“You would do more work for my family to make up for this?”
“Absolutely. Whatever you need.” Yes, I’m aware of what I’m saying, but I’m betting it won’t come to anything illegal.
He looks Emma up and down. “She must be really stellar if you’re going that far.”
“With all due respect, it’s more than that. I’ve known Emma for months, and she means a lot to me.”
“And this fucker won’t leave her alone now,” he growls, his complexion darkening.
“I wouldn’t go over his head if it was only me involved,” I insist. “But she’s innocent.”
“Enough. I get it.” He slams his palms against the desk before standing. The man is imposing, to put it lightly. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it taken care of.”
I freeze, uncertain. “We have nothing to worry about?”
“He won’t bother either of you anymore,” he tells Emma. “You have my word. He’s never been what you’d call a good loser. I told him to keep his ass out of—never mind,” he mutters.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Can I reimburse you for the damages?”
“No need for that. I have the money now.”
“Of course you do.” Ace looks at me, lifting an eyebrow. “You’re a stand-up guy. I appreciate that as much as I appreciate you doing good work. Just remember, I don’t hand out favors like candy.”
“I understand.”
“And I expect this to stay between the three of us.”
We both nod. I’d agree to nearly anything right now.
“Thank you, sir.” I release Emma’s hand only long enough to shake his. I take hers again and get her the hell out of here while we still have a chance. I don’t want to give him time to change his mind. As we’re on our way out the door, he growls something to one of the guys about getting to him immediately.
Yes, we need to get out of here.
It’s only once we’re back on the road, beyond the compound walls, that Emma bursts into tears. I pull over, then pull her into my arms. “You’re okay. We’re both okay. He’ll take care of it.”
“I was scared for a minute.”
“You want to hear a secret? So was I.” I stroke her hair. Marco’s probably getting his ass handed to him right now, as he should. For now, she’s safe, and she’s in my arms.
“Can I ask you a favor?” She snorts at her own question. “Like you haven’t done enough already.”
“What do you need?”
She lifts her gaze, looking me in the eye. She’s not crying anymore. “Take me back to the hotel.”
I don’t need to ask why.