Page 60 of War Within
He what?!
Jane’s smile was replaced by instant fear.
Yes boss, Marco escaped. We need—
I'm on the way.
I hung up, grabbing Jane’s wrist. Forgetting momentarily, she was still recovering, I pulled her down the sidewalk harshly.
“Ouch!” She tried to jerk away. “I’m innonc—”
“Jane, Marco escaped, we need to go.”
“Do you girls have everything packed?”
Giovanni examined the suitcases and duffle bags, sitting next to the front door in the foyer. “I do.” I nodded.
“Same, I think.” Valentina squeezed Emir’s hand, still unaware to why we had to leave.
After Marco escaped, Giovanni insisted Valentina and I leave Serbia immediately, flying to his beach home on a private island off the coast of Hawaii. I was not sure how I was supposed to seduce him when I was on another continent, but I had to go along with the plan. If anything, putting distance between us, gave me time to lock myself away and extract more funds for my boss.
“You're both going to freeze on the way to the airport.” Emir gestured to our sundresses and sandals.
Valentina twisted her body, showing off her clothing. “We're dressed for our destination.”
“You could have changed on the plane.” Giovanni shook his head.
“We’re fine, dad.” She rolled her eyes, laying her head against Emir.
“Okay, listen. I have a few instructions.” Giovanni arched a brow. “When you arrive, you will be picked up by Kahale. He will take you to the house. You will have round-the-clock security on the premises. This includes cameras and armed guards at the gates. Most, and I mean absolutely the most important thing is, do not go out of the house alone.” He darted his eyes back and forth between us. “I know it’s our private beach, but it’s important. Am I clear?”
We nodded in simultaneously.
“I said,am I clear?!”
“Yes!” Valentina shouted.
I remained silent, deep in thought.
“You're the two most important women in my life before my mother. “If anything happened to you two—”
“They're going to be fine.” Emir, who has been rather silent, staring at me, finally spoke.
Giovanni patted his pocket then pulled his phone out, reading his screen. “Okay, your car is outside.” He turned to Emir. “You guys go take a minute to say bye. I’ll walk Jane out.”
Taking my hand in his, he led me out to the car as someone loaded our luggage in the trunk. He wrapped his arms around me, tugging me gently to his perfect body. His charm almost made me lose sense of who I was momentarily.
Leaning close to my ear, he whispered. “I've placed a special gift in your luggage. Don't open it until tomorrow night”
I took a step back. “You didn't have to do th—”
He placed a finger to my lips. “I wanted to.”
Fluttering my eye lashes, I tried my best to force tears, but it was not working. Instead, I clasped my hands together, averting my gaze. “Giovanni, I'm so scared.”
Lifting my chin with his finger, he forced my gaze to his. “I promise to always keep you safe now.”
“I’m not worried about me.” I stood on my toes, throwing my arms around his neck.
