Four

Devlin

Aiden holds open the door, and I climb into the limo, settling into the nearest leather seat conveniently situated across from the mini wet bar. While Aiden drives me to my second meeting of the morning, I pick up the tablet I’d left discarded on the seat earlier. I’d been monitoring the news on my way to Kade Security, a company I’d taken over five years ago. Under my command, it’s flourished. The technology is state of the art, and the home security business has become one of the most top rated in its field.

Next on my agenda is a meeting back at the hotel with the managers. I hate mornings like this, but it can’t be helped. My legitimate businesses are just as important as the illegal ones.

I scan the newest article about the District Attorney’s missing daughter. As I’d expected, her disappearance made the headlines. Luckily, I was able to clean up the scene and those connected to the crime before any damage could be done. The cops are chasing false leads, and I find it amusing.

The limo slows for one of the numerous intersections as I tuck away the tablet. I glance out the tinted window with disinterest as my thoughts shift to the upcoming meeting.

When my phone vibrates in my pocket, it draws my attention back to the present. I slip a hand inside my suit jacket and pull out my phone. I’ve been expecting Carter’s call. I’d sent him to Charli’s this morning to give her the new ID and the credit card I’d put in her name. She hadn’t had any sort of identification, so I’d taken the liberty of giving her one to make life easier. A credit card can be kept on her person daily, and I can transfer funds into the account once a month. It’s less hassle than dealing with cash.

“Yes?” I ask curtly into the phone, adjusting the tie at the base of my throat. I hate ties.

“She’s gone,” Carter informs me.

“I gave her five grand yesterday, she’s probably out spending it.”

“She hadn’t touched anything in the apartment and must’ve fled during the night. I found the key, money, and phone untouched.”

My expression darkens as I straighten in the seat. “She rejected everything?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“She didn’t take any of the money?” I ask, needing verification that she’d refused my generosity.

“Not a single cent,” Carter confirms.

Anger stirs within me. I’ve never felt the urge to take care of another human being for the sake of being kind. I protect those that work for me because it’s expected. Not once in all my twenty-seven years have I had the inclination to make someone else’s life better. It’s just not who I am, but Charli’s different. I know how unkind street life can be, and if someone doesn’t step in to help her, she’s going to end up dead.

A slow burn begins to simmer deep within my gut. I should put her out of my mind and forget about her, but I haven’t been able to do that since the moment I’d laid eyes on her. She doesn’t want my help, and it’s not like I enjoy giving it, yet I still find myself doing exactly what I shouldn’t. “Find her and bring her back to the apartment. Call me when it’s done,” I order before ending the call.

She needs a damned babysitter, and as much as I don’t want to involve myself further, it looks like I’m going to have to wrangle one for her. I’ll also have to make it clear that ignoring my instructions will bring consequences. If I hadn’t stepped in last night, she’d be overseas right now—on her back as men use and abuse her body, or worst-case scenario, she could be dead. Instead, I’d spared her life, and now I consider her mine—just like everyone else in my organization.

I think I need to pay Charli a visit.