Twisted Fate (2 page)

We said good-bye, and I hopped in my cute red Volkswagen Jetta that my father bought for me for my eighteenth birthday. When I had turned twenty-one a few months ago, he told me to choose a new car, but I didn’t want to part with my Jetta. I loved it too much. Daddy had been surprised but just smiled and got me round-trip tickets to Tahiti for when the semester was finished—with Kimberly, of course.

I drove along the city streets and relished the freedom driving gave me. I loved being in fashion design school, pursuing my dream. I loved being old enough to live in my own apartment, free of my parents’ house and rules.

I came from a big family, and while I adored them, I also needed my own space. My mother wasn’t thrilled when I announced I’d found an apartment a few miles away, but she knew not to argue. I was good about still going home for Sunday dinners and on some nights just to say hi. My younger sister Ava and I were very close, so more often than not, she’d be the main reason for me to visit.

Taylor Swift was singing “Shake It Off” on the radio, and I turned it up, singing as loud as I could since nobody could hear me.
 
The light changed to red, forcing me to slam on my brakes a little harder than normal, which had me laughing in surprise. I looked over at the car next to me and felt a small jolt at the very cute guy in the passenger seat of a black Corvette. He gave me a wink and a smile, making me blush and turn my head. Just as the light turned green, I looked back over and saw he was still staring at me. I pushed hard on the gas, making my tires squeal a little as I accelerated out of there.

I pulled into the Starbucks parking lot, getting ready to settle in for a few hours of studying with my favorite latte. I grabbed my bag and headed in, loving the scent of hazelnut and coffee that surrounded me. The girl at the register smiled, recognizing me as a regular.
 

Once I had my mocha latte, I found a place in the corner and set my stuff down. I fell into one of the chairs and sat back for a few minutes, looking around. A couple was sitting at the table next to me, obviously studying, but holding hands over the table as they read their textbooks.
 

I’d just set my cup down and bent over to get my laptop out of my bag when a weird sensation trickled down the back of my neck. Staying bent over but looking up, I looked around, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Telling myself it was just my imagination, I set my laptop on the table and powered it up.
 

When the screen lit up, I clicked on my school’s website and signed in, sighing at the fact I had so much studying to do. Taking another sip of my latte, I clicked on one of my classes and re-read the assignment that was due the next day.
 

Just as I was finishing reading, the weird sensation of being watched came over me again. Jerking my head to the left, a guy wearing all black and a black beanie suddenly turned away from me and walked out the door. Knowing he was the reason for my unease, I watched him through the shop’s window as he climbed into an older-looking car, looking back at me. As the car sped away, I caught a glimpse of striking white hair in the backseat, and couldn’t shake the feeling they had been there for me.

Chapter 3

I got back to my cabin and shook my head. This was seriously the stupidest thing Roman had ever done, and he’d done some pretty stupid things. The guy headed a huge drug cartel and so far had avoided criminal charges, but this latest scheme had me worried. Why the hell did he want to take Penelope Santoro, and why the hell did I have to be her damn babysitter?

I stood in front of the dresser, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I usually kept my head shaved, though it had been a few days and my dark hair was growing in. I rubbed my hand across my head, debating whether to go into the bathroom and get rid of it once again. Deciding against it, I eased my hand down over my face, feeling the rough scratch of my stubble. My dark hazel eyes looked tired and worried, and I knew I needed to either find a woman or get drunk off my ass before this stupid job tomorrow.

Swearing, I turned and headed out the door, slamming it behind me. I walked into the dining room and sat down at the closest table. I was relieved to see the room was empty because I was in no mood to talk.

“Dude, you drinking tonight or what?”

I looked up to see the guy in charge of the kitchen, Juan, standing beside my table. I chuckled and ran my hand down my face. “Hell, yes, I’m drinking. Start me with some Johnny Walker, quick.”

Juan nodded and laughed as he headed to the kitchen. A few TVs were on in the room, and I sat back on my chair and mindlessly watched. CNN was reporting a kidnapping, and it hit me that soon enough, they’d have another one to report. I knew without a doubt Roman’s kidnapping of this rich girl would definitely make national news.

Juan came back and set the glass down with a thud on the table, then the whole bottle itself. “Because I know you’ll only keep bugging me for more.”

I flipped him off, and he was still laughing when he headed back to the kitchen. Juan was a good guy, but half the time I wondered if he truly knew what went on behind closed doors with his boss. Shrugging, I took the first sip of my drink and moaned at the smooth way it slid down my throat.

I was on my second round when the chair beside me moved back and Rico took a seat. I cringed inwardly but remained impassive. Rico was a piece of shit. Not a day went by when I didn’t wonder how the hell he landed the job of being Roman’s right-hand man. I also refused to kiss his ass because of it.

“Tag, my man,” he spoke in his god-awful squeaky voice. “I hear you’re the man Roman picked to head the team that’s taking the girl.”

