El Diablo Read online

  “I’m not going to be rude. It’s simple as that. If a person talks to me, I’ll talk back.”

  “You’re in no position to tell me what you’re going to do. Be careful.” He stepped up close to her. Damn, she even smelled good, sweet and tempting. It was going to take a lot of effort to feign disinterest.

  She rolled her eyes. “Please, if you were going to kill me, you’d have done it already.”

  “What makes you think I won’t?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe because after all you revealed to me last night as part of your so-called imagination, I never called the cops or the mental asylum. I’m still here, and I spent hours caring for you and cleaning the blood out of your clothes. I think that warrants not being killed.” She pushed some hair out of her face.

  Her hand trembled, giving her away. She was nervous, even as she tried to hide it, and he hated that he was the cause. Alesha was never supposed to be part of this.

  “You can’t tell people who we are.”

  “I have no intention of doing anything. I don’t even want to go to this thing. Don’t you have women who you can use for this? I’m not a black-tie event person.”

  “No. You’ll do.” He grabbed her arm, moving her toward the door.

  “You better stop manhandling me. You’re not being fair, and I bruise easily.”

  He loosened his hold just a little but didn’t let her go.

  She would be safer with him.

  If Boss even suspected a thing, the bastard would kill her.

  Leaving his home, he secured all the locks and opened the car door for her.

  “Thank you.”

  He waited for her to get inside. The dress fell open, revealing an expanse of leg, and fuck, he wanted her again.

  With the door closed, he moved toward the driver’s side. Tonight wasn’t about creating waves. Boss gave him simple instructions.

  Recon.

  Check out a potential crime lord.

  The black tie they were going to was a front for trafficking women and kids. Boss wanted a look on the inside and to check out the layout of the house. If Xavier saw anything, he wasn’t to react, only take note.

  This was going to be hard for him. Women were a weakness. Especially women who were in danger. He had an instinct to protect them, and yesterday’s events were fresh in his mind.

  “So, we’re supposed to be engaged?”

  “It’s all fake, remember that,” he said.

  “I’m not going to forget. Don’t you need this to look authentic though?”

  “What do you mean?” he asked, navigating the roads.

  “We’re engaged. That means there has to be a ring. I don’t have a ring.”

  He held the wheel with one hand, and reached into his jacket pocket. “Already done.” He held it out to her. “Here you go.” He’d picked up the simple ring to use as a prop.

  “Do you think it’ll fit?”

  “It better. We don’t have time to get you another ring.”

  She took the ring, and he glanced over at her, watching as she slid it onto her finger. “It fits. Really well. It’s pretty.”

  Alesha rested her hands on her thighs, and seeing the ring on her finger, it looked good. It looked like it was in the right place. He felt guilty for not picking out something even nicer. Alesha deserved something that had meaning to it, not just a prop. Still, this would do the job.

  “What else are we doing tonight?”

  “Mingling. Don’t start conversations, just laugh at the appropriate times. I expect you to look at me adoringly and to pretend that you’re in love with me.”

  “Wow, you didn’t tell me that before you forced me out here.”

  “We’re engaged. It’s a given.”

  “I’m not an actress. I can’t pretend like this, Xavier. What you’re asking for is too much.”

  “I’ve seen the way you’ve checked me out when you think I’m not looking. You don’t love me, but you certainly want to fuck me. When you look at me, just imagine you want to fuck me and I’ll deal with the rest.”

  “You’re a fucking asshole,” she said, her arms folded.

  “Do you want to deny it?”

  “I’m not going to do or say anything. You don’t have to point it out. Wow, now I feel like the loser housemaid that has the hots for her boss. How are you going to look at me? Or do you plan to be the guy that has one woman on his arm while looking for another to screw with?” she asked.

  “Simple. I’m going to be looking at you like I’m hungry for you. How one taste will never be enough and if I didn’t have to attend the stupid event, I’d be balls deep inside you.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “Don’t I? It’s funny because the moment you came downstairs, I could think of doing anything else.”

  His honesty silenced her. Good.

  “In all seriousness, I think you should pick someone else.”

  “I don’t have time. If you don’t handle tonight well, you can kiss your job goodbye.”

  “Why? I’ve done nothing wrong. I helped you. Remember last night when you couldn’t even get into bed?”

  He still couldn’t believe she’d helped him to his room. She must have some strength inside her even if he didn’t see it. Earlier he’d planned to keep her in the dark, but he saw the glint in her eyes. She knew too much. The girl was smart and probably a much better actress than she gave herself credit for. No point hiding things when they could get ugly fast.

  “You want to know the truth? You’re a liability. I should never have hired you in the first place. I didn’t need a cleaner. I could keep that place in perfect condition without you. I happened to like your smile, and I figured it would be fun to have a woman around the house. Big mistake on my part. Now if the wrong guy finds out who you are, you’re dead. Do you understand me? Fucking dead. So tonight you’re going to play the part of loving fiancée and you’re not going to get into any trouble. When I tell you what to do, you’ll do it. No questions asked. You want to live, you’ll do it.”

  “So much for imagination. Everything you told me last night was the truth, wasn’t it? You’re a killer.” She turned away from him, her fingers fidgeting. He never answered her.

