“Sorry, boss,” he quickly says, a slight tremble in his tone. “That was stupid of me.” He takes a step backward before cautiously meeting my gaze. “I’ll handle the gang.”
My eyes narrow on him, and my voice is low and deadly, a total contradiction to the words leaving my mouth. “You look stressed. Stay here in Lisbon and take a break. I’ll go to Aurora and deal with the gang.”
His features tighten with something akin to panic. “Please let me accompany you. The gang has over thirty members, and they’re known to be violent. Let me have your back.”
“No.” I turn away from John and start to walk toward the exit. “You stay here. I need someone in Lisbon while I’m out of the country.” I pause and glance over my shoulder. “If anything goes wrong while I’m gone, it’s your neck on the line.”
With frustration written all over his face, he lets out a heavy breath before he replies, “Yes, boss.”
I walk out of the warehouse to where my bulletproof SUV is waiting, and once I’ve climbed in behind the steering wheel, I order a private jet via the app Dominik created for the alliance members years ago. It’s come in quite handy.
I interact so much on the app, it’s more my right-hand man than John will ever be. I fucking love it because it cuts through a lot of red tape and bullshit.
Behind the app is a team who are situated on our island. They take care of every need we have, and in exchange, every member pays a meager fee of fifty million a year.
Dominik Varga and his right-hand woman, Evinka, were the ones who found the island and created the masterpiece it is today.
The details for my private jet come through, and seeing that departure is scheduled for five hours from now, I start the engine of my SUV and drive to my house so I can pack for the trip. I’ll land in Minneapolis, where we have someone on our payroll to let me through customs. From there, I’ll have to drive through to Minnesota.
Back when I started making good money, I bought houses and apartments all over the globe. I haven’t visited half my properties and should probably start thinking about selling some of them.
I steer the SUV up the driveway and glance at the guards scattered over the property. Even the group of men who protect my house here in Lisbon has been employed via the island.They’ve all been vetted and know that if they fuck up, the entire alliance will rain hellfire down on them.
I park the vehicle, and climbing out, I take the steps up to the front door. When I go into the house, I’m met with silence.
Even in the safety of my home, I still feel on edge, every muscle in my body wound tight and ready for a sudden attack.
I walk to my bedroom and move fast as I pack a few suits and casual outfits. I open my safe and grab a holster, which I fasten around my ankle, before picking up another handgun and tucking it into place.
I’ll need more weapons in the US.
Pausing, I pull my phone out and put in an order via the app for a house near Aurora and enough weapons to take down a small army should I have to use force to get rid of the MC.
Aurora is a small town, so until they find a house for me, I’ll have to stay in a motel.
Merda.
I have to deal with the MC as quickly as possible. The last thing I’m in the mood for is spending months in some town where everyone is probably nosy as fuck.
JENNA
I position my bicycle against the wall near the entrance and pat my hair that’s windblown from cycling to work as I walk into the small store of the gas station.
I’ve been working the night shift here since I graduated from school eight years ago. It doesn’t pay much, but at least I don’t have to interact with too many people.
Eight years ago, my mom and aunt moved down to Florida because they couldn’t handle the brutal winters in Minnesota anymore. Since then, they constantly ask me to join them, but I keep saying no.
Honestly, I’d love to move down to Florida so I can be closer to them, but then I won’t be able to hide the mess I am. It’s easy putting up an act whenever they call, but living with them day in and day out, they’d quickly realize I’m not the same woman they raised.
“Hey, Jenna.” Mr. Cahoon comes around the counter, shrugging on his jacket. “Unpack the boxes that came in today.”
With my shoulders hunched forward, I nod as I quickly dart past him so I can move in behind the counter.
“I’ll see you at five am,” my boss says, and not waiting for a reply from me, he heads out of the store and walks in the direction of the auto repair shop.
I dig my name tag out of my backpack and quickly put it on. Getting to work, I press a button on the till, and when the drawer pops open, I count the dollar notes and coins. I’ve never been short before, but out of habit, I still check how much cash is on hand.
A car pulls up to the first pump, and my head snaps up. I watch as Muriel puts in gas, and while I wait for her to come into the store, I grab her brand of cigarettes from behind the counter. She’s a regular and always stops here on her way home.
