Page 29 of Ruthless Redemption

“Them? How many?”

“Two. A man and a woman, if the smaller set of shoe prints are anything to go by.”

I bite back a curse. “Why wasn’t I told earlier? Where are they?”

“I only made the discovery during the early hours of the morning when I went outside for a smoke. They were smart enough to set up camp on the beach outside the boundary fence, just out of range of the security camera. They left the card in their hollowed-out bunker and shoe prints in the sand. There was no threat or attack. At the moment, I assume they only want us to know they’re watching.”

Shit.

I’ve failed in hiding her. “How the hell did they find us?”

“The same way we would’ve found them. Bribe airport staff for flight records, then scour the arrival location. They’ve probably spent the last three days searching every inch of coastline.”

Fucking Cole.

“I’ll call Torian.” I should’ve known better than to think he would fade into the shadows while our deal was in play. “I’ll get them to disappear.” Either by threat or violence.

“Yeah, you do that. And while you’re at it, maybe ask your new best friend what will happen after the thirty days are up and Layla still wants you dead.”

He’s pissed, and I get it. I’ve complicated his life with no benefit.

But he’s also worried. For me. For himself. And given the way he handed over his clothes to Layla, it goes without saying he’s worried about her, too.

“I’m going to finally get some fucking sleep.” He backtracks toward the stairs. “You two are on your own for a few hours. Try not to kill each other in the meantime.”

“I’ll pay attention to the security system and wake you if something happens.”

“Don’t bother. I’ll keep my notifications on.” He turns and descends the first step. “At this point, I don’t trust you to pay attention to anything other than your dick.”

I scowl at his back, hating his lack of faith. But I still can’t regret the choices I’ve made in bringing Layla here.

Letting her go wasn’t an option. It never will be. He’ll understand that in time.

I crumple Hunter’s business card in my fist and march into my bedroom to snatch my cell from the bedside table.

I dial the only Torian number I have. The call’s answered on the second ring.

“Is she okay?” Keira demands without pause.

My anger stumbles over the concern in her voice. Layla thinks her family hates her, that they disowned her, and I’m the sick motherfucker who hasn’t assuaged the misconception. “She’s fine.”

“Then why are you calling?” A bitter edge creeps into her tone.

“I need to speak to your brother. What’s his number?”

“Why?”

I clench the phone tighter, my patience thin. “Because his men are watching us, and I want him to have a clear understanding of what will happen once I get my hands on them.”

There’s no response. No bite of my meaty threat.

“I’ll take your silence as a lack of concern,” I grate, “and retaliate accordingly.”

“No, you won’t… Hold on a second.”

There’s a rustle of noise, the murmur of undecipherable conversation, then, “Calling to renegotiate terms so soon, Costa? Layla’s always been a handful, but I thought you would’ve lasted longer than three days.”

I close my eyes, holding my screaming demons at bay.“I’ve warned you about calling me that.”

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