Page 58 of Under His Sheets
“I need to search your person.”
I glared at the large man.No fucking way.
“Just as a precaution,” Paolo said, attempting to placate me. “One cannot be too cautious.”
No mercy from the gods. The sweat machine kicked back into high gear.
“Search me? For what?”
“We believe your date may have planted a listening device on you. Do you mind?”
Jaume reached for me, and I flinched at the same moment I heard a familiar voice in the hall.
“Randall! I had no idea you would be here.”
Camille walked in with Vidal and came straight for me. She wrapped her arms around my waist and kissed my cheeks. I could tell by the overwhelming scent of eau de wine that she was feeling very good. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Vidal pulled her away and spoke in her ear. She glared at him and then composed herself before turning to me with a small smile.
“You sounded wonderful, Randall. I’m sorry. I have to go.”
“Thanks,” I said to her back as Vidal practically dragged her from the room. What the hell was she doing with him?
I turned back to Paolo and started to say I needed to leave, when Jaume grabbed my shoulder.
“Take your hands off me,” I said as I twisted away from him.
“Jaume,” Paolo said, shaking his head. “My apologies, Randall. But remember what I said. Be careful who you trust.”
I nodded to him. “Please tell Pere I’m so proud of him. He was so excited to play for you.”
I gave Jaume a look that I hoped let him know I was annoyed and not scared shitless. I said good night and made my way toward the front door. All of the guests were leaving, speakingin hushed tones and looking rattled. I joined the flow of traffic headed out the door to find several soldiers in full uniform with big-ass guns, standing around taking note of everyone leaving the party. I made my way through the packed driveway and out to the street.I couldn’t go the direction of the rendezvous without running into a large group of soldiers, so I went the other direction, figuring I would work my way through the neighborhood. There had to be another way to find them.
And I managed to get turned around.
Since I couldn’t find the van, I wanted to at least get as far away from Paolo’s house as possible. I kept walking into the darkness until I reached a quiet neighborhood with few lights on in the houses. It was after ten by this time, and my heart had finally slowed to a normal pace when a car came whizzing around the corner.
I recognized the Saab.
Alonso screeched to a halt and climbed halfway out of the car.
“Get in.”
I hesitated. Paolo’s words had shaken me.They’re using you. In that split second before I decided I didn’t care if it was the wrong move, my insecurity flared to life and I thoughtmaybe he really is that good of an actor. Maybe this is all a job to him.
“Amor. Let me take you somewhere safe.”
My only other option would be to try to find a cab in a neighborhood that was mostly empty and far from the city center.
“Okay.” I walked around the car and got in the passenger side.
“Keep your head down,” he said to me and he sped away. With his lights off.
THIRTEEN
Saturday 10:27 PM Barcelona,Catalonia, Spain
I was sleepy but so wired from worrying all night that I was shivering in the front seat of Alonso’s car. I had the seat all the way back so I could remain out of sight, as he had to drive close to the Ferrer house to get out of the neighborhood.
