“Perfect. I’m certain Fassi wasn’t happy Eduardo provided assistance to us a few months ago either. He could use my cousin’s absence to draw one or all of us out in the open. That’s why we need to keep our arrival quiet.”
“I got it. If we get wind of a location, I’ll text you.”
“Good. I have a bad feeling Fassi is trying to end the game between us.”
Fuck, I hoped so.
“Diamonds aren’t just a girl’s best friend any longer,” I said, laughing. We’d taken a strong foothold in several countries with our diamond business, including New York. Fassi had hoped to claim ownership of the Big Apple, asserting control over several crime syndicates and politicians. He’d failed. We’d succeeded.
He was pissed, which could mean he’d do something stupid. We’d be ready when he did.
“Just keep me informed. We’ll be landing soon. I’ll make a few calls. Find the location of the warehouse Eduardo mentioned.”
“Will do.” With the call ended, I slipped my phone into the pocket where I’d shoved the knife. I’d learned something else about thehalcón seductor. She was no killer. Had she been, she would have used the knife on the soldiers who attacked her. In confronting me, she’d been fueled by her anger. Another reason I knew her vendetta was very personal.
The intense desire had been unexpected for both of us.
Time to have a longer chat with my guest.
Silvio remained in the hallway, talking with Alonzo. “Check with the men securing the warehouses, especially the one Eduardo called The Devil’s Den. If what the informant told us is true, Fassi might be working with the Alcarez Cartel to raid that warehouse first.” While Jago seemed convinced a possible attack on Eduardo’s warehouses was based solely on drawing us out in the open, my gut told me there was more going on. Eduardo wasn’t the brightest bulb in the world, but he was a greedy son of a bitch. If the asshole had gotten us in the middle of a turf war no one could win, I’d kill him myself.
I glanced at Eduardo’s most trusted lieutenant, who was none too happy I’d replaced his boss even in the short term. “Santos, have your men keep a close eye on every warehouse as well as the estate. In addition, I have a guest that I want to protect, but who could also attempt escape.”
Santos laughed. “I’ll instruct the men at The Devil’s Den to keep a close eye on the infrared cameras. Plus, I’ll make certain security is beefed up around the estate. Just in case.”
“Good.” I continued moving to where Fallon was waiting. Alonzo grinned as I approached. “Any issues?”
“No, but never a dull moment,” Alonzo barked. “She’s been making noise.” He nodded toward the door.
I shook my head and walked past. “A word of advice to all of you. Don’t let your guard down. Especially when women are involved.”
Their grumbles at least brought a smile to my face.
CHAPTER 7
Navarro
Women could definitely rule the world.
They were confident, conniving, and ingenious when required.
Fallon was no exception.
As soon as I opened the door, I shoved my hands into my pockets. Fallon had managed to unlock the set of French doors leading to the balcony and was currently navigating scaling the trellis to the first floor. I don’t know why seeing a woman placing herself in a precarious position created such an urge to rip off her clothes, but that’s exactly the way I was feeling.
I walked in quietly, unable to keep from grinning. The woman needed to be tamed and I was just the man to do it. She’d kicked off her heels and was sitting precariously on the iron railing. With the death grip she had on the cold metal, I sensed severe anxiety.
My thoughts running wild, I tossed my jacket across the back of the couch as soon as I walked further into the garish den, cringing as soon as I did. I even took the time to roll up my sleeves, sensing she wasn’t going anywhere quickly.
Why I’d agreed to staying in the lavish mausoleum was beyond me, but the estate was a testament to the man’s testicles. Half the shit appeared gilded in gold, although I doubted Eduardo could afford doing so.
The asshole was a prick through and through.
Her hesitation meant she was afraid of heights and we were only on the second floor. Taking my time, I headed toward the doors, leaning against the doorjamb. “Be careful. The vines have thorns. Given the type of plant, you could have an extreme allergic reaction.”
Her body stiffened then swayed.
With a slight turn, she slipped forward.
