Denial (Careless Whispers #1)(89)

“You need to have this conversation with Kayden.”

“You can’t give me an answer I like, so you aren’t going to give me one at all.”

“Talk to Kayden.”

His phone beeps with a text and he pulls it from his pocket, glancing at the screen with a frown. “How about checking on Giada? Kayden wants me in the meeting he’s holding after all, and I have a patient who was just admitted into the hospital. Not a good combination.”

I want to ask for details, but he’s already standing and stepping into the hallway, probably to make a call.

Fortunately, Giada comes into the lobby just then, looking irritated. “We need to hurry back. Adriel’s in a pissy mood for me to get back and run the store.”

So Kayden wants Adriel in the meeting, too. I don’t say that to Giada, who believes he’s retired from hunting. Whatever the case, I’m officially worried.



I try to call Kayden but he doesn’t answer, and the minute the car halts in front of the castle, I’m out of the door and darting for the steps. I’m just keying in the code when the door opens and Kayden appears. “What’s going on?” I ask.

“Walk with me upstairs and we’ll talk.”

“You’re scaring me,” I say as we hurry through the open door to our tower and up the stairs.

“Enzo’s being held captive,” he explains. “I have to free him.”

“Who has him?” I ask as we reach the main level.

“The cartel he tried to steal from.”

“Oh God,” I murmur, following him down the hallway to our room. “Tell me no.”

He opens the bedroom door. “I wish I could.” He heads inside and makes a beeline for the security room.

I follow and once I’m in the doorway, I ask, “How can I help?”

“Stay here until I get back, so I know you’re safe. I can’t worry about my men and you, too.” He holds out the chair for me. “Sit down; I need to show you some things.”

I do as he says and he kneels beside me. “A quick lesson.” He punches a key and the visual on the security feed changes. “Every time you punch it, you alter the location of the view. You can see every single part of the castle if you need to.” He indicates yet another key. “That turns on the volume. The only places you can’t see and hear are the private bedrooms and the War Room. Got it?”

“Yes. Got it.”

“Good.” He stands and walks to the wall in one corner and hits a button. A panel rotates and displays a selection of guns, two of which he attaches to various parts of his body, and a sick feeling forms in my belly.

He turns to face me and he must read the terror I feel for him, because he kneels in front of me again. “I told you I walk the line of legal and illegal. You don’t deal with a cartel without crossing lines. Not even the FBI and CIA manage that, I promise you.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to. But I will do whatever is necessary to save my men, just like I will for you.”

I cup his cheek. “I know. I can handle this.”

He draws my hand in his. “If you call, I’ll answer, so don’t call unless it’s an emergency. Matteo is staying here in the War Room as field support and in case you need him. We won’t make a move to retrieve Enzo until nightfall, so don’t worry when I’m not back until late.” He pushes to his feet and takes me with him. “I’ll text you if I can to check in, but I can’t promise.” He leans in and kisses me. “I’m crazy about you. You know that, right?”

I grab his shirt, balling my fingers around the cotton. “Prove it and come back safe.”

He gives me a nod—no promise, no words—and I move to the doorway to watch him stride across the bedroom and disappear. I inhale and face the panel of guns, and turn away. I can’t think about guns and death right now. I need to do something to stay busy. I cross to the bathroom, place my purse on the vanity, then shrug out of my coat, which I toss on the edge of the tub.

I stare at myself in the mirror a minute, starting to get used to this me. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, but if it involves Kayden, I vote good. My mind flickers back to those last happy moments with my mother, and I dig my phone out of my purse and dial Marabella.

“Ella,” she says. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. I was just wondering if you wanted to come bake chocolate chip cookies with me.”

“I would love to bake cookies with you. I’ll run to the corner store and be in the kitchen in half an hour.”

“Perfect. Thank you.” I set my phone down and head into the closet, where I exchange my boots for flats, throw on a hoodie, and head to the kitchen. There I make coffee and stand at the window Kayden favors, staring at the amazing view of a church with high steeples and stunning architecture.

Fifteen minutes later Marabella breezes into the kitchen, and my mood lightens with her infectious happiness. I help her bake, and we both decide it’s not my thing, though we get some good laughs at my efforts. Baking complete, we settle at the table and I tell her what I remember about my mother, and listen to her stories of Kevin, Kayden, and her husband.

Eventually though, our tongues are tired, the sun has set, and she sighs and stands. “I’m tired, honey. I need to rest. Are you okay here alone?”