Page 97 of Beautiful Dangerous

He sits back and shrugs, picking up the fork next to his folded-up napkin and tapping it lightly against the edge of the table. “Money isn’t a problem. Create some part-time work. The locals will be more than pleased to hear we’re creating even more employment.” He glances briefly toward the open French doors that lead back into the restaurant, he’s probably wondering where Lucca is. I know I am. And I know I said I’d had enough to drink – and I probably have – but I could seriously do with another one right now. “How did the meeting with Eddie go?”

I’m surprised he doesn’t already know, he seems to be checking up on everything else I’m doing. “Fine. I’ve looked into the new clients he’s lining up for the next weapons shipment, and it’s all good.”

“You did well, making the decision to go all in with the bikers. I’d never considered gun-running, I didn’t think we needed to go there, but I trust your judgement.”

Again, I’m surprised. But whether he means it or not, I’m still not sure. In fact, my paranoia levels are pretty much sky-high at the minute, and I think I need a breather. A moment to pull myself together.

“I won’t be long.” I push my chair back and stand up just as Lucca arrives.

“Was it something I said?” He accompanies that retort with a smile, and he has no idea how much that smile pierces my heart with a pain it’s getting harder and harder to ignore.

“Pour me a shot of that, will you? I’ll go see how dinner’s coming along.”

I escape back inside, but head straight back out again, onto the slightly quieter front terrace, this one hasn’t got the sun on it anymore. I just really need that moment. It feels like I’m slowly losing control of everything, and it’s terrifying, but I don’t know how to claw it back. And for the first time ever I’m truly scared of Javier. Of what he could do if he ever found out about me and Lucca. Betrayal isn’t something that’s tolerated in this world, and what Lucca did… He knew Javier was alive, and he still let it happen, and if I’d known… If I’d known I would never have touched him. Ever. I would never have put his life at risk, I love him too much for that. I love him, too much.

Taking another long, deep breath I head back inside, remembering to make a quick detour into the kitchen to grab a basket of bread and a plate of butter before rejoining Javier and Lucca, who seem to be happily sinking tequila and laughing at some story Javier’s recalling. Lucca is doing a much better job than me of pretending none of this shit is happening.

Setting the bread down in the center of the table I sit back down, next to Lucca, my thigh accidently brushing his as I push my chair in, and just that brief connection is enough to start my heart beating wildly, I can feel my cheeks flushing.

“Dinner won’t be long. I hope you’re both hungry, Alvaro’s made a ton of stew, just for us.”

Javier looks at me, and he smiles the most beautiful smile, and I allow it – just for a second or two – to bring back the many happy memories we share. We had a good life, before he chose to disappear, a life I’d loved. But everything’s changed now. And I can’t pretend it hasn’t.

“Are you okay, Olivia?” His expression swiftly switches to one of concern, and I look at him. Right into his eyes, no, I’m not scared of this man. I’m not. He made me the woman I am now, strong and fearless, and I’m not afraid of him. I’m not.

But you’re afraid of what he can do…

“I’m fine.”

“If you’re tired maybe I should get Lucca to take you home.” He glances around the terrace, as though he’s looking for someone. “Is there no-one from the Devil’s Creed here? I thought I’d made it clear that someone should be with you at all times.”

“Angel was here a little while ago, but with you two coming there was no need for him to stick around. He’s back at the clubhouse now.”

Javier sighs, his fingers turning his phone over and over on the table, does he even know he’s doing that? Has my husband suddenly developed nervous tics?

“Areyou too tired?” His eyes are back on mine, and there’s a hint of frustration in his voice that I have never heard before. Almost like he’s exasperated, and I don’t understand why.

“Maybe.”

“Lucca, go get Alvaro to pack you up some food and take Olivia home.”

Lucca doesn’t even look at me before getting up and heading off to the kitchen.

“We can’t leave you on your own,” I say, trying to ignore the nervous excitement welling up inside of me. Some time with Lucca, alone, that’s a gift I wasn’t expecting. But it’s a welcome one.

“You should know by now, Olivia, that I am never alone in any of my establishments. I have all the protection I need, don’t worry about me.”

Does he? Have all the protection he needs? We do have security here at the restaurant, of course we do, but the men and women we use are all from an agency in town that supplies all the security staff for all of our hotels, restaurants and clubs, they’re not cartel members or bikers. Security at the casinos is another matter, there we use our own people, but not here. Has he changed something, without telling me? At this point, do I even care?

Lucca arrives back at the table with a bag of food, and Javier stands up, taking my hand and pulling me up, too.

“Come here,mi amor.”

I step into his arms, his hand sliding onto the small of my back as he leans into me, his mouth brushing my earlobe as he whispers into it. “Wait up for me. I shouldn’t be too late.”

That isn’t a request, it’s an order, and I swallow hard as he lets go of me and sits back down. And I watch as Javier signals toward a tall, dark-haired man I’ve never seen before, and who seemed to materialize from out of nowhere.

“Cillian will look after me.”

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