Mikayla [Orchidea: Love on the Bayou 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Dixie Lynn Dwyer Page B

money?
    Oh, that asshole!
    She turned around to glance back again and saw his white Porsche speed past the street she went down.
    “Good riddance, you jerk.”
    The sound of her phone ringing grabbed her attention. She reached for it and saw that her knuckles were red and appeared somewhat swollen. She would need some ice, but boy did it feel good to slug that idiot. Antoine’s name and number showed up on the display.
    Oh crap!
    She wouldn’t tell him what happened. He would tell Pierre and Michael, and they would all freak out. She wasn’t the kind of woman that made men fight over her or for her. She had survived on her own and had been lucky to not have to deal with men like Vincent. She’d just started seeing the men and wasn’t sure where this relationship was headed.
    No, she wouldn’t tell them what happened.
    “Hi, Antoine,” she answered, hoping that he didn’t hear the shaking in her voice.
    “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” he asked, and she swallowed hard.
    “Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”
    “Because we’ve been trying to call you and you didn’t answer. Are you headed back to the office? I’m sitting outside of it in my car waiting for you.”
    “Oh, no, a bit of a change of plans. I’m in town near Pauletta’s. Can you pick me up here?”
    “Sure, I was thinking about taking you to McGuire’s down near the water but it’s up to you.”
    “Oh, great, either one is fine. I can wait for you by McGuire’s. I’m about two blocks from there now.”
    “Okay, I’ll see you in about ten minutes.”
    Mikayla looked down at her hand. She wondered how she was going to hide this from a doctor. Quickly she walked toward the restaurant. As soon as she got there, she would ice it before Antoine arrived.

Chapter 6
     
    “Do you have any information for me yet?” Bennitto Flores asked Enrique Vergos.
    “Yes. It seems that the Aubert sisters are all being watched heavily at their hometown of Orchidea. They own different businesses, and the one you are after is always being guarded.”
    “Shit. There are no windows of opportunity to grab one of them? How difficult can this be?”
    “Well, there is one sister that works out of town. She is the most accessible. We didn’t know of her until yesterday. I have men following her, too.”
    “Good. Keep on top of it, but don’t make a move until you are certain you can get her to Havana without being caught.”
    “We will watch her closely. Um, but you should know that she was seen with CIA agent Michael Fromm.”
    “That piece of shit that worked with Boudoux to ruin my plans? They are the reason I live in hiding.”
    “Yes, we are certain.”
    Bennitto was quiet a moment.
    “Send me pictures of this woman. I want to know everything about her. Come up with a plan to grab her and in the process destroy that CIA agent and the rest of those pieces of crap.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    Bennitto hung up the phone and waited to see what the sister looked like. If she looked anything like Illeanna, then he would be pleased. She would suffer the consequences of her boyfriend’s actions and her sister’s lovers. Yes, this was beginning to turn around. He had a really good feeling about this.
     
    * * * *
     
    Despite her pep talk, Mikayla felt guilty and nervous about not informing anyone about what occurred with Vincent. She didn’t want them to think that she was trying to cause jealousy or trouble, but as Antoine entered the restaurant with a concerned expression on his face, appearing so handsome and manly, she couldn’t help but feel relieved.
    Antoine saw her and immediately smiled. His eyes lit up, and she felt herself release a breath she didn’t know she was holding. He reached for her and said hello, but she hugged him, surprising herself as much as him. She felt his arms go around her as he lifted her up off the floor a bit and caressed her as she hugged him. Boy, were his hugs doozies. She was already beginning to calm down.
    “Now