Page 64 of Diesel's Perseverance
“Is there any chance there’s a pool on the property?” she asked.
Diesel laughed, and Welder snickered.
“This may look like a resort, but it’s an outlaw clubhouse.”
“So, no pool.”
“Right.”
“Then, are you up for a dip in the ocean?”
Diesel looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “No fuckin’ way. Until I nail the fucker, you’re not safe in public places.”
Anger streaked through Myla. “Are you saying I can’t leave the property?”
“No. I’m saying that we’ve got to be smart. We gotta limit exposure in public places until I have control over the situation. Being on a beach with thousands of people right now doesn’t make sense. You need to be patient.”
“I’vebeenpatient, but it’s getting old.”
Diesel squeezed her hand. “I know, but hang on a bit longer.”
She pulled her hand away and sulked until he turned into a parking space.
Welder jumped out of the car, grabbed the suitcases from the trunk, and walked into the clubhouse. Diesel ran his fingers up and down her left arm.
“Being hasty can bring dire consequences. The enemy counts on you to drop your guard. I understand this is a pain in your ass, and you want it to be over, but you can’t run outta steam now, especially since you spotted the fucker.”
“But I’m not a hundred percent sure it was Peter.”
“Your first impression was that it was him, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll listen to your gut instinct. His being here means someone tipped him off you were coming to San Diego today. Who did you tell?”
Myla ground her teeth as sparks flared inside her. “I didn’t tellanyone. Who didyoutell?”
Diesel glared. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“You’re accusing me, so I’m throwing it right back at you. Doesn’t feel so good, does it?” She reached for the door handle, but he pulled her arm back.
“I wasn’t accusing you of shit. I was asking a damn question. You’re always so fuckin’ defensive. It makes me wonder why.”
“I can tell that you and Freddy are brothers because neither of you knows the meaning of trust.”
“What the hell are you talking about? I didn’t say shit about not trusting you. I’m trying to figure out how the asshole knows what flight you were on. Just fuckin’ chill, okay?”
“I get the feeling you think I’m hiding something. I’m not. I haven’t spoken to Freddy since I last told you about it. I didn’t tell anyone I was coming here. I mean, who would I tell anyway? I don’t know anyone well enough except you.” She knotted her arms across her chest. “I want to wake up from this fucking nightmare.” Myla bit her lower lip to keep from crying in front of him.
“Myla,” he softly said as he tugged her to him and placed her head on his shoulder. “I can’t have anything bad happen to you; it’d kill me. I need you to trust me.”
“I do,” she whispered. “I’m just all mixed up inside.”
He stroked her hair without saying anything.
They sat silently for a long time, each lost in their thoughts.
Finally, Myla straightened up and reached for her purse on the car mat. “I should change out of these clothes. I’m dying for a cool shower.”