  When he pulled up outside of the event, he hoped she was ready to look at him as if he was the only guy in her world. Boss would surely kill her, and if he didn’t, well, there’s no telling what that son of a bitch would do.

  No one really knew the owner of Killer of Kings. Xavier had tried to look into Boss’s past and had come up with nothing. There was no record of him anywhere. He’d tried using Maurice, the Killer of King’s tech expert and genius, but again, he found nothing.

  The world didn’t know there was a devil that lived among them.

  He didn’t even know if Boss was a good guy or a bad one.

  Either way, he wouldn’t test him. Not right now. Not after one big fuck up already.

  Besides, if anyone could find any details on his sister, it would be Boss. He kept tempting him, dangling tidbits of information just out of reach.

  After nearly an hour’s drive, Xavier pulled up behind a long line of cars. They were four cars away from the door.

  “We’re almost up,” he said.

  “I see.”

  “You can do this, Alesha. I have every faith in you.”

  “Of course. It’s a piece of cake, right? Just pretend I love a monster and that he’s not going to kill me if I don’t do this right.” She took a deep breath. “I should have left you on the floor to sleep. Maybe you would have died in your vomit.”

  Xavier growled as he climbed out, handing the valet his keys. “Keep her in pristine condition.”

  Another of the valets went to open the passenger door, but he slid in front.

  “No one touches my woman.” Taking her hand, he helped her out of the car. “Show time.”

  ****

  Sipping on the glass of champagne, Alesha tried not to think too hard abo
ut Xavier’s arm around her waist. His hand was on her hip, and she was very much aware of his touch.

  “Don’t drink too much.”

  “Yes, Daddy.”

  “If I was your dad, you’d be over my knee right now having the spanking of your life.”

  That shouldn’t turn her on.

  Nope, she wouldn’t think about being over his knee, his large hand coming down over her bare ass.

  What the hell was wrong with her?

  She kept replaying events over and over from the past few months, realizing that Xavier being a criminal made perfect sense in hindsight. This was some kind of dangerous stakeout. The perfect job just had to be too good to be true.

  Finishing her first glass of champagne, she put the empty glass on a passing waiter’s tray. No one had approached them yet, which she was thankful for. What the hell was she supposed to do? Her nerves were going crazy.

  The ballroom was full of wealth, the women dressed in designer clothes, laughing and hanging off men’s arms. They all looked like they fit in. Right now, she’d love nothing more than to sit back at home with a cup of steaming hot cocoa and a good book.

  Instead, she kept looking at Xavier, hoping people thought she was in love.

  She blew out a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding.

  “Calm down.”

  “I can’t. I expect someone to come out, you know? To start shooting at us.”

  “All you need to do is relax. Blend in.”

  “If someone asks you any questions do you even know what you’re going to say?”

  Xavier smirked. “We’ll just have to see, won’t we?”

  She had hoped they’d stay in their little corner where no one spoke to them. He had other ideas. She wanted to cry out as they began to mingle with the crowd.

  Alesha didn’t even know why she doubted his skill.

  He knew how to work the crowd. The moment they stopped, questions came at them left and right. She couldn’t help but tense up as she waited for Xavier to say something, anything. She should have known he had a plan. He told them his company specialized in technology and he repeated some name and details that clearly impressed some of the men. The women were also looking at him as if he was a piece of meat. She practically believed him herself, he was that convincing.

  She placed a hand on his chest. “Let’s dance,” she said.

  “Excuse me. My fiancée would love to dance.” He took her hand, leading her onto the dance floor.

  Alesha stared over his shoulder, not wanting to look him in the eye.

  “You’re going to pretend I don’t exist?”

  “I don’t know if I like you right now?” she said.

  “Let me know when you decide.” His hand lowered to her ass, and she hated how that action aroused her.

  He was a killer.

  An assassin.

  Not someone she should want in her bed.

  “You already had a story?”

  “That’s what I’m paid to do. Anyone here who looks up my name and company will see an entire back story. I have a fiancée and those details are not known, and now I’ve got you.”

  “Why isn’t your fiancée known?” she asked.

  “I had to find someone. I can’t exactly pick out just any woman. It’s dangerous work.”

  “I’m your cleaner. Why do this to me?”

  “It’s fun to see you squirm.”

  She wanted to hit him but refrained from doing so. As crazy as this all was, she still hoped she had a job tomorrow morning. “Well, you’ve picked me to play the part, so do you plan on telling me more about what’s going on? Are you really a killer? Are we in danger?”

  “I can’t wait until I can get you alone.”

  “You’re my boss.”

  He shrugged. “You think that matters to someone like me?”

  Twice he’d said something sexual to her. And he hadn’t answered her questions. It didn’t matter. She knew the truth.

  Staring into his eyes, he was focused on her until something caught his attention behind her.

  She looked behind her and saw nothing.

  “What is it?”

  “I just saw a kid. She looked … dirty.”

  “Xavier, there’s nothing there.”

  “Someone grabbed her.”

  He was talking crazy. There was no one behind her. “You’re only supposed to do recon, remember?”

