Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

I did not want to do what I was about to do.

Earlier when I called Martin to tell him I’d found the perfect place for his business associates—and I’d managed to do that without throwing up in my mouth—he told me he was busy in meetings and he’d call me when he was ready for me. Then I’d had a slew of calls for other guests needing my attention so I was unable to sneak over to the Sky Jewel. This had made Wilson grumpy because he wouldn’t see me before he had to leave to go to the party. It also meant that Asher acted as my driver, taking me back to my place. This served double duty. I needed more clothes but if Gavin was still following me, he’d see me going home.

Asher had snuck up to my condo using the back delivery elevator while I used the main resident entrance.

It was all very Mission Impossible.

Now I was back at the mansion, it was late and I knew the party would be kicking off. And it was now that Martin had deemed the time for us to meet.

I didn’t want to be here for a plethora of reasons; mainly because I already knew what was happening behind the ornate mahogany door in front of me. Then there was Wilson. He’d be inside and I really didn’t want to see a bevy of beautiful women circling him. Or Eden. I really didn’t want to see that woman at all.

It was now or never.

The faster I went in, talked to Martin, the quicker I’d be on my way back to the Sky Jewel.

I pushed open the door and was immediately assaulted by the sound of music, flowery perfume, and way more people than I’d seen at the other parties.

Shit.

If this got too out of hand and someone complained, management would come over and ask Martin to tell his guests to leave.

I thought about the sweet Osborns downstairs. They wouldn’t be home from their show for a few hours but Mr. Osborn would complain.

I saw George making his way through the crush of people, beelining for me.

Great.

George.

“Good evening—”

“Mr. Jackson’s waiting for you in the library.”

Before I did anything, like say, turned toward the hall that took me to the library, George grabbed my elbow.

“Hey.” I yanked my arm away. “I know where the library is.”

“Mr. Jackson left strict instructions I’m to escort you.”

“You can do that without manhandling me,” I informed him.

George’s scowl turned nasty. I stepped back.

Eden appeared looking every bit the call girl madam in her glittery champagne-colored dress and sky-high heels, face and hair perfectly done up.

“Is there a problem?”

Yes.

There was a problem, I just wasn’t sure what it was exactly.

George had never been particularly polite or nice but he’d never been scowly and mean.

“Mr. Jackson wants Miss Levine escorted to the library.”

“I’ll take her.” Then Eden’s cool gaze came to me. “Good evening, Miss Levine. Thank you for coming up on such short notice.”

“Of course. There’s no need to pull you from your guests. I can find my way.”

I turned. So did Eden. Together we moved down the hall.

What in the world was going on?

I’d never been escorted through the villa.

“Please forgive George,” she started. “He shouldn’t have touched you. Mr. Jackson has a very important meeting coming up and things haven’t gone as smoothly as we’d hoped.”

Business meeting.

Ugh.

I wanted to ask the woman how she slept at night. How she could look at herself in the mirror knowing she was working for a man who kidnapped women and sold them. How she could live with herself knowing she rented out women who more than likely were not like any of the call girls I knew—making a good living and doing it of their own free will—but keeping them hostage, forcing them to sell their bodies.

Of course, I didn’t ask that. I was just Martin’s casino host. I wasn’t supposed to know she was a glorified pimp and he was a monumental piece of shit.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I believe you already have. Thank you for finding a property to host our out-of-town guests. I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”

“No trouble at all. I’ve arranged valet for the meeting as well. Will you need catering?”

We stopped in front of the closed library door.

Eden knocked.

“No, thank you, I have catering sorted. I’ll need the names of the valets.”

“I’ll email you the list.”

The door came open, Dale came into view, and my heart immediately started pounding.

Beside me I felt Eden stiffen. No, not stiffen, but she definitely held herself at attention. Like someone would do when they were meeting the big boss.

“Thank you, Eden.” His tone was dismissive. Eden dipped her chin gracefully and quickly departed. “Come in, Miss Levine.”

