Page 62 of Double

Shaun laughed, and his handsome face lit up, showing the deep dimples that made so many women swoon over him. “After breakfast but before lunch,” he agreed.

“Don’t we have plans here, . . . in Miami?” I asked. I knew good and damn well that I didn’t have any business even considering a trip to Iredia, especially without Double. And with his cousins? People in high places were just waiting for me to show my face on the island so they could deal with me, whatever that meant. There was no way I could put them in jeopardy. “This is kinda . . . impromptu. Maybe⁠—”

Royalty cut me off. “I’m hungry as hell. You got any food on this private jet of yours?”

I didn’t wait for the answer. I pulled Journey to the side. Nobody in the family knew the real reason that I had come to America as Double’s wife except for the people who were in on the transaction, his parents, and Journey. I needed somebody to help me talk sense into the rest of the group.

“Journey, somebody on Iredia might be trying to kill me. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go. I don’t think it’s a good idea for any of us to go. I don’t know Shaun like that. He was a client, not a friend. I was supposed to be planning his wedding; now he’s cheesing in Lyric’s face like he’s trying to get with her.”

“Tinsley, for real, I’m too drunk for this.”

“Journey, I need you to sober up. Splash some cold water on your face or something. Your cousins could get killed, messing with me on Iredia. I’m wanted there.”

“Okay.” Journey walked back over to the group. “Listen, y’all. The idea of going to Iredia sounds real fun and all, but Tinsley’s wanted there. There might be a bounty on her head or something there.”

“The fuck?” That was Royalty.

“I’m from Iredia. I was in . . . trouble before Double and I got married. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to go back there, especially not with you guys. I would feel terrible if something happened to one of you because of your association with me.”

Shaun glanced over at me. “But don’t you still need to sign the paperwork to have your inheritance released? I could call the attorney and have him meet us tonight so you can do that.” He sighed. “My security team won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll take you guys to my compound to chill tonight. In the morning, I’ll have the lawyer bring the paperwork to the house. You won’t even have to leave. Nobody will know you’re on the island.”

“Come on, cuzzo. Don’t leave me hangin’ on my birthday,” Lyric cajoled.

Royalty threw her arm around my shoulder. “I’m not gonna let nothing happen to you.” She leaned closer and called herself whispering in my ear, but she was loud. “I have two guns on my person right now. Anybody comin’ for you gotta come through me.”

That was what I was afraid of.

22

La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island)

Tinsley

The flight from Miami to Iredia took less than two hours and was uneventful. There was no food on the jet, but the moment we arrived at Shaun’s island estate, we were hustled to the backyard, where a virtual feast awaited us.

I wasn’t hungry. My stomach was in shambles. One of the last places on Earth I wanted to be was on the island of Iredia. I took a seat on one of the outdoor sofas while the other girls frolicked, danced, ate, and conversed with Shaun and the other four men he’d managed to produce. Treasure wandered over and sat next to me. Soon, her head rested on my shoulder as she softly snored. I was glad somebody could sleep. I could barely breathe. I didn’t think I would breathe again until I was safely back on American soil.

“Hey.” Shaun stood over me, a colorful drink in his hand. He offered it to me.

I shook my head. “No. No, thank you. I don’t think a drink or food would stay down.”

“You gotta loosen up, Tinsley.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t know what you went through while your aunt held you hostage and shit. And I probably can’t imagine, but you’re safe here.”

“I don’t feel safe on this island, Shaun. Have you been able to reach the attorney?”

“Yeah, actually, I have. I was hoping he would come out tonight, but he wouldn’t do it. Even for the bonus I offered him.”

“That was kind of you, and I’ll pay back any money you put out on my behalf.” I didn’t want to owe anybody else anything regarding Iredia. I wanted to sign the papers, get my inheritance, and wash my hands of the island . . . at least for a little while. At least until the thought of my own homeland didn’t make me want to vomit.

“He’ll be here first thing in the morning. You guys will eat breakfast, you’ll sign the paperwork, and I’ll get you guys back to The States.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’re good. Now come on. Have some fun. Eat with us. Dance with us. Celebrate your cousin’s birthday.”

“Sure,” I agreed, lying my ass off. “Just give me a minute. I want to make sure this cousin is good.” I gestured toward Treasure.

He nodded and reluctantly walked away.