  “I don’t give a flying fuck. I’m going to find out what’s going on. Stay here.” He released her, and she had no choice but to watch him go.

  Great.

  Now what would she do?

  She was tempted to follow him but worried she’d get lost and he’d end up in some kind of danger.

  She wasn’t trained for this. As much as she wished he’d chosen another woman, she was glad he’d picked her. Xavier was a playboy. He’d said so himself. But she still had a sliver of hope that he felt something more for her.

  Leaving the dance floor, she made her way to the corner of the ballroom. People mingled.

  The waiter stopped by her and she smiled at him as she took another flute of champagne. Xavier left her and now she was going to drink until she stopped feeling afraid. Sipping the clear liquid, the bubbles tickled her nose. She watched, waiting, and wasn’t sure how much time was passing.

  Every now and then she expected a large bang or gunfire.

  Get a grip, Alesha.

  “Now, who is the fool that would leave a beautiful rose, such as yourself, unattended?”

  She turned to see a man with long, blond hair that was tied back into a ponytail. His suit and the way he commanded himself screamed money.

  “He had to go to the bathroom to take a business call,” she said.

  “Ah, business. The good old plague that ruins all fun.”

  “I’m doing okay.”

  She forced a smile.

  Her hands were shaking, and she crossed one over her stomach as she held the glass tightly, hoping she didn’t shatter it. She didn’t want to talk and say the wrong thing.

  “Would you mind if I stand with you?”

  “By all means.” No, leave me alone.

  “It is quite a get together, isn’t it?”

  “It’s something,” she said.

  “All that money and wealth. They’re all plotting and scheming how to get more. No one is ever satisfied in this day and age. Always wanting more. Always fighting.”

  “You seem to take issue with that?”

  “Not at all. I own this house,” he said.

  “Oh.”

  “The name’s Dixon.”

  “Alesha,” she said, pressing her lips together. She didn’t know if Xavier had given her a different name earlier. Shit.

  Nerves got the better of her, the bodice of her dress feeling too tight as she struggled for breath.

  Dixon held out his hand, and against her better judgment, she took it, giving his hand a shake.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said.

  “No, no, the pleasure is all mine.”

  Pulling her hand back, she was aware of his stare. Intense. Focused only on her.

  “Have I seen you before?” he asked.

  Turning her attention to him, she shook her head. “No. I spend most of my time with Xavier. He likes to keep me close.”

  “But will leave you at a time like this.” He tutted.

  “I know work will always come first.” Please, Xavier, come and save me.

  “How about I entertain you? Come. We’ll enjoy a dance.”

  Every single part of her screamed no, but she couldn’t do that. She had to play along and not make waves.

  “Sure, what could it hurt?”

  I’m going to die a slow and painful death, and it’s going to be all of Xavier’s fault.

  I’ll haunt you, Xavier.

  Dixon took her hand and she placed her champagne flute on the table as they passed. Within seconds his arms were around her. She put her
hands on his shoulders, hoping she wasn’t fucking this up.

  “You’re Xavier’s fiancée?”

  “Yes.”

  “How long have you been engaged?”

  “A year … I think.”

  “That’s a long engagement.”

  “He likes to keep me waiting.”

  “I thought I read in the paper that you’ve been engaged only four months.”

  Great!

  “That’s when he wanted to tell the press.” She shrugged. “We had a fight, and I guess he felt the only way to make it up to me was to put a ring on my finger.”

  I can’t take much more.

  Xavier.

  She wanted to burst into tears. Her heart pounded against her ribcage. Did this man hear it? Did he sense how scared she was? How nervous? A wave of nausea swept over her.

  All she wanted to do was to go and curl in bed and pretend there was no such thing as bad men and assassins.

  “How do you like the ocean?” Dixon asked.

  “The ocean?” Had she missed some of the conversation in her panic? “It’s okay, I guess. Lots of water.”

  “I have a yacht. If you ever want to go out to sea, take in the waves and the views, I’d love to have you. Of course, without your fiancé around.”

  She chuckled. Was she being hit on?

  “Excuse me,” Xavier said. “Thank you for keeping an eye on my woman. I’ll take it from here.” His deep voice dripped of confidence.

  “Ah, the elusive Xavier Moreno. You really do have a rare gem in this one. One of a kind.”

  “It’s why I got engaged.”

  “And a long engagement it is proving to be. We must do lunch sometime, and of course, bring your fiancée with you.” Dixon kissed her hand. “Until next time.”

  As soon as he disappeared into the crowd, she whirled on Xavier. “Don’t ever leave me again,” she said.

  He draped his arms around her hips. “I got what I needed.”

  “And what’s that?” she asked.

  “An invite to lunch.”

  “You wanted Dixon?”

  “Yes. He’s the one I was doing recon on, and it looks like he as a soft spot for my fiancée.”

  Chapter Five

  He’d called Boss to fill him in on the situation. As soon as he mentioned the mark had his eyes on Xavier’s date, Boss wanted him to use her as bait. He should have expected as much. His boring assignment was turning into much more, but it wasn’t supposed to involve Alesha. He’d brought her along because his only options were leaving her alone at home to call the cops or tying her up in his basement.