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Fuck. The license plate.
“Take me two blocks and then a left. That’s it.”
He looks at me through the rearview mirror like I'm mad, but I don’t care.“Miss?”
“Do what I say. Here’s my card. Hurry and run it for the grand and whatever the two blocks is.” I hand it to him and keep looking back. No car yet, but I'm sure Farren will find me in minutes if we don’t hurry.
We turn left, my twitching leg as I watch him run the card and wait for it to load. Paranoid, I keep looking out the back window. Still in the clear.
“All right. All clear.”
I say nothing, just grab the card and go. Bolting from the cab, I run a block. My chest hurts from the chilly evening air and the anxiety building in my chest. I'm the daughter of a mafia boss; I know what I need to do to get away, but I have no idea where I am. All I know is I need to find a new driver.
Getting a block away from my last cab, I hail another one. This time, it’s a sweet older woman, and she greets me instantly, taking notice of my distress.“Sweetie, are you all right?”
I nod, trying to catch my breath. I lean my head down and attempt to regain some composure.“Yes, um… my husband is looking for me, and I just need to get away.”
She slowly pulls into traffic and hesitantly asks, “Do I need to take you to the police station?”
I shake my head vigorously.“No, no, it's not that. I just need a break; that's all. I am not in danger,” I say between heaps of heavy breathing.
“Really? Why would you be running and looking over your shoulder if you just needed a break? I would say danger is exactly what you’re in, sweetie.”
I finally meet her eyes in the rearview mirror and shake my head.“Valiente. Does that name mean anything to you?”
Instantly, she stiffens and slams on the brakes. Her shoulders lift, and her head practically tucks. Her brunette hair is up in a high bun, so I can see her face clearly.
“Ma’am, if I may say, I don’t feel comfortable having you in my cab.” It's not rude the way she says it. No, it's fearful.
“I just need you to drop me off at some sort of clothing store. I won’t let anything happen to you. I will tip you well.”
She waits, and I look at her name tag hanging from her mirror.
“Lenny?”
She looks at me, her eyes hollow and petrified. I don’t blame her. There is a risk in helping me, especially as it's helping me escapehismen.
“I can drop you off a block away from a boutique close by, but I won't take any money. I can't be tied to this. I’m a single mom and….” She pauses, and my heart sinks. I don’t want her to fear what could happen, and it's then that I realize being involved with me comes with a risk, and I am to blame for making this kind woman afraid.
“I understand. You can do that. And I will make sure you are safe. Nothing will happen. I promise.” I will see that no one is hurt in my parade of getting back at Nico. It would destroy me if something like that ever happened.
The rest of the ride is silent, and I can't help but notice her repeatedly checking her mirrors to ensure there is no one following behind us. Moments later, we pull up to the sidewalk outside a building. “One block up”—she nods north—“is the clothing boutique, CC Chic. They are very nice there and can help you. Just be careful, and good luck, Mrs. Valiente.”
I climb out and shut the door. Rushing forward, I tap on her window with my knuckles, and as she lowers it, I hurry to tell her,“You’re safe. I promise. And thank you. I appreciate you, Lenny. Please, do not worry about my husband.”
She nods, and I see a little bit of the anxiety leave her face. I tap the roof of the cab, and she leaves. Waiting a moment, I assess all the cars that pass and make sure she is, in fact, not being followed. When I’m sure she isn’t, I head in the direction she advised until I find the clothing store, and when I step inside, I’m cheerfully greeted.
“Hey, friend! Welcome! I’m Shayla. What can I help you with?”
Finally able to focus on my end goal, I look at her and release a deep breath.Her green eyes sparkle, and they contrast beautifully with her burgundy hair. “You ever heard of the revenge dress?”
She smiles and nods, knowing exactly what I mean.“Boy do I ever. We have a lot of clients who have come in searching for that type of look. Let's make him feel really, really stupid for whatever he did.” She winks and takes my hand.
This is going to be so good.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
NICO
