it is that happens when I’m around that girl. The way I can’t seem to control myself, like a prepubescent schoolboy who hasn’t yet learned how to deal with a hard-on.
“I’ve not forgotten, Master. I meant no disrespect. I’ll arrange this meeting, as you requested.”
“Good. And send Makaio in. He’ll be thrilled to know I have a real task for him.”
“Of course. I’ll fetch him immediately. And what of the girl?”
The girl. The girl. The aggravating, beautiful girl. “Keep an eye on her. I have a feeling she may try to leave. I want her to remain here, at least until I’ve decided what I want to do with her.”
“I’ll see it done. My contact should have the information you requested soon. I’ll forward it on to you, once he’s gathered it.”
“Fantastic.” As if my curiosity wasn’t already piqued, the incident with the knife only solidifies my interest in her. I can’t even look at the screen where the video remains paused.
And now I have the perfect excuse to do something completely reckless and impulsive. Only took the tears of a desperate girl to give me the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.
Chapter 31
Isadora
I set the doll, with its broken hand, into Rand’s awaiting palms, unable to look him in the eye.
“To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. I thought very highly of you, Isa. I thought you were the perfect fit for our family.”
As much as I want to feel bad for what I’ve done, the truth is, I still have a shit-storm to take care of at home, and at the moment, that takes precedence over guilt. “I’m sorry.”
“I’ll see if I can salvage Mrs. Blackthorne’s doll. We’ll keep this under wraps, as I’m sure she’ll be less forgiving than her son.”
With a solemn nod, I dare to look up at him. “I appreciate that.”
“It’s of no concern to me what you appreciate. I’m doing this for Mrs. Blackthorne’s sake. She, too, thinks very highly of you.”
This man deserves a Master’s Degree in guilt-tripping. If I wasn’t so preoccupied over a dangerous criminal showing up at my aunt’s house in the next couple of days, I’d probably find myself teetering on the edge of the roof, like Lucian the other night, weighted down by shame.
Without another word, Rand walks off, and I close the door to my bedroom. From beneath the bed, I grab my suitcase to begin packing up my stuff.
A text chimes on my phone, and I open it to see the message my aunt has been waiting to send me.
You need to come home. Family emergency.
Tension winds inside my muscles, the disappointment of having failed her pressing down on my conscience.
Abort mission. Something came up. I have to figure out another plan.
Are you in trouble, Isa?
No, it’s okay. Just let me figure this out.
A knock at the door leaves me huffing with exhaustion. Maybe Rand decided to smear my nose in it some more?
“Come in!” I don’t even have the energy to face him at this point. My whole world is crumbling around me, and I can’t muster the will to care about some stupid fucking doll that’s worth more than my aunt’s life.
The door clicks, and I twist to find Giulia standing in the doorway. Her gaze dips toward my suitcase and back as she steps into the room and closes the door behind her. “I take it he declined.”
“Is it obvious?” Perhaps it’s the presence of another woman, one who was also desperate at one time, that finally punches through my defenses. I turn away from her to hide the tears welling in my eyes again. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s crying in front of someone. “I feel … lost right now.”
The gentle touch on my shoulder twitches my muscles. “What will you do?”
“All I can do. Go home and be there for my aunt. I can’t leave her alone in all this.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea? Do you think she’d want you to place yourself in danger that way?”
“Versus what? Staying here and pretending my life is as perfect as everyone else’s? I’m not going to play house with a nut job, while some drug dealer decides to use my aunt as target practice.”
Sighing, she lowers her head. “You asked him for help?”
“He said … that I was too young for whatever help I didn’t realize I was requesting.”
Gaze still cast from mine, she picks at her thumb, fidgeting. “Then, he told you of our arrangement.”