Page 96 of Racing Dirty Trilogy Box Set

“You don’t need to say anything, Nolan. I’ll keep Xavier in line.

Don’t worry about him or me. You just go in and do your thing and I’ll do mine.

We need to convince Mia to stay here though.

She was determined to go with us tonight and I don’t want her there.

I’m worried she’ll put herself in danger and what we come across tonight will change her.

I can already see it in her eyes. She’s struggling and she hasn’t even left this hotel room. ”

“How about we talk to her together with Christian? You convinced her last time to come here, I’m sure the three of us together can get her to stay here.”

“Do you think we should have someone stay with her?”

“I can ask Ace to have one of his men stay. I need all of my men with me tonight for this to go down without any issues.”

“Let’s ask him first and then talk to Mia.”

I rise from the bed and pull Ashley into my arms. Kissing the top of her head, I feel her body relax against mine. “Thank you, Ash, for being my light in all of this.”

“I’m no angel Nolan, and you’ve got to stop treating me like one,” she mumbles into my chest. “I’ve done too many dark things to be considered an angel.”

“You’re my angel. It doesn’t matter about your past. What matters is how you will bend over backward for those you love.

” I gaze into her eyes, “You have pulled me out of the darkness so many times already. That’s an angel to me.

” My lips descend upon hers before she can rebuttal.

We’re a frenzy of lips and tongues, battling to pull each other from the ledge.

I pull back and release a deep sigh, her flavor still on my lips.

Together we leave the confinement of the bedroom and walk down the stairs.

Marks, Ramirez, Harris, Ashton, Mia, and Christian are missing.

Xavier is sleeping in the chair and his form is at peace for once.

Ace is on the couch nodding off. Rush is standing at the window again, overlooking Central Park.

There’s tension in his black eyes and he tries to mask his features as we walk over to him.

“Rush, what’s wrong?” Ashley asks.

“I’m worried about everything. What if we do stop these guys, but it’s not enough?”

“What do you mean?” Ashley gently asks.

“What if their reach is so big that even if we stop them, they have others that take their place and we still can’t escape them?”

“Are you worried about your doctor friend?”

“I’m worried about everyone,” he responds running his hands through his highlighted hair, blowing out a big breath. “I talked to Noah earlier and he told me Diablo is holding up his end and moved everyone to his place, but after everything, how do we know he isn’t setting us up?”

“We have no choice right now but to trust Diablo. He’s never wanted me dead, he just wanted Redline to stop sniffing around his girl.” Ashley responds.

Rush snorts, “His girl is all sorts of fucked up. She’ll spread her legs for anyone who shows her attention.

I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did, and he put up with it.

Thank God he got rid of her. She gives me the creeps.

” He shudders at the thought. “She tried hitting on me once and I had to put her in her place. I told Noah to be careful if she does weasel her way back in, he’ll be her prime target. ”

“Noah is smart. He won’t fall into her trap, but I see your concern.

He’s an attractive young man and she’ll try to sink her claws into him just to hurt Diablo.

” I watch as something passes through Ashley’s eyes.

“Rush, can you call Doc and have her out here by tonight? I know it’s late notice, but I’d feel better if we had someone here when we get Izzy back. ”

“Yeah, I can do that. I’m sure she’ll jump on the first plane.” He responds wiggling his eyebrows.

“Is there something on your mind?” I ask.

“I’d feel better if we had a doctor we trust to look her over.”

“I can send my jet and she’ll be here in eight hours. Will that work?”

“Would you?”

“Of course, anything to help ease your mind and there will be fewer questions if she’s on a private jet. How about we have Ace’s guy and Mia pick her up at the airport?”

“We need to ask him if he can spare someone first,” Ashley answers peering past my shoulder to watch Ace sleeping. “If he can do it then, that’s a clever idea.”

“Let’s find out right now.” I walk up and shake Ace gently on the shoulder. He sits up quickly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Bro don’t fucking do that. You’re lucky I’m a light sleeper and could hear your conversation. Having kids will do that to you.” He smirks.

“Then you know what I’m going to ask.”

“Yeah I do,” he looks over at Xavier sleeping in the chair.

“He’s at peace right now, but I don’t doubt he’ll be rearing to go when he wakes up and if he knows he has a doc on hand when we get Izzy back, that’ll calm him down some.

He keeps mumbling something about keeping them safe.

I don’t know what that means, but I’ll call one of my guys and have him here in a few hours. ”

“Thanks, man. I owe you.”

“Nah, just return the favor if I ever need it.” Ace gets up from the couch and walks into the kitchen, making the phone call. He comes back out a few minutes later. “My V.P. King will be here soon. Hey, I need to go see my kid for a little while. I’ll be back soon.”

“Do you want someone to go with you?” I ask.

“Nah, I’ve had eyes on this hotel since we got here last night.

My guys are waiting and watching for any threat.

I’ve got that covered and so far, they haven’t seen anyone coming or going.

Once they see me leave, some will follow, and the others will stay.

I’ll be fine.” Ace walks out the door and now it’s just the three of us and Xavier still sleeping.