“You were much more respectful when you needed my money and support. You have a short memory.”
“Well, I doubt you’re calling to chitchat.”
“You’re right. And you’re going to help me.”
“Do you expect me to be your errand girl for the rest of my life?”
He laughed. “The burden of being in debt. I don’t recommend it.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
She dropped back on her bed, draping an arm over her eyes. This would be a nightmare that ne
ver ended.
“Manuel screwed me over. He wanted my place in the Circle. He’s dead, but I know he wasn’t working alone. There was no way he could fund the manufacturing and exporting of those drugs on his own.”
“What do you expect me to do?” she asked.
“You’re one of the best. You speak the language. And, as I’ve mentioned, you owe this to me. Go back to the Dominican. Fuck whoever you need to fuck. I need to know who’s out to get me.”
She felt sick to her stomach thinking about Viko meddling in her life forever, not allowing her to move on and put the past behind her. She liked working solo, having no one to answer to but herself.
Graciella had to start her day. After a quick shower, she headed out of her condo. There was a black SUV with heavily tinted windows parked outside on the street. The glass began to lower. “Get in.”
She barely recognized this guy. “Who’s asking?”
“You have a date with Boss in fifteen minutes. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Graciella wanted to tell the driver to fuck off, but instead, she got into the vehicle. She was curious about what he wanted from her. And she had nothing better to do than head to the coffee shop for a latte.
“I thought Killian was his driver.”
“I’m Chains, if you don’t remember me. I’ve been driving Boss around a lot longer than Killian.”
She remembered Xavier talking about his good friend Chains. Her nerves settled.
“And where is this date?”
“Breakfast on the water. Five-star patio. Their croissants were featured in Food Addiction magazine last month.”
“Wow, that’s a lot more detail than I was expecting.” She leaned back and watched the city flash by. The Killer of Kings men were unlike any other hitmen she’d worked with in the past.
They pulled up to the restaurant and she stepped out. Boss was already seated, and he waved her over. She couldn’t help but smile. He looked so pleased with himself.
“Kidnapping me won’t get you any points.”
“You haven’t answered my calls,” he said.
“I’ve been busy.”
He used a hand to motion her to sit. It was a two-person table overlooking the water. There were three fresh roses in the vase—red, yellow, and white. She had to admit she was impressed. Her breakfasts weren’t nearly as extravagant or involved.
“You’ve been avoiding me, Graciella. Why?”
She took a breath, not willing to play games at this point. She was tired, soul deep. “I don’t want to be the flavor of the week. I know how this ends,” she said. “I was hoping you’d have a new conquest by now.”
He narrowed his eyes, taking a sip of his coffee, nodding her to drink her own.