Page 64 of Betraying Bexley

Chapter 11

Alé stood in the conference room with Asher, Noah, AJ, and Scotty. Thomas was telecommunicating with them along with another man he didn't know, Luca Trapani. The man had an arrogant air about him. Superior in a way, cocky in others. He sipped on a drink, like it wasn't nine in the morning where he was. He also had unnerving hazel eyes, hawkish. He absorbed everything. If by the way, AJ snuck glances at the man was any indication, she didn't trust him, and maybe, neither should Alé.

“I found Julian,” Luca said. “He’s there in Virginia Beach, laying low. The power has been turned off at Bexley’s apartment and she’s currently facing eviction. It appears daddy is going to force her to come with him.”

Even the way the man spoke, it'd been as though he didn't have a care in the world while simultaneously being charming and magnanimous. Regal in a way. The contrast confused Alé even more. He pushed his observation aside for the moment and focused on the man's information. Julian had stuck around, albeit going to ground. However, what caught Alé's attention was Luca's assessment of Bex and Raul. They'd figured it out on their own of course. Raul didn't care about his daughter. Starving her. Pushing her out of the only place she'd known as 'home,' and he use the term lightly, was meant to corral her into a situation she couldn't get out of. When she was weak enough and alone, then her father would pounce. The bastard was such a chicken shit. Raul talked a big game, for sure, however, his actions showed how cowardly he was. His strength was rooted in fear. Nothing else.

“Do we know where he is exactly?” Alé asked. “If we can grab him without being seen, maybe we could squeeze him for a little information.”

“There’s an apartment complex, a rather nice one, on the east side of town. From what I understand the rent is in the thousands, quite a step up from the wretched mess they’ve all left little Bexley in.” Luca swirled his drink in the crystal tumbler. The amber liquid sloshed around the sides. “Wouldn’t you say?”

Alé frowned. “Yes.”

“Did you and the other girl, Bronx, I believe her name is, enjoy your little trip to the beach, at night.” The corner of Luca’s mouth lifted in a cocky smirk.

Surprise and rage licked at Alé’s spine. How the fuck had Luca known? Were they followed? It was a private moment for the three of them. Not for them and some perverted old man.

Noah whistled. “Ballsy, Luca.”

The man gave a nonchalant lift of his shoulder. “There is always someone watching, no?”

“What the fuck?” Alé’s gaze snapped to Asher. “Seriously? What all did you see?”

“Well, the fight was spectacular,” Luca muttered. “Six sweaty boys...”

“Gross.” Alé frowned.

“Is the Maserati drivable yet?” Luca prodded. “I know it’s for Bexley.”

Alé clenched his hands into fits at his side. "No. It's not. Bronx has the new VIN in place, but it's taking Jacolbi a little longer than expected to add the converted parts for her."

“That’s enough, Luca.” Asher stepped forward, placing his hand in the middle of Alé’s chest. “We always have eyes on you kid. That goes for our whole team. After the situation with Scotty, we made some changes and implemented new rules. Most of which only team leaders know. Can’t have anyone getting snatched because they’re not paying attention.”

“Sounds kind of obsessive,” Alé quipped. “And stalkerish when it comes from him.” He pointed to Luca.”

“Don’t flatter yourself kid. We all have a vested interest in Bexley. Dipping your dick isn’t at the top of our priority list.” Luca’s one-eighty in demeanor felt like a slap across Alé’s face.

“Anyway,” Noah said, getting them back on track. “We have her here now. She’s being checked over by Rae.”

“We should send a team back to her apartment. We might get lucky this time,” Noah said.

Alé bristled. The idea of any of them being in the one place Bex could call hers, set him on edge. “Shouldn’t this be more organic?”

“You’ve had time, kid,” Noah replied. “We have to force it a little now.”

“I agree with Noah’s assessment,” Asher said. “While I understand your reasoning for taking it slow with her, we’re running out of time. Raul is on his way here, we know it. His goal is to take out any of the remaining loose ends, including Bex.”

Fuck! Everything Asher said was the truth. Though he said he'd take the kid gloves off, he always saw Bex as being this wounded doe. She was soft-spoken. An introvert. She trembled every time someone raised their voice. He rubbed his forehead. This was harder than he ever imagined it would be. "What do you think, AJ?"

She exchanged a look with Scotty then shrugged. “I’ve been where Bex is. I understand her in ways none of us should ever have to. She’s a tough kid.” She laughed as she signed. “Who am I kidding. She’s only a couple of years younger than us. Sometimes, you have to jump. How and when you do it, is up to you. But, you can’t sit back anymore. You brought her here for a reason. Use the time to push.”

Scotty nodded. “Have fun.” His deep booming, off-kilter voice startled Alé.

AJ laughed. “I’m trying to get him to talk again.”

“Too loud?” Scotty titled his head as he signed.

“A little,” Alé admitted. “More surprised by how deep your voice is.”

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