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Kozien stayed back a distance, making sure he remained in the shadows. They both knew he couldn’t be included, at least not right now. So, he stayed back and watched, making sure nothing happened to Gianna.
Gianna stood with confidence, and he couldn’t ignore how hot it was. It was a turn-on.
He knew better than to think about that, but he couldn’t help himself. She was still naked in his bed this morning, and everything from last night kept repeating in his head. She made it difficult for him to focus when he normally wouldn’t have a problem staying in tune with his surroundings.
He watched the five guys talking to her, telling her things. He watched her take it all in. She nodded, holding that same steady, emotionless expression.
He glanced over his shoulder, taking in the busy street. It was shocking how just down an alleyway from a busy street, drug dealers sat lurking. He wondered just what kind of shady business Gianna’s brother had gotten into.
He looked back, seeing she was turning around and walking down the alleyway. He narrowed his eyes, watching the other five talking amongst themselves now.
She rounded the corner, stopping next to him. She held her chest and took a few deep breaths. He chuckled. “You did good.”
“I thought I was going to vomit,” she admitted, shaking her head. “But I got what we needed.”
They had agreed Gianna would be the dealer, someone her brother worked for back on Earth. She was new on the planet, so if people asked around, she didn’t have a big reputation. It would work. Her brother had gone missing, and now she was looking to figure it out.
It was a straightforward enough story she could remember and close enough to the truth. If people were looking for a lie, it would be hard to find one.
“What did you learn?”
She looked at him and waved her hands. “More than I thought I would. They don’t know anything about my brother, but they said they were going to get in touch with the D’Narvius. I explained that there was a mix-up with a shipment, and I wanted answers now.”
“And?” he said, waving a hand. “What else?”
“We are going to meet up later this afternoon with the D’Narvius.”
Kozien frowned. Gianna must not have understood just how dangerous the D’Narvius really were. They were part of the drug cartel, and they were working hard to make a name for themselves. They weren’t above murder, so he didn’t approve of her meeting them.
“No.” He shook his head. “No, you aren’t.”
“Kozien, this isn’t a choice. We need to meet them.Ineed to meet them.”
“Do you understand how dangerous that is? They could easily blindside you and leave you for dead.”
“That isn’t going to happen. I already figured that was something that could happen, so I told them I would be showing up with a bodyguard to ensure I wasn’t fucked with. Smart, right?”
She seemed proud of herself, but he still didn’t like it. There were still too many what-ifs.
“Let’s go. If everything goes to shit, you can get me out. Right?”
Kozien didn’t like the idea, but he couldn’t tell her no. She had already agreed to meet them, and if she backed out, they would not get another chance like this. They had to go.
Several hours later, after having lunch, Gianna got a call to meet at a small restaurant downtown on the edge of the shady part of town.
They got there, and Gianna took the lead just like before. They stopped in front of the restaurant that was rather bare for dinner time. A small group of men sat in the back, and Kozien nodded for Gianna. “There they are.”
“All right.” She took a deep breath before she moved toward them.
Gianna seated herself across from them with Kozien standing just behind her. Gianna sat up straight, hardening her face. “Evening.”
They looked from her toward Kozien. He was grateful for the low lights. It at least covered him in darkness with his clothes. They would have a hard time knowing the truth about him.
“This is my bodyguard. He’s an Ethane Breather. Don’t mind him, but if you do anything to startle him, he might break your arm.”
One of the guys chuckled. “Doesn’t think before he acts, is that what you mean?”
Gianna gave him a venomous smirk. “No, he just likes to inflict pain, actually. So, can’t say I didn’t warn you.” She crossed her arms, looking at each of them. “I’m glad to meet so quickly. I don’t like to waste my time, so I’m looking for a worker of mine. Name is Gabe. He was working, doing his job. But it seems I have lost connection with him. I’d like to know if you know anything about his whereabouts.”
