CHAPTER 67

Adriana repeated what the man had just said. She said it out loud twice, "How can you help me?" she asked. "I don't even know you. How can I want something from you when I have no idea who you are or what you can give me?" Adriana replied to the man, hoping by some divine intervention that he would introduce himself. It wasn't like that could ever happen. Still, one can only hope. She listened to know what he was doing. He didn't move. She sighed, tired of his games. She would just have to wait till he states his mission.

She had handled criminals far worse than this. Getting them to talk was her job. There are so many ways to make them talk. You can act like they don't affect you. It kills some of them and they start blabbing out of anger. There are those who talk loosen them up. For those ones, you just need to hit their conscience and you've nailed them. And there are the really stubborn one who you can't really get to. For them, you simply wait till they are ready to talk. Adriana had a feeling this man belonged to that class. So, wait, she must, until he was ready to talk.

While waiting, she found a way to keep herself busy and started humming. The man became restless. She could tell the song she hummed affected him, but he was stubbornly refusing to talk. She started humming louder. And just when he was having it no more, the door was shaken. Adriana felt like slapping the intruder.

There was another rough knock on the door. The man opened the door and said "Look who comes to check on his mate."

Mate? Whose mate? The men stepped out and engaged in a heated argument. Adriana strained her ears to catch what they were saying, but they were awfully low about it.

One of the men stepped in again. She could sense it was the same hostile one. She cringed back and waited for him to do whatever. While waiting, she engaged herself in a mind game and lost interest right after. She had been humming when he got upset before the interruption. But she wasn't in mood to get him upset anymore. Something about what the men had said bothered her. Mate? What was that! She figured she should focus on something else. Or someone else. Noah Monterey for instance. Why wouldn't he try to reach out?

"It seems your family made more enemies than you can count." The man said.

Finally, he speaks... He was ready to talk now. Perhaps she could gather some information about her kidnappers that could help her escape and deal with them too. "I don't know what you mean." she replied coolly.

"Gaby!" A familiar voice called, warning the other man. Adriana knew immediately that it was the driver. Why did his voice sound so familiar? His name is Gaby. Like Gabriel, Gab, Gad?

"Look, we need answers." The man who had been called Gaby responded but continued to face her. She couldn't see him. They didn't lose her hood yet, but the mouth tape had been removed.

"What answers?" She asked.

"Like who is after your family so we can know what we're up against?"

Before she could answer, there was a tussle. One man was able to pull the other out and locked the door. She tensed as he walked closer to her but relaxed. It was the driver. Somehow, she felt she could trust this one. The man removed her hood and it took a while to adjust to the brightness. Noah? It was Noah all along.

"What's the meaning of all this, Noah?" She asked angrily.

Noah sat down beside her. "I'm sorry I went through all these to get you to talk. I just want to talk." he said and she looked at him like he was insane.

"You want to talk? Fine, talk." She said to him. She thought about her parents who would be organizing the security team to come find her now. She thought of telling him to call the so they could stand down. But maybe not yet. He couldn't be trusted. It would be okay if the men got here and drag his betraying ass somewhere.

"I couldn't get you to reason with me." He pleaded that she tried to get a hold of herself.

Adriana couldn't believe her eyes. Was this really the man she had married? She couldn't still make herself believe that she had fallen for his crap. "So you kidnapped me?" She stared at him. "Are you insane?"

"Adriana, it was the only way to get you to listen. I needed you alone and cooperative." He said looking stressed. "Please."

She wasn't about to fall for this again, was she? "There are better ways to do this." She eyed him warily, "Let me go." She said.

"I tried to get you to. When I called, you passed the phone to the kids. You wouldn't even say hello."

Was he intentionally trying to get her worked up? If so, he was doing a good job of it. How could he expect her to say hello when he hadn't call for two weeks after she asked him to leave. If not for her, couldn't he have checked on the twins? Angrily, she asked, "You somehow found a way to reach out to my dad, but not me, not us. Noah, not even the kids."

"I didn't know if you'd want to speak with me." He said, "I did as you said, I stayed away."

"Really, Noah?" She stood up. "You stay there to give me this crap."

"Calm down" he coaxed.

"Don't you patronize me here" she warned, "Look, you need to let me go"

"See what I mean?" he said referring to her obvious emotions. "You'd barely give me any audience."