I really did not want to go into the library with this man, especially knowing he would shut the door behind us. With the loud music no one would hear my screams for help and if they did they’d probably think nothing of it.

Wilson was here.

Jack and Asher knew where I was.

I had my watch on.

I stepped into the room and my stomach flip-flopped.

Martin was sitting in a plush leather chair, Catarina on his lap, and he was petting her like she was, well…a cat.

I had to hand it to her; she looked doe-eyed and sweet, totally oblivious to the danger in the room.

Her dress showed off her ample cleavage, the hem rode high, barely covered her girly parts and it wouldn’t be much better if she was standing. Her hair was down, long and wavy. Smokey makeup on her lids. Her feet were encased in a pair of heels that a seasoned stripper would have a hard time walking in.

The door clicked shut.

The music dulled, which made the fast beat of my heart the center of my attention.

“What did you find for me, Atlee?” Martin asked.

Was he seriously going to carry on a conversation while he was rubbing Catarina’s thigh?

Yes, yes, he was.

Pig.

“A stunning property in Mountain Springs. Eight bedrooms, each with an en suite, three full baths besides, two half-baths. Just shy of sixteen thousand square feet. Two living rooms, a family—”

“Is it private?” Dale cut in.

“Of course.”

“How private?” he pushed.

“The property itself sits on two acres—”

“I’m not asking about that, Miss Levine. I’m asking if it’s private.”

Asshole.

Before I could rein in my temper and remember I was speaking to a woman-stealing-sex trafficker my shoulders snapped back and my eyes narrowed.

“If you’d let me speak, Mister, you’d know the property I chose for Mr. Jackson not only sits on two acres but it backs up to conservation land. The nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away and the house sits at the end of the road with mature trees and scrub providing more privacy.”

“Tell me more about the house, Atlee.”

I slowly dragged my gaze from Dale’s expressionless face to Martin.

I tried my hardest not to look at Catarina but it was impossible. Martin’s hand was skimming higher, tracing the hem of the very short dress. She gave me a serene smile and if I didn’t know any better I’d think she was actually enjoying the attention.

Damn, she was good.

“Four levels with three-sixty mountain views, as well as The Strip and the valley. It underwent a six-million-dollar renovation last year. Two kitchens, two pools, three outdoor entertaining decks with firepits, an outdoor kitchen, and bar. The primary suite has a sauna, steam shower, and a private outdoor soaker tub. The home is pure luxury and class. You’ll love it.”

I pulled my phone out of my blazer pocket.

“I can email you the details now if you’d like.”

I’d already pulled up the listing before I’d left the Sky Jewel in preparation to send it to Martin.

“No need to email it,” Martin said, holding out his hand. “Show me.”

Shit.

He wanted my phone.

Panic rose.

“Atlee?”

Please, Lord, the universe, goddess of good fortune, any of the above, please do not let Wilson text me while Martin was looking at my phone.

The short distance to Martin’s chair felt like I was walking to my death.

This could be it.

One text and I’d be caught.

I handed my phone over. Martin took it and started scrolling through the pictures. Cat’s eyes were on the screen as well. I was acutely aware Dale was behind me and likely not pleased I’d snapped at him.

I wanted out of this room ASAP.

“Yes,” Martin hummed. “This will be perfect.”

He was nodding and smiling as he continued to look through the images.

Come on, finish.

My phone vibrated.

Holy fucking hell.

I held my breath as his smile faded.

Martin’s eyes sliced up to me and asked, “Who’s Jack and why does he want to know if you’re okay?”

Catarina snuggled closer to Martin.

Shit.

Think, Atlee.

Think.

“Just a man I’m seeing. We had a date scheduled. I told him I’d be late. Guess he’s getting impatient.” I shrugged, hoping I was pulling off nonchalant instead of scared as all get-out.

Martin held my phone out.

