Page 46 of Ash Storm

“Good. I transferred funds to the escrow account. Three million, as requested.” His expression took on an urgent tone. He lowered his voice as if he didn’t want any of the other men to hear. “You think it will be enough, Ahmed?”

“Let’s not talk about money now,” Afsan said grandiosely.

Ash took that to mean the funds had arrived. If they hadn’t, Griffin would likely be dead by now. And he wondered how Reynolds and Thorne had managed to get their hands on that kind of cash.

Griffin, who Ash knew was sharp as a tack, looked around stupidly. “You know, I expected more people here, Ahmed.”

Afsan smiled a predator’s smile. “Better with fewer people. Fewer people. More money. More passion. That’s what I always say, Greg. Whatever you’re going to do, do it with passion.”

Griffin smiled back, as if he wholeheartedly agreed with the tycoon.

“You’re not eating or drinking anything?” Afsan turned, looking at Ash coldly. And Ash wondered suddenly if the man had seen through his front.

“I need my wits about me tonight, Mr. Afsan. I expect to leave here with a million dollars.”

“Ah, so you think you’re going to win. I am looking forward to your fights, Signor Romano.”

As Ash moved past Griffin, Griffin ran a hand through his hair, telling Ash all he needed to know.

Plan B is in play.

Get the women out and worry about Afsan another time.

And though the thought that they might have been able to accomplish everything at once had been far-fetched, it still hurt Ash to think that they’d have to leave all those other women here—to leave Afsan free. Who knew what could happen between now and the time they came back for Afsan …

But it was the safest choice—the one least likely to end with Reka or Chloe dead. And, right now, that’s what mattered most to Ash.