Probably because you don't deserve it. "Did you consider what this would do to our kids? And my parents?" Speaking of which, she needed to call them and let them know she was okay. "I need to call them." She told him.

"Why?"

"Is this a kidnapping?"

"No." He was vehement.

"Then they need to know I'm okay." He looked at her strangely. "Because I'm being tracked, dummy." She showed him the spot where the chip had been surgically inserted. "And I need to speak with my kids." She told him.

CHAPTER 68

Noah didn't really plan on kidnapping Adriana or getting her more upset than she already was. He was having a hard time without her as it is. If he did this, it would ruin whatever chance he had with her. But things got out of hand some days ago, prompting this insane act.

It so happened that morning that Nate Monterey woke up to an unusual text message from his latest catch, Jade. When the phone vibrated at first, he ignored it. He stared at the name on the phone, then kept staring. Then, finding it interesting that someone he been chasing after for some weeks now suddenly texted him, he read the message.

I miss you... want to hang out this evening???

Nate sat up straight after reading the text. It had been a long time since he went out. Since the weird meeting with his cousins, his movements had been restricted. Gaby had him under constant surveillance. Everyone in the Montereys now had a security detail attached to them, while the one assigned to Nate had been given a special order. To report the Playboy's movement at every chance. So even when he got out for a harmless stroll, Gaby got informed, and he'd call immediately to rain down hell on his head.

"We can't keep doing this, man." Nate had been forced to take it up with the security man. He was a hefty man who looked intimidating enough. He was so tall and wide, it was disturbing. Still, knowing the orderly worked for them and couldn't harm him, Nate challenged him. The man looked him up and down but said nothing. "How can you tell him I went for a stroll?" he snickered, kicking the sand where the man stood stoically. "Wait, do you tell him when I pee, too?"

"No." Replied the security detail replied with a bemused smile. He stood looming over the man he was to keep an eye on and forced a cold smile.

"Well then, cut me some slack. A man's gotta do what he's gotta do..." He walked a few miles and turned almost immediately. As he guessed, the security man was right behind him. And he almost ran into him. "I wanna pee." He screamed at him.

"That's the wrong way to the bathroom."

"Must I pee in the bathroom? Can't I just pee outside? People do it." He murmured, finding his own excuse very lame to himself. "What can I do to get you off my back for a few minutes? Money?" The man shook his head but said nothing. "No, you've got to say it out." He said, facing the man again. "How do I get you off my face?" When the man refused to reply him again. Frustrated, Nate sighed heavily. He was going to have to take it up with Gaby. But even he knew it was a very bad idea. Gaby wasn't always in his best behaviour. And Noah, who was usually the one to stand up to him, was in no mood for throwing words back and forth with anyone. Like him, he probably missed the life he was used to.

Ever since his wife threw him out, he had been a shell of his former self. He was losing it. His decisions lately were questionable too. But at least, he didn't disturb anyone. He was always in his room, doing his lame things. So, he really could help him now. And Samantha was another drama entirely. She had suddenly become the mother hen. It was pointless talking to her about ditching his orderly for a rendezvous. She's given a million reasons why that was such a terrible idea. She was no fun.

For a long time, Nate kept staring at the phone, wondering what to do about the message. But somewhere deep down, he knew he was going. Whatever it takes, even if that meant sneaking out. But still, he held off from replying to Jade. He didn't need to peek to know his orderly was standing rigidly behind the door, waiting to resume his duty today. He suddenly had an idea. Perhaps he could feign being sick and send the man to get him drugs. And escape while he was gone.

Smiling, he went to the door and opened it. His nemesis stood with his devilish face, looking at him. Remembering he had to look the part, he quickly shut the door. Taking a step back, he rubbed his face with some ointment he had in his bathroom and looked in the mirror. He looked sick enough. So he went back to the door and opened it. Devil face, as he called his security, stood there looking at him weirdly. "Hi there." He greeted. "I feel sick today." He waited for any response or sign from the orderly who kept on looking at him with that sad expression. "Can you get me aspirin?" He rubbed his head gently for effect, "I think I'm having a migraine."

Wondering what kind of game his boss was up to this time, he replied, "I can't go to the store for you." He was not buying the idea. "We can go together."

