Page 70 of Emerald

“That he understood and we both kind of agreed that it was for one night only because of what I must do. I have a date tonight with that cartel guy. I’m trying to get invited to this gala because I know Pearl will be there, somewhere,” I explain to Mackenzie.

“Then I guess you know what you need to do. Find Pearl, bring her home safely, and then you can concentrate on you,” Mackenzie adds. “I mean, it’s not like you’d be moving toMexico, or he would be leaving, so whatever is happening between the two of you was always going to be short-lived.”

Where was this going once I found Pearl?

“You’re right.”

“Hey, I didn’t mean to make you sad. I’m happy that you got to have something normal with Nash and can continue to have something normal with him for a little while,” Mackenzie states.

“I’m here for Pearl. I probably shouldn’t let some grumpy bar owner distract me.”

Mackenzie sighs. “I’m sorry.”

I shake my head even though she can’t see it. “I’m not normal. I’ll never be normal. I hate that I’m slowly getting glimmers of a normal life, and I keep reaching for it. I thought maybe one day I could have what my brother has.”

“Babe, that can happen.”

“They won’t ever let me go, Kenzie. I’m too good at my job.” My chest tightens.

“Don’t lose hope,” Mackenzie tells me.

“The thing is, in this life, hope gets you killed. I better go. I have so much to plan for tonight,” I tell her.

“Ellie, please don’t give up,” she pleads with me.

“Maybe you can hope for me,” I tell her.

Mackenzie is the most hopeful, optimistic person I know. “I will. I believe things will change.” And with that, we say our goodbyes.

“You look …”Nash is standing there giving me a once over. I’m wearing a black mini-dress that hugs my curves and dips low, showing off my cleavage. My blonde hair is in a ponytail again, and my makeup is darker.

“Manuel’s taking me to a sex party,” I explain to him, it’s why I look like a high-end hooker.

“He’s doing what?” he asks through gritted teeth.

“He doesn’t know I know because of his phone, but he’s testing me, seeing how far I’m willing to go. He told one of the men he works with that he had the best night of his life with me and thought that I might be a good addition for more high-end clients.” Nash is completely still, but I can see every corded muscle vibrating with tension. I slowly walk toward him, I haven’t seen him all day, he’s been at the bar working. My stomach somersaults with each step toward him, I reach out and place a hand on his chest. “Trust me, I’ll be okay.”

Those dark brows pull together as he places a large hand over mine. “How can I not worry?” I read it on his face, he’s serious.

“I’ll be fine. This was my life before it imploded,” I try to explain.

“There has to be another way,” he says.

I shake my head. “Tonight, there’s a chance Pearl might be there. I have to take it.”

“I know,” he says, moving away from me as he runs his hand over his shaved head.

“Look, what happened between us, it can never happen again. My focus is on finding Pearl.”

Nash looks at me caught off-guard by my comment. “You’re right. This is why you came here. If you need anything call me. Good luck, you’re going to need it.” He turns on his heel and walks toward his bedroom, slamming his door shut and rattling the hinges.

My phone buzzes and it’s a message from Manuel saying his bodyguard is out the front for me. There has been a change of plans, we have to attend this party instead of dinner, and he hopes I don’t mind. I knew this was what he would do. So, Ilet him know everything is okay. I take one last look at Nash’s bedroom door before exiting.

It's not a long drive to where the party is being held in an exclusive gated community. The imposing gates open for the car, and we drive up the long driveway to a huge white mansion on top of a hill that overlooks the jungle and ocean. Manuel is standing outside waiting for me when we drive up. He opens the door for me and holds my hand to help me out of the car.

“Carmen, you are breathtaking,”he says, leaning in and kissing my cheek. My stomach turns as he touches me, and I physically want to revolt. That has never happened to me before.Get it together, Elena. Thankfully he doesn’t notice.

“Am I dressed okay for the party?”I ask him, turning around and showing off for him.

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