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“Yeah…” she responded, her expression deadpan. “Genius.”
All of a sudden, excitement gleamed in her eyes and a slight smile spread across her pretty face. “Okay, I’ll call you. But now, I need to get ready. Oh, and your shoulders are blocking the doorway. I’m expecting a delivery or two.”
I nodded, guessing that what she really meant was, “Get the fuck off my doorstep and scram.”
Like father, like daughter.
I left and strolled along the large driveway to the mansion’s gates. I had known Alexandra wouldn’t be ready, and I wasn’t dumb or old-fashioned enough to think I could just turn up in a couple days’ time and we’d be off on the grand tour.
No, I’d come here to case the joint. Check security, access, sight lines—that sort of thing. And I wanted to see how this guy lived. Someone who was sending his daughter on a no-expense spared, four-month luxury trip with an expensive bodyguard—an expensive bodyguard who’d had his usual rate almost doubled, no less—was worth checking out a little closer.
I turned around as I walked, taking in the long winding driveway, as well as the immaculate lawns, large pond, and tennis court. I imagined there was probably a swimming pool out back. And the big fucking mansion in the middle of it all.
It wouldn’t surprise me if someone ever tried to go after his daughter just for his money.
The security looked good at face value. There were two guards at the gate, one in a little office which likely had CCTV monitors for the perimeter fence, and probably one each at the front and back door as well. If these guards were worth their salt, the place would be hard to get into, detected or undetected. If not, however, it wouldn’t take much to sneak past or simply take them out one-by-one.
Leaving Little Miss Beautiful all on her own, wearing nothing but a fluffy pink dressing gown…
I had to shake myself to clear the image that had started to form
in my head of Alexandra slowly opening the gown and letting it drop to the floor.
I decided it would be best to keep an eye on the place over the next few days, mainly at night when the guards would be half asleep and not paying as much attention. I didn’t want to fail the job before it had even fucking started.
“Damn, I need a drink,” I said out loud. Even though it was a bit early, I was sure I’d be able to find some seedy bar that would sell me a coarse whiskey in a dirty glass. But first, I had some errands to run and a few logistical issues to iron out.
I had no fucking clue where the first destination was, which meant I couldn’t plan anything. Besides, you couldn’t get away with strolling on a plane with a gun these days; I had to take one with me in my checkin or arrange for one or two to be ‘deposited’ at the intended destination. I had some old contacts in America, Europe, a few in Russia, some in Asia and a couple in the Middle East. Most of them owed me favors.
It’s surprising how many people run to America, thinking they might be safe here. Well, thing is, they ain’t safe. Not when someone’s hired me to find them…
As soon as I knew a couple details, I’d stroll on down to the nearest payphone and make some calls. When I knew the destination, I could use the same contacts to check who was operating in the area, and which gangs might be sniffing around. And I could use those same contacts again to scare the living shit out of most of them, which would just leave a few hard bastards remaining.
It was a good thing that I was harder.
Chapter Four
Alexandra
A few days after Cruz had visited unannounced, I’d managed to finalize the last few details of the trip. I figured we’d start with a first-class flight to somewhere luxurious in Europe for some sightseeing, shopping, good food, and hopefully some partying. Although it was a bit cliché, after hours of internet sleuthing, I’d decided Paris had a bit of everything and would be a great first destination. We’d be there for three nights and would then take an overnight luxury train to Prague.
After days of excitement bordering on anxiety, and hour upon hour of manic internet searches, I was finally able to relax. And when I did, I found my mind wondering back to my mysterious bodyguard.
The way he’d just turned up, standing there at the door with his body almost filling the frame
I had to admit, I was intrigued. For a brief moment when I thought he was checking me out, I could have sworn I saw a hidden softness in his gaze that I sincerely hoped I wasn’t imagining.
Regardless, one thing was for sure— I doubted we would get any unwanted trouble on our travels with Cruz around. Seeing him at the door had definitely made me feel safe, and I was now grateful for my dad deciding to send a bodyguard along with me. Granted, I didn’t plan on letting him know that until after the all-expenses paid trip was finished; by no means did I want a sudden drop in his share price scaring him back to his usual over-cautiousness.
My thoughts were interrupted by the loud ringing of my cell phone, making me jump. I’d been reclining on my bed, my legs stretched out, taking a well-earned break with a glass of champagne in quiet celebration of getting the trip booked.
I turned over onto my elbows and looked at my phone. It was Olivia, probably calling for details after seeing my recent Facebook post gloating about the impending trip, in which I had tagged both of my traveling companions. I took a gulp of champagne and flicked the green button across the screen of my phone.
“Well if it isn’t my second favorite slut!” I said, laughing.
“Second favorite?” Olivia cried in mock indignation. “You brat! I thought I was your favorite?”
I realized I was on speakerphone when I heard Lucy laughing in the background.
