Page 22 of Exposed

An alarm screamed in her head.

“No, I’m fine.” She turned in her chair and closed her eyes as the sun peeked around the dark cloud. The last thing Carlos had told her was that Tony would be staying behind to keep an eye on the club. Why had he changed his mind? Having him here made things a hell of a lot more difficult.

“Whatever you say, tough guy,” he mumbled and turned away.

Carlos didn’t move, but his hand flexed beside him. “What did he call you?”

Air expanded in her chest. “I didn’t catch it.” She kept her tone light and unconcerned. Bright white bursts from the sun flashed cross her closed lids.

“I thought Tony was watching the club.” A tremble rippled through her voice. She coughed and cleared her throat.

Carlos grunted. “Yeah, he decided he wanted to come, so Ricardo stayed behind. He wasn’t too keen on coming anyway.” Out of the corner of her eye, his lips tensed.

Her cheek burned beneath the heat of his gaze.

“Is there a problem with that?”

She inhaled through her nose, forcing her heart rate to slow. She pushed the fear that nipped at her insides away. If Carlos so much as had a suspicion, they’d be done. She rolled her head to face him and raised her sunglasses. “Of course not, honey.” She lifted her lips into an amused smile. “Why would there be? I was just surprised to see him.”

The black lens of his sunglasses shielded his eyes, making it impossible to read him.

“Good.” He pushed up onto his elbow and leaned across the gap between their chairs, his face stopped inches from hers. “Have I told you that you’re the most gorgeous woman on the ship?” His fingers trailed over the bare skin of her belly, and rested on her hip.

She swallowed and covered his hand with hers. “Not yet,” she said. Her tone was light and teasing.

He grinned and kissed her. She parted her teeth as his tongue entered her mouth. The breeze danced over them and the heavy scent of his sweat stung her nostrils. The back of her throattingled with nausea, but she moved her tongue against his. Her gag reflux jumped, but she forced the revulsion down.

“Here’s your drink, boss.” Tony cleared his throat when Carlos lingered on her lips.

She pulled away and Carlos accepted his drink. Tony’s large, broad form hovered in front of them. A deep scowl etched his weathered brow and his gaze lingered on her breasts. His tongue came out to wet his lips. The alcohol from the margarita brought her blood to a quick boil.

“Jesus, Tony. Sit the fuck down and stop staring before I slap that stupid look off your face,” Carlos growled.

Tony’s eyes snapped to Carlos’s and his gaze lowered. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. “I’ll be at the casino if you need me,” he mumbled and pushed his way through the crowd.

“Sorry, I don’t know why he does that shit. Let me know if he ever bothers you, okay?”

Maddie nodded and swallowed. It could be a trap. There was no way to be certain Tony hadn’t said anything to him, but if he was here, it was to make her uncomfortable—or to keep an eye on her.

Either way, it didn’t bode well for their case. Tomorrow, they would dock in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas the next day, and then San Juan the day after. They would stop in Grand Turk before heading back to Miami. Between now and the time they arrived on American soil, she had to find out if they’d picked up drugs, and the trade-off location. All while avoiding Tony and keeping Carlos lapping at her heels.

CHAPTER 7

“Dammit, hold still.”Ashley tightened the bowtie beneath the collar of his crisp white shirt. Her brown eyes focused intently on the movement of her long fingernails. He breathed through tight lips and cracked his knuckles at his sides.

“I look like a fucking idiot,” he mumbled. He didn’t mind dressing up, but wearing a tuxedo complete with a bowtie crossed the boundaries of his comfort zone. “It’s too tight.” He stretched his neck to the side, but Ashley tightened it.

“Enough. You’re being a baby.” She finished tying it, and then clapped him on the chest. “You look hot.” She winked and stepped to the side, revealing his reflection in the full-length mirror against the wall.

He groaned. “I look like a penguin.”

Dylan snorted and covered his face with his hand. “Sorry, boss. It’s not that bad, honest.” His shoulders shook and he squeezed his eyes shut.

“Eat a dick.” He strode to the table, picked up his whiskey on the rocks, and downed it. His patience had been thin since he’d had to sit and watch Carlos fondle Maddie earlier.

Dylan’s hands clenched into fists and a red tint crept up his neck. “You—”

“Easy boys.” Ashley stepped between them. “Look, I know you’re sour, Nate. I think you should consider letting Dylan step in. You could use some time away.”

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