awe of Antonio Wayne’s property. It was breathtaking with its land and strategically placed homes. They were spread out to give the inhabitants privacy but close enough together to fight off any unwanted trespassers.
“They call it the compound,” Mano said, reading Page’s thoughts.
“It suits—very befitting.”
Mano’s head jerked in her direction, “Don’t ever breathe a word about where the Ramirez brothers are located. Very few are allowed to know their location. They must see something in you to allow you to come here for a meeting.”
“It’s you they trust—you’re the one putting your reputation on the line by bringing me in.”
“Your stalker brought you in. When somebody decided to put you in danger, it let the Ramirez brothers know you’re one of us. When outside forces start seeing you as a threat, they know you are part of 'The Club'.”
“'The Club', huh?” she laughed.
“Yeah, you’re one of the cool kids now, Chica.”
“Well, I’m honored. I plan on doing you proud.”
“You better—it could mean the loss of your life if you don’t.”
Up until now, they had been joking. The expression on Mano’s face wasn’t joking anymore. She would be sure to keep her mouth shut. She wouldn’t even tell her friend Judy. They would bring Judy into the fold when they saw fit. “My lips are sealed,” she said, staring up at the beautiful country home they’d pulled up in front of. On the way in, she had even seen horses and a barn with stables. This place was a staycation if ever there was one.
Page looked over at Mano and stroked his arm, “If I haven’t said thank you for trusting me, I’m saying it now.” He leaned over and kissed her as a way of saying: you’re more than welcome.
“You ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“I should warn you Antonio Wayne can be intense.”
“I’ve met him before, so I know what you mean.”
“Let’s do this,” he said, jumping from the SUV and going around to open her door.
A large man opened the door before they had a chance to ring the bell. His face looked like it was carved in stone, and his expression never changed. He looked lethal, like he was not only ready for trouble but anticipating it. “No need for valet parking out here in the boondocks,” he laughed at his own joke, but it sounded more like a baritone rumble bouncing off the walls.
He turned, and they followed behind him. When they got to the office door, Page wondered how a guy so broad in the shoulders could get through the doorway. He probably had to turn sideways. He was massive and looked as solid as a brick wall.
Page noticed when they went in and sat down, mountain man stood outside the door with his arms crossed, guarding the office. The man took his job seriously. Page doubted anybody could breach Antonio Wayne’s security. From the entrance of the gate, there were armed guards, cameras, and even dogs that could be let loose on a moment’s notice.
Within moments Antonio Wayne and Roxanne came in and shut the door behind them. Roxanne was dressed in jeans, boots, and a plain white shirt, and she was still as gorgeous as ever. Antonio Wayne was in a smoke grey tailored suit with a silk button-down black shirt and a multi-colored silk tie. Page had never seen him when he wasn’t dressed like a gangster—always dressed for success.
Page smiled at Roxanne, who was equally as friendly, Antonio Wayne, not so much. Meeting him at 'The Club' had been a scary experience, but here in a closed space, he seemed to take up the room with his presence. The man took intimidating to a whole new level. No wonder his enemies feared him so. Page was beginning to second guess her invite here. She scooted her body in Mano’s direction as if it would ease her anxiety, and in a way, it did. Mano couldn’t shield her from death, but damn, some anxiety shielding would be nice right about now.
Antonio unbuttoned his suit coat, revealing a holstered Glock. Page wondered if he did it for comfort’s sake or to intimidate the people in the room. She was already scared shitless and didn’t need any more intimidation. Page doubted even if Antonio Wayne tried, he could be anything but what he was. Roxanne must have her work cut out for her.
“So, fill me in on what happened,” Antonio’s strong voice caused Page’s insides to jump. She hoped it didn’t show on the