Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
She stared at me and I could see by her expression just how hard she was contemplating it all.
“I feel as though there are a lot of details still missing, but I don’t know where to start asking the questions.”
“That’s okay,” I said. “Take your time. I’m always available to you.”
“Tell me about the informant?”
“Right … he worked for Ugo. He told your father he was willing to give information, dates, and names on Ugo’s business practices in exchange for some money. He had it all in a little black book.”
“But he's dead now?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“So everyone connected to the black book is dead except me.”
“Yes.”
Chapter 22
Zola
Iwoke up to a warm hand on my skin, tapping lightly, and at first, I almost ignored it, but the tapping was insistent and I reluctantly opened my eyes.
I was still half asleep and my half-asleep mind registered how close in proximity we were and how devastatingly attractive he was. His hair was a little disheveled. It was usually combed away from his face, but right now, the dark mass was falling in a blunt shock down his forehead and it made him look quite … edible. Thank God, those piercing eyes seemed to be unaware of what was going through my head.
“We’re here,” he said and turned away.
After running a careless hand through my hair, I grabbed my huge sunglasses even though it was already getting dark outside and slid them back on. Quickly, I gathered up my things and stood. As we descended the steps of the plane, I saw two bullet-proof SUVs waiting.
“It’s safe for me to be alone in London, isn’t it? I can take a taxi to a hotel?”
I could immediately tell he was far from pleased with my words.
“What hotel?” he asked tersely.
We were on a tarmac, and I didn’t know where to go. I began to squirm under his steady regard. It was annoying and I wished he wouldn’t employ intimidation tactics.
“Get in,” he said, sounding exhausted. “We can talk about it on the way.”
I detested his tone. “No,” I replied. “I’ll find my way from here. Thanks for the lift.”
“Zola!” his tone rose.
He stared at me and I glared back. “Am I some sort of prisoner or something?”
“We can’t let our guard down,” he said. “I’m not aware if Ugo operates in London, but men like him have contacts all over the world. It won’t be hard to order a hit on you if they do find out where you are. In fact, it’ll be easier here than back in New York.”
My heart instantly began to race. “You are the master of generating fear, aren’t you?”
“I’m not generating fear,” he said. “I know these people and how relentless they can be. I’m not taking anything for granted. “
I sighed in defeat. “So, what’s the plan?”
“We’re going to go to a very secure hotel in Mayfair. It is run by a good friend of mine so you will be completely safe.”
“Won’t I be able to step out of it at all?”
“You will,” he said. “I’ll just make sure you’re adequately protected. That’s something I can’t arrange right now or work out fully because I’m exhausted. Let’s at least get to the hotel and then work things out.”
His tone was cordial and his words made sense so I calmed down and went with him to the car.
To my surprise, he pulled the door open for me. I thanked him and got in. A few seconds later he got in as well and then we were seated side by side. His scent and presence once again filled my nostrils and in the quiet of the car, there was little else to notice beyond this.
“What’s the name of your cologne? My father had something similar.”
His response surprised me.
“Yes, it is very similar. I had both custom-made last year.”
The depth of their relationship continued to surprise me. Gradually I was beginning to understand my father truly did care for him. He was the son he never had.
Soon we arrived at the hotel and there was no need to stop at the reception. We were immediately escorted to the elevator.
“I booked you a room across from me. If there’s any emergency your key card can also access my suite. Do you have my phone number saved on your phone?”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
The bellboy unlocked my door, and I walked in. The room was magnificent, the epitome of luxury. I had to admit, my troubles felt far away and I felt comfortable and safe here. Although, I couldn’t help but feel as though I was racking up big bills that I would have to pay sooner or later.
It made me think about my father’s wealth.
From the records he had attached to his letter, I could see he had left me far more than I had imagined he possessed as he lived a modest humble life. And right now I didn’t care to do anything with it. Perhaps it was because all of this was still too early and I’d never thought of his properties or wealth as mine in any way. I’d moved out the moment I could, determined to make it on my own. And so now it felt horribly weird that I had access to everything that was his. He was healthy, I thought he would live until he was in his nineties. He would, at least, see his grandchildren.