Page 21 of Hacker Unknown

Just then, Kat’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and announced, “Hey guys, looks like another group just showed up looking for Sonali. The team has taken them in for questioning. I think it is best you both stay here tonight and catch the flight first thing in the morning.”

“We are heading over to Blackwood Mercenaries to talk with Vincenzo. Call us if you need anything.”

Paxton and Quinton followed Kat and Antonio out of the room. I dropped Sonali’s hand and sunk into the hospital chair. “Why don’t you get some sleep.”

Sonali yawned, “I am still very tired, but you can’t sleep in that chair. Why don’t you join me in here?”

The thought of climbing into bed next to her was tempting, but I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands to myself. “I think it’s best I sleep in the chair.”

“After what happened today, I would feel more comfortable if you were closer. Can you please lay with me until I fall asleep?”

This was probably a horrible idea, but I climbed in the bed next to Sonali. She turned on her side and I wrapped my arms around her. The hint of strawberry filled my nose. I’d never cuddled with a woman before. The concept was foreign to me, but at the same time it felt right. And I wondered for a moment if I was making the right decision not to take the meds.

Chapter 7

Sonali

A warm hand brushed under my legs, waking me from my sleep. I blinked a couple of times, trying to figure out where I was. Paolo leaned over me in the back of a car, his arm sliding under my legs and his other arm going behind my back. We’d left the clinic late in the morning going straight to the private airport. Even with a full night of sleep I dozed off the moment we got on the plane and apparently during the car ride to the resort.

“You can go back to sleep. I'll carry you,” he murmured.

“Thank you, but I can walk,” I protested. He stepped back and still held out his hand to help me out of the car.

The warm, tropical breeze felt wonderful against my skin. The smell of flowers brought back a memory from my childhood when my mom would take me to the flower gardens, so I could pick a bouquet to decorate our table. Not sure why, but I automatically reached for Paolo’s hand as we walked toward the large, open doors. The night before flashed through my mind—his body wrapped around me while I slept. I wasn’t scared, but I knew it was the only way to get him to join me in bed. The chair he was about to sleep on looked uncomfortable.

"This place is beautiful," I said.

Paolo pulled a pack of smokes from his pocket and lit one. "It's my first time here. A few of my coworkers have told me stories though.”

“Why don’t you head in? I will be only a couple minutes.”

“I can wait.” I picked a white daisy and placed it in my hair. “I almost forgot did you take the meds Paxton gave you?”

This morning before we left, I’d seen the bag on the table next to my bed and I contemplated looking at the bottle to see what was wrong with him. I worried the blood I saw on his napkin was from whatever illness he was dealing with. My blood could only heal with the research and somebody that knew what the hell they were doing. Without Devon I wasn’t sure I could help Paolo even if I wanted.

“I haven’t decided if I am going to take the meds,” Paolo answered as he stubbed out his cigarette and disposed of it. “Let's go find your room so you can get settled in and maybe we could order some food.”

My stomach turned at the thought of food after being slipped pills in my last meal. I wasn’t sure I was ready to eat again. It was as if he had read my mind.

Paolo squeezed my hand. "I promise I won't let anybody do that to you again. I failed you once, but I won't let it happen a second time."

This big, gruff man had to realize he couldn’t protect me from everything.

We climbed the marble stairs into the open reception area. A five by five foot crystal chandelier hung from the center of themassive room. To the left was a row of marble counters, though nobody was behind the desk. Instead, a man about Paolo’s height and dressed in a suit stood poised under the light fixture. Next to him stood a woman with long brown hair, dressed in the skimpiest swimsuit I’d ever seen. Her nipples would probably fall out if she moved.

The man held out his hand as he said, “It’s good to see you again Paolo.” He turned towards me. “I’m Jared Black, welcome to my island. This is my wife, Kayleen. After you all get settled, Kayleen can help inform Sonali about the rules here.”

I watched as Pablo shifted his weight from leg to leg. “We're not here to play. My whole goal is to keep her safe. I wouldn’t mind talking with your security and get a tour of the property.”

Jared narrowed his eyes. “Even if you're not here to play, everybody must follow the rules. As for security, yes, we can have someone set everything up. But that will be discussed after dinner. Your brother and his wife are already here, and everyone is dining in one room tonight. We can talk about safety measures then, in case anyone sees someone who isn’t supposed to be here. I assume Antonio and Kat are coming as well?”

Paolo shook his head. “They have cleaned up in Fort Lauderdale and possibly are making a trip to New York.”

Jared nodded, “Here is your key card to your room. You have the first bungalow at the end of that walkway. I believe CJ already sent you all of my information. If you have any questions, just call my phone.”

Kayleen, stepped forward, “Can I just say how excited I am to meet you? Sonali, I absolutely love your paintings.”

I was taken aback; she actually knew who I was.

---