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No man had loved me and meant it my whole life—not one.
Why was he different?
While they drove in silence, I rested my head back and closed my eyes. A million and one things floating through my mind—this little mission we were on could go badly. But I’d spoken to Darby again and his need for pain medication forced him to tell me about the heist the Frogs were going to pull.
His wound was healing—so far, no signs of infection but that was the very least of his problems.
When we arrived at the location, Lizard alerted us to where he was.
Leaving Beam and Storm in the car, I made my way to the gate and lifted my face to the camera.
“Yes?” The harsh voice called through the speakers.
“My name is Jo West—”
There was a loud click, followed by the large gates slowly swinging open. I glanced back at Storm who still looked as if he wanted to rush forward and dragged me backward.
But I exhaled a pent-up breath, straightened my spine and stepped through.
Kaos’ friend Tyr had pulled some strings to get me this meeting and I wasn’t about to waste it because I was nervous.
A man in a dark suit and an earpiece met me at the door. He patted me down, his large hands tracing my sides, up between my thighs, around my waist.
Protocol, I guessed.
Once he was satisfied, he led me through a breath-taking lobby, up a winding staircase and along a corridor. We entered into a room that seemed like a waiting area where he told me to take a seat.
“Mr. Fernando will see you shortly.” He advised in a brisk, accented tone. “He’s just finishing up a call.”
Though I didn’t want to, I sat. Nervously, I crossed my legs and tried not looking around like a kid who was seeing candy for the first time. I wasn’t sure how long later, but a door opened to my right, and I stood.
Arturo Fernanda was a beautiful man.
Dark eyes, dark hair, black suit and a body that would turn any girl’s head.
He extended a hand to me.
“Arturo Fernanda.” He introduced himself. “You can call me Turo.”
“Jo West.” I shook his paw and released it. “Taz.”
“Tyr said you have something important to discuss with me.” He led me in through large brown doors and into an office fit for a king. “He assured me you’re friends.”
“Yes.” I replied, accepting the seat he offered. “We met through a mutual friend.”
“Kaos.”
I nodded.
Arturo sat across from me, offered me a drink but I declined.
“I’d like to get straight down to it, if I may.” I explained. “My friends are already nervous about me being in here unarmed. I don’t want them to worry too long.”
He smiled. “Of course.”
“What if I told you I know about a hit that’s coming for you?” I asked.
He arched a carefully manicured brow. “For me?”