Page 14 of Queens and Monsters

“Oh fuck. I forgot about it. No, we haven’t seen it.”

Jasmine took off down the hallway.

I lifted my hands. “I’m not going in their bedroom.”

A minute later, Jasmine came back with the ball of fluff in her hands. “She was sleeping in her box.”

“Safe and sound. Let’s go,” I said.

“Let me put her back.”

When Jasmine returned, her smile was less bright.

“We’re not kidnapping you,” Em said. “You don’t need to look sad.”

“I know…”

He reached for her hand, making the small hairs stand on the back of my neck.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

“I’ve never done anything like this before.” Before we could respond, she tilted her head and smiled. “I’ve wanted to…you two are a bad influence.”

“Nothing bad will happen,” Em promised. “You have two of the cartel’s best soldiers at your service.”

Jasmine pulled the hood of her jacket up, hiding her luscious hair. With her eyes downcast, she strolled into the elevator. Em and I stood in front of her, keeping her near the corner and less obvious to the camera. We rode the elevator in silence, thankful that it didn’t make any other stops. By the time the elevator made it to the parking garage, we all were ready to bolt. Instead, we walked calmly. I hit the key fob, and the lights flashed on the black Lexus I’d rented yesterday.

“Oh my God,” Jasmine exclaimed from the back seat as we closed the doors and started the engine. “We actually did it.”

“Time to show you what life can be like when you’re not under the capo’s thumb,” I said. I gritted my teeth and held my breath as in the rearview mirror, I watched Jasmine unzip her hoodie and free her gorgeous fiery mane. Her top sparkled, reflecting the lights from the parking garage and her cheeks had a rosy hue of excitement.

“Where are we headed?” she asked.

“Green Lady Lounge,” Em replied.

“Have you heard of it?” I asked.

Biting her lower lip, she shook her head. “I haven’t, but that doesn’t mean much. Where is it?”

Chapter

Five

Jasmine

Istared out the windows, viewing the world as I’d never seen it. It was as if the cold air buzzed with electricity, humming with energy. The ground, covered with millions of diamonds, reflected the city lights. Colorful holiday decorations twinkled. From the interstate, I saw the river. The sky radiated the golden illumination lighting the arches over the bridge connecting Missouri and Kansas.

My circulation raced through my veins with a sense of excitement and adventure.

Two years ago, I never would have left my home with the two men in the front seat of this car, especially without Piero or Armando. I’d grown accustomed to my bodyguards’ presence. Now their absence wasmagnified.

Dario claimed the alliance was solid and trustworthy.

He couldn’t blame me for believing him and thus trusting Reinaldo and Emiliano.

I didn’t want to think about Dario.

My mind filled with the possibilities of an evening out and away from watchful eyes. The two soldiers with me were conversing in a language I didn’t speak. A few words here and there made sense but not enough to follow their conversation.

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