“He can stay until the end of the weekend. There’s no point in spoiling his fun.”
On the island, someone could easily put a gun to Matt’s head and carry out Juan’s threat if she challenged him.
“Need a bathroom break?” he asked.
“No.”
He leaned against the wall, watching her through the slits of his eyes. “Then put on some clothes and your pearls, and let’s go.”
Not having a choice, she opened the closet and pulled out the first garment her hand fell on—a white dress. It had been her plan to leave with Juan, anyway. It meant Matt and Sean would be safe. For now.
When Juan made no signs of leaving, she grabbed the underwear, went to the bathroom, and closed the door behind her. Her hands shook as she pulled the dress over her head. She took Sean’s pendant from her wrist and hung it over the corner of the mirror. Quickly applying a pale pink lipstick, she pressed her lips to the mirror in the circle of the leather string, hoping Sean would get her farewell message and understood the apology she intended.
Back in the room, Juan watched her like a predator as she grabbed her handbag and packed her passport and phone.
“The pearls,” he reminded her.
Taking it from the drawer, she draped the string around her neck.
“That’s all you need.” He straightened, seeming impatient. Taking her hand, he led her to the front door where Garcia waited. Juan handed her over like a parcel. “Take her to the boat. I’ll be there in five.”
“Can I say goodbye to Matt?” she asked hopefully.
“No,” Juan said, not sparing her a glance before stalking off.
“What about the collar?” she called after him.
Garcia took her arm. “Juan already adjusted the settings.”
He guided her to a waiting speedboat, his strides long and hurried. She almost tripped trying to keep up.
Once aboard, he led her inside a small lounge and pointed at an ice bucket. “Champagne, if you want.”
She rubbed her arm where a bruise would no doubt develop from his tight grip. “No, thanks.”
Shrugging, he turned his back on her and took up a position in front of the door. A pistol was tucked into his waistband.
She walked to the nearest chair on wobbly legs and sat down.
A couple of minutes later, Juan and Tony arrived. As soon as they’d taken a seat next to her, the engine started up. A powerful light beamed across the ocean to light their path. The skipper turned the nose of the boat toward the sea and opened the throttle. Cold air barreled through the open windows and door of the cabin, making goosebumps run over her arms and legs. She should’ve taken a jacket.
Hugging herself, she tried to contain her shivers. They were moving so fast, the collar had to have been deactivated. Now she only needed an opportunity alone, some small distance from Juan, and then she could run.
The party carried on much longer than what Sean expected. The guests seemed more relaxed and even more uninhibited than usual. Maybe they were relieved knowing the week was soon coming to an end. He sure as hell couldn’t wait.
Cain had sent a message. As soon as he found a way to override the shock collar, they could move Asia to safety. The plan was to take a small boat to a deserted island not far off where Bono would be waiting with a helicopter.
When Cain knew Godfrey’s location, he wouldn’t eliminate Juan straight away. He would have the kingpin followed to be sure he had Godfrey in his clutches before pulling the plug on Juan’s operation. In the meantime, Tony and whoever else was connected to Juan’s business would be captured on the island. They wouldn’t be handed over to the local authorities. Most of the local forces were corrupt or on Juan’s payroll. He wasn’t sure what Cain’s plan was for them, but Cain never left loose ends.
It was almost five in the morning when Sean finally managed to get away. After ensuring that no one was looking, he took the rocky path along the shore. It was risky going to Asia’s unit when the sun would be rising soon, but they needed to talk. He didn’t like how they’d left things earlier.
The guest units came into sight. They were all dark. He rested behind the palm trees to survey the area. No men guarded Asia or Juan’s units. His scalp pricked with premonition. Something was up.
Careful to stick to the shadows, he made his way along the beach and entered Asia’s unit from the patio. As always, the sliding door was unlocked. He moved quietly into the room. The curtains were open, letting in the early light of dawn. The bed was empty, still made. His unease intensified. Quietly, he moved down the hallway and into the lounge. Deserted. Where the fuck was she? A terrifying thought took hold of his mind.