Page 60 of Devil's Property
“Got it. I’ll keep searching. Let me know when you’re ready to go.” When he grinned, I tilted my head. “Not saying anything, boss. Not a thing.”
I offered a scowl in return. “Have Santos put several soldiers on the ground. I want them finding answers if the Alcarez pricks kidnapped an American woman.”
“You really think there’s a chance she’s alive?”
“For some reason, I do. If so, I want her found. Before we leave.”
“Tall order, boss, but I’ll see what I can do.”
Silvio was good at rousing men to heed my orders. With the mood I was in, no one wanted to cross me at this point.
When he remained in the room, I lifted a single eyebrow. “More bad news?”
He laughed half-heartedly as he scratched his head. “I don’t think you want to hear this.”
“But?”
“But we have issues with Eduardo’s soldiers.”
“What do you mean issues?”
He shrugged and by the expression on his face, I could tell admitting whatever the hell was going on wouldn’t make my day. “They don’t like taking orders from you. Believe it or not, there are several absences today, including two soldiers who were assigned to watch the estate.”
Loyalty was not only respected but required, yet the behavior of Eduardo’s men indicated they’d been made aware their leader wasn’t thrilled with at least one member of the Torres regime.
Namely me.
I walked closer, holding in an explosion of anger. No one questioned my decisions or my authority. “I suggest you have a conversation with Santos. Help him understand that while I’m involved with this organization, they will operate as soldiers under me. Period. If they don’t, they’ll learn my methods of punishment exceed the level of savagery Eduardo purports to dole out.”
Silvio grinned as if I’d just given him the keys to the city. “Happy to, boss. I’ll take care of it right now.”
Exhaling, I waited until he’d left the room while my thoughts drifted once again to my lovely guest. I headed to where her purse was positioned and the moment I pulled the clutch into my fingers, I brought it under my nose. Her soft fragrance lingered in the bag. Musk and flowers, vanilla and spice. The combination was irresistible. My cock twitched in appreciation.
I opened it, peering inside. Besides her wallet, there was a compact and lipstick. There was also a keycard for a hotel. For a woman with little in her bank account, staying at the Ritz Carlton seemed very suspicious. The feisty woman was likelykeeping more than one secret. I slipped the card into my pocket. Perhaps I would make a trip to the hotel after meeting with Eduardo. Why not do a little snooping of my own?
As I headed from the room, images of her body writhing under mine shoved aside the earlier horror. I’d lost so much, but I’d had a family waiting in the shadows, including the patriarch I owed my utmost respect and loyalty to. However, my gut told me he’d left out several details about the days leading up to when my brother had supposedly betrayed him.
And in turn, destroyed his own family.
I grabbed the bags holding several purchases, heading from the room.
After nodding to the two guards who now stood at the head of the stairs, I returned to the room.
The light coming in from the partially open blinds created a halo effect around Fallon’s face and body. She was even more spectacular with her hair splayed out across the pillows and her cheeks rosy from whatever dream she was having. I sensed she was in a deep REM sleep given the way her eyes rolled back and forth under her eyelids. Unable to help myself, I concentrated on the way her long lashes skimmed her cheeks as she issued a slight moan.
The tops of her breasts were uncovered, the sweet blush of one nipple peeking out from above the sheet. As had happened the night before, my mouth watered.
She certainly had an enticing effect on me.
After placing the bags near the bathroom door, I pulled her phone into my hand. She’d been smart, establishing a passwordinstead of using the facial recognition software. Could the hackers employed within the Torres organization eventually crack the code? Yes, but I had no time to waste and they were all safely sequestered in Barcelona.
I sat down in chair opposite the bed, easing back in the seat and giving a quick glance around the room. The bedroom suggested royalty; I realized the quiet life I’d established for myself in Spain was a far cry better than empty corridors and servants handling every aspect of my life.
It would seem Eduardo needed someone to wipe his ass, let alone cook his meals and clean blood and gore off the walls.
When she made a noise, a subtle yet anguished cry, I leaned forward, whispering my questions out loud. “Who are you, Fallon Baldwin, and why do I have the feeling your presence will destroy my life?”
CHAPTER 17
