Page 40 of Romancing His Heart

“I hate to burst your bubble, but Dex isn’t doing anything. No offense, Sloane, but I’m not taking advice from a woman who guessed my shoe size and cusses more than Julia.”

Clearing his throat, Ashton takes control of the room. This kid has grown up so much in the last ten years. When we first started working together, he was a gangly teenager. Granted, I wasn’t much older, but seeing him now causes an odd pang in my chest.

“We need to get moving,” Ashton informs the room. “While Loki and Sloane are away, they’ll have limited access to the outside world. That’s for their safety and ours. Whoever is looking for them will keep tabs on us all. Therefore, it’s imperative that you only use the burner phones I’ll provide, and, even then, we should try to limit communication. Does anyone have any questions?”

Choking back tears, Emory asks, “Who will know where they are?”

“Ashton is the only one with direct access to us, but there are safety measures in place. Someone will always be able to contact us.” I don’t tell her we have contingency plans if something happens to each of us. There’s no need to scare them any more than they already are.

“Okay, we need to get moving. Girls, I need you all to put these on,” Ashton says, handing them matching hoodies, masks, and gloves. The rest of us have similar outfits. “From the time we step into the elevator until we are in the cars, it’s important to keep still. No fidgeting or other mannerisms that make you easily identifiable. The SUVs are exactly alike and already cleared for tracking and other devices by EnVision securities. Each car has GPS, and we have programmed a route into the system for you. Once you are on the road, follow that route exactly. If you suspect something is off, you notify me immediately. Does everyone understand?”

Solemnly, everyone nods their head.

Following Ashton’s instructions, he, Dexter, Lanie, Sylvie, Seth, and Halton leave two by two toward the elevator. They’ll wait in four cars until the rest of us arrive in the garage.

“God, it’s hotter than a whore in church in here,” Preston grumbles.

“Your southern is showing.” I wink, trying to calm him. “Everything is going to be okay, Pres.”

“I know. I’m just ready for this shit to be over.” Pulling me in for a hug, he whispers, “Take care of yourself. And keep your hands off my new sister.” He can’t even say it without laughing. “Or, maybe I had better tell you to guard your jewels. According to Dexter, those books get pretty wild.”

Shaking my head, I shove him toward his car. Between us all, seven black SUVs are preparing to leave the garage. Climbing into ours, I hesitate and wonder if little Red can handle this beast, but I put my trust in her and shut the door.

“You really can’t see anything with the windows tinted. I have no idea what car anyone is in,” Red comments as she starts the ignition. After a lengthy fight with Emory, I agreed to let Sloane drive since I still had dizzy spells occasionally.

“That’s the point, sweetheart.”

“Soundcheck,” Ashton’s voice comes to life through the speakers.

One by one, everyone checks in.

“Let’s do this,” I announce and watch as the first car pulls out, followed by two more before Red pulls into the line. To an outsider, you’d think the president was pulling out on to Waverley Road as our motorcade hits the street. Three merge left while the other four turn right. We drive for a few miles with one car in front of us and two behind. One by one, they all take different turns while Red and I head north.

“All clear,” I say into the car’s smart system.

“Noted. Everyone, keep to your routes. The drive should take about two hours total and will run you in circles in some places. This is intentional, and I set your GPS to return you home when it’s time. Keep an eye out for anyone following you. If there is anything suspicious, notify me, then detour immediately to the closest police station.”

A chorus of acknowledgments comes through the speakers.

“I’m disconnecting Loki and Sloane now,” Ashton warns.

“Be safe,” Emory screeches before the car goes silent.

I’m good with silence, it’s been my only companion for so many years, but something tells me Red shouldn’t get too lost in that pretty head of hers. Unfortunately, my small talk game is shit.

“Red?”

If her seatbelt weren’t holding her down, the damn girl would have flown out of her seat. As it is, her arm flails wildly, hitting the window before she screams, “Jesus Christ.”

Thank fuck she kept the car on the road.Note to self, don’t startle the driver.

“Sorry, Red. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just going to tell you it’s okay to take your mask off now.”

“Oh, right,” she says, but I can feel her heart racing from my side of the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her remove her hood and then the mask. Her red hair that’s usually pulled high on her head falls free in loose waves over her shoulders.

Why the fuck am I noticing how her hair falls?

With my eyes forcibly on the road, I try not to notice her sigh as she runs her fingers through that mane of hair.