Louisa steps by my side and slips her hand in mine, causing Pedro to say with amusement, “It appears there are some questions to ask.”
He frowns and Louisa rolls her eyes. “You go easy on Flynn, uncle. He doesn’t need an interrogation.”
I don’t miss the steely glint in his eye as he looks between us and I’m guessing he has other ideas about that and as we follow him into the house, I prepare myself for a difficult visit ahead.
* * *
Everything I thoughtabout Pedro Carlos is borne out as we wander through opulent rooms that are obviously the result of a well-run business. Drugs, extortion, arms, and other crimes are profitable because Pedro is the best at what he does. As his wife joins him, I’m not surprised to see she’s young enough to be his daughter and is dripping in luxury. A tall willowy blonde with an amazing tan and figure and jewelry that probably cost millions of dollars, dangling from her neck and wrists.
A huge diamond ring flashes in the sunlight and as his arm slips around her waist, he says proudly, “Meet Sunny, wife number five.”
I don’t even want to know what happened to wives one to four and as everyone murmurs a polite greeting, my idea of the perfect family is distorted a little.
Dimitri and Vivian strike up a conversation with the couple leaving me and Louisa standing by the open patio doors sipping the champagne Pedro insisted on.
“Wow, he doesn’t hang around.”
Louisa shakes her head as she looks at Sunny.
“What happened to wife number four?” I’m curious and Louisa grins. “Willow was a carbon copy of Summer. They don’t last long because Pedro has a wandering eye. I believe Willow is currently enjoying her pay off in the arms of her fitness trainer.”
“So, she’s still alive?” I’m a little relieved about that and Louisa grins. “He’s not a monster, just easily bored.”
“Then I pity him because the best part I believe is the journey.”
“Is that right?”
Louisa smiles so happily it takes all my self-control not to push her through those doors and lose us in this house for the entire afternoon.
For the most part, the day is spent catching up like any family occasion and we eat a fine lunch out on the terrace, surrounded by cooling fans under a gazebo. The wine flows and is obviously expensive and, like most families, the conversation is filled with jokes and laughter. When the final dish is cleared away, Pedro says easily, “Sunny, take Vivian and Louisa and show them the improvements you are making. I’m guessing they would be interested in that.”
“Of course, baby boy, I would be happy to.”
She stops and openly kisses Pedro with a deep, long lingering kiss that is quite embarrassing to watch. The fact her hand rests in his crotch makes me want to place my hands over Louisa’s eyes because what the fuck, she’s almost getting him off in full view of his guests.
Without warning he slaps her hard on the ass and as she yelps, he growls, “Later, baby girl.”
She doesn’t seem to mind and winks before saying in a high-pitched voice, “Follow me girls. I can’t wait to show you how generous my big bear is.”
The expression on Louisa’s face makes me wish for a camera right now and as they head off, I’m guessing she wishes she was anywhere else.
As soon as the women leave, the tension in the air increases and I see why Pedro is considered the biggest bastard in Colombia.
He turns his attention to me and snaps, “Why the fuck are you here?”
Dimitri looks at me apologetically and I maintain my blank expression and say evenly, “Because the two most important people in my life walked away from this table and I want to guarantee their safety.”
“And you expect me to believe that?”
“It’s the truth.”
I stare him down and as testosterone collides in mid-air, Dimitri clears his throat. “Flynn has an interesting story to tell, Pedro, that I think you should listen to.”
Still staring daggers at me, he growls, “I’m listening.”
Without a hint of nerves, I relay the facts and watch his anger intensify with every word spoken. By the time I finish, I swear he’s breathing fire, and he turns to Dimitri and growls, “That fucking bastard. How do you want me to end his life?”
“We need your help, not a hit.”