It wasn't like in the North. There, luxury elegance and sex ruled.
In the South there was only brutal ruggedness.
“Why is she here?” Marcelo went over to Dimitri and growled. “Are you going to kill her or should I?”
My body went stiff. Fear sliced up my spine.
Dimitri frowned. “I'm not killing her. And I’m handling this.”
“Hurry up, before I deal with her myself.” Marcelo stomped away. His men followed. And I released the gasp that I didn’t know I was holding.
Dimitri targeted me with that haunting blue gaze. “Now do you see what I have to deal with? Marcelo is manageable. The rest aren’t. Stay low and mind your business when it comes to the Syndicate.”
I kept quiet.
Before coming down to Paradise, I knew there would be danger. I accepted that there would even be death threats.
But being on the actual ledge in the face of death terrified me.
I also had to make peace with the fact that Dimitri had confessed that he was trying to protect me.
“Let’s go, Ms. Walsh.” He walked off.
Sighing, I left the wall. “Where are we going?”
“To your place. 1235 Gold Boulevard.”
Of course he would know where I lived.
“I heard that you have a pretty little white cat.” He continued forward. “I plan to drop you off, but not before petting that cat.”
Dread rose within me. “What? You don’t need to touch my cat.”
“How could I not.” He winked at me. “I love pussy.”
I groaned in annoyance.
7
The Diamond Thief’s Secret Baby
Dimitri
R
ose steamed on my side and kept silent the whole ride. It was clear that she wasn’t used to being told what to do.
You’ll get used to it the more you’re with me.
It didn’t matter if she had a bad attitude. I loved the fact that she was inside of the Phantom, filling it up with her flowery scent.
I inhaled it in. A big smile spread across my face.
Heading to the West, the Phantom left Caviar Lime Highway and drove onto Silver Street.
I wasn't shocked that Rose chose the wealthiest section to reside in. Here, luxury condo prices soared. It was where she should have been. Plus, my condo was near, right on Platinum Row.
Chanel had a lot to do with transforming the West from ghetto to now having the most prestigious section of Paradise City. Chanel had united with several property developers, top architects, and interior designers to woo mega-wealthy buyers with lavish skyscrapers that had tons of turnkey condos. After these new properties built up, spas, wellness centers, and restaurants flocked to the West to attend to all the wealthy residents. The West boasted the best places to pamper oneself.
How does Rose like to be pampered?
I looked her way and was about to ask when my phone buzzed.
Business. Business.
Sighing, I took the phone out and placed it on my ear. “Yes?”
Lei’s voice came on the line. “I was wondering how your investigation was going.”
I rolled my eyes.
You were wondering more than that. Like if I figured out that you killed Pedro.
I looked out the window. “I have my suspects but nothing to report at this time.”
Tension rode Lei’s voice. “Make sure you keep me up to date with any new details.”
“You make sure you do that too.”
Also, don’t kill anyone else!
“Alright.” Lei waited for a few seconds in silence. “Then. . .have a good afternoon, Dima.”
“You too.” I hung up the phone.
Lei wouldn’t be completely satisfied with that conversation. Surely, he knew that I’d been to see the body. I believed, Lei personally had the hotel call Viktor. That news had fallen into my lap too easily.
Never a boring day with the Diamond Syndicate.
I put the phone away.
Right before hitting Platinum Row, my driver rounded the corner, sped down Old Boulevard, slowed down at the end, and then parked us in front.
I gazed up at the newest trophy resident in the area—The Promenade. Chanel’s new masterpiece. The slim 50-story glass tower featured a six-star lifestyle. The interior spaces had tailored building scenting with fragrances designed by olfactory consultants. A Balducci sculpture sat at the base of the building. On the first floor was a 25-seat cinema and a lap pool. Four different floors had wellness and spa facilities.
Viktor was already at the building’s entrance waiting with my other men.
I opened the door, left the Phantom, and held it for her. “Do you like it here?”
Rose slipped out. “I do.”
“Why?”
She walked forward. “Attentive management and an excellent concierge who’s given me great restaurant recommendations.”
“I also have excellent restaurant recommendations.” I kept her pace. “When are you free for me to take you out for dinner?”
“I’m super busy.”
“Yet you had time to loiter in Lush last night.”
“That was work.”
“Your going undercover as a sexy vigilante in a high-end brothel was work?”
“It was.”
“So, you think your Batman?”
“Never that.” She stopped at the entrance. “I'm Batwoman.”
“I would love to see you in tight leather.”