“That’s it!” Sante snapped. “We are leaving unless my client is being charged with a crime.”

  “I am so sorry if I was insensitive,” she said, inching even closer.

  “I’ll be happy to answer the question for the detective, Sante. What does it feel like? As good as sensing the wetness formed underneath that silk blouse of yours and knowing that tonight, you’ll have dreams about being this close to me. Won’t you, Detective Crenshaw?”

  I allowed a huge smile to cross my face and I knew I’d crossed a line, but I’d been unable to help myself.

  “Let’s go, Francois,” Sante encouraged.

  I moved away from her, and she took a deep breath, waiting until I’d reached the door before addressing what I’d said. “Don’t attempt to leave town, Mr. Thibodeaux, and I assure you that I find you repulsing.”

  At least she made me laugh, which was surprising. As I headed out, I could tell Sante was cursing in Spanish.

  “What the fuck was that?” he barked.

  “Just ensuring that they knew what they were dealing with.”

  “I hate when you get like this.”

  “Yeah? Well, you might as well get used to it. No one threatens my family. No one.”

  “I’m surprised you wanted to walk to the restaurant,” Delaney said from beside me. She had her arm linked in mine as we walked. While no reporters had attempted to interrupt our late afternoon lunch, that was probably due to the fact I had an entourage of soldiers trailing behind us.

  “It’s a beautiful afternoon and I’m with a lovely lady. Why would it bother me?”

  “Haven’t you seen the number of people staring at us?” She glanced over her shoulder, obviously uncomfortable. “I could swear it’s like the press are waiting for something to happen, just hovering like vultures.” When she flicked at least one of them the bird I had to chuckle.

  “Let them stare, baby. That comes with the territory. Certainly, you know what that’s like?”

  She laughed. “Are you kidding me? When I walked the runways or was in all those photoshoots that you have locked away on that laptop of yours, I was a different person, a complete fantasy. No one knew who I was on the street. I wasn’t pretty enough or famous enough for anyone to care about.”

  “Is that what you really want? To be famous?”

  Her exhale was exaggerated. “Honestly, not in the least. I thought so at first. Then I realized that I’m not cut out to be told I’m too fat. Too ugly. Too short. Too tall. Too curvy. Too much of a pain in the ass.”

  The fact she’d been fired by the pompous jerk continued to piss me off. I would make the man’s life immortal hell when I had the opportunity. “You do realize you’re perfect.”

  “No one is perfect, but around you I feel like a queen.” She pulled away, twirling in a circle, the bright red dress catching every man’s eye on the street. A part of me had wanted nothing more than to keep her locked inside the condo, but I doubted anyone would be so stupid as to attempt something in broad daylight.

  “You are a queen.” I issued a growl, giving her a stern look. What bothered me was that Brandon had all but disappeared. However, Rocco had confirmed that Alturo’s men had arrived on a ship over a week before via a stop in Cuba. They’d had plenty of time to make plans, sabotaging the ship when it was docked there. Still, Alturo’s actions had been brazen.

  Arman had also called. It would seem he had plans on initiating contact, trying to set up a meeting, which I’d objected to. The last thing we needed to do was to appear as if we were concerned in the least.

  “If you could do anything else other than modeling, what would it be?” I asked her, suddenly cognizant that she was right. The reporters weren’t bothering to hide their identities. As we continued our walk, now about eight blocks from the condo, I noticed a van from one of the news stations pulled onto a side street. My hackles were suddenly raised.

  “I’ve given that some thought. I think I’m going to try and work with my dad. Heck. Maybe I’ll learn all about racetracks and teams.” She laughed at the funny expression I made, dancing around me as if she was enthused by my sudden discomfort.

  “An interesting idea.”

  “You hate it. I knew you would. I can’t be your girlfriend and work with you.”

  “You can be anything you want to be, baby.”

