Page 51 of Wine & Whiskey
8
Chapter Eight
Platters of omelets, pancakes, and sausage cover the kitchen table where Max and Shae sit and talk. Well, he talks. She quietly fidgets, alternating between tugging on her dress and picking at her fingernail polish, only looking up at Marta passing through the foyer. Probably hoping for Nick.
A heady blend of fried bacon and coffee perking makes his stomach growl, but he can’t think about eating. Not with her suffering across from him, devastated from her grief. “You’ll stay in the penthouse at theAqua Masion. It has a panic room as well as a private elevator, giving us escape options in case anything happens.”
A busy, upscale hotel makes an attack even more unlikely. Too many witnesses and tight security to get through, along with his own men stationed inside and out. There’s no way in hell Juan can reach her. At least in the suite. Being out in public poses a different challenge.
He studies her face as she nods, cognizant she isn’t really listening to him. Not understanding what she agrees to. Trying to release some of his tension, he rolls his neck before speaking again. She’ll refuse the next request, but it must be done. No matter how much it hurts her or Nick. “Once we get you settled, you’re going to need to be seen out, first with your friends and then on a date. It confirms you have moved on and are seeing someone else.”
The frown creasing her forehead deepens, yet her mouth remains closed. He touches the back of her hand. “Shae? Are you listening to me?”
She looks up, her eyes finding his for the first time during their discussion. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“We have to make it clear you and Nick have broken up. Both of you will need to been seen out with other people. That way Juan won’t have a reason to come after you.”
“Date other people?” Disbelief quivers in her soft voice, arguing against his instructions. “I can’t do that. I just want…”
Regardless of what they both want, he must focus on what they need. She’s too scared to admit she loves his boss, and Nick’s too protective to tell her she’s in just as much danger without him as with him. He holds his tongue and keeps Nick’s confidence. His job is security, not relationship counselor.
He rubs his hands together before laying them flat on the table. “No matter what goes on between you two, you’re my friend now, and I want to keep you safe. You have to let me and my guys protect you, okay?”
“Thank you. I appreciate everything you do for us—” Her voice catches, and she gives him a sad smile, pinkness tingeing her pale face. “No more ‘us,’ is there? So, I guess just me.”
“I’m doing this for Nick too. It’s what he wants for you.”
She nods slowly. Of all the women who have paraded through Nick’s life, she’s the only one he’s ever liked. Different from the others, she actually has a kind heart and cares about more than just herself or Nick’s money. The only relationship he thought might have a chance. Now, it’s over, and he has to take care of the bastard who destroyed it. Hell, he’d be willing to eliminate Juan just for ruining Nick’s good mood they’ve enjoyed these last few weeks.
“It will take some time to get everything set up. You’ll have to spend tonight here at the house. Marta will make up one of the guest rooms for you. We’ll move you tomorrow.” A blank expression is the only response to his comments. It’s going to be a long day tiptoeing around the two of them. “I’ll let you know when we’re ready. Then, we can get your stuff from Nick’s room and your house.”
The grimace returns as she wraps her dress around her legs. “Where is Nick?”
“He’s in the gym.”
Her head flies up, her eyes widening as her lips part. “He left?”
“No, he’s downstairs, but he doesn’t want to be disturbed.”
His words are spoken to her back as she hops out of her chair and hurries down the hallway. He smiles to himself. No one else could get away with defying Nick’s edict but her.
* * *
She’s never exploredhis house by herself before. Her chest throbs at the realization this is probably her last time here. Darkness greets her in the lower level, all the doors closed. She passes the cinema room where he took her after the incident with Juan at the café. The day she decided she wanted to be in a relationship with him. Now, she doesn’t know what she wants.
Pushing open another door, she steps into a complete gym big enough to host several people. Free weights, tread mill, elliptical, bicycle, and other equipment fill the room. A gray t-shirt drapes across a row of barbells. She brings it to her face, letting Nick’s clean, citrusy scent engulf her, giving her a feeling of home she already misses. Sitting down on the mat next to the punching bag, she pulls out her phone.
“Hey!” Carrie’s chipper voice gives her a small lift, letting her blink back the tears burning her eyes.
“I need you.”
“What’s wrong? Where are you?” Panic replaces Carrie’s cheerfulness, her voice rising on the last words.
“I’m at Nick’s. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“You’re freaking me out. What’s going on?”
The memories of blood staining the street steal her breath, barely allowing her to speak. “Juan shot Jacks and threatened Nick and me.”
