Page 70 of Royal Flush

“Touché.”

“I’ll call you.” At least I could trust the two men. Anyone else? That I wasn’t so certain of. And I very much needed to trust my little captive.

If that’s what I could call her.

I made a turn onto the street where the hotel was located, certain I was making the right decision in getting her out of the country. Something else I’d learned over the years was that certain enemies had far-reaching tentacles.

When my phone rang not once but twice before I made it to the hotel, my instinct told me the feisty vixen had managed to get away.

“Jack. What?” I was being terse but after the meeting with Justin, my patience was lower than before.

I was forced to pull into the parking garage given the number of vehicles behind me, hopeful the call wouldn’t be cut off.

“She’s… We…”

Fuck. “I’m losing you.” There was nothing but static on the other end. With all the updates with cellphones, the almost nonexistent internet connection seemed outrageous. I’d barely shoved the gear into park before I jumped out, almost dropping the key fob in my attempt to lock the damn thing. I couldn’t get to the elevator fast enough, trying Jack’s number twice more before the doors were opened.

I’d known the man on and off for years, his background in the military a perfect backdrop for turning mercenary then bodyguard. I’d called on his services more than once, needing the extra muscle for various East Coast events.

I’d also asked him to see if he could find anything out about Justin. He had different connections than I did, which could prove helpful.

In turn, I paid him damn well for him to provide whatever sized team I needed. Three should have been enough to guard one pretty girl. If I hadn’t been so angry and concerned, I might have laughed. I could swear Jasmine was an escape artist.

I didn’t bother calling again, heading to the floor in a flash.

Jack was pacing the floor in front of the room, which told me everything I needed to know and nothing I wanted to hear. When he saw me taking long strides in his direction, he shook his head.

“Look, I’m sorry. I had no idea the girl was that cunning.”

His words struck a chord. Both in a protective way and in knowing that’s exactly the kind of woman Jasmine had become. “She’s gone.” I felt it in my gut and soul. I could feel her energy when she was near. Right now, I felt nothing but a stark icy cold.

“Yes, she’s gone. We scoured the hotel and went to the closest shops but she’s nowhere. And worse, she took her phone with her.”

“Fuck. I’m not going to ask how. She has her ways, but I need to find her.”

“What do you want the team to do?”

As I yanked out my phone, prepared to find Jasmine’s old college roommate that I’d tracked down and located every scrap of information about, I thought about his question. “Are you and the team working for the next week or so?”

“No. We have no gigs. Why?”

“After I find her, I’m headed to a secure location where I can keep her safe. There are some bad dudes after her. I’m not going to allow anything to happen. Gather the team and your belongings and meet me at the usual private airport.”

Jack nodded. “You don’t want my help finding her?”

“I have a feeling I know who she contacted to try and buy herself some time to sort things out. When you leave, grab my suitcase.” When I captured her again, the woman was going to get the whipping of her damn life for putting herself in harm’s way all over again.

And God help anyone who dared touch her.

He grinned. “You need a personal assistant.”

“You might be right.” I was angry, furious in fact, but Jasmine truly didn’t understand how much danger she could be in.

At least in the islands, I could also control the comings and goings of the guests if necessary.

“We’ll head that way in a few. I’m sorry, Brax. She’s damn good at slipping away.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve experienced that myself. Now you know in the future she’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants, including her escape. Be prepared for anything.”

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