Page 14 of She's Mine

“He was tall -- taller than David. About 6’ 5” and looked like he worked out.A lot. He had muscles everywhere, and he was covered in tattoos.”

“What color was his hair? What color were his eyes? What about ethnicity?”

“He looked Hispanic -- he had dark eyebrows and a dark beard. But his hair was bleached blond. He had a tattoo of a red dahlia flower next to an infinity symbol.”

“The Bloodline,” Garcia said, and the members of his security team agreed.

The lump in my throat grew to the size of a golf ball. Fuck! I thought he’d been just some random mugger, not actually a member of the cartel that was after me and my family.

Unbidden, tears started to flow down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I swear, I’ll never do anything like this again. I promise, I will always stay where David can see me.”

My heart sank as Garcia shook his head. “It’s not enough. While you and David were on Rodeo Drive, your mother and father were attacked too.”

I thought Mom and Dad were just here with their bodyguards to hear about what had happened to me. I had no idea they’d been in danger too.

I turned to my parents; my eyes wide. “Oh my God, are you both okay?”

“Don’t worry, sweetheart, Pedro here saw the threat before I even became aware of it,” Mom said, smiling at her bodyguard fondly.

“Both Scott and I were on alert, and spotted the attacker at the same time,” Dad added.

Garcia gave a small, satisfied nod at hearing his two other bodyguards had done their jobs perfectly. And David couldn’t even be blamed for what had happened to me. Regardless of who had called him and why, as far as he knew, I was securely in the boutique. I had no doubt he was watching the door even as he was on the phone. It wasmewho had messed up everything by being a smartass and sneaking out through the back entrance.

And why? Because I was throwing a tantrum over the fact David hadn’t said I looked good in some designer dresses.God, was I reallythatshallow?

I bowed my head in shame.

“From what I’ve been told by Scott and Pedro, it seems like this attack was coordinated. The Bloodline are getting bolder in their movements. I no longer think it’s safe for you to remain in the house -- evenwithmy top three security guards,” Garcia said after a moment.

“I quite agree,” Dad said.

I glanced up, surprised to seefearin his eyes. Nothing ever shook my dad up. For him to be scared now meant this really was serious.

Next to him my mom was pale, and I felt terrible that they’d both been through a similar ordeal to me, while I was too occupied with designer shoes and pretty dresses.

“I’ve already put in a request for witness protection,” Dad said.

“If I may, Mr. Blythe,” David interjected. “I have a secure location not too far from here. It’s a remote place, with top grade security, hired staff and regular grocery deliveries, meaning Alyssa and I would never have to leave the house until the Bloodline are caught.”

Dad’s gaze moved from Jeffrey to David, and then back to Jeffrey. “What do you think?”

“I oversaw the installation of the security system myself. I couldn’t think of anywhere safer for Alyssa to lay low until all this is resolved,” Garcia said.

Dad smiled and nodded his head in David’s direction. “You have my thanks. You too, Jeffrey. That settles it then, Alyssa will go with David.”

My dad looked at me, and I knew he was expecting me to argue. Maybe a day ago, I would have. But after what had happened with that member of the Bloodline, I wasn’t taking any more chances.

“I’ll go pack then,” I said, gently pushing up off the couch.

I heard David stand as I left the room and sensed his presence behind me. It seemed ridiculous that he was following me upstairs, but then I remembered the feel of the cold, metal knife against my throat, and shuddered all over.

“Thanks. You know, for what you did back there,” I said sheepishly, as I opened the door to my room. “I’m sorry I snuck away. I hope your mom is doing okay.”

David’s stoic expression softened somewhat, and he sat down on my bed. “Jeffrey’s wife Hillary made sure Mom got to her chemotherapy appointment. I’ll hire a new agency later to make sure she gets all the care she needs while we’re away.”

“Yeah, thanks for that. I’m sure your place ismuchnicer than whatever Dad would have arranged.”

A small smile passed over David’s lips. “I’m sure you’ll like it there. You’ll be perfectly safe and have every luxury of a five-star hotel. But please, promise me, no matterwhathappens, you won’t sneak away again.”

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