“Spring,” I say.
“Done.”
“You still haven’t asked me,” I remind him.
“I know. Through here is the kitchen. The staff stocks the fridge. If there’s anything you want, just write it down on the notepad on the counter and they’ll get it for you,” Jake says, leading me into the next room.
Chapter Thirty-Four
After two orgasms this morning, I finally let Jazzy leave my bed so she can shower and get ready for work. She walked out of the apartment with a very satisfied smile on her face. One I plan to place there every day for the rest of ourlives. Hunter and Isaac are still on her detail. I’m not sure when I’ll be ready to loosen the protection, if I’ll ever be ready to.
Jazzy will always be a mark, to kidnappers or anyone her father or uncles piss off. But once it’s announced that we’re officially together, which can’t fucking happen soon enough if you ask me, she’ll have an even bigger target on her back.
As much as wealth provides, it also comes with risks. I just need to make sure she’s always protected. She will be okay. I keep telling myself that she’s fine, even though there’s that pit of dread in my stomach.
I arrived at the office at eight, later than usual. But my assistant had a coffee ready for me and my daily schedule. I glanced at it and promptly told her to cancel every meeting. I’m not facing the world today. I have no intention of answering any questions regarding the Levines or Van Barons, which I know will be the first thing anyone brings up.
It’s lunchtime before I hear from Jazzy. She just texted me.
Jazzy:
Are you still coming for lunch? I have your favorite sushi here.
I reread the message over and over. I don’t eat sushi and we never had lunch plans. Both things she knows.
Me:
On my way. See you soon.
She reads my response and then nothing. Something is wrong. Picking up my keys, I rush out of the office, dialing Hunter’s number. It rings out. I call Isaac next and the same fucking thing happens.
Fuck! I jump into my car, the tires screeching as I pull out of the undercover garage. Aces is about a five-minute drive. Too fucking far when I need to be there now. I call Carlo.
“Jacob?”
“Are you at Aces?” I ask him.
“No, I left an hour ago. Why?”
“Something’s wrong with Jazzy,” I say. “I’m on my way there now.”
“What do you meansomething’s wrong with her?”
“She sent me a message and asked if I was still meeting her for lunch and she had sushi ready,” I tell him. “We didn’t have lunch plans, and she knows I don’t like sushi.”
“I’m heading back there now.” He cuts the call.
I pull up to the casino and jump out of the car, not bothering to stop to talk to the valet. I run through the lobby, towards the hallway that leads to the offices. I tap in the code to enter and push through. I don’t slow down until I’m standing on the opposite side of the door to Jazzy’s office.
Please be here.I send up a prayer and then push inside the room. My entire body goes cold. My heart stops, fear gripping it.
“Glad you could make it,” Bradley says. He’s holding a knife to Jazzy’s throat.
I look from him to her. She doesn’t appear scared. She smiles at me and mouths, “It’s okay.”
“What do you think this is going to achieve, Bradley?” I ask him.
“I want my fucking money back. I know you took it,” he snarls.