Chapter Twenty-Four
Austin
It’s after midnight when I arrive at the Scottsdale Airport. I use an air service when traveling and Andreas managed to arrange a late flight. He’s included himself in the travel itinerary and he’s back on my needs-to-be-beat list.
“I’m your protection. It looks bad for you to go into another territory without me. You should have more than just one bodyguard, but I didn’t figure you’d go for it,” he said before we boarded the small jet.
He was right.
I’ve thought about how to approach Moon’s home since we left. I still don’t have a set plan. There’s a rental vehicle waiting, and I ponder how to deal with Moon while Andreas navigates the streets. When Victor was alive, we visited Moon’s place about once a year. Cindy came along even though Victor rarely involved her in business. Cindy enjoyed Madison’s company, so Victor gave in.
We hit the tight road leading up to the front gate and two vehicles pull out and block us, causing Andreas to abruptly stop the car. I step out unarmed and raise my hands as does Andreas. “I’m here to see Moon,” I tell the first guy who approaches.
“He’s expecting you, Mr. Miller. I need to check you and the vehicle for weapons first and then you can drive up to the house.”
I don’t like that Moon knew I was coming. The men sweep the vehicle inside and out and give us a thorough pat-down. Andreas is carrying a small pocketknife, which the guard takes away. Andreas lifts an eyebrow at me and I shrug. Moon’s security is tight, which is why Melina’s safe here.
We finally pass inspection and make our way through the gate and up the drive. Although it’s after midnight, Moon and Gomez step outside and greet us.
I take Moon’s hand when it’s offered. Gomez and I don’t shake. I held his position and you always keep your hands free. Andreas knows the rules too.
Moon’s lips twist like he wants to smile. “Took you long enough. I expected you hours ago.”
I have no desire to smile. “Where is she?”
“She’s sleeping. We’re going to talk and then you’ll find a nice hotel for the night and return tomorrow at a decent hour.”
Gomez notices when I flex my fingers. His do the same. Andreas is to my left and slightly behind me; he’s ready if shit goes down. Not that we’ll win without weapons but Moon is pushing my buttons and I’m damn close to pushing back. “So talk.”
Moon gives me a long, cold look before a slight smile appears. “We’ll go to the dining room and have coffee. This won’t be a short conversation.” He turns his back on me secure in the knowledge that Gomez has his safety under control. I turn my back on Gomez hoping Andreas will do what I pay him to do.
I’ve been in the dining room before, albeit under better circumstances. Gomez and Andreas remain standing until Moon pushes out a chair and nods to Gomez to have a seat. I do the same with Andreas. I guess this will be a friendly chat. That doesn’t mean it couldn’t change quickly. I’ll play this game for as long as I can take it.
Moon steeples his fingers on the table. “My men are looking for Fernandez and if I find him first, you won’t have the opportunity to kill him.”
“I plan on finding him first.” This is not starting well.
“Then we’re in agreement that one way or another he’s a dead man.”
“Why are you involving yourself?” I ask instead of agreeing to his terms.
“Besides the fact that he killed good friends of ours you mean?” Moon is smooth and doesn’t show emotion.
“Yes, besides that,” I answer in the same emotionless tone.
“Fernandez has a man partly responsible for the unsuccessful hit on Madison. I was to exchange him for Melina. That went south when Fernandez tried to kill her.” Moon hesitates and lifts an eyebrow, which I don’t acknowledge, so he continues speaking. “I’m on the hunt for both of them.” Again, I don’t challenge him. “My wife also has a fondness for Melina and offered her a job answering phones for the service. Melina is doing great and can stay as long as she wants.”
Yeah, he’s doing a damn good job of getting under my skin. “You could have mentioned Melina was answering phones when we spoke earlier.” I have no doubt my eyes are filled with murder.
It doesn’t affect Moon in the least and he gives me a calculated smile. “And miss this little reunion? You should have been here days ago.”
I slam my fist on the table, my civility at an end. Gomez jumps from his seat and Andreas quickly follows. Moon only raises his eyebrows again while acting like this is some kind of fucking tea party. He waves at Gomez and Andreas to sit.
“Boss?” Andreas asks me.
“Sit,” I say with all the frustration I feel. I keep my gaze on Moon. “Melina is mine. It’s not up for debate. If you find Fernandez before I do, do the world a favor, and take him out. Melina is leaving here with me tonight.”
Moon’s eyes go from brown to black and any semblance of a smile disappears. His jovial mood is at an end too. “Melina will do what she wishes. She’s under my protection and that includes from you.” He holds up his hand before I go into combust mode. “The last time you had her, you fucking pissed on her unconscious body. You also held her against her will and inked over thirty percent of her skin. As you know from my dealings with Victor, I don’t tolerate human trafficking in my territory. For Victor, it was the same.”
Fuck. This won’t end well. I suddenly wonder if Andreas has a family. I’ve never asked or cared and why the hell should I now? It bothers me that I even consider his personal life. My balls must have recently receded. My chair flies back a foot when I abruptly stand. Andreas raises his hands after the gun in Gomez’s hand clicks.
“Sit down,” Moon commands. I need someone to kill and Moon is looking like the best possible candidate to relieve my fury. I remain standing and Moon remains calm. “Why don’t you tell me what you need Melina for,” he says just as calmly.
Fuck. “She’s mine,” I grind out.
“Yes, if she chooses to be. From what I’ve seen of your actions, you are not the choice she’ll make.”
“You seriously pissed on her?”
We all turn to the doorway, where Mak stands with her own gun in her hand. If things could go worse, they just did.
“Fuck.” I wipe my palm over my face and sit back down. “Yes. I pissed on her before returning her to her brother. That has no bearing on the fact she’s mine.”
Mak steps further into the room, her gun partially lowered. “It has everything to do with it. You actually pissed on her?”
Christ, fuck I understand why she isn’t happy. “She’s mine,” I continue before Mak interrupts. “If she chooses,” I concede to keep the peace with Moon’s woman. It’s not easy because all I can think about is taking Melina home and locking her in my basement if she doesn’t come willingly.
“Once she knows you pissed on her, I don’t think her answer will be the one you want. And speaking of want, why?”
That is the big question and I answer truthfully. “I don’t fucking know.”
“Then figure it out. She works from eight until five tomorrow. You can speak to her when she’s off work. Until then, I’m tired and I’m going to bed. You can stay in the guest bedroom down here on the main floor, but I don’t want her seeing you in the morning. She’ll need time to deal. Are we clear?”
Moon speaks before I can answer. “He’s going to a hotel tonight.”
Mak smiles at him. “That would be inhospitable. You need to watch him and there’s no better place than here. If he gets out of line, it gives me an opportunity to shoot him myself. When a dog marks his territory, it’s serious business. This is our territory and we won’t be giving him that chance.”
Moon shakes his head and smiles at her. “As you wish, my dear.”
“Don’t ‘my dear’ me. You know I’m right or you wouldn’t agree.” Moon lifts his hands in supplication. Mak turns back to me. “Have I made myself clear or can Gomez give you a lift to the warehouse?”
She’s made it damn clear. I bet she was pretty damn ballsy as a cop too. “Clear, and thank you for your hospitality.”
“You’re welcome and now I’m going back to bed for more beauty rest. Tomorrow, or should I say later today, will be interesting.” She walks out after placing a quick kiss on her husband’s lips.
“I actually feel sorry for you,” Moon says a moment after she leaves the room.
“How so?” I answer in a defeated tone.
“Mak has a tender spot for Melina and she won’t make this easy.”
“I don’t deserve easy,” I counter.
“At least you’re wising up.”
That will be determined tomorrow. I definitely need sleep tonight.