My father bangs his cane on the floor. “Willow, I swear to God, you’d better start showing him some respect.”
“Orwhat?”
Esteban laughs, a low but loud sound that hurts my ears. I have no idea why he’s so amused. Maybe he’s insane—most of these high-ranking cartel members are. “Alright,mi amor, alright. I’ll put it out.” He snubs the cigarette out on the doorjamb, leaving the butt on the floor for a servant to clean. He winks at me and says flirtatiously, “Damn, you’re mean. It’s a fucking turn on.”
I shudder. “Gross.”
He turns and starts out the door. “I want to introduce you to someone. I might put up with your attitude, but you will not disrespect my guests.” He snaps his fingers at me again like I’m a dog expected to heel. “Now,mi amor.”
I’m tempted to remain exactly where I am, but I’m so tired of fighting. All I want to do is shut my brain off. I can’t win this battle. It’s easier, doing what I’m told even though I hate every minute of it. I’m burnt out, running on fumes.
Esteban offers me his hand at the top of the stairs. I stare at it for several seconds before reluctantly taking it. He’s playing the part of a gentleman right now, which I suppose is leagues better than anything else. Behind us, my father closely follows, along with a whole team of guards.
“Who are we meeting?” I grumble as we descend the steps together.
“I’ve gotten you a gift,” Esteban says. “A team of highly trained bodyguards.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not a gift.”
“Once we get married—officially, this time—I want you to be safe. I protect what’s mine, you see, and that means hiring the best of the best.”
Mine.
A chill races down my back. Is this really what my life has become? I am property to be passed around and nothing more.
We reach the bottom of the stairs together. Waiting in the main lobby, I spot three men in fitted black suits. They look far more official than the other guards around the compound—serious and professional and built like tanks…
And very,veryfamiliar.
“Willow,” Esteban says, gesturing to the men. “These gentlemen are from Phillips Security. They’re ex-Navy SEALs. They’re perfect for protecting a valuable asset.”
I choke at the term, then my heart leaps into my throat.
Oh.
Oh, God.
“This one is Knox,” Esteban continues. “This is Heath. And this big guy here is… Sorry, I forgot your name.”
The third bodyguard steps forward. I’d know the shape of him in a crowd. I’d know the scent of his woody cologne even in the dark. I’d know those deep green eyes from a mile away.
He sticks his hand out to shake mine.
“Zane Phillips,” he says evenly, “at your service.”
Chapter 14
Zane
What.
The.
Fuck.
This was not how I was expecting the day to go, and now I’m thrown for a loop. When Willow descended the stairs, I thought for sure I was dreaming.What the hell is she doing here?I saw her to the airport myself. She should be in England, not on the arm of Esteban Becerra, the leader of the Becerra Cartel.
It takes all my strength not to go to her, not to react. I don’t need my new client knowing about our history. That wouldn’t bode well for either of us.