Now getting irritated, Nate shook his head, looking at the devil's face pitifully. "Seriously?" He backed at him, "Do I look like I can go anywhere to you?" The man didn't even bulge. "Man, please."

"Sir." The orderly bellowed, losing his patience with the spoiled brat. "I can't do this. Gaby would have my head."

"For getting me drugs?" Nate scoffed, "Or for watching me die on your watch?"

"Yes. I was never to leave your side." He replied, "That's the order."

Damn, Gaby, for this. "You'd rather I die, peaceably in my dreams then?"

Samantha, who was about to step out, heard the commotion. She dropped her bag on the table in the living room and hurried towards the two men. "Is there a problem?" She asked Nate.

Unsure if she could help, he reluctantly told his cousin what was going on. "I asked this dummy to get me aspirin. My head's pounding, but he won't move. Wants me to drive to the store with him."

Samantha looked from one man to the other. She could understand the orderly's stand. "Okay. I'll get it for you. Settled?"

It wasn't exactly what he wanted, but left with no choice, Nate nodded and thanked his cousin, "Thank you." He said to her. Turning to the orderly, he said, "Learn to be human." And he stepped back in his room, then shut the door. He started pacing the room, wondering what to do. For minutes, he had no idea that came close to getting him his freedom.

"I have to find a way." He said to himself. Angrily, he sat back down and soon fell asleep. While he slept, he dreamt of the beautiful date he once had with Jade. He suddenly found himself in another spot with Jade, having a good time. They were cuddling, and she was so sweet. He was moaning when Gaby later awakened him.

Waking up to see Gaby's irritating face so close to his mouth made him jump off the bed. "The heck, man. What do you want here?"

"Fancy dreaming like you on a hot morning like this," Gaby teased. Walking out if the room, he said "Get dressed and come out, please. I need help with something."

"Man, what do you want?" Nate asked, really not in the mood for any favours. He had to drag himself out to meet with him. His cousin, who looked frenzied and uncoordinated. "Anything wrong?"

"Sit." Gaby commanded, "And listen carefully."

Nate sat down and asked, "What?"

"Some of our deals are coming in this afternoon and I need all hands on deck. Stone here told me you said you're strong."

Oh, so the devil face had been paying attention after all. Sick? If only! Nate smiled inwardly, but nodded vigorously for his cousin's sake. "Migraine. Just slight but killing. Samantha's getting me aspirin. I'll be fine."

"You'd better, because needing all hands means I'm leaving you home, but I need Stone."

You can have him now and forever, "Sure" Nate was quick to accept, then he drawled so he wouldn't be suspected, "But why?"

"Didn't you hear what I just said? I need all the guns."

"Oh, yeah. Okay."

"Samantha will be home with you, and I'm sure nothing can happen in just few hours." He said and started to walk away. He beckoned to Stone, and they both left the house. Nate went inside and quickly replied to his girl to meet up. Then, before Samantha came back and ruined his day, he grabbed his keys and snuck out of the house. He didn't head straight to the girl. He had plenty of time, so he went to the slaughterhouse first.

The Slaughterhouse, as his friends called the small country house, was where he went anytime he had to bring in a lady. He loved it when his women were loud. That was the point in being a man after all. But with the home he shared with everyone, it was no fun. So this was his private quarters where he was free to do what he liked. It had been a while since he stepped here too. He called his chef to prepare something for later, as he had a guest. Then he called the cleaning lady, "I want this place perfect," he instructed. The lady knew what that meant: erase every evidence of his previous escapade.

Smiling, Nate knew the girl would be worth all the effort he was putting into this. He had spent weeks, even months now, chasing her. No woman ever made him feel so thrilled like she did. Most of the women knew who he was even before he introduced himself. So, all they wanted was his money. They just do whatever he wants. But that wasn't like this one. She was pretty and smart. Her arrogance in not giving in quickly made him want her more. He met Jade at a friend's party a couple of months back. A friend had introduced them, and though she appeared quiet, they had hit it off instantly. They spoke about almost everything while they drank at the bar. They talked about politics, drug dealers, youths, employment, and finally, family. It was that night that Nate found out she was a new lady in town. She had come visiting with her family and was staying for a few weeks.

