Bound to Danger: A Deadly Ops Novel Read Free Page B

she’d managed to get dressed on her own.
    The Westwood family wasn’t originally from Miami, but California. They liked to do things over-the-top and a bit garish, but Maria didn’t care. They were friendly, donated to local charities, and in addition to three food banks and another community center in Miami, Bayside was one of the recipients of donations from tonight. Which meant Maria had to be here. She was the public face for Bayside, and she took her position veryseriously. Though it wasn’t the only reason she was here. She also had to meet Joann Hood, an insanely wealthy woman who wanted to “talk numbers” in regards to donating money to Bayside. And this was the only time the eccentric woman could meet Maria. So here she was.
    “You look like shit, Maria. As soon as we stop, I’m texting your mother to let her know I’m taking you home.” Nash’s expression in the rearview mirror was almost scolding.
    Despite also being twenty-nine, he sometimes seemed light-years older. She put a hand to her unsettled stomach before continuing. “One hour. That’s all I need.” Or she hoped it was. “And I’ll be fine. Just don’t take me through the main entrance.” There would be a silly red carpet and photographers hoping to snap shots of some of the politicians and possible celebrities. She definitely wasn’t newsworthy, but there would be an extra crush of people there and she knew there was another entrance.
    “I wasn’t planning to,” he growled. “And I’m not letting the valet take the SUV. I’ll be waiting in the parking area. Call or text when you’re ready and I’ll pick you up.” The driveway leading to the main house was long and winding. Instead of following the drive to the left where it curved, Nash continued straight until they reached one of the service entrances. There was more security there, but after a quick conversation with someone Nash clearly knew, they were allowed past.
    “You know him?” she asked, glad her voice sounded stronger. If she could get some decent face time tonight, it meant she’d get an invite to next year’s party and Bayside would be on the list to continue receiving donations.Since it was the first year she’d received an invitation, she wasn’t taking any chances by not showing up and insulting the Westwoods. With the economy the way it was, Maria had to look out for her kids. That community center was the only form of family some of them had and she refused to let them down.
    “Yeah, when I heard you were sick I called the security team and found out who was on duty. I still don’t think you should be here.”
    Maria sighed, not bothering with a response as Nash pulled up next to a catering van and parked. “Didn’t you used to work for the same security company as that guy?” Even though the man at the front gate wore a suit, the one who’d just stopped them had been wearing a black Polo shirt with a familiar security logo and cargo pants. He’d also had a gun strapped to his belt, much like ones the police wore. Definitely not trying to hide what his job was for the evening.
    “You know I did. Don’t try to change the subject.”
    “Argue all you want. It’s a battle you’ll lose.”
    He muttered something under his breath as he got out of the vehicle. She straightened her long violet gown and glanced down at herself. While she hadn’t been able to do much with her hair other than curl it and leave it loose around her shoulders, her dress was so gorgeous it wouldn’t matter. Before she could open the door, it swung open and Nash held out a hand for her.
    Even though his smile had an almost boyish quality, there was nothing boyish about the man in front of her. His normally relaxed face was drawn into a tight expression and his blue eyes flashed with annoyance. Well, he wasn’t her freaking boss and certainly not her boyfriend—though she had a feeling he had a smallcrush on her, so she tried not to get too angry. Despite his obvious