When a fist pounded against the door, Wheeler jumped to his feet and vanished in the darkness. I sat up, my heart thundering against my chest.
I’d never be able to erase that visual from my mind.
“What the hell are you doing in here?” I heard Reno ask.
“Checking up on our guest. She didn’t eat, you know. And what exactly are you doing here?”
It was interesting to hear all the accusations and suspicion in the inflection of their tone without seeing them.
“Both of you come in,” I said, scooting to the end of the bed. “There’s no sense in playing games since we’re all playing the same one. Turn on the light and let’s talk about Delgado.”
***
That evening, we snuck out of the house. The Weston pack was used to the comings and goings of the family, so hearing the Camaro firing up raised no alarms. Everyone assumed I had gone to bed for the night. Instead, Wheeler had crept into the laundry room and found a pair of jeans and a dark T-shirt that would fit me, along with some sneakers.
“You look good dressed down,” he said when I climbed into the backseat of his Camaro. I didn’t like dressing so boyishly, nor did I like how constricting the jeans were. It felt like a costume, so it was weird to have a man compliment me on clothes that weren’t sexy.
The car rocked when Reno sat in the passenger seat with his laptop. Delgado hadn’t called, but Reno said they’d be able to track his number—something about using towers. Thank God for men and their electronic toys; I knew little about such things.
“You sure you want to come?” Reno asked in a gruff voice, twisting his neck around so he could see me out of the corner of his eye.
“You strike me as a man who’s done this before, and because of that, I’m absolutely positive. The sooner we move in, the better. Skye is my only concern, but if Delgado is there, then perhaps we can kill two birds with one stone.”
“I got a big fucking rock with his name on it,” Wheeler murmured.
As soon as my phone rang, Reno perked up. “Same number?”
“Yes, same one.” I took a calming breath before answering so my voice wouldn’t waver. “Naya speaking.”
“I’ve got someone here who wants to say hello.”
The car lurched to a stop and Reno’s hand flew up in front of Wheeler, signaling him to stay quiet. The engine cut off.
“Hello?” a shaky voice said.
In that moment, whatever fear I’d been suppressing emerged. “Skye? Please tell me you’re okay. Did he hurt you?”
“Naya?” Skye wept, her voice broken. “How’s my baby? Can you tell her Mommy loves her so much? Please tell my baby girl I’ll always love her and I’m so sorry.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I didn’t bother to wipe them away.
“Is that sufficient?” Delgado asked. “She’s alive, and I assure you she’s in good hands. I’ve met my end of the bargain, and you have what you need. That’s all I can give you.” It sounded as if he was walking. He was out of breath as he talked.
Oh my God, what if there wasn’t enough time for Reno to do his trace? I had to stall.
“Let me speak to her again. I have to tell her that her baby’s okay.”
“That’s not what we agreed on. I’m a reasonable man, Naya. Not a man you can lead around by his dick. I’m not going to lie—I’d love to show you the life I can provide you, and it’s not an offer I’ve made to just anyone.”
Wheeler and Reno had turned around completely in their seats to watch. I sat in the center, staying calm and focused.
“You’re a man of your word, Delgado. And I’m a woman of mine.”
“That’s what I like to hear,” he said in a voice as smooth as bourbon. “Where should I have my men pick you up?”
“If I’m coming of my own free will, then you should give me your address like a gentleman,” I said with a sly chuckle. “This isn’t just about good business but also mutual trust. It’s a misconception to think forcing submission and mistreatment will make a panther angry enough to fight. Let me tell you a little something about panthers. We’re savage predators, but if frightened, wounded, or angry, we don’t think clearly. I want to believe this is a good deal for both of us. I’m a woman who looks out for herself, and money is a language I’m fluent in.”
“Hmm,” he murmured. “This should be an interesting arrangement.”
“Ever been with a panther?” I said seductively. “There’s nothing like it.”