Page 63 of Her Protector Daddies

“Miss Hartley, are you sure you are up for this? It’s not too late to pull the plug on this.”

Part of me was tempted, but the fear of letting everyone else down was too strong, so I shook my head. My curls brushed across my bare shoulders, and I forced a strong smile.

“I’m ready. Hella nervous but ready.”

“Okay, I want to take you through things one more time.” With a folder in hand, the Captain led me away from my three quietly drooling men and started to read through all the safety precautions with me once more. From where we stood, I could see the lights and glitz of the Gala across the street, where the building was covered in large banners displaying the Charity Gala.

Did they know it was mostly criminals? Were there going to be any decent, real people there?

“So,” The Captain continued. “Using your hatred is your key here. It’s the one passion Andrés will buy because he shares it, and if we’re right about the origin of the items your father stole, he will be desperate to get those back. That alone should keep you safe.”

“Should?” I joked lamely.

“There’s always a margin we can’t account for,” Captain Aubrey replied seriously. “But rest assured, we will do everything we can to keep you safe.”

“I know. I need to emphasize that only I know how to contact my father and what code words to use, so even if they tried to do it themselves, he’d never buy it,” I recited.

“Exactly. And in turn, you want the hit removed from you and a portion of the money. Approaching this like you have something you need out of this should help your cover. And if you think things have gone south, ask if you should get another drink. That will be our cue to get you out.” Aubrey closed the file and flashed me a strong smile. “Ready?”

Over her shoulder, Bailey, Jay, and Tyler were still watching me like a set of hawks. With them at my back, I knew I was safe.

“I’m ready.”

Showtime.

24

SELENA

The Gala was in full swing by the time I stepped inside.

Floor-to-ceiling windows were draped in thick, gold netting that hid the outside world while allowing in the sparkle of streetlights and car headlights. The gleaming wooden floor reflected the warm light of the hanging opaque lanterns that had gold detailing across the bottom and swirling up the side. Each lantern had what looked like hundreds of fireflies darting between each one, and it wasn’t until I walked further in that I noticed the illusion was caused by projectors lining the walls.

Tables draped in white tablecloths dotted around the main room, with each centerpiece filled to the brim with white, pink, and gold flowers. Tall candles nestled amidst the flowers flickered back and forth, protected by glittering glass cages painted with intricate pink swirls. Black high-back chairs surrounded each table, seating happy people clinking together crystal glasses and praising one another for how much they had donated to the Cancer charity.

Glancing at each one of them, I was certain they could all afford to give much more, but no one with money ever wanted to part with more than was acceptable. I knew that with a glance.

Weaving between the tables, I stepped around crowds of loud people and made a beeline for the bar near the back of the hall. More of the firefly effect shone over the bar and with the bartenders dressed in white and gold, they almost looked like they glowed.

This party was insane and I was struggling to understand how a drug lord could throw such an extravagant party in public like this. Then again, if I’ve learned anything about Andrés it’s that he’s far too clever, and nothing ever sticks to him.

“Champagne?” The bartender flashed me a dazzling smile of pearly whites as I slid onto one of the stools.

“Please.” I smiled back and rested my chin on the heel of my palm as I waited. Casting one eye over the party, I curled my fingers slightly around my lips and then smiled warmly as Jay’s soft laughter rang in my ear.

“There’s honestly no way we can compete with this,” Tyler said, his voice slightly bassier than normal thanks to the connection in my ear.

“He’s right,” Jay said. “This is the fanciest date we can ever take you on.”

“Oh really?” I kept my voice low. The last thing I needed was for someone to hear me talking to myself and get me escorted out.

“On our paychecks?” Tyler snorted. “Even a drug lord is out doing us.”

“Focus,” came Bailey’s snap. “Cut the chatter.”

“It’s helping,” I replied, straightening up when the bartender returned. The glass of Champagne was a welcome one and I immediately took two sips. It didn’t calm the churning in my gut but it did ease my tangled nerves.

“Bailey’s just tense,” Jay said softly. “We all are. But you’ve got this.”

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