Vissarian
“How far to the airport?”I asked the driver.
Fifteen minutes had passed with no further interruption, but I knew the ordeal was far from over.
“Five minutes, sir,” the soldier answered.
I had to admit that I was more than impressed with how Carlos had built his business. He was certainly on the wrong side of the law, but he’d used Cuba’s strategic location to his benefit.
“Change in plans. We’ll refuel in Texas. Can you make arrangements when we get on the plane?” I asked Fallon. She’d remained quiet, doing nothing but stroking Bella. I could tell she was lost in her thoughts, likely held prisoner with the knowledge of her real identity. It was a lot to take in and given we’d barely had time to adjust, constantly placed in danger, I also knew the rush of adrenaline would soon begin to fade.
“Texas. Yes, I can. What will happen once you take me to Vegas?” Her voice had lost some of its oomph. At least she was no longer holding the weapon with white-knuckled fingers as if it were a lifeline.
If I knew her, she was also feeling guilty about taking a life. Perhaps she didn’t realize she’d saved mine.
My little fireball.
“Then we develop a plan.”
She slowly turned her head toward me. “I am not marrying some Russian asshole under any circumstances.”
“Are you talking about all Russian guys or one in particular?”
With the narrowing of her eyes, I sensed she wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “We shall see.”
I laughed. So did Alessandro and Stefano.
“Don’t underestimate Bruni. The patriarch is a real asshole,” Stefano stated.
“You’ve dealt with him before?” I asked.
The two brothers looked at each other. “A long time ago,” Alessandro answered. “He’s cutthroat and doesn’t care who he needs to eliminate to get what he wants.”
“Then I’ll enjoy slitting his throat.”
My words drew another flash of her eyes. “Don’t. You’re not a killer.”
“Apparently even after all we’ve been through, you don’t know me very well.”
I was surprised when she grabbed my hand, squeezing. “Do you see this little fur ball right here?”
“You mean the one that helped me save you?”
“Dogs never lie. They weed through the bullshit and rage, sadness and every other emotion. They can smell a bad person from a mile away. Bella adores you. That tells me everything I need to know.”
Little did she know just how far I’d go to keep her safe.
Carlos leaned forward. “Let me do the talking at the airport.” When he drifted his gaze in Fallon’s direction, I laughed seeing how she rolled her eyes.
“Fine by me.” I rubbed the scruff on my jaw, realizing I hadn’t shaved since I’d left. From where I was sitting, I had a decent view of the road. Less than a minute later, I noticed a sign for the airport. “Put your game faces on. Things are about to get dicey.”
This time, I squeezed her hand and the way she looked at me was as if asking if everything would be alright.
I refused to lie to her. At this point, perhaps I should leave it up to divine intervention.
Carlos reached into a bag, doling out automatic weapons like candy. “Be careful who you point these things at. The Cuban police don’t appreciate gringos getting in their faces.”
“Something I remember not so fondly.” I grabbed one, thankful the man had our backs. “You brought the company jet?” I asked Alessandro.