Page 60 of Winters Heat

Mia covered the phone with her hand enough to show Juan Carlos that she wanted his permission but her position allowed Titan to hear as well. “Mr. Silva, he would like to know who I’m with. And where we are.”

“You may tell him that you are my guest, and that you are not hurt. He can figure the rest out. Your friend will know what I want, and I am willing to negotiate.”

She turned her mouth back to the phone and moved her hand ceremoniously. “Winters, I’m fine. I’m Mr. Juan Carlos Silva’s guest at his beautiful white home. The gardens are gorgeous.”

Juan Carlos slammed his hand down. His accent flared. “Enough. I did not say details.”

Tears welled in her eyes. Of course, Juan Carlos would realize she tried to reveal her location. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Silva. I wanted to convey how lovely you’ve been to me. The food. The shower. Thank you.”

He looked convinced of her genuine thanks. “Fine. Go on then.”

“Yes, sir,” she said before speaking back to the phone. “I’m not hurt. Mr. Silva is willing to negotiate for what he wants.”

“And he wants?” Titan’s man spoke in an even disinterest.

“The list.”

“Of course he does. And I assume you’re the pawn in this exchange?”

“Yes.”

“But he doesn’t want to talk to me?”

She offered him the phone. Juan Carlos shook his head. “No, not now. He needs to think over the possible consequences.”

Putting the phone back to her ear, she said, “Not now.”

“Don’t you worry. I’ll see you soon. Just relax, and listen to Mr. Silva. You’ll be safer that way. I promise.”

Oh thank God. Who was that? He had to be one of Colby’s team members. But why didn’t he put Colby on the phone? He’d see me soon?A tickle of hope bled through her veins.

“Oh, that’s great. Thanks.”

The line disconnected. Shoot, she hadn’t meant to sound hopeful. Mia passed the phone to Juan Carlos and found him studying her.

His fingertips tapped again. “What is great?”

“Nothing. He just re-assured me everything would work out.”

With a disgusted grin, he groused. “How cute.”

Her fingers pleated into the skirt of the sundress.Now what?

Juan Carlos took a sip of his coffee and beckoned to Alejandro. “Return her to the room. And do not take her yet. Damaged goods won’t help me get that disk.”

She felt damaged already. But the wounds on her skin weren’t what he meant. The lust in Alejandro’s eyes didn’t bode well for Mia. He seemed to weigh the options—listen to his boss or deal with the consequences, and he didn’t appear too concerned about the consequences. Mia fought to swallow the terror choking off her airway.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The satellite phone rang in the jet somewhere over the Caribbean Sea. Winters would’ve answered it if he could’ve, a thousand questions at the ready. Instead, he was sentenced to a flight where every man trained their gaze on him, unsure if he’d ratchet down his fury. Their plan was based on strategic assumptions and scientific wild-ass guesses, but cartel kingpins didn’t always behave according to plan.

Jared hit the speakerphone button. “Give us something good, Parker.”

“Good? Hell, I’ll give you fan-freakin’-tastic. Mia called our headquarters. I’m sure she knew I wasn’t Winters but never let on. She kept her cool, described her location, and I checked a few things out. You guys are headed to the right locale.”

His girl was alive. Could he get anamen, hallelujah?

Jared shot a confused glance to Winters, who shrugged.

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