Page 10 of Hot Moves

When he enters the room, I turn to face him. His expression is solemn, a dossier clutched in his hand. He hands it to me without a word, and I flip it open, scanning the contents.

“Mira Jones,” I read aloud, the name now even more familiar. “A teacher at a small private school in Florida.”

“Since it’s summer vacation, no one will miss her for several weeks,” Luca continues, filling in the gaps. “Her younger sister, Lila, is in college in Colorado, working two jobs to help pay for her education. Their parents died three years ago. Mira’s been living frugally to help put her sister through college.”

I swallow hard, the weight of her burdens more palpable. The thought of someone so pure, so distant from my world, being dragged into my dark reality is unsettling, but I can’t seem to help myself. The curvy little blonde stole my goddamn heartearlier in the elevator. Admitting that to myself was the easy part. Keeping her safe in my world will be a nearly impossible task, but I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her. And to win her heart.

“She doesn’t have any ex-boyfriends or close friends,” Luca adds, and I realize I was holding my breath. I breathe easy, knowing I don’t have the added complication of getting rid of some asshole. “It’s a clean slate. She’s lived a quiet, responsible life.”

The stark contrast between her world and mine couldn’t be clearer. “She’s entirely innocent,” I say, more to myself than Luca. “She doesn’t deserve any of this.”

Luca shifts slightly as if uncomfortable with the sincerity in my voice. “I’ve arranged for us to rent a private yacht. It will sail us back to New York discreetly. In the meantime, a decoy private plane will leave the island to throw the Grimaldis off our trail.”

I nod, appreciating Luca’s thoroughness. “Good. When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow morning,” he replies. “We’ll move her from the hotel and get her on the yacht. The new pilot is already briefed on the decoy mission. Her sister and friends have a flight two hours before hers is supposed to leave. Once their flight takes off, we’ll make our move.”

I look out at the ocean again, my mind racing. “I don’t want a goddamn hair on her head harmed.”

“We’ll make sure she’s treated with kid gloves,” Luca says carefully. “We’ll have to explain enough to make her understand the urgency but not so much that she’s overwhelmed.”

I exhale deeply, the responsibility weighing heavy on my shoulders. “I want her brought straight to me.”

Luca nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. With one last look, he turns and leaves to finalize the arrangements.

I remain at the window, staring into the vast expanse of the Caribbean that now holds both my demons and my future. It’s a cruel twist of fate, how an innocent encounter can complicate lives so easily.

SIX

LORENZO

The driveto the yacht is swift but feels interminable as the bumps in the road test the ancient shocks on the vehicle Luca hired to take us to the marina. My thoughts keep drifting to her and those aqua-blue eyes, her soft curls, and the moment in the elevator that’s burned into my memory.

As we round the corner, the expanse of the marina comes into full view, the yachts lined up like regal sentinels of the sea. Each one is a testament to luxury, but there's one in particular that catches my eye.

"There it is," Luca says, pointing ahead. "Our ride."

“I’m not sure Lorenzo should let you choose any more fucking rides,” Antonio grumbles from the front seat as the wind blows through the open truck windows.

My gaze follows his finger, landing on a massive yacht that stands out even among its lavish neighbors. It’s gleaming white, with sleek lines and a modern design that exudes opulence. The sheer size of it is impressive. There’s no doubt it’s an imposing floating palace meant to command attention and respect.

But as we get closer and I read the name painted in elegant script on the bow, I can't help but laugh.

"Hot Moves?" I say, raising an eyebrow at Luca and Antonio. "Seriously?"

“The name alone will throw our enemies off.” Luca shrugs and I have to admit his ploy is ingenious.

“Good job, my friend,” I tell him as we step out of the rusty old pickup truck that’s seen better days at least fifteen years ago.

“Is that why we used this,” I point back at the faded blue thirty-year-old vehicle, “to get here instead of a limousine?”

“The Grimaldis will be on the look-out for a limousine or armored SUV.” My second in command deserves a raise for this level of ingeniousness.

A few hours later,I walk into the yacht salon to find Mira looking both surprised and confused as she turns to find me standing in the doorway.

“You?” she says, her voice a mix of surprise and nerves. “What’s going on?”

I take a deep breath and step closer, knowing winning her over depends on how I handle this situation. “I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this mess. There are things about me and my life that are complicated. Dangerous. You’ve become involved, unwittingly, but involved nonetheless.”

---