  She planted her hands on her hips, stopping short and forcing me to do the same. “Then what’s wrong? I can tell.”

  I shoved my hands into my pockets. “Something is going on with your father that I’m concerned about.”

  “What do you mean something?”

  “He’s not in Europe.”

  “Why were you checking on him?”

  “Because I needed to,” I told her.

  She cocked her head, shielding her eyes from the sun as she stared at me. “Wait a minute. You think…” When she took a step away, I grabbed her arm, pulling her toward me. “Let go of me. You think my father has something to do with what’s happening. Don’t you?”

  “Delaney.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t,” she snapped, jerking her arm free. “Tell me. Now.”

  She’d raised her voice and the fact we were being watched wasn’t good at this point. I had a feeling our argument would end up on the six o’clock news. I walked closer, knowing she’d refuse to back down. “I don’t know anything for certain.”

  “Oh, my God. He took a bullet for you, and you think this? Why would he ask you to protect me?”

  “I don’t know.” Which was being as honest with her as I could. It was one of those questions that kept me from sending soldiers after him.

  She hauled off and cracked her hand across my face, gasping for air. “Just get away from me. You’re terrible. I can’t believe you.” When she tried to run away, I was forced to grab her, but she slipped through my fingers, managing to race into the crowd before I could catch her.

  Timing and karma weren’t on my side. At that moment, I noticed two police cars rolling in, forcing the people on the street to move or get run over. They came screeching to a halt in front of me. And within seconds, I sensed reporters coming out of their hiding holes like roaches ready to feast.

  As soon as a police officer exited from the driver’s side, he reached for his weapon, and I was forced to raise my hands. Dear God. There couldn’t be worse timing at this point.

  “Mr. Francois Thibodeaux, you are under arrest for the transportation of illegal narcotics.” As they started to read me my rights, the crowd of people in the streets swarmed all around us, dozens of tourists taking pictures, reporters racing get a microphone in front of my face. This was exactly what they’d been waiting for.

  The love of my life suddenly reappeared, storming up to the police officers. “What is the meaning of this?” she demanded.

  “Miss, you need to take a step back. Officer Robinson, gather up the men who are in his entourage and bring them down to the station.”

  Fuck me. They were arresting my soldiers. This was a complete setup. “Listen to me, baby. Go back to the condo and stay inside. Do not go out. Do not open the door.”

  “They can’t do this. They can’t?” She managed to shove one of the officers aside.

  “Get the keys from my pocket. Do it,” I told her under my breath.

  “Miss. If you don’t want to be arrested, I suggest you move aside.”

  She managed to snag the keys before they had a chance to stop her. “This can’t be happening. This is crazy.”

  “It’ll be okay, baby.” The swarm of people was getting worse, the reporters more like piranhas than vultures.

  “Mr. Thibodeaux, how does it feel to finally be arrested?”

  “Mr. Thibodeaux, what do you have to say about the accusations?”

  As the reporters crushed their way forward, Delaney was pushed back by several feet. I craned my neck to find her, praying to God she would follow my orders and that she’d be safe. While I knew Sante could get me out on bail, it might take some time. Hopefully, Rocco would finish his investigation soon.

  “Delaney! Delaney!” As I was led toward one of the police cars, the reporters continued to hound me with questions and within seconds, I’d lost sight of her.

  Jesus Christ.

  Why did I have a terrible feeling this would turn into yet another tragedy?

  CHAPTER 26

  Delaney

  No. No. No.

  The last words I’d said to him were in anger?

  My hands were clammy and I watched as he was placed into the police car before turning around. I’d heard him call my name, the horrible sound of his voice echoing in my ears. I was ready to panic, the horrific crowd of people and reporters pushing me to the very edge. As soon as I noticed at least two of the reporters from one of the local news stations were heading in my direction, I backed away, tears stinging my eyes.

