Page 79 of Learning to Love

"How will we ever be able to be together with you being a wanted man and all?"

A nerve on the side of his neck starts twitching, and I think I've gone too far, but he finally relaxes. "It'll be tough, but after the heat dies down, we'll move to another hidden location."

My heart drops. "Where?"

He smiles. "Nice try."

I smile at him. "Benji, who am I going to tell?"

He shrugs. "You got away once, and I can't let anything jeopardize our escape plan. You can't leave me again."

"I understand your reluctance, but if we can't establish trust, we'll never have the relationship you want."

"You're right, and in time I believe we can achieve a trust-filled relationship. Until then, I'll leave you with one minor detail. Let's say the US will have no jurisdiction there."

My heart falls. NO! He means to take me out of the country, away from everyone. He's watching me closely, so I smile. I say the only thought that comes to mind. Thank God it's a decent response. "I've never been anywhere like that."

"Dani, you'll love it. Beaches for miles, and the water is so clear. We can go to a different restaurant every night. Beautiful architecture is on every corner. I’ve never been there myself, but my father loves it. He’ll be joining us tomorrow. I expect you to be on your best behavior."

I’m meeting the infamous Enforcer and the thought suddenly has me feeling sick again. "Oh, okay. I understand. Benji, I'm still tired. May I be excused? Please?"

He takes pity on me and I can tell he likes when people beg. "Yes. See you tomorrow."

What am I going to do? I rush back to the safety of my basement bedroom. I fling myself on the cover of the bed and I cry, eventually crying myself to sleep wishing tomorrow never comes.

Chapter 52

What's Tracking?

Everything Fearless 24/7

Did anyone hear about the shootout down by one of the marinas yesterday? I've heard Jake and Dani were there. As soon as I know, you'll know!

Benji's clever, more so than I ever realized. I need to busy myself so that I won't become insane with even more worry. I'm not sure I can take anything else. I wish I could get Jeffery to trust me again, but he's told me more than once that today is not the day, and he’s not the one. I go into my new closet, which surprisingly has some of my clothes from my dorm room. I don't know when they took these. I need to be ready by 5. I only have an hour to get ready.

I didn't get any sleep last night. I've done my hair and makeup, and concealer is my best friend. I don't know why I feel like this is so important, but I go with it. I pull out a dress I had forgotten about, one that I bought on my shopping trip to Forever 21. That was only a few months ago, but with all the chaos that followed, it feels like years have passed. The purple A-line dress clings to my curves but in a good way. I pair it with rhinestone-studded sandals and after looking at my reflection, I know I made the right choice.

Jeffery comes down to get me and he smiles when he sees my dress. I smile back reluctantly. Sometimes you have to remind yourself of where you come from and who you are. I come from a single-parent home. I’m independent and I'm enough. Not to mention, I am Betsy Jean's granddaughter. Hopefully, I'm just like her. She could charm the birds out of the trees and the stars out of the sky.

Benji meets us in the hallway. He gives me an appreciative gaze which makes me feel sick but also glad he’s not angry. Benji is wearing a dark blue Columbia shirt and khaki slacks. I smirk as I hear Jake's voice in my head. "Preppy Asshat!" I miss him something terrible.

Jeffery blindfolds me and they each hold one of my hands and lead me outside and into a vehicle. I'm assuming an SUV or truck by how high I had to climb up. It took all the strength left in me not to shrink away from Benji's touch. I will never want his touch. Benji and Jeffery try to make conversation, but I'm too nervous to talk to anyone. They give up and start talking about music. What they like and what they don't. I have no idea what they said beyond that. Benji leads me out of the car once we reach our destination and I can hear the faint sound of rustling water and there is a mild breeze blowing. We must be somewhere by one of the marinas in downtown Austin.

Why are we by the water? My heart won't stop thumping in my chest. If we leave Austin, I may never see the people I love again. He pulls my blindfold off and I was right. We’re at a marina. Rustic tin surrounds us on three sides. The only open part is where the water is. Benji walks away when he gets a phone call but comes back and whispers something to Jeffery, making him talk to a man near the docks. Benji swipes some stray hairs out of my face making me unintentionally cringe. I unwillingly make myself apologize. "I'm sorry."

He shrugs. "It's okay. He's still in your mind and heart, but he won't be forever, Dani. I'm going to make you see me."

For the first time, I feel sorry for him. I think his infatuation with me started because I rejected him for Jake. Maybe he's not used to hearing the word no. I don't know. From a distance, I can see a speedboat barreling towards us. "Is that your dad?"

"Yes. Listen, don't be nervous. My dad is going to love you. Just be courteous. He won't tolerate anything other than the respect he deserves."

I want to roll my eyes, but I'm trying to be more like honey and not vinegar. He doesn't deserve anything other than a lengthy prison sentence. The boat makes it to the dock and three well-muscled men get out. One starts walking our way and the other two hold back and wait for someone else. I hold my breath as Mr. Bianchi gets off the boat. He's in his mid-fifties. His appearance is perfect. From his hair to his shoes, nothing is out of place. His eyebrows are even perfect. He holds out his hand to me, which I take with a soft smile and he kisses my knuckles. "Hello, Dani. It's finally nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." I’m truly trying to kill them with kindness.

"Dani, I must be honest with you. I wasn't sure if you would be right for my son, but he wouldn't give up on you. My Benji always gets what he wants. Welcome to the family."

I smile in return because there are no words. What in the hell have I involuntarily become a part of? I want to scream.