Page 80 of Steal My Heart

“Still on the ship. We’re emergency anchored at 90.1 above Head of Passes. Sir, she needs a doctor.”

My chest rattles violently. “Where’s the nearest dock? I’ll meet you there.”

He relays the mile marker, and Maks silently pulls a U-turn as we head toward the river.

“Sir, the incident was reported to the Coast Guard before I knew she was connected to you,” he says hesitantly.

“Radio them and say you were mistaken; it was debris and not a woman. If you’re boarded, make sure she remains hidden,” I instruct him.

“Understood.”

The call ends, and my hands shake violently as I scroll through my contacts, finding Al’s boyfriend’s father. A veterinarian is the closest thing I have to a doctor on call. Other than Laurie, and under no circumstances am I getting her involved.

“Mr. Calvani.” The vet answers.

“I need an emergency visit at my house.” My voice is tight.

“On my way.”

What little restraint I was holding onto snaps when I end the call. Retrieving a gun hidden beneath my seat, I lean forward and press the barrel to Maks’ neck. “How did Remi wind up in the fucking river? Tell me again what happened after I was arrested.”

To his credit, Maks doesn’t flinch. “I communicated with Remi that she had neither eyes nor a runner, and to abort the plan. My priority at that point was making sure your sister was safe, as she had no security with her inside the party.”

I let out a frustrated growl, lowering my weapon. I’ve gotten too fucking soft, letting Al talk her way into coming last night. Had she been home safe and sound, Maks could have focused his attention on helping Remi with her exit, which would not have been a water one.

We arrive at the dock to find my boat moored, the captain waiting for us. But all I can see is Remi, whose petite frame is draped in a blanket. She’s shivering violently.

“Wait, let me secure the area,” Maks calls, but I’m already out of the vehicle and running to her.

Scooping her into my arms, I say against her freezing head, “Did you really need to test out your swim lessons so soon?”

Her muscle convulsions are the only answer she gives me.

“Don’t know how long she was in the water; she’s damn lucky to be alive,” the captain tells me.

“Speak of this to no one,” I warn him.

“Of course, sir.”

“Remi, talk to me. What happened?” I ask, carrying her back to the vehicle.

“Nola needs a prenup, but she can’t be on the boat,” she says between the chattering of her teeth.

“What?” I ask.

“The piano can’t swim.”

Maks opens the door for us, and I tell him in a panic, “I’m worried. Remi’s speaking gibberish.”

“The chopsticks don’t go on the water,” Remi mumbles as I place her in the backseat.

“She’s hypothermic. Lose the wet blanket and remove her clothes. Take yours off to share body heat with her,” Maks instructs me.

I climb in beside Remi, tugging the blanket away from her, but I struggle to remove the wet gown that’s become a second skin. “I need a knife!”

One is placed in my hand, and I hold her dress away from her body, slicing down the middle.

It parts, and she’s braless, wearing a pair of waterlogged panties. “Look at her right now, and I’ll fucking kill you.” I snarl.