Page 181 of Tempting All The Way

“No, it wasn’t my fault. I was telling her no. I told her to get up, and I was trying to pry her hands off my pants when Dani opened the door,” I attempt to explain.

“Have you told this to Dani?” Xavier questions, like I haven’t thought of it myself.

“How the fuck am I meant to tell her when she won’t answer my calls? Won’t even read a fucking text message with my name on it?” I grunt at him.

“Want me to find out where she is?” Xavier smirks.

“How the fuck can you find her when I can’t?” I point a finger at my chest.

“Because I have connections you don’t,” he says simply.

“Find her,” I tell him.

“Done.” He pulls his phone out of his pocket, presses a button, and puts the device to his ear. “LuLu, I need a favour from that no-good boyfriend of yours,” he says. I don’t hear his sister’s reply, but moments later, Xavier puts the phone on speaker.

“Xavier, what can I do for you?” a deep male voice asks.

“Dom, I need you to put those stalking skills of yours to use and find someone for me,” Xavier explains.

“Who and why?” Dom replies.

“Danielle Hutchinson, an employee. She’s, ah, missing,” Xavier says.

“Fine, give me five.” The phone cuts off.

“Guess having your sister date a psychopathdoescome in handy.” Xavier laughs.

“Not funny. Lucy could do a lot fucking better,” I tell him.

“She could,” he agrees.

Five minutes later, the phone rings. “Xavier, how exactly do you know this girl?” Dom says in greeting. The guy isn’t one for pleasantries—that much is evident.

“Why? I told you. She’s an employee.”

“No reason. Couldn’t find her. Sorry, mate.” Dom cuts the call again.

“What the fuck was that about?” I ask Xavier.

“No idea.” He shrugs. “Have you tried contacting any of her friends?”

“If I knew where they lived or their numbers, I would. I’ve been to her apartment. She hasn’t been back there all week.”

His phone rings a second time. “Lucy?” he answers. Once again, I don’t hear what his sister says to him. Xavier nods his head and verbalizes his agreement before hanging up.

“What’d she say?” I ask.

“Dani’s at her friend Eloise’s house. Lucy’s going to go see her.”

“What’s the address? I’ll tag along.”

“You can’t,” Xavier says.

“Why the fuck not?”

“Because her friend lives with Gio De Bellis. Dani has been staying at their house.”

It clicks. I know the name. And I remember Dani saying something about Eloise having a new boyfriend. I don’t’ recall her mentioning who he was though. “I don’t give a fuck. I want my girlfriend back,” I yell louder than I need to in the enclosed space.

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