Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,88
baby,” he said and dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “Are you feeling all right?”
She studied his face. That question wasn’t a conversation option they’d discussed before arriving at the Gonzalez house. Did Owen want her to say she was fine or not?
“Give an excuse and go,” Brody murmured. “The feds are gearing up.”
Gigi shook her head. “I’m sorry, sugar. I’ve been doing so well today that I guess I overdid it.”
“You’re sick?” Gonzalez’s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowed.
“Pregnant,” Owen said. “Gina is nauseated most of the time.”
“She hides it well.” Suspicion in the gunrunner’s voice sent cold chills up Gigi’s spine. His men must have informed him about the marathon shopping session this morning and the lazy afternoon on the beach. Gonzalez’s gaze shifted to her flat stomach.
“I know how important this meeting is to Owen,” she said, leaning her head against Owen’s left shoulder. “I started feeling ill before we left the resort to come here, but hoped to get through the evening before nausea sent me to bed. I apologize for disrupting your evening, Mr. Gonzalez.”
“Maria will take you to a bedroom to lie down. Your husband and I haven’t concluded our business.”
“I’m taking Gina back to the cottage,” Owen said. “I’ll contact you tomorrow. We’ll conclude our business then.”
A scowl. “I have a full schedule tomorrow. I won’t have time for you. We do this tonight, or our deal is off.”
“Then I’ll take my business elsewhere. Gina’s wellbeing is more important than any business deal.”
The gunrunner’s expression hardened. “No woman is that important.”
Maria gasped, hurt filling her eyes.
“I don’t agree,” Owen murmured. “My wife means everything to me. I won’t take chances with her safety or that of our child.” He turned to Maria. “Thank you for your hospitality, ma’am.”
“Yes, thank you,” Gigi said. “I’m so pleased to have met you.”
“You must come back again, Gina. I enjoyed our time together.”
“Go now,” Brody hissed.
“Excuse us, please.” Owen turned with Gigi and froze when he came face to face with two of Gonzalez’s guards. “Move aside.”
“What’s wrong?” Gonzalez asked his men.
“A large group of Americans have surrounded the estate and are preparing an assault.”
Gonzalez’s anger-filled gaze shifted to Owen and Gigi. “What have you done?”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Owen’s grip on Gigi’s waist tightened. Great. Just great. Based on what the guard said, the feds had a leak, or they’d played nice with the federales and informed them of the pending raid. Most likely, at least one of the federales was on Gonzalez’s payroll. Why didn’t one of the turncoats warn the gunrunner before now?
Perhaps he hadn’t had the chance. His eyes narrowed. Or maybe he’d arranged for more troops on the gunrunner’s payroll to join the party.
Owen faced Gonzalez. “If you’re accusing me of working with the feds, you didn’t do enough research on me. I’m at war with my government. I wouldn’t set you up by working with them. You have federales on your payroll. Why didn’t they tell you sooner that the feds were planning a raid? My wife and baby are in danger.” He let the anger he felt at how this mission had played out fill his voice. “I won’t forget this, Gonzalez.”
The guards pointed their weapons at Owen and Gigi.
Owen swept Gigi behind him. The estate was filled with criminals, all of them armed to the teeth. No place was safe for Gigi.
Gonzalez’s eyes glittered. “Every person in this house is a known associate, Michaels, except for you. You and your wife will remain my guests until I determine if you’re to blame for this problem.”
“You have bigger problems than us at the moment. Have you forgotten the American agents on your doorstep?”
The other man brushed that concern aside with a wave of his hand. “They won’t be a problem for long. You and Gina, however, represent a serious threat to me and my operation.”
“What do you mean, they won’t be a problem for long?” Was Owen right in thinking reinforcements had already been called? His teammates could be caught between the feds and men loyal to Gonzalez and other criminals locked onto the estate with Owen and Gigi.
“I have many federales who do my bidding along with men from my other estates. Your agents will be dead before long.” Gonzalez stalked closer. “You and your wife will be, too, if I find out that you’re responsible for their presence.” He glanced at the guards. “Take them. Remember that Michaels is armed.”
“Yes, sir.” The guard with a scar running from the corner