn’t mean facing it up close and personal wasn’t challenging. Besides, if anyone gets wind that she’s out there all alone, Liam and his disgusting son could take advantage of her. That will initiate a war that won’t be stopped without dragging this city through hell.”
“Then hopefully you can figure out where she is, because the longer she’s gone, the likelier that is to happen.”
“Not if our men don’t talk.”
“What if she’s seen?” Kane demanded. “A glorious photograph of you and your lovely bride did appear in the gossip column of our local illustrious rag tabloid.” When he felt the weighted heat of my angry gaze continuing, he appeared embarrassed. “Not that I pay but so much attention.”
“Uh-huh.” I closed my eyes, trying to will myself into her shoes. Stilettos that had made her long legs sexy and her butt the perfect size for grabbing and… shit. I was losing it. I leaned my head back, thinking about what little she had told me. Suddenly, something dawned on me out of the blue. “I know where she is.”
“You do?”
“I’m positive. Drive.”
“There’s the car,” Kane said from beside me.
My lovely bride hadn’t done a good job of hiding it. Maybe she wasn’t bothering to try or maybe it had been dropped off and nothing more. I wouldn’t relax until she was in my arms.
There were those in my world who believed they could get away with anything no matter how heinous the activity or how far against the rules of right and wrong they went. Yet there were also those who tried to run and hide, using every cent they had to find the largest, safest rock to crawl under. I’d found them every time. So had my brother. The reasons were simple.
There wasn’t a single man or woman of power who didn’t feel the need to brag about their accomplishments, no matter how sordid they were, at least to someone they believed they could trust. However, those who hid in plain sight were often bypassed, even ignored for a lengthy period of time.
But they were always found because I was damn good at what I did. Even if the only reason I’d found her was because I’d eavesdropped on a conversation she’d had with my sister. They’d compared their favorite coffees, including a little corner bistro where Maria had gone out of her way so she could enjoy their mocha latte.
