Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“That’s Enzo Gabini. He’s Lazarus’ cousin. In town for a few weeks,” Vin replies, his voice grim.
I don’t like him. “In town from where?”
“Las Vegas. He’s a big shot casino owner.”
“I don’t trust him,” I say bluntly, my gut instincts screaming at me to be cautious.
Vin laughs humorlessly into the receiver. “I don’t trust any of them. I want you to specifically listen for locations. We got a tip that they’re moving a bunch of girls out of the country soon. We need to know when and where.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Will do.” With that, I hang up the phone, my mind already racing with the new information.
Returning my focus to the screen, I notice that Eva is no longer in the room. Panic grips me, and I rush out of the small surveillance room, my heart pounding in my chest. I scan the main level of the club, searching desperately for her.
Spotting her near the restrooms, I make a beeline for her, relief flooding through me. I gently grab her elbow, leading her into a small alcove away from prying eyes. “Is everything okay?” I ask, my voice filled with concern.
She nods, her expression troubled. “I’m sorry I used the signal earlier. That man gives me the creeps.”
I resist the urge to pull her into a protective embrace, knowing we can’t afford to draw attention to ourselves. Instead, I place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. Your safety is my priority.”
Eva’s eyes meet mine, and there’s this all-consuming want coursing through my system, igniting a fire deep within me. She breathes heavily, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath, drawing my attention to her cleavage. The dim lighting of the alcove casts soft shadows across her features, accentuating her beauty in a way that’s both mesmerizing and intoxicating.
My mouth waters, a primal urge stirring within me. I want to taste her, just once, to feel the softness of her lips against mine, to lose myself in the heat of the moment. The temptation is overwhelming, and I have to fight to keep my desires in check.
“I didn’t like that man touching you,” I whisper, my voice husky with barely restrained desire. I realize with a start that I’m entirely too close to her, our breaths mingling in the confined space. I could easily lean in a centimeter and capture her lips with mine. I almost want to.
“I didn’t like him touching me either,” Eva replies, her voice equally low and filled with tension.
I take a moment to collect myself, reminding myself of why we’re here and the risks we’re taking. Eva’s fighting for custody of her son, and I can’t afford to let my emotions cloud my judgment.
With effort, I pull back, putting some much-needed distance between us. “I think they like you,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual despite the turmoil raging inside me.
“What’s not to like?” Eva asks, a playful smile dancing on her lips, and it’s both endearing and maddening at the same time. Her words draw all of my attention to her succulent mouth, and I can’t help but wonder what she tastes like.
“We should get going before they start to miss you,” I say, stepping back even further, desperate to regain control of my emotions.
She nods in agreement. “Right. Wish me luck.” With that, she turns and strides down the hallway, her movements confident and purposeful. I watch her go, unable to tear my gaze away until she disappears from sight.
As she disappears around the corner, I let out a shaky breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me.
What the fuck is happening to me?
When I took this assignment, I knew there’d be temptation. But I’ve always prided myself on my ability to maintain control, to resist those urges that might lead me astray. However, there’s something about Eva that defies all logic, drawing me in on a primal level. It’s a desire that simmers beneath the surface, threatening to ignite into a blaze that consumes us both.
But I can’t afford to give in to those impulses, no matter how strong they may be. Eva sees me as a priest, a man of faith and virtue. I need to remember that, to honor the trust she’s placed in me. I can’t risk shattering her beliefs with one impulsive act, one stolen kiss that would betray everything she holds sacred.
I need to keep my cool, to maintain the façade of the devoted clergyman she believes me to be. She deserves better than to be caught in the crossfire of my internal struggle, to have her faith shaken by my own shortcomings.
As I make my way back to the surveillance room, the meeting is wrapping up. Eva is busy clearing glasses and ensuring the men leave satisfied. I watch her from afar, a mix of admiration and longing swirling within me.