Page 119 of Beloved
She lifted a single eyebrow while retrieving her drink from before. “My father was an extreme loyalist. However, he ran more of the organization than anyone understood. They were actually half-brothers, although almost no one knew that.”
That placed Demarco’s value on another plateau altogether. “Stop worrying. We’re going to have a little fun. Are you ready to talk to the men who hired some brutal kidnappers?”
When she rolled her eyes, I had to laugh. “You are brutal and your idea of fun and mine are entirely different. I’m ready.However, what am I supposed to say if they press me?” Rafaela offered one of her most chastising looks possible.
“Just act terrified.”
“That’s easy. You do terrify me.” She winked as if that would ease the anxiety we both felt. If only that was possible. There were too many open-ended questions, but at least I was on the path to getting them answered.
Kirill appeared, moving to a seat across the aisle.
“How could I possibly terrify you?”
She peered at me over her beverage of choice, a full-bodied cabernet suggested by our host, Madame Dubois.
“You’re power wrapped in a Tom Ford suit. You’re dominating at every turn, acting as if you own whatever building you walk into. You expect people to do exactly what you say at all times. With a single look, you can manage to put the fear of God into anyone you deem deserving of your wrath. And you use your sex appeal as a weapon of mass destruction.”
The words dripping from her lips were done so with a sultry flair.
Just like the woman she’d become.
“I thought you approved of my suit,” I told her while pulling open the jacket’s lapel. “You did pick it out.”
She rolled her eyes. “I guess it’s true what they say. The suit makes a man. In this case, a dangerous predator.”
Kirill’s chuckle from three rows away was a clear indication he’d heard every word. I barely threw him a glance before leaning over so only she would be on the receiving end of what I had tosay. “I find it fascinating that you’re drawn to the very ruthless power you think others fear.”
Rafaela also leaned forward until our lips were almost touching. “I do. But don’t allow that to go to your head.”
I could easily spend time kissing her lips. However, I had a job to do and timing, as always, was of the essence. As soon as I pulled out my phone, Kirill moved closer. It was important we all heard the same thing.
The voice on the other end of the line.
The inflections.
Any sound bite that would help provide a clue as to who was on the other line.
“Are you ready?” I asked, referring to her.
The smile slid from her face, a harsher look shifting into one of absolute fear. She’d had a lifetime of dealing with terror. “I’m always ready.” She ran her fingers through her hair, creating a just fucked look before sliding the cotton gag into her mouth.
Even her tone was entirely different.
I knew the drill of how to make contact. So I made the call, keeping my eyes pinned on her. She was already hyperventilating, which was amusing in and of itself. I’d never thought I’d value the use of a true partner before.
Then again I’d never expected to meet anyone like an Italianprintsessa.
“Yes?” There was zero inflection, no emotion and no possibility of identifying the person on the other end.
“Merchandise secured.” A burner phone had been purchased for the single call.
“I’ll need some proof. Pictures.”
We’d anticipated the request, enough so she’d smeared her makeup as if she’d been crying. The lights in the cabin had been dimmed enough with the lower pixels of the camera, I suspected it would appear as if we were in a moving truck.
“Talk to the nice man, Rafaela.” My voice was gruff and I held the phone out closer to her head, using Facetime to connect.
Her scream was muffled and I waited for three seconds to remove the gag.
