Page 76 of For Your Eyes Only
“I had nothing to do with that. I don’t trade in horse doping.”
“You introduced me to Charles van Hamilton. It was his horse. You’re in this.”
Charles van Hamilton is a name I don’t like hearing. He’s Blake and Hana’s father, and he was a royal fuck-up. He lost all his money gambling, and then he started spending money he didn’t have. Then he used his youngest daughter as a marker. Then he turned up dead.
“You’re my wingman, Trip. I need you to have my back. You’re one of the few people these guys are hesitant to kill.”
“That’s not encouraging.” They can still hurt me, and now Andre knows how. Pain leaches through my stomach, and I take the next turn before exhaling. “I can’t come back to Manhattan right now. I’m in the middle of something here.”
“Franco can handle it. Come back for a few days to stand at my side when I face this guy. You owe me that much.”
“I don’t owe you anything. We’re free agents.”
“No one is a free agent in this town. If you turn your back on me now, when I need you the most, it’ll damage our relationship.”
Fuck. “You’re not threatening me, Gregory.”
“Listen, if you’re worried about this Andre character, you can confront him here. If he’s one of Simon’s guys, he’ll come when he’s called like a good dog.”
Tightening my jaw, he has a point. If he’s right.
“Give me a few hours to see what I can set up. I’m not leaving if I don’t feel like things are under control here.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The line goes dead, and my fists tighten on the steering wheel.Fuck fuck fuck.
* * *
“Why can’tI go with you to Manhattan?” The way Gia saysManhattanwith her cute Italian accent makes me want to say fuck them all. I’m never leaving her.
If only my life were that simple.
“Not this time, angel.” I’m packing a small bag that will fit easily in an overhead compartment. I can’t believe I’m flying commercial, but it’s the only way I can get there and back in the timeframe I want.
“But I want to meet your friends. I want to see the city.”
“I know, and we’ll have time for that one day.”I hope. “I’m just making a quick trip. I’ll be back before you miss me.”
“I miss you already.” Her glossy lips pout, and I reach for her, pulling her petite, luscious body to mine.
“I’ll miss you, too. I’ll be thinking about you the whole time, and I’ll text you every night.”
“You’ll text me,” she sniffs. “I’ll still be out of your sight.”
She’s using my words against me. The reason I wanted her to move into my place was so I could have her in my sight at all times. I kiss the top of her head.
“Franco has strict orders to keep you safe. If I didn’t trust him, I wouldn’t go.” Hooking my finger under her chin, I kiss her pillow lips. “Don’t worry, my beautiful girl. You are always on my mind.”
It’s not a lie.
“Isn’t that what Elvis said to Priscilla?” Her eyebrow arches.
“Were. There’s a big difference inwereandare.”
“English is so tricky.” She shakes her head, but I catch her arm, pulling her to me for one final embrace
“Gia.” I inhale the honeysuckle in her hair. “You are the only one on my mind.”