Page 98 of Devious Eyes
“I know we haven’t talked about it, but this holiday romance hasn’t really stayed to the holiday.”
“No, it hasn’t.”
“And you said you love me. Well, I love you, too, but that doesn’t mean I like the world you work in. I’ve always hated what Andreas does, and I won’t tell you to stop. It’s just…I never thought I’d concede something like this over a man.”
“A man you love?”
“Yes, but what you do…”
“Has been turning the Cane empire into a profitable and legal business. There might be a new threat now, but the Yakuza are the only reason I’m going back to that life. I worked too damn hard to have everything burn.”
“You killed people.” The pain in my heart is crippling as I admit those words.
“And I’ll do it again if I have to.” His words are so methodical I can barely believe he’s the same man I met in Bora. “Gabby, you’re my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect the ones I love. Picking up a gun and pulling the trigger included.”
It’s as romantic as it is violent, but I think I understand. His eyes are nothing but sincere as I search for reassurance. There’s nothing there but concern and love. From the moment I first met him, I knew this would be different. We both broke the rules and got burned, but the core of us, the centre of our relationship has only grown stronger, enduring through the pressure to become brilliant.
“I want us to go home, Nate, but I have no idea where that is.” I’m careful not to put too much pressure on his leg as I lean over him and wrap my arms around his neck.
“Don’t worry. I know exactly where we’re going.”
* * *
It’s been two days since Nate discharged himself and set up ‘home’ at the hotel. A team of guards have been with us the whole time. Private security. I’ve not left the hotel grounds. The view of the beach is so tempting, to push my toes into the sand and feel the warmth radiate through my body, but I want my bruises to heal before I go out too much. And even if I went, it would be with an armed escort.
Nate’s been resting. At least his body has been resting. His mind has been plotting. His laptop must have been surgically attached as he’s barely turned it off. It’s a state of limbo. We’ve barely talked since we got to the suite. Denny and Joe have been our shadows. There are others as well, but I’ve not seen them. Joe’s assignment is to keep me safe. That’s all he’s really said to me. He certainly doesn’t blend in. Being over six foot and built like an American football player, he turned every woman’s head in the lobby when we checked in.
A pang of guilt hits me as I remember Jon. His job was to protect me, and it got him killed.
For the last forty-eight hours, all I’ve had to do is get lost in my own head, constantly bombarded with questions about the future, about my life, my friends, what we’ll do now. It’s sobering.
“Nate?” I call out even though I know exactly where he’ll be.
“Sweetheart?”
“What’s the plan?” I sit on the arm of the sofa as he closes his laptop. “Can I take Joe and get my things from the apartment I have here? Are we staying here long? I have a hundred questions.”
“I have a plan. No, you can’t. No, we’re not. We can try to answer them on the flight.”
“Flight? We’re leaving?”
“Yes. And you don’t need to worry about anything.”
“Okay, Nate Cane. Stop it. You don’t get to make all the plans. I told you I don’t want to leave you. I love you, but don’t treat me like some dumb girl. Include me. Keeping me in the dark isn’t going to ensure my safety.”
He studies me for a moment as I brace my arms across my chest.
“Fair point. We’re going away while Quinn and I look at the threat the Yakuza pose. This is what both Quinn and I have agreed. You are far from dumb, but the fewer people who know the plan, the better. And yes, that tactic will ensure your safety. As will Joe. But, I will tell you, you’ll like it there.”
“What about my things?”
“I’ll arrange for them to be boxed up and shipped or stored. What do you want?”
“How long will we be there?”
“I don’t know at the moment. Have you got somewhere else you’d rather be?” he asks with a sly smile.
“No, but that’s not the point.” I huff, but Nate catches my arm as I stand, and pulls me back against him on the sofa.