I felt Dale come up beside me and I quickly grabbed my phone from Martin.

“I’d like to see the property,” Dale demanded, holding out his hand.

No, he wanted to check my text messages.

Catarina shifted on Martin’s lap. He groaned and stilled his hand on her thigh.

Gross.

“She has a date and so do I. She can email the details.”

I gave Catarina a small smile thanking her for the save while on the inside I was cringing.

“Martin—”

“She’ll email them now, won’t you, Atlee?”

I looked down at my phone, pulled up my email, and nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

I attached the file and hit send. No subject line, nothing in the body of the message. Just the file.

“Done,” I announced and put my phone away.

Dale would have to wrestle me to get it from the inside pocket of my blazer.

Please, God, don’t let him touch me.

“Excellent. I’ll let you get on with your evening. Thank you for coming in.”

“My pleasure, Mr. Jackson. Enjoy your evening.” I made my way to the closed door and turned back. “One thing before I go. The doors to the terrace are open. I would hate for anyone below you to be disturbed by the music. Perhaps I could shut them to block the sound from traveling down to the courtyard?”

“Yes. That’s fine.”

Unfortunately, before I could exit I caught Dale’s eye. His normal bland expression was now one of extreme annoyance.

“I’ll go with you.”

“That’s not—”

“I insist.”

Great.

This was getting worse and worse.

Dale crowded me as I made my way down the hall. He stayed close as I wove through the crush of people. It was a crazy mixture of older men in suits and younger guys in jeans and t-shirts. Then there were the women: dresses, bikinis, and some in lingerie.

The amusing thing was I’d bet some of the guys in jeans were wealthier than some of the men in suits. This was Vegas, after all, and I’d learned not to judge a person’s financial status on the clothing they wore. One of the richest VIPs I’d ever met always wore baggy sweats and was covered in tattoos. He, too, enjoyed throwing outrageous parties. But his were mild by comparison.

I made it to the terrace, slid one of the large sliders shut and was moving to the other side, Dale dogging my heels, when I’d had enough.

“Is there a reason you’re following me?”

“I don’t trust you,” he sneered, letting emotion seep into his tone.

I made a show of glancing around the room, catching sight of Wilson at the bar. Eden sat next to him saying something but his eyes were locked on me.

Maybe that was what bolstered my attitude. Or maybe I’d had enough of being scared for one night and I wasn’t going to let Mister Dale get under my skin.

“What exactly do you think I’m going to do, steal the silver?” I spat.

Dale stepped closer. My eyes shot over his shoulder. Wilson was coming off his stool.

Shit.

“I think you’ve seen too much.”

“Too much? I agree, I’ve seen a lot of tits and ass over the years but if you’re talking about this.” I swept my hand toward the pool deck. “I hate to tell you but this doesn’t hold a candle to the things I’ve seen.”

“I don’t like you,” he informed me.

My phone vibrated in my pocket.

“And I don’t like men who think they can intimidate women by getting into their space.”

I saw Wilson pushing through the crowd. I needed to end this before he did.

“Now, if you’d please make sure the terrace doors stay closed and the music is turned down I would appreciate it. It would be a shame for someone to complain and security to show up.”

With that, I turned to leave.

Dale’s hand shot out and he grabbed my forearm. I quickly yanked free, very aware Wilson was watching.

“Do. Not. Touch me.”

“I’m watching you,” he threatened.

“Well, that should be boring.”

I passed Wilson on my way to the front door, pausing only to give him a friendly smile. He looked positively furious but he let me pass without saying anything.

My belly was doing somersaults as I waited for the elevator. This was getting more complicated by the second. The doors finally opened and I pulled my phone out to check my messages.

Are you okay?

Check in or I’m coming up.

Damn. That last one was sent almost three minutes ago.

My thumbs were moving over the screen when the doors opened and Jack was standing there.

“What the fuck?” he growled.

