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“We’ll be home soon, ma’am.” Paxton ran his fingers through his toffee-colored hair then removed his sunglasses to reveal an even more stoic expression. A part of me was sure he felt that he did not sign up to be security detail off the property.
As Morrison sped in the direction of the estate. I peeked behind me to see there was no sign of anyone as he got on the highway. We disappeared into the lanes of cars and would be home in about thirty minutes. Still unsure of who had been following or what was going on, I was beginning to worry about Joseph. Whoever it was, must have stopped for him.
I dug my phone out of my handbag and called Valentino, but he did not pick up. After shoving it back in a side pocket, I folded my arms, staring out the window in shock as the silent car took me home. Just as we entered our city, I pulled my phone out, trying to call him once again, but like before, he did not pick up. I assumed he was busy dealing with Joseph’s possible call. I did not even think to call anyone else like Noah in my state of outrage and dread.
When we pulled into the gate, Morrison let Paxton out at the guard house then drove down the long, winding driveway. “Miss Ayala, I have to go back to the gate after you get out.”
“Right. Thank you.” I rushed up to the front door and waved to him letting him know I was okay. Once the door was closed and locked, I turned to the four-story open foyer. “Valentino!” I shouted as loudly as my lungs would carry my voice.
Nothing. No response.
“Miss Ayala, may I take your coat?”
Startled, I spun around. “Piers! Where’s Valentino?”
“Mr. Greco is outside in the west lawn hitting golf balls with Mr. Fine.” At first, he was smiling but it instantly diminished when he noted my appearance. “Is everything okay?”
“I have to go, sorry!” I sprinted through the foyer, across the living room then out one of the sets of French doors. Dashing down the patio stairs into the yard, I surveyed the gardens before coming to the west lawn clearing.
Valentino and Noah were driving golf balls into the air together, laughing. Any other time, I would have been thrilled to see that interaction between them, especially after what had happened with Laura.
“Valentino!”
He and Noah turned to me simultaneously with matching smiles that soon faded.
“Isabelle?” Valentino dropped his driver club to the ground and took off running toward me, tearing off his white, leather glove and throwing it down. “What’s wrong?!”
Preparation
Valentino grabbed me and pulled me into his body. Noah appeared next to us within seconds, shifting his weight back and forth. He seemed anxious, waiting for me to explain my frantic entrance on their backyard golfing.
As much as I yearned to be held by my fiancé right now, I needed to tell him what happened. Pressing my hands to his chest, I inched backwards, peering into his eyes. Valentino held my arms, leaning his head back. Just as I was about to open my mouth to tell them, Morrison was dashing toward us.
“What the hell is happening?” Noah leapt between us and Morrison, placing his hand on his lower back, ready to grip the handle of his pistol. With uncertainty in his gape, he was prepared for anything.
Valentino lifted his palm. “Stand down. It’s okay.”
Noah took a step to the side, lowering his hand but was still on guard.
Morrison came to a stop, grasping his hands on his knees as he hunched over trying to catch his breath. He held up a finger. “Ju…st a…sec.”
“Where’s Joseph?” Valentino looked around then at me.
Before I could speak, Morrison interjected. “We were being followed and he had me pull over so he could distract the other driver.”
“Felipe?” Noah spat.
Morrison stood straight, holding his side. “I couldn’t tell from just looking in the mirrors.”
“Are you okay?” Valentino rubbed his hand in a circle on my lower back.
“I think so, I mean yes.” I sighed, turning to Noah.
“Trying to call Joseph to see if he needs backup. I haven’t heard from him.” He reached up to his ear then sighed at the emptiness. “Boss, you told me I could take my earpiece out.”
Valentino gnawed the inside of his cheek, knowing he had made a grave mistake.
I rested my hand on his chest. “Joseph texted Laura to leave the restaurant too.”
