Page 20 of Desperate Justice
Diana turned her attention to the back seat. “Rafe, what are your intentions toward my sister?”
Rafe almost choked. “Ah, pardon?”
“Dating. You’re not using her for sex only, are you?”
Allison shot him a pleading look from the front seat.
He wanted to laugh.Yeah, I’d love to use your sister for sex, after that kiss. More than sex. Felt like she wanted the same. But that’s none of your damn business.
He thought of several things to say in Spanish, none of them appropriate. “My intentions are honorable.”
Honorable in using her as a CI to bring down a drug empire.
“I don’t understand. This is the first time Ally’s said anything about you and it seems like she is mad about you.”
So Diana had watched. Silently he thanked Allison for putting on such a good show. Yet he wondered if it had been an act because, damn.
Rafe slid a hand between the seats and gripped Allison’s cold, clammy palm. “I asked her to keep our relationship a secret. I wasn’t sure if your family would approve of me because I’m Cuban American.”
“Well, that’s silly. None of my family is prejudiced against immigrants. Ally, didn’t you tell Rafe anything?”
“I told him enough.” Allison’s voice remained tight.
“I don’t even know where you met. Ally’s been scarce on details. Rafe, how did you meet my sister?”
Rafael’s gaze met Allison’s as she turned her head. “Motorcycle rally.”
True enough.
“Rafe likes to ride as well,” Allison said a little too quickly.
“Ally said you’re trustworthy.” A haughty sniff. “And you’re trying to help your cousin expand his business. You’d better be good at your job.”
Oh, I’m really good at my job. Soon enough, you’ll find out just how good.“Yes, miss,” he murmured with as much meekness as possible.
Another glance in the mirror. “You understand the home where we are going is very exclusive? And I may hire you for the wedding only as a favor to my sister? There are rules at the house. You stick with us at all times. No wandering off. Hector has a large security team, and I’d hate to see you tossed out for prying.”
“Yes, miss.”I know how exclusive this house is, and how the man who owns it should be sitting in a federal prison for the rest of his natural life.
He began asking Diana questions about her preferences for the wedding. What kind of flowers, how many. Rafe jotted down notes in the electronic pad he carried. He’d spent more than a few hours last night, after releasing Allison from custody, prepping for this assignment.
Before today, he couldn’t tell a peony from a petunia. Now? He knew the best dealer for the potted palms Diana wanted, and how to get the dozens of lilies that were her favorite flowers.
He actually did have a cousin who owned a flower shop. Mike had prepped him on the landscaping and floral arrangements early this morning.
His cover established, he only had to play the part.
Falling silent, he let the two women talk about the upcoming wedding. While pretending to consult his notes, he listened to Allison argue with her sister that Hector’s mansion was too extravagant and pretentious.
Diana seemed agitated as she navigated over the causeway to South Beach that led to the barrier island that accessed the elite community of Starfish Island.
“I know what I said, Ally. But Paul wants this. He...he feels like he owes it to his uncle. Hector is footing the entire bill because Paul is his godson and he wanted to do right by him.”
“Diana, what about what you want? Capitulating to your groom’s requests is no way to begin a marriage. Why can’t you compromise and have the wedding at Mom and Dad’s house? They have a large garden and...”
“Stop it, Ally. It’s a done deal.” He saw her gaze dart to the rearview mirror, and she lowered her voice. “I know you dislike Hector, but he’s not the criminal everyone says he is. He has a legitimate business as an importer of racing boats. Nothing more. They’re jealous of his wealth.”
Legitimate business. Right. He’d heard that before. Legitimate business masking illegal activities.
