Chapter 8 - Hola, dearest ex (3)

T Y L E R

"What is it?" I shoved both hands into the pockets of my jacket and stared grumpily at the guy wearing black outfits in front of me. He looked like a grim reaper wearing a black shirt, a pair of black pants, and topped it up with a black leather jacket.

Mario Aiello, the Italian guy who has been ordering me these past two days, stood and walked towards me. He handed me a package and gave me a warning look. One that told me not to lose it no matter what, like I needed a warning after what he has put me through. "848 Washington Street." I took the package and shoved it into my jacket's inside pocket. "I'll text you the details. Now go." He waved one hand, telling me to go away, while the other hand reached out for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter.

I let out a deep sigh and did as he asked. Thanks to the beauty of the internet, I found out that 848 Washington St was a hotel called The Standard Hotel. "Nice name," I commented as I tapped the navigation panel on the GPS to show me the fastest route to get there.

I got there in an hour. New York had more hectic traffic than Washington. As if on cue, my phone buzzed. One text from Mario and one from Autumn. It took me two seconds to decide which to open.

- Le Bain. Top floor. Monique York. Image attached. M.

I clicked the image and saw a brunette girl with green eyes staring back at me. After making sure I had her face in mind, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and looked up at the tall building in front of me. I hated this job but if I wanted to protect Autumn and everyone I cared about, I had to do it. I took a deep breath as I walked into the building.

Monique was easy to spot. Just followed wherever the rich spoilt kids go and I easily found her in the middle. Mario probably sent my photo to her because she excused herself from the crowd and signaled me to follow her to the back of the club.

"You're cuter than your photo." Monique leaned against the wall with her arms folded beneath her breasts. She licked her bottom lip and held her hand out. "Got the package for me?"

I pulled out the package and handed it to her. She didn't even bother to check as she put it inside her small silver purse. "Give Mario a kiss from me." She caressed my left cheek then walked away.

I rolled my eyes behind her back. There was no way I gave Mario a kiss. I zipped my jacket as I walked to the set of elevators right in front of the club. I pushed the button and waited. Thirty seconds later an elevator came, full of people wearing expensive clothes. I waited for them to step outside, pressing the call button to keep the elevator doors open. Once they cleared out, I stepped into the empty elevator and hit the Lobby.

It took a while from the top floor to the lobby so I pulled out my phone and read Autumn's text.

- We need to talk. I'm not really fond of liars.

"Shît!" I cursed underneath my breath. I wondered how much she knew. Did she know about the deal with Santiano? I certainly wished she didn't because no one supposed to know. Santiano made it clear about what he'd do if anyone found out.

The elevator opened and I immediately jumped out, knocking someone on my way. I was no Quicksilver, I couldn't prevent her from falling. She groaned as her äss landed on the polished marble floor. I dropped to my knees beside her and asked, "Are you okay?"

Her head shot up and her eyes widened once she saw me and so did mine. I couldn't believe I would ever see her again. It has been so long, far too long.

Although her blonde hair was longer, her smile was still the same. The same smile that once stirred my heart and brought me joy. And when she finally spoke, I never realized how much I missed the sound of her voice. "Hello, boyfriend." She paused as she pushed her body to a sitting position on the floor. "Or should I say, ex-boyfriend?"

My voice was barely above the whisper when I said, "Faith."