Page 23 of Retribution

“If we go to war, I need foot soldiers.”

“Hours from Boston? You’re bullshitting me.”

He shrugs. “Maybe. Maybe not.” Sliding off the stool, he opens his wallet and drops a twenty onto the bar. “See you around, Kimmy.”

“It’s Kim.” I lean over my seat as he saunters to the door.

“Oh, right.” He exaggerates the words. His back remains to me as he zeros in on the door. “I forgot.”

My shoulders ache from the tension, and sweat has left pools on my skin. Maybe there’s a shower in the back.

When he nears the door, he leans into Antonio and then gives me a look. “Antonio will stay to make sure you get back okay.” His voice echoes around the empty bar.

“Wonderful.” I raise the remnants of my drink.

Ian pokes his head in and prompts Finn. With one last glance, he leaves Antonio at the door and slips out onto the street.

Sighing, I swish my drink around. Any chance of speaking to Malik or showering is gone with Antonio standing guard in the doorway.

“Anything else?” Malik’s voice is pitched loud enough for Antonio to hear.

“No,” I say. “Just the bill.” Twenty dollars sits between us. He hands a piece of paper to me. I leave the money and slip the paper into my pocket. Whatever it is, I’ll have to read it later. “Keep the change.”

“Have a good day.” He uses the cloth in his hand to wipe the spot I vacated.

As I approach Antonio, his gaze travels over me. “You ever wear anything other than black?”

“Gray.” I open the door. “I like gray.”

“Seems kinda boring.” He catches the door and then trails after me. “Pretty girl like you could use some color.”

“Woman,” I say over my shoulder.

“What?”

“I’m not a girl, I’m a woman. While I suppose it’s nice you think I’m pretty, I don’t need to hear it. We work together. We’re not at the salon getting our hair and nails done.”

I lead him through the streets back to my car, making sure to weave around the city in case anyone else is following us.

“You know, I’m here to protect you now. You don’t need to take a stupid-ass route back to your car.”

“I can protect myself.”

He snorts. “Women think that until they get in too deep.”

“I’m a good swimmer.” Opening the driver’s-side door, I slide in.

Antonio chuckles, climbing in beside me. “But you’re shitty at picking up a tail. We followed you from the house.”

My stomach drops. Have I become rusty and reliant on other people? With Carys, I was surrounded by bodyguards. When I needed to meet Malik, I left the city by plane. Now, meeting him a few hours away by car, I have to be more careful. Today’s mistake can’t happen again.

“He tell you why he followed me?” My seatbelt catches, and I release it to bring it across again.

“Finn don’t tell me shit. I do what he says.”

“Ever ask?”

“Asking gets you killed. He doesn’t like curious people.”