“I’m taking her to her hotel to grab her stuff, then we’ll head out. She doesn’t know where we’re going.”
“Will you blindfold her?”
I stare at Pablo, incredulous that he asked that.
“What? It’s safer if she doesn’t know how to get there. No one can force her to take them there, and we keep our privacy.”
“Who’s being an ass now? She’s my girlfriend, not my prisoner.”
There. I said it. As far as I’m concerned, Maddy’s my girlfriend even if we haven’t defined our relationship down to that term. It’s what we mean. At least, I assume that’s what she means because that’s how I see it.
I glance at her, and our gazes meet. We spoke quickly, so she may not have understood everything, but I’m sure she knows “novia” means girlfriend. She confirms it when she dips her chin in agreement. Pablo’s expression hardens when I focus on him again.
“And she was like my little sister from the day she was born. Whatever you have going on between you isn’t my business but making sure she’s safe sure as fuck still is.”
“Then explain everything to anyone who needs to know and keep your phone on. I’ll let you know once we’re there.”
I offer Maddy my hand, and she slips hers into mine. She offers Pablo a smile that’s far warmer than when we arrived. Maybe she followed our entire conversation after all.
“Pablo, I don’t know what’s going on, but I know your distinct tones. I trust Javi just like I always trusted you. Whatever he thinks we should do, I’m going to listen to him before anyone else. I’m sorry for the trouble I already caused, and thank you for cleaning up the mess.”
Pablo watches her as she speaks, and I know he’s trying to read between the lines both about what’s going on between Maddy and me and why those men chased her. Before I stormedinto her hotel room, I would’ve said Pablo understands her better than I do because of their lifelong friendship. But I don’t think that’s the case anymore because when he looks at me, I know he has more questions than answers.
“Always, Madeline.”
“If you’re allowed to let anyone besides Enrique know where Javi’s taking me, tell your mom and dad hi for me, please.”
Pablo merely nods.
“We’re taking a car from the fleet.”
I don’t want anyone who’s figured out what Maddy’s driving to follow us, and the car I have with me today is far too flashy. If I’d known what I was getting myself into when I raced out of my place, I would’ve driven my mid-size BMW. It’s far less conspicuous than the Porsche.
“I’ll have a guy pull an SUV around.”
It won’t be a large one we use on missions. Those damn things are veritable tanks. Pablo knows I want something reinforced and sturdy, but nothing that’ll stand out. He hesitates a moment before stepping forward and kissing Maddy on the cheek. She wraps her arms around him, and I know she relaxes. But I also know it’s not the same as when I hug her.
“Is your number still the same, Pablo?”
“Yeah. Call it if you need anything at all. Listen to Javier. He’ll do whatever he needs to, to keep you safe from whatever’s going on.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“We’ll be down in a couple minutes.” I want Pablo to leave us alone before Maddy and I head down to the garage.
He says nothing before he leaves, just a last look at me and a nod. I turn to Maddy, and she accepts my offered hand. She’d held it when she got off the desk but had to let go to hug Pablo. Now we lace our fingers.
“How much of that did you understand?”
“Bits and pieces. You usually don’t speak that fast.”
“True, but Pablo and I weren’t just chatting. I’m taking you somewhere only my family knows. No one outside the family and our most trusted guards go there, so it’s the safest place in the U.S. I can take you.”
“That’s why he suggested you blindfold me.”
I guess she understood plenty.
“Yes. We can stay there as long as we like. We have everything we need to last there a couple months, not that I think it’ll come to that.”
