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A fair question, but she hasn’t gone through a security check, and giving an outsider time to get a potential plan in place to hurt one of the Prestian family is a no-go in terms of protocol.
“Sorry, but I can’t tell you until we’re there.”
The sheer disbelief that passes over her lovely features before her eyes narrow at me again is priceless.
Alexis starts to protest, but I put my hand in the air to stop the tirade that will surely ensue. It’s time to give her some perspective. “I work for a very prestigious family in the city, and the person who would typically come to help with styling is not available. Anyone who goes to their home usually needs security clearance, but we don’t have time for that. I know it’s an odd request, and that’s no fault of yours, so what if I double my offer?”
“Ten thousand dollars to do someone’s hair and nails? And you seriously want me to believe this offer is for real?”
“You have my word; the offer is completely legitimate. It’s not an outrageous offer for the people you’ll be helping. There’s an important meeting this afternoon, and my boss wants his wife to feel comfortable. That’s it. No hidden agenda, nothing to fear; just a drive across town to a penthouse in a nice area, a couple hours of work, and then I’ll bring you home. I don’t know anyone else who can help on such short notice,” I tell her, although if I walked into another salon offering that kind of money, it wouldn’t be hard to find someone willing to work, but none of them have those violet-blue eyes or the body that won’t quit.
Alexis studies me intently for a few moments. “I could use the money. It would make all the difference in the world to someone I love, but let’s get a few things straight.” She points her finger at me. “You are not taking me anywhere. I will follow you and drive myself. I’d feel much safer that way. And, as a show of good faith, you can deposit half of the money into my savings account ahead of time. If the people you talk about are so affluent, then that shouldn’t be an issue,” Alexis replies, nodding her head so emphatically that her blonde curls jiggle around her face.
I press my lips together to keep my features straight. “Fair enough. Give me your account information, and I’ll have the money transferred. What needs to be done to lock up the shop and be on our way?”
Alexis shrugs sheepishly, and then writes her bank number down on a piece of paper, handing it to me. “In all honesty, not much. I came in early to get some cleaning done. Jan, the woman who owns the salon, will be in for her clients in about an hour. I have the late shift, so no customers until one this afternoon, and that’s only for a brow wax. I can text Jan to add that to her schedule, and then I won’t need to return until three. How does that work?”
“Perfectly. Grab your things,” I direct, and as Alexis spins around to head to the back, I text Chase that we have a stylist coming to the penthouse for Katarina. I use my cell to send half the money to the bank account she’s just given me while I wait, shaking my head at the absurd amount I just laid out to have someone’s hair done, and to spend some time with this intriguing blonde.
When I finish, Alexis has returned with a large purple bag, which she’s placed on the floor. She takes off her apron and turns her back to me, raising on her toes to hang it on a hook behind the reception desk. She’s wearing a baby pink sweater that lays flat against her tiny waist while hugging her perfectly shaped feminine curves, and those black fitted dress pants do everything possible to emphasize that perfect little heart-shaped ass.
Alexis turns around to face me. She may not be one-hundred percent certain of me and my offer, but she appears settled with her decision.
“Ready?” I ask. “The money has been transferred and should be in your account by the time we reach your car,” I state, hoping to provide some additional reassurance while I focus to keep my eyes on hers and off that delectable body that keeps tempting me.
She takes a deep breath and smiles at me. “Let’s do this. My car is in the garage just down the street,” Alexis remarks, grabbing a light jacket before slipping a purse over her shoulder.
I pick up the purple bag from the floor as she locks up the salon. “I’ll let the security team know where we’re headed,” I reply, leading her to the passenger side of the car where the guys are waiting.
Nick rolls down the window as he sees us approach. “Alexis, this is Nick, and Cole is the one driving. We work for the people you’ll be helping this afternoon.”
“Nice to meet you,” Alexis addresses them but refrains from extending a hand in greeting or saying anything more.
The fact that she’ll be going somewhere with not only one strange man but three seems to have registered, and I don’t doubt it is probably weighing heavily on her mind. “I’ll walk Alexis to her car. Meet us at the parking garage, and I’ll ride back with you,” I explain to the guys, trying to ignore the lopsided grins on both of their damn faces.
“Here, make yourself useful.” After passing Nick the large purple bag through the open window, I let Alexis lead us to the garage, which is visible down the street.
“If we’re not driving together, I need your phone number in case we get separated.”
Alexis chances a side glance at me as we walk, but then shrugs and rattles it off while I put it in my contacts. “Anything special I need to be aware of about the person I’m helping today?” she inquires.
“No, you’ll like Katarina and her husband. I’m sorry for all the secrecy, but we have to abide by certain security precautions.”
Alexis turns to me, and her wide violet-blue eyes take me in. “I’m not sure about all your security rules, but the money has already been deposited, so I’m really starting to believe you’re on the up and up, but, just in case, smile for the camera,” she directs, grinning widely as she snaps a pic of me on her phone and hits the send button on her cell.
I smile down at the blonde bundle of energy who has to look up at me even with the added height of her three-inch heels.
“What was that all about?” I demand, trying to keep the amusement from my voice. “I have security precautions of my own. A girl living in the city alone can’t be too careful. I took a picture of you and sent it, along with your business card, to my best friend. If Allie doesn’t hear from me every half an hour, the police will come looking for you,” Alexis answers, spinning on her black heels. My cock throbs as I watch that sweet little ass sway back and forth all the way to her shiny black sports car.
Chapter Two
Alexis
I climb into my car,watching from the side mirror as Sheldon walks toward the vehicle his friends have driven into the garage. At least six-feet standing—if not taller—I take in his short, dark hair, broad shoulders, and notice that even with a suit on, I can still see his powerful muscles flex with every move he makes. He gets into the car with his friends, and I back out of my spot, exiting the garage behind them. As traffic clears, they take a sharp right, and as luck would have it, the lane is clear, allowing me to follow right behind them onto the highway. I stay glued to their bumper through all the congestion until Cole signals an upcoming turn, but traffic is too tight to follow him into the other lane. He veers off at the next exit, and I have no choice but to continue my course down the highway. Dammit!
My cell rings through the overhead, and I hit a button on the steering wheel to answer the call. “Take the next exit to the right. There’s a Shell gas station as you come off the ramp. We’ll meet you there,” Sheldon directs before disconnecting.
I’m following three huge men off a crowded highway into a rather secluded area, and the fact that they could easily overpower a female alone with no protection does not escape me. They’re already parked and waiting for me when I drive up behind them. I take comfort in the fact that my emergency numbers are all programmed into the phone. My windows are rolled up, and my doors are locked.