Some days later, they'd run into each other again. This time, at a café and she had company. So did he. But while his date had been so hot and lovely, he kept staring at Jade. He couldn't just resist her. Several times, she caught him staring and shook her head, telling him to look away. Finally, when Jade stood up to use the bathroom, he followed her. "Hey you!" He said and the lady turned. He had her cornered to the wall. Then placing his hand to block her path, he leaned closer to her.

"Hi" she responded, "You kept staring at me." She accused. Since he had her cornered, she leaned on the wall and gave him her best seductive look.

"That's because you're so sweet." He flirted easily with her. He let his free hand tuck her hair behind her ears.

"You almost got me in trouble," she accused

"With who? Your date?" In all earnest, he hadn't paid any attention to the man she was with. He had been so carried away by her as to pay any attention.

"Do you know who that is?" She asked, looking so scared.

Nate had shrugged, "Who can he be? Do you know who I am?"

The lady shook her head, "That's Luke. The mafia boss."

Nate backed away, mockingly, his hands raised. "What are you doing with a mafia man, babe?" Then, laughing, he said, "I don't care if he's Satan himself. I barely saw him. I was too busy seeing you."

The lady then relaxed visibly, "I see that didn't get you then." She sighed, "It works on every guy I know."

"Well, I'm not like every guy you know." Then moving closer to her, he asked "Can I have your contact this time?" and smiling, he said, "Miss Jade?" and gave her his phone

"Oh please" she collected the phone from him and punched in her number.

Feeling naughty, he had asked. "What do you say to ditch our dates?" He didn't expect she'd accept. It had been a spontaneous thought. When she nodded and smiled mischievously, he had no choice than to go through the plan. They had gone hiking with all thought of their dates forgotten.

"Do you suppose they're still there waiting for us?" Jade asked when they sat down on the bare floor, catching their breath.

Nate checked the time. It had been two hours since they took the back door and walked out of the restaurant together. "Maybe?" He said, "But knowing how hot-headed my date was, she probably left." He added

"What if by some sheer luck our dates hook up too?" She asked again.

It was quite unlikely. Unless those two had seen them while exchanging looks. And with them both gone, figured something fishy. "Unless they..." he was saying but got interrupted

Jade suddenly jumped up, "Why don't we go back and find out?" she asked, her hand stretched out to pull him up.

Nate took the slender hand and instead pulled her down to him, "That's pushing our luck. If they're still there..." He could imagine what his date would do to him. The lady was really some hot head he had a quickie with at the bar last night. From their talks and from how she screamed at her friend who caught them and stared too long at him, he could bet the result would be nasty. "I don't even want to find that out." He said.

But Jade had somehow escaped his embrace and stood up, "Come on." She said.

Sighing, he took the hand and stood up. They had driven all the way back to the restaurant. Yes, that was Jade. She made him do the weirdest thing. But as she went in to check on their dates, he stayed back in the car.

"Not coming?" She asked.

"Nah, I'll pass." She was walking away, so he rolled down the glass and called after her, "I'll keep the engine running in case you need to dash out."

Laughing, Jade turned to him and shouted, "Scarecrow."

It took quite a while before she came out. And when she did, she merely peeked and signalled that he had come back in. Hell, he hadn't. So he stayed a few minutes longer, and she brought them some coffee. "What took you so long?" He asked.

"Well, Luke was gone but your date is still there. Had to cheer her up." She replied, passing him the coffee.

Looking at his Rolex wrist watch, he said with disbelief, "It's been three hours. Doesn't she have anything to do?"

Laughing at that, she said,"Don't be so over yourself. She has another date already."

Okay, so now that is surprising. "She got over me so quickly. Good for her."

They stayed in the car and drank the coffee. He turned to look at her, and she suddenly had this weird smile. He knew immediately that she had something up her sleeve.

"Wanna see who she ditched you for?"

"No, enough of the Truth and Dare already. I think we should call it a day." He laughed so hard, he couldn't resist. Her laugh was infectious. Then, leaning over, he kissed her. It was a day he'll never forget. And the memory of that kiss wasn't one he could forget ever. For someone who's tasted it all, this lady sure tastes better than every woman he's ever had.

Remembering the kiss, even now, made him hard. He stepped into the bathroom to have a good shower, whistling as he bathed. Today, he was going to go all the way. He believed they had gotten to that stage now. The chaste kisses were no longer keeping him sated; he wanted the real deal. The excitement of what would happen put him in a good mood.