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With that thought in mind, I head out into the hallway, finding it silent and empty. I’ve become accustomed to the quiet, but I do prefer my apartment in New York, where I can keep a closer eye on Scarlett. Once this sham of a gala is over, I’ll fly her out there and make sure she’s under my watchful eye twenty-four seven.
When I reach Scarlett’s bedroom, I push open the door without knocking. Her gasp echoes through the room, as I step into the space, taking in her slender frame in a bright red dress.
“You do realize knocking is considered polite,” my feisty girl spits in frustration as she pins me with a glare so fierce it causes me to chuckle.
“This is my house, as you’ve learned. I make the rules.” Ignoring her pursed lips, I close the distance between us. My thirsty gaze drinks her in from her perfectly painted toes to the top of her long, red hair. She doesn’t flinch when I reach for her, my fingers tangling in the silky strands, and I gently tug her closer. The scent of her perfume invades my senses, and I can’t stop myself from inhaling deeply, taking her fragrance in as if she were a drug, and I need to get high.
“This might be your house, and yes, you have your rules, but I still retain my privacy, as well as my need to have space from your overbearing nature,” Scarlett hisses when I tighten my hold in her hair, causing glistening emotion to sparkle in her pretty eyes.
“Put your coat on. We’re going to be late,” I inform her, ignoring the rather arousing, yet petulant behavior of my little red. Perhaps after the gala, I’ll show her exactly what my rules and her space entails. “I don’t like to show tardiness when I’m the guest of honor.”
“What?” Shock paints her pretty face, but I don’t respond. Instead, I make my way to the door, leaning against the frame as I wait for her to pull on the crimson coat that matches her dress. There’s a hood, which will come in handy since it’s chilly outside.
She joins me with no more questions. Side by side, we look like a couple, and I know most of the guests tonight will want to know how the wedding plans are going. I’m almost certain her grandmother has warned the guests not to attend, but I have more pull around here, and I will make sure it’s the event is the talk of the town.
The moment we reach the landing, my phone buzzes in my pocket. A call from Kahn. “Yes?”
“I have a problem.” His icy tone is filled with frustration. I sent him and his team to look for my brother, but we also have Lorenzo to deal with. Everything is happening at the same time, and for a moment, I wonder if there’s a connection. I’m not sure why I would even consider this, but the coincidence is too obvious.
“If it’s my brother, kill him. If it’s Lorenzo, let’s call Alex and see if we can move in on the church,” I respond, glancing at my fiancée to find her staring, wide-eyed at me.
“Lorenzo has gone underground. I have an inkling on where, but we raided the church and found nothing of consequence. That’s not something you would want to tell Alexei.” He’s right. Going back to the mafia boss to tell him I lost the bastard he’s looking for will only be a confirmation that we’re not able to tackle a job so insignificant.
“Where was the last place he was spotted?”
“New Mexico,” Kahn tells me, and I have a feeling we may need help from the Cartel, which means calling Victor Cordero, and that’s not a man I want to be involved unless we need him.
“I’m headed to the gala right now. It’s important.” I don’t need to explain. Kahn knows why I have to be there. “Get the jet ready. I’ll fly out tonight and make sure the apartment is ready for Scarlett. She’ll be joining me.”
“Yes, boss.”
Once I hang up, I turn to a stunned beauty who’s glaring at me as if I’ve grown a second head in the time of my phone call. “I’ll have the maid pack some clothes. We’re leaving after the gala.”
“Where? I can’t just leave.”
“New York. And you will do whatever I say. There are secrets in the city that may offer you the answers you’re seeking.” It’s not entirely a lie, but it’s also not the whole truth. Yes, there are answers in the Big Apple that Scarlett would need to learn about, but it may have to wait until after the wedding.
“This is ridiculous. I can stay with my grandmother. I don’t need to follow you around like a lost puppy.” Her adamant tone has anger surging through me. She doesn’t realize just how much I’m doing for her, and perhaps that’s the problem. Maybe I should offer her more answers, just to ensure she’s on my side.