  What was going to happen now? I turned around and started running, trying to avoid people as I raced down one of the side streets. Tears continued to slip down both sides of my face and only a few minutes later, I was gasping for air, forced to stop to try to catch my breath. Why was this happening? I knew better than to think he was guilty of bringing in illegal drugs. Right? He couldn’t be that man.

  No. No.

  I had to get my shit together. I continuously noticed people were watching me. Or maybe I was losing it. Whatever the case, it didn’t feel safe being out on the street on my own. I clutched the keys, my hand balled into a fist. Thank God it was easy to figure out where I was going given the way the roads were laid out.

  My father.

  Did Francois really believe my father had something to do with all the horrific things that had occurred? I had no idea what to think any longer, especially since I didn’t know my father at all. He’d admitted he’d crossed that thin line. Francois had told me he had.

  Oh, God. This was terrible. At least I knew there were two soldiers remaining at the condo. They would keep me safe.

  A few minutes later, I finally managed to get to the building, not wasting any time heading inside. But I couldn’t get over the feeling I was being watched. Before I headed into the elevator, I scanned the all-glass front, seeing nothing. But my sixth sense told me this was the worst position I could be in. I was in a strange city with no way of contacting anyone else that could help in Key West. I hadn’t been given his attorney’s name or phone number. The only soldier I knew was Rocco, and there was no telling when he’d return or if he would. For all I knew, the man had been arrested along with everyone else.

  The entire situation was crazy. Finally, the slow as shit doors closed and I pressed my back against the steel wall, taking short breaths. This was so horrible. When the steel box jerked to a stop one floor below where Francois’ condo was, I almost panicked again, especially when two men stepped inside.

  They glanced at each other, both nodding toward me. I pressed myself against the wall, holding my breath. The two men were deathly quiet, but I sensed danger, my instinct working overtime. When they got off on the same floor, I almost pressed the button to head to the lobby but knew the only safety I had was being behind locked doors.

  I slammed my hand in between the doors seconds before they closed, taking gasping breaths then darting my head into the hallway. I heard a door closing but couldn’t tell from which direction. They weren’t in sight, which was all that mattered.

  Francois had told me that the apartment was registered in a bogus corporation name, which prevented most people from ever learning which property he owned in the city. However, I was a smart girl. People could find anything they were looking for if they searched hard enough.

  I was breathless by the time I reached the door, trying to keep my hands from shaking as I shoved the key into the lock. Then I heard a loud noise and almost jumped out of my skin, barely getting the door open, closed, and the lock engaged before coughing and wheezing.

  Sadie came running, her helicopter tail twirling around and around in a circle reminding me just how much I cared about the man. And I’d slapped him. What had I been thinking?

  “Oh, baby girl. Everything will be okay.” I dropped to my knees, wrapping my arms around her neck. A single tear slipped past my lashes, and I willed my emotions away. When I pulled back, she licked it for me, panting in her happiness to see someone. “Daddy won’t be home for a little while but don’t worry. I’ll be right here.”

  After she gave me what felt like a bazillion kisses, I stood, staring at the door.

  As I backed away, I heard another loud banging noise and yelped. Even Sadie barked, which wasn’t surprising. I half expected someone to come barreling in through the door, but suddenly all was quiet. After standing in the same place for a full two minutes, I managed to take another deep breath before scampering further into the living room, struggling to get the phone from my clutch, holding it between both hands. Maybe I was willing the phone to ring, praying he would call to let me know he’d be home soon.

  Home.

  Where the heart is.

  Where the man I loved was.

  “Oh, baby. What are we going to do?”

  Woof.

  I only wished she could provide some sense of understanding to the craziness.

  Oh, God. I was close to hyperventilating, the panic remaining. I fought to control my nerves, heading into the kitchen. Water wasn’t going to cut it. I grabbed the already open bottle of wine, yanking a glass from the cabinet. After pouring a hefty amount, I tried to figure out what to do. Sadly, I had no plan at this point other than to wait. And I wasn’t patient. Plus, I had a terrible feeling he was being made an example of, especially after what he’d told me had gone on at the police station.

