puta, and maybe we can have some fun first, like the old days.”
Bile rushed up to her throat at the images his words evoked in her mind, and she knew she had to get out of there or she was going to throw up or even worse pass out.
The sounds of flesh hitting flesh sounded behind her as she ran for her quarters, set on leaving and going where the Ravelino Cartel would never find her. Footsteps behind her made her move faster, and she got to her room, slamming the door closed. Pressing her back against it, she took a second to drag clear air into her lungs and get her breathing back under control.
She had no idea how they had found her, but she knew her position here was over. She couldn’t be anywhere near the Queen when the cartel was happy to take her and anyone else who got in their way out, and that included the Queen of England.
“Astrid.”
A loud knock on the door behind her made her jump and she heard the voice belonging to the man that had laughed with her on the beach and who’d fought the men sent to kidnap or kill her.
“Go away, Jack. I can’t do this right now.”
“No choice, gorgeous. We need to talk about what just happened, and I need to know you’re okay.”
God, why couldn’t he go back to being snarly and grumpy? That she could deal with but this kind, thoughtful, caring Jack was impossible to resist. After tonight, seeing the man behind the front he presented to the world, she wasn’t sure she wanted to either. Staying would get him and his men hurt or worse, killed. Jack had enough going on with his father.
“I’m fine.”
His voice was muffled when he spoke again, “Please, sweetheart, let me in?”
If he’d shouted and berated her, she could have held back, but this sweet, caring side slayed her. She turned and opened the door, his handsome face coming into view and a wave of relief washed over his face when he saw her.
Astrid stepped back to let him in and went to sit on the bed, her arms folded across her middle in a self-protective move she knew he saw as he came to sit next to her. Astrid smiled, a thought occurring to her.
“What put that grin on your face?”
“I never thought I’d get you into my bed quite like this.”
He angled his head towards her as his shoulder brushed hers, and she took comfort even that small gesture offered. “Me neither, sweetheart.” He picked up her hand and linked his fingers with hers as they both stared down at them. “Why is the Ravelino Cartel after you?”
His voice was soft and deep and made her want to climb onto his lap and let him take care of her but that wasn’t who she was now. Maybe once a long time ago but life, and especially her life, had taught her that she had to fight her own battles. “You remember the cartel I escaped?” She heard his indrawn breath. “It was Juan Ravelino and his brother, Iago.”
“Why are they still chasing you and who or what are they after?”
Astrid should have known that he wouldn’t miss that little detail. “It’s a long story.”
“And I want to hear it all but just tell me why this has happened now?”
Astrid stiffened and stood, moving away from him. “I didn’t lead them here if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I’m not. I just want to know if there’s something you’re not telling me.”
Astrid paced the large room that somehow seemed small now. “You know there is, but I promise you it has nothing to do with Eidolon. It’s all to do with my past.”
“At the CIA? Is this to do with your sister?”
Astrid stopped pacing not sure what to do. If she told him, she risked him and his men, but if she didn’t, she risked them anyway. “Is the Queen secure?” she asked stalling for time.
“She is.”
Astrid nodded slowly and flexed her fingers in a nervous gesture she thought she’d lost.
Jack stood and came towards her slowly, giving her ample room to move but not enough to run from him. Reaching out, he slowly and tenderly drew her into his arms and held her tight, her head against the firm, steady beat of his heart. Astrid accepted his arms around her and tried to absorb some of his strength into herself.
Astrid wasn’t weak; she was strong, but she was also