Page 177 of 5+Us Makes Seven

“Well played. Probably broke when it hit the floor, but you never know.” He looked so calm and nonchalant, I wondered what was going through his mind.

“You spoke to your dad before we left for dinner, right? Did you tell him anything important? Think, Lex,” he said, staring at me intently.

“I don’t know. I mean, yes…I called my dad when my cell was charging. The guy on the desk said we got free inte

rnational calls.” I glanced worriedly at Cruz, noting his frown of consternation. “We talked about Prague,” I continued, “and that the girls might be coming home early. I didn’t give away any… oh, shit. We did talk about the flight. And where we were going. Shit.”

I looked at him again, worried. I had given my dad all the details of our impending trip to Prague over the phone. “I mean, it doesn’t matter, right?” I said, my voice raising to a panicked pitch.

“Fuck,” Cruz said.” They needed details. They didn’t know your next destination.” He walked towards me. His face was cold, calm. Professional. A strong, reassuring hand settled on my lower back. “Sit down. Tell me what you told your dad.”

Cruz

She recited the conversation as best as she could remember. As she imitated her dad, her voice deepened and took on a condescending tone. My mind brushed away the amusement I started to feel.

I took a few seconds to think as she finished talking. “We need to go back,” I said. “We…you’re in danger.”

If these guys could sneak into a penthouse apartment and tap a phone without getting caught, they were good. Real good. So I need to beat them at their own game. Somehow.

Alexandra looked up at me, shoulders slumped. Her eyes searched mine, looking for reassurance.

Now ain’t the time to be a pussy. This girl needs you. Fuck, you need her. Time to show these guys what it means to mess with Cruz Miller, I thought, my mind resolved.

I took a deep measured breath in and held it for a few seconds. Folding my arms over my chest, I exhaled slowly as my mind raced to formulate a plan.

Grimly, I looked off into the distance. Feeling Alexandra staring at me, I did my best to look tough, nonchalant, and in control. “Right. Ain’t no big deal, the way I see it. We still have a card to play.” I raised my hand to my chin, rubbing my sharp stubble thoughtfully.

Alexandra shifted in her seat, wiggling her perfect ass nervously. “Which is?” she said, expectantly.

I kept her waiting for a little while longer, enjoying her rapt attention. “Thing is, they don’t know.” I paused and turned to look at her. “That we know they know. Get it?”

She frowned. “That’s it? That’s your genius master plan?”

“Think about it Lex. We start running, they know we’re on to them. They pounce hard and fast. Guns blazing. I’m tough, but I ain’t bulletproof. Well, I nearly am. Could probably take a good few flesh wounds, but still, I’d rather not.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully. “Other option is, be as calm as fuck. Ice cold. Carry on to Prague. Hit them when they ain’t expecting nothing. Seriously fuck them up.”

I turned to look at her. Her eyes were wide and her cheeks were red. She gaped at me, her mouth half open.

“I mean, fuck them up so bad they can’t operate. Get it?” I continued, trying to justify my plan. “Take out the fucking brains, and most of the muscle.”

When she still remained quiet, I suddenly worried that I was being too brazen, possibly scaring her.

“Cruz,” she said, her voice was low, “right now, I’ll do anything you say. Anything.”

“Anything?” I raised my eyebrows and smirked. “Get your pretty butt back on that fucking desk. Now. We’ve got fifteen minutes.”

Alexandra

I was glowing as we calmly checked out fourteen minutes later. Most of the staff had changed since our entrance last night, but some were staring at us in fascination.

I could still taste Cruz in my mouth as I spoke to the guy on the main desk. After all, I hadn’t wanted him to make a mess of me before catching a flight. It’s not as if we had time for a shower afterwards.

“Hey. I’m afraid we broke your phone,” I said to the receptionist. “And… a few other items that were on the desk.”

“Yeah. Got a bit carried away.” Cruz chimed in.

The guy stared incredulously at us before speaking. “No problem, mademoiselle. We have, uh, spares, you know. Thank you for staying with us. I hope you come again soon.”

We thanked the desk staff, and strode confidently through the front door, our arms locked. Two bell boys carried my suitcases and Cruz’s pitiful duffle bag.