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“I’m sorry, sir, I don’t. I did try calling him, but his phone isn’t working.”
“Is there anything else you can tell me?”
“Um,” Mike muttered, “just that this seatbelt is a bit tight.”
“That’s for your safety,” Lorenzo replied, leaning back in his seat. “Mike, you know I always reward loyalty. I’m going to send you on a holiday to a nice place where people will take extra special care of you, and I’ll make sure your family will get whatever they need.”
“Thank you. I just wanted to eliminate the demon and make sure Bianca was safe. She’s special. She’s an angel.”
“Yes, she is, and she’s fine now. You don’t have to worry about her anymore.”
* * *
At the romantic bedroom above the restaurant, Bianca had summoned the courage to tell Nick her story. She began hesitantly, believing he wouldn’t judge her too harshly. He listened without comment, and when she finished, he held her tightly and said all the right things.
“You’ve been through hell and back,” he murmured. “I wish I’d known you before all this craziness. I might have been able to help.”
“Meeting you was worth every hellish moment,” she said softly, staring at him. “I love being at the beach, and I’ve decided I’m not going back to Vegas. I’ll get myself a condo near the ocean somewhere. Maybe near you, if that’s okay.”
“No, it’s not okay, you’ll stay with me,” he said firmly. “We’ll take it a day at a time and see how things go, though I suspect you’ll have a hot backside more often than not.”
“I’ll try not to be too difficult,” she promised, leaning against him. “At least I won’t be at loose ends like I am at home. I have a whole new city to explore.”
“Don’t you think it’s about time you got a job and put your many talents to use? Your photographic memory could be very helpful in my business.”
“Really?” she exclaimed, sitting up and staring at him. “I can work with you?”
“For me.”
“Yes, sorry, for you,” she said hastily. “What will I be doing?”
“You’ll help Cindy with the mundane stuff. We all have to start somewhere. Are you interested?”
“Absolutely, I’d love that.”
“Then it’s settled,” he said, picking up his phone from the nightstand and tapping the screen.
“Who are you calling?”
“I’m texting Brad. It’s time for us to go. There’s a bathroom through that door if you want to freshen up.”
“I do, I’m sure I look an absolute sight.”
But she paused, looking around the romantic bedroom and wishing they didn’t have to return to the real world. Finally kissing him on the cheek, she picked up her bag and clothes, and walked slowly across the room.
* * *
After thanking Henri and promising to be back soon, Nick and Bianca left the restaurant and found the Ford Explorer waiting for them at the curb. John was behind the wheel, and Brad was standing by the back door. Holding it open as Bianca approached, he closed it after she climbed in, then quickly pulled Nick aside.
“I have a report,” Brad said quietly. “Your plan went well. Big Mike thought it was Bianca getting into your Porsche and followed it into the canyon. Albertini’s men were able to subdue him. Apparently he’s mentally unstable, but Mr. Albertini said he’ll give you the details later. Your SUV is back at the house and everyone is waiting for you.”
“Great, let’s go.”
“Nick, one second. Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, you don’t want to mess with a guy like Lorenzo Albertini. That’s his daughter in my car, and even if she does vouch for you, isn’t it risky? You’re walking into a whole other world, and it’s not the friendliest of places.”
“Thanks, Brad, but trust me, I’ve got this covered. Once we’re back at the house, you, John, and Cindy should take off. Your work is done.”
“Okay, you’re the boss.”