  I checked Sadie’s water, adding some, fresh and clean, while several additional deep breaths. I’d need to take her out soon, which would mean I’d need to venture outside. I wasn’t certain that was a good idea, but I certainly wasn’t going to make her suffer.

  This was crazy. I took a sip, then a second, waiting until I felt a little calmer before returning to the living room, the phone firmly nestled in my hand. I thought about how my father had been before he’d left for his trip, remembering the odd way he’d looked at me before leaving that morning.

  What he had said.

  He’d told me he hoped to be able to spend more time with me. Did that mean he was leaving the country for good? If so, where? And why?

  It was entirely impossible my father had betrayed his best friend. Was it? Oh, this was so bad. I padded the floor for at least ten minutes, mulling over everything I’d heard. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer, determined to remember my father’s phone number. It was the one I’d rarely called but hadn’t changed, his private line something he’d given me early on after I’d been forced to move to LA.

  It took me an entire minute to remember the ten digits. Finally, I sat down, able to make the call. Sadie jumped up on the couch beside me, placing her head on my knee. While it rang and I thought for certain he was going to answer, the call went to voicemail instead. I almost hung up but thought better of it. I needed help and answers, and he might be the only person who could provide both. “Dad, it’s your daughter. What is going on? Where are you? I was told you’re not in Europe like you said you were? Francois is doubting your loyalty. That’s crazy. Right? You would never hurt your best friend. Would you? Oh, God. He was arrested and I don’t know what to do. They have him on drug charges. We’re in Key West. If you care anything about me or about your friend, then you need to come here. See, he’s become important to me. Very much so. I know you might not be able to understand given you consider him a brother. But he’s a man and I’m a fully grown woman and we have a connection and I’m in love with him and I think he is with me as well. You can dislike it but that’s not going to change anything. I need your help. Please, Daddy.”

  Beep.

  I gasped for air, laughing at myself for rambling. The goddamn thing had cut me off. What had I said? I couldn’t even remember, I’d been talking so fast. All I knew was that without someone helping me, I had no clue what I was supposed to do. None. I took another gulp of wine and allowed the tears to flow, telling myself that it was never going to happen again. I refused to allow myself to fall into despair.

  I tossed the phone onto the coffee table, hoping that I’d hear from someone soon. Or that the man I loved would come waltzing in through the door, scooping me off my feet and taking me somewhere special. I took a few minutes rubbing Sadie’s head, amazed how stroking her soft fur had managed to take some of the edge away. If only it would last longer than a few minutes.

  “It’s going to be okay.” Why was I repeating myself? To try to buy it.

  The pup jumped off, woofing as she moved closer to the back door, peering outside. At least she wasn’t growling.

  As I inched closer to the door leading to one of the decks, I contemplated daring to open it and walk outside. That was silly. Wasn’t it? Unlocking it, I took a few deep breaths then threw it open, enjoying the breeze as it wafted through the open airway. After grabbing my wine, the moment I walked outside, I was reminded this was paradise, even if my life wasn’t.

  Could I work for my father? I wanted to laugh. That would depend on the outcome of what had occurred.

  If my father hadn’t betrayed him then maybe, although I certainly couldn’t stay at my father’s house forever. Everything was far too muddled.

  All I could do was wait. And hope. And pray.

  The fact the sun was setting, twilight moving in added to the moments of terror. I’d turned on the television for comfort, but seeing the goddamn news reporter almost gleeful in showing the footage of Francois’ arrest only made me angry. I glared at the television, cursing under my breath.

  “They are terrible people. They have no clue what they’re saying.”

  Sadie lifted her head but didn’t respond. The report highlighted his accolades as well as the rumor mill regarding how he and his family had risen to power in the first place. I moved to the couch, thumping down and placing my head into my hands.