Page 34 of Love Over Time

“Hi. Emilia Prado.” She offered me her hand, and I shook it.

“Henry Cavalier. I’m a…friend…of Nikki’s.”

Next to her, Dom shook his head. “Well, friend of Nikki’s, we gotta go.” He wrapped his fingers around her arm and ushered her to the SUV waiting at the curb.

“She’s coming with us?” I followed close behind.

“Yes. She’s one of my clients. Very important.” He opened the door and gestured for her to get in. “Ms. Prado.”

She slapped his hand away and climbed into the car as they whispered back and forth. After a while, Dom turned his attention back to the front seat.

“Vic, this is Henry. Henry, Vic. Got an address.” Dom handed Vic the business card, which he glanced at for no more than a second before he tossed it onto the dashboard with a curt nod.

“Where are we going?” I picked up the business card. It had an address on the south side of town. “You really wanna drive to Guadalupe?”

“It’ll be fine. I already called for reinforcements. If anyone can handle a bartender with important information, it’s Nikki.”

“You called her?” I wiped both hands on my jeans and let my head fall on the headrest.

Yeah, I’d seen firsthand what Nikki can do. How she could make anyone do her bidding. Her first day back, she’d sweet-talked Russ into letting her go into a construction site where he’d just detonated a small explosive. She’d put herself in danger to get what she wanted. Now she was doing it again.

Was she doing this for me or herself?Don’t let her fool you again.Nikki was here for herself. Everything she did was to help herself. Mom had information she needed to clear Lisa’s name. That was it. This had nothing to do with us or her feelings for me.

Though I had to admit, the idea of her leaving me again stifled all the oxygen out of me. I took a deep breath to ease the pressure in my chest. Dom’s driver slanted a glance at me, and the window rolled down, letting in a bunch of hot air.

“I called her the minute I got to the Hilton and spoke to Todd. Don’t worry, we talked before you showed up at the bar, so she doesn’t know you’re with me.”

I leaned my head on door. Hot air was better than no air. “Nikki is the last person I want to see right now.”

“Hmm.That’s pretty much what she said when I asked her aboutyou.” He pressed his lips together, probably wondering what kind of shit storm he was about to walk into with Nikki.

Chapter Thirteen

The Dive Bar and the Mark

Nikki

I pressed my foot on the gas pedal, and the needle on the odometer jumped a few more notches. Henry’s mom had been in Phoenix, enjoying some fine dining with none other than her brother-in-law, the jerk who’d kept her away from her son all this time. I slanted another glance at the picture Dom texted me, glad Henry wasn’t here to see it. This would completely crush him. What was Tessa playing at? How could she do this to her own son? Time to find out.

Please let this Scott guy be one of those bartenders who’s always glad to help.

Another text came in from Dom.

—Judging by his text and lack of concise information, I’d say this guy wants money. Let’s tread lightly. Something doesn’t smell right here. You win. We’ll go with your plan. I’m Waze-ing over the place.—

Scott had gone out of his way to get us this far out from the city limits. If he’d wanted money, he would’ve set an amount already. This was going to be another bust. I gripped the steering wheel and let out a breath. No. For Henry’s sake, I had to stay positive. I fumbled with my phone and tapped on my music playlist, looking for something upbeat. I needed sexy and upbeat right now.

I got off I-10 with the sun sitting low on the horizon. I followed Dom’s directions to the dive bar where we were supposed to meet Scott and pulled into the parking lot. My heart sank. Standing against Dom’s SUV was Henry, arms across his chest. How did he find me? Did he know about his mom? The pursed lips and creases on his forehead answered my question. He didn’t even bother to hide his contempt while I parked next to him. I checked my red lipstick in the rearview mirror, my focus on my peripheral vision. Holy shit, he looked hot in those ripped jeans, arms stretching the sleeves of his faded T-shirt, and that scolding stare of his that threatened to set the entire place on fire.

When Dom called to tell me he might have something on Tessa, I’d been glad for an excuse to get out of the hotel and away from Henry. Apparently, Henry had the same idea, and Dom didn’t think to send him home.Focus on the job, Nikki. Henry’s not here. Only the mark.

I climbed out of the car and leaned on the hood, ignoring Henry and the daggers coming out of his eyes. For one, it was a good idea for the patrons of this fine establishment to think I was alone. And two, I didn’t know what to say to him. I wasn’t mad at him. Was I? But until I figured out how I felt about him and all this crap with his family and Lisa, I had to stay away. For his own good, I had to stay away.

Dom strolled out of the bar. While Henry hadn’t talked to me because he was pissed, Dom understood the situation and ignored me. Going straight to Henry instead. My phone vibrated with a new text.

—Hey, doll. Want to try your luck at the bar?—

I bit my lip to suppress a smile. Next to me, Henry was a statue, his face blank. Good. He was finally on board. This was a different kind of poker game. Checking my lipstick one last time to calm my nerves, I smoothed out my tight dress and headed for the door. If the men inside could see me through the windows, they’d think I was just another chick looking for a free drink…or to hook up. This dive looked like that kind of place.

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