I took another sip of my drink, casting him a sideways glance. “Yeah, so?”

He started to rub his thin mustache. I hated when he did that; it was like he was trying to prove how important he was. It only made him look like an idiot.

A small smile appeared on his face, making his beady eyes turn to slits. “So, I wanted to make sure you were up for the job.”

Turning my head to look at him, I glared. “Did Roman ask you to do this?”

He chuckled, crossing his ankle over his left thigh. “No, no, I’m just concerned. I had a feeling you might not be very happy about it.”

I hated he knew that was exactly how I felt. Refusing to give him the satisfaction, I slowly finished off my drink and set the glass down before speaking. “Nope, it’s all good. Roman and I talked; he knows I’m on board.”

He smiled more, like he knew I was full of shit.

Bastard.

“Well that’s good, because this girl is very special, from what I understand. We need to make sure nothing ruins Roman’s plans.”

We?

“Trust me, Rico,” I said quietly but forcefully. “I’m not going to let anything happen.”
And I refuse to be stuck as her damn babysitter.

He suddenly stood and smoothed out his green khaki pants. “Good to hear, Tag, good to hear.” He gave me a clap on my back and walked out the door, leaving me sitting there staring daggers into his back. Turning to my glass on the table, I refilled it with drink number three.

“He’s such a prick,” Juan said from behind me. I had no idea he was there, which made me realize the alcohol was doing its job. Looking behind me, I saw him holding another bottle of Johnny Walker, his grip tight and staring at the door Rico just walked out of.

I laughed, taking the bottle from his hands. “You got that right.”

Juan shook his head. “I have no idea what possessed Roman to make him his right-hand man. Stupidest decision he’s ever made, if you ask me.”

Before I could comment, he turned on his heel and walked back to the kitchen area. Funny that he and I had the exact same thoughts on Rico. Since I always kept my mouth shut, no one knew my true feelings and I hadn’t known anyone else felt the same way, until now.

Another one of Roman’s men, Jose, walked in. When he saw me, he sat down in the chair Rico vacated. Grabbing my bottle of Johnny Walker, he took a long swig and slammed it down on the table. I snatched it from him, staring him down.

“Get your own, asshole,” I hissed.

He gave me a shit-eating grin and put his hands behind his head. “I hear you’re the one in charge of the job tomorrow night.”

I grunted. “Yep, just got the assignment.” And was still trying to figure out how to sabotage it.
 

“Good. Derek was kind of pissed he wasn’t put in charge since he’s the one assigned to get her outside. I just told him he’s an idiot. He’ll be too busy trying to get that girl to think he wants in her pants.”

I took another swallow of the amber liquid, not saying anything in response. I’d rather Derek be put in charge too. This whole thing was a damn mistake.

“I’m pretty pumped to get in that club tomorrow, though. It’s been a while since I’ve had any action. I need to find a girl or two to take care of me.”

He started to laugh like he just said the funniest thing in the world, and all I could do was take more sips of the liquor. This job had
bad idea
written all over it, and now I had this horny bastard on the team to deal with as well. “Job comes first, Jose. Don’t forget that,” was all I said.

He held up his hands in a surrender stance. “Tag, dude, I get it. I’m not stupid enough to allow anything to interfere. I was talking about after it’s completed.”

I couldn’t care less what he did after the job was done. I set my glass on the table and stood. The abruptness of my movement caused my head to start spinning. “Make sure that it is completed before you go bang some chick.” I turned and walked out the door without giving him a chance to respond.
 

A few ideas of how to botch this job started to form in my drunken mind. I knew I needed to sleep for a few hours before starting to plan. Nothing could go wrong if any of my ideas were going to work.

 
Walking into my cabin, I stumbled onto the bed and knew before falling asleep that I had to do something to prevent Penelope Santoro from being taken the next night—for her sake, and for mine.

Chapter 4

I looked at myself in the mirror as I put the finishing touches on my makeup. My long, sable-brown hair was down in soft waves, my hazel eyes done in a smoky eye shadow, and my lips had a dark pink gloss shining on them. Taking a few steps back to check out my whole outfit, I was pleased with what I’d chosen to wear. Dark skinny jeans, a light pink, lacy tank top, and my strappy brown sandals. I chose some gold hoop earrings, and the look was complete.

I grabbed my phone and sent Kimberly a text.

I’m ready to go. R u sure u don’t want me to pick u up?

The time had finally come to celebrate her birthday. It bothered me that she’d told me she’d rather meet me at the club, though. But, since this was one of the many times I couldn’t figure her out, I shoved the thought aside. She probably wanted to get there late so she could make her entrance.

My phone vibrated in my hands.

Yep I’m sure! I’ll be there soon so hurry your ass up!

I smiled as I pushed my phone in my pocket and grabbed my clutch. I had a strong feeling that tonight was going to be epic. I couldn’t wait.