Page 86 of His Playground

“Sure,” Charlotte replies.

“They’re in Emmanuel’s office,” Evie adds. “Want me to show you where it is?”

“You know, for someone who’s only been here once, you sure do know your way around.” Charlotte looks at her friend expectantly.

“I didn’t say how long I stayed.” Evie laughs.

As soon as we’re out of the room, I look at Evie. “So you and E, huh?”

“There is no me and E,” she says sharply.

“Does he know that?”

“I wish he did.” She sighs.

“I don’t know him that well, but I do know the men in this world. If they want something, they’re not going to give up without giving it everything they’ve got,” I tell her.

“I’m learning that,” she says.

We get to a door that is guarded by six men. “Bit of an overkill, don’t you think, fellas?” I ask. They glare at me in return.

“Can I see him?” Evie says, her voice quiet, shy.

“Always,” one of the guards replies, and then proceeds to tap a rhythm on the door. Seconds later, it swings open. Emmanuel stands in the now open space, his eyes landing right on Evie.

“Sorry, Antonia needs to see Carlo,” she tells him.

Emmanuel drags his eyes over to me. Steps aside and holds the door open. “He’s in there.”

Walking past him, I jump when the door slams behind me. Emmanuel doesn’t follow. He’s still on the other side with Evie.

“Everything all right?” Carlo asks.

“I have an idea,” I tell him.

“An idea about what?” His lips tip up at the corner as his eyes travel from my feet to my face.

“Not that kind of idea. I know how to get to my father.” This gets the attention of Sammie and Louie.

“You don’t need to worry about that. We’re handling it,” Louie says.

“I’m aware, but my plan will work and it’ll be quick and painless,” I explain.

“Let’s hear it,” Sammie chimes in.

“My father is still expecting me to deliver that drive to him. All I have to do is call him and tell him I found it. Go meet him.”

“Absolutely fucking not. You are not going anywhere near that asshole!” Carlo yells.

“He’s not going to do anything to me,” I say, although I’m not a hundred percent sure about that.

The three men share a look. They’re keeping secrets.Why am I not surprised?

“What aren’t you telling me?” I ask Carlo.

“Nothing,” he lies.

“Nothing? Okay, well then, have a nice life. I’ll have my attorney deliver you the divorce papers.” I turn and storm out of the office.