I didn’t bother asking him how he accessed the mansion. This part of the hotel was off-limits to normal guests. There was security posted at the gate and the pedestrian entrances. You needed to be on a guest list to get into the courtyard.

“I’m being watched,” I quietly muttered.

Seeing as Jack was better at this than I was, he stepped to the side to allow me to walk by him. I didn’t see him again until I was on the busy sidewalk. He kept his distance as we walked toward the Sky Jewel. My phone vibrated and as much as I hated trying to text and walk at the same time I looked at the screen.

Go straight up to the room.

I’m going to the casino floor.

All I managed to send back was one letter.

K

Ten minutes later I was in front of Wilson’s suite, fumbling to get the key card he’d given me free from my wallet when Asher opened the door.

“Jack told me you were on your way up.”

“I couldn’t get my card out.”

Asher stared at me.

“Shit, woman, you’re shaking. Come on.”

He tugged me into the room and didn’t let go of my hand until we were in the living room and he was pulling me down to the couch.

“What happened?”

“I think I screwed up really bad this time.”

Why couldn’t I stop shaking?

The front door slammed open and I jumped.

“It’s just Jack,” Asher told me.

It was indeed just Jack who stalked into the room with the same furious look I’d left Wilson with back at the villa.

“Wilson texted,” Jack ground out. “He said Dale got in your face but didn’t have the details.”

“It was my fault. I antagonized him.”

“You what?”

I filled the men in on what happened. I noticed Jack’s face turned murderous when I told them Catarina had been on Martin’s lap. And when I explained how she’d saved me from having to give my phone to Dale, I thought Jack was going to go back to the mansion and commit multiple felonies.

“We already knew they were looking into you,” Jack informed me. “Dale watching you isn’t a surprise.”

Wait. What?

“Who’s looking into me?”

“Louis had his people look into you. As you know, Wilson took care of that situation. Louis is too busy scrambling to focus on you. Rhode’s looking into Dale. Until we know who he is we can’t neutralize him. I can’t say it was your normal smart giving the man attitude but it is what it is. You have protection, Atlee, he won’t get to you.”

Get to me?

And why was I still shaking?

I put my hands on my knees to stop them from bouncing.

“It’s the adrenaline,” Asher murmured. “It’ll wear off. A hot shower and some food will help.”

Food?

Was he nuts?

“Is Wilson okay?”

“Yeah, beautiful, he’s fine,” Jack softly told me.

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“Because I’m lying to make you feel better.” He smiled. “But he’s better now that he knows you’re here and safe.”

Right. I was safe but was Catarina?

I hated she was back there with Martin.

I wasn’t sure what was happening with Jack and Catarina but I couldn’t miss the sexual tension between the two. It sparked off of them whenever they were in the same room.

“Just so you know, Catarina was playing Martin like a fiddle.” I stopped short of telling him she’d had me convinced she was happy to be on his lap.

“Great,” Jack bit out.

“She’s gonna be fine,” I tried again.

A muscle in Jack’s cheek jumped.

“The shaking’s going to get worse.” He changed the subject. “You should shower and I’ll call for food.”

Obviously he didn’t want to talk about Cat.

Moving on.

“My stomach—”

“Do me a favor and help me out. I don’t want Wilson on my ass when he gets back pissed I didn’t feed you.”

“Fine,” I huffed.

I swayed when I stood. Asher reached out to steady me.

Damn, I wished Wilson was here.

“I’m fine.”

Asher’s look of concern clearly stated he didn’t believe me.

It wasn’t until I was in the bathroom attempting to take off my clothes I understood why.

My face was pale and I was trembling so bad it took three tries to get my fingers to manage the buttons of my shirt.

Wilson had been right; I should’ve called in sick.

But it was too late now.

* * *

I felt Wilson behind me.

His arm went around me and he shoved his face into my neck.

“Everything okay?” I whispered.

“It is now.” He pushed closer. “Go back to sleep, princess.”

Like always, I followed his command.