No, I didn’t think it would be okay. Asher was going back into the lion’s den and he didn’t know what he was up against.

“You don’t know what I heard. Will Evans was talking to another man about getting another girl. One that will not be missed like the last one. And they were arguing about Sammy. I didn’t see the other guy, but he wanted to take her tonight. Will said no because she lived with her dad.”

Asher’s expression was set straight to pissed-the-fuck-off and his eyes had grown hard.

“Straight to the beach house, Sloane. When you get there, tell Wilson. He’ll know what to do and he’ll keep you safe until I get home.”

I would’ve asked if I was in danger but that was a stupid freaking question. At least Asher didn’t add salt to the wound by reminding me he’d told me to quit this afternoon.

“I have to get back in there,” he reminded me.

“Please…” I paused to calm my nerves but after a few seconds I gave up the notion. Nothing was going to calm my worry until this night was over and Asher was home safe. “Promise you’ll be careful.”

“Nothing to worry about, sweetness.”

“That’s not a promise.”

“Promise.”

“You promise you’ll come home tonight?” I finally asked the question I really wanted to know.

Everything about Asher softened before he leaned down and brushed his lips over mine. It was there he uttered his assurance.

“Promise.”

When Asher backed away my hand lifted and I pressed my fingers to my lips. It wasn’t until I pulled into the driveway of the beach house that I realized I’d driven there one-handed, too afraid to let go of Asher’s promise.

17

“Who’s this?” I motioned to the man sitting in front of Lorenzo’s desk in one of the two black leather chairs.

“Who he is for the purpose of this meeting is the man who can get you what you need,” Lorenzo shot back, smiling.

Smug prick.

“And Will? What’s he doing here?”

It was time to drop the formalities—there was no respect among us and continuing to pretend there was, was a waste of time.

“He, too, can get you what you need.”

Interesting. It would seem Lorenzo was the middleman, not the mastermind.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Lorenzo.”

“Don’t be foolish.”

“This is not how I do business.”

I turned toward the door but halted when Will spoke. “We don’t do holds or layaways, Adam. You either take possession of the merchandise when it becomes available, or you lose your spot.”

Fuck.

I took in the man sitting silently in the chair. I’d bet the second voice Sloane heard belonged to him.

I had no choice but to play.

“When will it be available?”

Will smirked and instinctively I knew to brace.

“Won’t be long. In the interim, you got yourself a sweet piece of ass to keep you occupied. I have to admit, I didn’t think she had it in her.” Will smiled at me with a dare. “Would’ve fucked her a long time ago if I knew she lit up like that. Bitch hides it well—all prim and proper-like—until you got her on your lap. I was disappointed, thought for sure she was gonna drop to her knees and suck you off.”