Page 54 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 19
Zaira
My arm is killing me. I’m not sure what I did to it in all the chaos, but I must have banged it on the side of the pool or something. Maybe I should say something to Michael, and we could have a doctor look at it. It’s been two days, and it’s not getting any better, but it could just be bruised too.
Michael and I have successfully avoided each other for those two days. I’ve heard his voice in the hallway and have caught glimpses of him in passing, but for the most part, he is avoiding me like the plague. I decide to set out to find him, even if I have to interrupt him. I need a doctor. Sure, I could ask Alex or Gina about it. Heck, I could even ask Domenic or Francesca, but why bother them? This will give me a perfect opportunity to talk to Michael.
I go to my closet and pull out the sexiest sundress I own. It’s purple with small violet flowers on it. It’s a halter sundress with a plunging neckline in the front. It’s definitely not a bra-wearing dress. To give myself a little extra boost, I open my dresser drawer and pull out my silicone push-up bra. Perfect.
After my shower, I dress and dry my hair, and it falls in soft curls. I keep my makeup light. Taking one last glance at myself in the mirror, I am pleased with the outcome. I go back to the closet and pull out my purple Jimmy Choos with a three-inch heel, which will put me right at about Michael’s chin. I’m ready.
I get to Michael’s office door and Ricco, as usual, is parked outside. “Is he in?” I ask.
“He is. Let me see if he’s busy,” he says. He pulls out his phone and sends a text. He waits a couple of seconds for his response, but it doesn’t come. About a minute later, Ricco’s phone rings.
“Yeah, boss.” He’s quiet, and it’s obvious he’s listening to Michael. “Yes, boss,” he replies. “No, Michael, she’s all dressed up.” He listens for another moment. “I don’t know. She didn’t say.” He’s quiet again and then says kinda shyly, “Yeah, she looks real nice.”
What the hell? Is he really asking him how I look? What are we, in high school?
Shaking his head, he gets defensive. “No, I meant no disrespect.” He then says, “Aw, come on, Michael. What the fuck?” After another few seconds of listening, he disconnects the phone. He walks to the door, opens it, and says, “Go on in.”
Walking into Michael’s office, I find him sitting at his desk, a cigar hanging from his mouth. I’m not a big fan of cigars, but damn! He looks so freaking sexy sitting there. He’s dressed up today, wearing a dark suit. His tie is loosely hanging around his neck. Holy shit!
“What’s up, Zaira?” he asks. He makes no point to get up from his chair, and it’s obvious he’s trying to keep his distance. Okay, fine. Two can play this game.
Keeping my distance from his desk as well, I say, “I think I might need an X-ray or something?”
“What! What’s wrong?” he demands.
Well hell, I didn’t think I’d get that type of reaction from him. “It’s my arm. It doesn’t seem to be getting any better, and I think it might have a small fracture or something. I think it might be smart if we get it checked. Would you be able to take me?”
“Fuck, Zaira, it’s really not a good time, leaving the house after the failed hit the other day. Not until we catch the men responsible.”
“Oh…okay. I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” I turn to leave.
He calls after me, “Zaira. Wait.”
I turn back to face him.
“Let me see what I can work out. I might be able to get Dr. Siegel to come by and look at it. Just hang on for a sec,” he says.
He picks up his phone and dials. “Hey, Dr. Siegel,” he says into the phone. “Was wondering if you could come by and check on Zaira today?” He pauses and then continues. “We had a little incident here at the house, and she hurt her arm. It might be broken.” He listens for a moment. “I’m not sure it’s safe.” He listens some more. “Well, you’ve got a point. I’ll work something out. What time?” After pausing to let him speak, he then says, “Okay, we’ll see you in about an hour.”
He disconnects the line, then taps out his cigar, gets up from his desk, and walks to the door. After opening it, he says to Ricco, “I need to take Zaira to the hospital for an X-ray. I’ll take the Q5. Get Jude and Darius to tail. We’re leaving in forty-five minutes.”
“You got it, boss,” Ricco says.
Michael closes the door and walks back to his desk. “We’re gonna get you to the hospital for an X-ray,” he says as he sits down
“I heard,” I say.
“Are you going dressed like that?” he asks.
“Of course. I see no reason to change,” I reply.
He doesn’t say anything more on the subject, but I hear him grumble to himself. He starts to shuffle papers on his desk, and I have to look away because if I continue to watch him pout, I’ll burst out laughing.
While we wait, I decide to walk around his office and expore. There is one wall that is filled floor to ceiling with books. I walk to the shelf and ask, “May I?”
