“The answer’s simple,” I say as a black Mercedes pulls up outside the ally, “we give him what he wants.”
We drive in silence, both in deep thought. The attempt on my life, the Albanians at the fight, Asher’s proposition, now Layla. So many moving parts.
I had a grip of everything. But just as I think I’ve got control…curve ball.
I don’t like this new side of Levi. He’s usually the most predictable. But this, this feels like he’s positioning. Just as Black suggested.
I tap my fingers on the armrest, thinking through Black’s proposal. I need to get traction on the Thames freeport, otherwise I’ll lose face with the Colombians.
That’s my first priority right now.
We need to get the first shipment out on the streets, and the most logical way to do that is using Black’s logistics company to help.
Even if it's temporary.
“What do you do?” Layla finally plucks up the courage to ask, breaking the silence.
“This and that.” I take out my phone and draft a message to Rome.
“You’re some sort of gangster, right?”
I pause and glance across at her. Fuck, her tits look amazing when she crosses her arms underneath them like that. “I manage imports and exports.”
She snorts and shakes her head. “Drugs or Guns?”
“Now, now, Layla. Don’t think that you have free rein to ask me any fucking question that pops into that beautiful head of yours. Let’s not forget what killed the cat.”
“What?”
“Curiosity, Layla. Curiosity killed the cat.”
“You’re ridiculous.” She looks back out the window. I smirk and go back to my phone.
I want to see the site tomorrow.
10:30. I’ll send Roman the address.
Asher Black
I rub my temples, feeling Layla’s gaze on me. My phone rings. Roman.
“I’ll call you in the morning,” I tell him.
“He’s using her to get to you,” Roman says before I can hang up. “You know that, right?”
“I’m fully aware.” I know I’ve fucked up. I hang up and look over at Layla.
A plan starts forming in my head.
“Sunshine, I’ve got a proposition.”
18
Layla
The alcohol churns inmy stomach, and it’s taking everything in me to keep everything I’ve eaten and drunk for the day from exploding out. I swallow down the bile and try to school my features.
“Sunshine, I’ve got a proposition for you.” His voice is firm and strong, and there is something in how he talks, power and confidence radiates from him.