Page 29 of Rafael

The women who’d been lined up in the alley followed.

Valentin approached, clapped a hand on Rafael’s back and grinned. “That was the last box. Remy and Gerard had to go. They said they’d see you later and to call if you need any more help.” He tipped his head toward the yoga studio. “What did your landlord have to say?”

“To make myself at home,” Rafael said, “but don’t leave any damage.”

“Words to live by, my friend,” Valentin said. “Words to live by.”

Rafael shot one more glance toward the Mamba Wamba Gift Shop before he turned toward his truck. “Are we still on for the noon meeting at the boat factory?”

Valentin nodded, falling into step beside Rafael. “Remy got word from Hank Patterson. One of Sadie’s friends requested a protector detail to provide security while she shoots a music video in New Orleans.” He grinned. “I wouldn’t mind spending some time in the Big Easy.”

“It’s not like you’ll get to enjoy the food and nightlife. You’ll be on the job.”

“I know, but there’s always something interesting to see or good music to hear.” Valentin tipped his head toward the bayou. “All I hear around here are frogs, cicadas and Cajun drunks calling each other names.”

“What about the Zydeco festival?” Rafael asked.

Valentin shrugged. “The festival has been going for three days. Zydeco was fun, for a change, the first night. I’m ready to go back and relax with classic bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC and Disturbed.”

Rafael’s lips twisted. “How are you hooked on music from the last century?”

Valentin frowned. “It’s timeless. My father playedhard rock music whenever he was home. He swore it stimulated the mind. I think it was more a case of stimulating his sex drive.”

Rafael held up a hand. “You can stop right there. I don’t need to know the details about your parents’ sex life.”

“I was conceived to some of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits,” Valentin admitted with his hand resting on his chest as if paying tribute to the greats.

Rafael pressed his hands over his ears. “I told you. I don’t need to relive the sexual act that resulted in your birth and subsequent mark on all of mankind.”

Valentin grinned. “Suit yourself.”

“Besides, it’s not hard rock you’ll get in New Orleans,” Rafael pointed out. “There’s more jazz there than anything else.”

Valentin shrugged. “I could get into some Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald-style music.” He grinned. “It’s New Orleans. What’s not to love?”

Rafael grinned. “True.” Yet he hoped Remy wasn’t considering sending him there for the security detail. He didn’t want to leave Bayou Mambaloa until they knew a little more about the break-in at the Mamba Wamba Gift Shop.

Truth was, he didn’t want to leave Gisele unprotected.

She had her assistant during the day, but she was alone at night with no one to have her back.

Now that he had the apartment across from hers,he was at least within yelling distance and could be there in seconds.

When Rafael reached his truck, he slipped in behind the steering wheel, his gaze on the little gift shop.

Valentin climbed into the passenger seat. “You’re going to opt out of the New Orleans gig, aren’t you?”

Rafael shot a frown toward Valentin. “Why do you think that?”

“Dude, it’s pretty obvious that you’re stuck on the gift shop owner. Though I’m not convinced she’s that into you.” He held up a hand. “Don’t worry. I won’t interfere. I think she’s hot, but I get it. You have first dibs.”

“You can’t have dibs on women,” Rafael said. “They tend to make up their own minds.”

“Well, I’ll give Ms. Gautier a week to decide before I turn my brand of charm on her. After that, you won’t have a snowball’s chance in hell to win her back.”

Rafael snorted. “Am I supposed to thank you for the courtesy?”

“You could. Or you could turn up the Romeo appeal and see where it gets you.” He glanced at his watch. “One week, man. That’s all the courtesy I’ll give you. Better get cracking.”

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