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“Oh, Christ. You think so?”
Al lifted an arm toward the building. “You don’t? Everything he does is risky as hell. And he’s cavalier about it. We all take risks. I get it. But we do it with a high mode of safety in mind. The way he’s acting makes me wonder if he’s taking the safety measures seriously when he does this crazy shit. And you know what scares me the most? He brings that attitude on a mission, it could get us all killed.”
“We should talk to the boss man.” Grady locked eyes with Al. “I wonder if Chris has noticed anything.”
“Knowing him, I’m sure he has.” Al cleared his weapon. “Let’s go talk to the man.”
CHAPTER ONE
“Who was at the door, Nico?” Asia asked, feeling numb and fuzzy. She reclined in the chaise, the rooftop pool sparkling in the sunlight.
“No one, dear.”
“I can’t believe I lost my phone.”
“I’m having a replacement sent over.”
“You said that yesterday and the day before.”
“They were out of stock on your model. I got you an upgrade, darling.” He bent and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
“Oh. Thank you.” She swallowed, her tongue feeling thick. “I want to call my friend.”
“You need more sunscreen.” He reached for the tube and lifted his chin, indicating that she roll to her stomach.
She did as he asked and took in a long, calming breath while he rubbed the lotion into her skin. The sun beat down, warming her body and making her forget what she’d been asking him about. Then she remembered.Emily. She needed to call Emily. She’d promised her she’d keep in touch. Asia frowned. Hadn’t she? Why couldn’t she remember clearly? “Is there a house phone?”
Although one couldn’t really call this penthouse a house. Some would say it was better than a house with its modern luxury, but Asia liked being on the ground and having grass under her feet. Living up in the air like this was not her cup of tea. Luckily, her fiancé had several properties, so hopefully they wouldn’t have to stay at this one. She was sure she could persuade Nico to live on the estate he had on Long Island, or perhaps the house in LA. Anywhere but this South Beach high-rise.
She looked over the pool’s infinity edge toward the beach and the harbor in the distance. Even from here, she could see Nico’s seventy-foot yacht where it was moored.
“No one has house phones anymore, dear.” Nico continued his ministrations and changed the subject. “Have you decided what flowers you want at the wedding?”
She shrugged. “White roses, I suppose.”
“And where would you like to honeymoon?”
“I don’t know. Where can we go?” The pool shimmered, but her head spun. Not to mention the odd sensation she had, like her head was filled with cotton-candy fluff that clouded every thought.
She blinked, the sun warmed her body, the heat pinning her like a weighted blanket. She felt strangely numb, almost paralyzed, her legs and arms heavy.
Nico rubbed circles over her shoulder blades, then followed her spine to the small of her back. “Anywhere in the world, darling. Any place you want. I just want you to be happy, sweetheart.”
“You’re so good to me.” She closed her eyes, resting her cheek on her folded hands. She’d just had too much sun; that’s all it was.
Nico leaned and pressed a kiss to the middle of her back. “You’re worth it.”
“I wish you’d let us be together,” she mused. “I don’t mind that we’re not married yet.”
“But I do. I’m old-fashioned that way. You like that about me, don’t you?”
“I love you, Nico.”
“And I love you, Asia, dear. I can’t wait to show you how much on our wedding night.”
“If this bikini can’t tempt you, then I suppose I shall have to wait.” She grinned and wiggled her ass. She felt his palm smack one cheek playfully. “Oww.”
“Don’t be a tease, brat.”
