They walked out back. Angel had already asked what about, twice. By the time they were outside, Angel had lost his patience.

“What the hell, Alex. Just tell me.”

“Relax, it’s not that big a deal.” Alex leaned against his truck wishing he’d put more thought into this.

“So, tell me.”

Alex inhaled deeply. “Alright. The night Valerie’s stalker called here, he mentioned Sarah by name.”

“What?” Angel looked ready to kill. Alex knew the feeling.

“He mentioned Sofie, too. He was just trying to get in my head. Let me know that he’s done his homework and knows all about me and my family.”

“What did he say?” Angel demanded.

Alex filled him in, giving him more details than he’d originally planned but that was only because Angel was so damned adamant. They weren’t even done talking before Angel was on the phone checking on Sarah. She was with her mom, and Angel made her promise she’d stay there until he was off.

Though he didn’t really think it was necessary, Alex offered to have someone watch her.

“I don’t want anyone following her. Just make sure you schedule us to work together until this psycho is caught.” He stuck his phone in his holster. “I’ll watch her.”

Alex tried to reassure him that she’d be okay, but Angel was visibly shaken. Alex understood all too well. He was glad now he’d agreed to go along with Romero’s plan. He wanted this thing over with.

***

The resort was as glamorous on the inside as it was on the outside. The entire theme was tropical, from the enormous salt-water aquarium in the front entrance to the vast assorted plant life that decorated every inch of the hotel. Valerie had been to Vegas several times, and this place almost measured up to some of the more sensational casinos she’d been in.

She walked through the place, feeling excitement build as she glanced around. This was such a welcome retreat from all the stress of the past week. Before she left her dad’s house that morning, she made him promise he’d behave. She and Norma went over her dad’s lunch and dinner menu. Norma laughed, saying her ears would be ringing when she served him his less than exciting, healthy lunch.

Luke had given her the meet-and-greet pass ahead of time, in case he was running late. It was a good thing too, because he’d been a no-show. She wondered if perhaps he’d only gotten her a pass and not himself. Had he only said they were both going to get to Alex? The way he acted that night, she wouldn’t put it past him.

The first part of the seminar was everything she’d expected. George Stone didn’t disappoint. He was as moving as all the books she’d read. His wit was just as quick as in his books even with the impromptu questions he took from the audience.

Valerie was surprised she still hadn’t seen Luke. The first break came. They had an enormous set up. Bagels, pastries fruit juices, coffee, and this was just a break. She could only imagine what lunch and dinner would be like.

She sat at a table with her bagel and coffee lost in thought, George Stone’s amazing speech still on her mind. Feeling like she was being watched, she glanced up and saw the guy across the room. He looked younger but his eyes were very penetrating. She remembered these hard-ass guys back in college, trying to intimidate with their sexy stares—much like Luke’s—but she was way past that.

He made his way to her table, and she looked away. There had been plenty of times she had to reject guys, and she prepared to be nice. When he reached her table, he smiled. It wasn’t a bad smile. He was tall, and very handsome.

“Hey, I noticed you the moment I walked in. I haven’t heard a word George Stone has said.” He reached out his hand. “You’re breathtaking. I’m Abel, what’s your name?”

Valerie shook his hand and smiled. “Valerie, and thank you, but I’m practically married.”

“Practically? I like that. Means you’re still technically available.”

“Nope, means she’s unavailable, ass**le.”

Valerie nearly spit up her last bite of bagel. Bruce wore a suit and tie, blending in right along with all the others there to see George Stone. He stood a few inches taller than Abel, nose to nose. “I appreciate your taste in women but this one’s ALL mine.”

Abel backed off, putting his hands in the air. “I meant no disrespect. I’m sorry.” He gave Valerie a quick rueful smile and walked away.

Valerie sat frozen in her chair. Bruce took the one beside her, cradling her chair between his legs. “Have you seen the suite yet?”

Her breathe was caught somewhere between her throat and her chest. “What suite?”

“The one lover-boy got for you? It’s pretty cool.” He stood up, holding his hand out. “Let’s go check it out. This place is going to be on lockdown soon anyway.”

“What?” Her heart pounded wildly.

“Moreno’s is busy today.” He tapped his pocket. “You wouldn’t want it blowing up on a day like this now would you?”

“What are you talking about?” Her heart felt like it was going to rip through her chest. She glanced at her purse, thinking of the taser gun and phone that sat in it. She glances back at Bruce.

His menacing eyes stared at her, pleased. He leaned over, closing in on her face and stopping when she flinched. “Be pleasant, darling. We have an audience… a small inept audience at that, but an audience nonetheless.” He tilted his head. “You always knew this day would come, didn’t you?” His eyes twinkled with malice now. “I always did.”




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