EuropeNovelMy CEO 168
168 Into the Fray (Jayden)
As we head towards the hotel parking lot, Winona suddenly stops in her tracks. "We can't take that car where
we're going," she says, her voice low but firm.
| glance at the sleek, black luxury sedan we rented. She's probably right. It stuck out like a dog's balls at
Winona's old house.
"Okay," | say, pulling out my phone. "Letmake another call."
| dial my head of security, Gunner, who's used to handling all kinds of situations. The man's ex-military, special
services. If there's anyone | trust to get us what we need right now, it's him. "Mr. Brennan," Gunner answers on
the first ring. Always professional, always on point.
"Gunner, | need security. And a car that won't get us killed or robbed. Something that blends in where we're
going. We need protection-people who aren't afraid to use force if necessary. I'll send you the location." There's a
brief pause before Gunner responds. "Understood, sir. I'll arrange everything. Givethirty minutes."
"It's urgent."
"Consider it done."
I hang up and turn to Winona. "Thirty minutes max."
'She nods and we wait. "I hope | can find her."
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"I hope you can too. But, Winona, | don't want you doing anything stupid. You don't need to be out there alone."
"I won't do anything stupid."
I've never heard this tone of voice before. Hopefully she isn't about to break. | get her out of
may need to there and let my men take care of it.
The vehicle that pulls up is a far cry from the usual cars we're driven around in. It's a beat-up, old SUV, the kind
that's been through a few rough nights and has cout the other side worse for wear. The paint's chipped, the
tires have seen better days, and there's a faint smell of cigarettes lingering in the air inside it.
Perfect.
Two guys are dressed down in worn jeans, hoodies, and heavy jackets. One has a tattoo creeping up his neck,
and the other's got a scar running down his cheek
They look more like the type you'd see hanging around a corner than a professional security detail.
Exactly what we need right now.
"Mac." The driver says. "Tito," he points at the guy in the passenger seat.
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160 into the Foy
"There'll be others, you won't see them. They know the streets we're heading."
Tito givesa nod, his expression hard. "We got your back. Ain't nobody gonna fuck with you while we're
around."
"Thanks," | say, trying to keep the edge out of my volce, I'm nervous, no point denying it.
We pile into the SUV, Winona and | in the back, Mac driving, and Tito riding shotgun. Literally. We head across
town, deeper into the hood than Winona's old house is.
As we cruise through the streets, the tension in the air grips me. The buildings here are rundown, graffiti
covering almost every surface. People linger on corners, eyeing our car as we pass, and there's an undercurrent
of danger that's impossible to ignore.
My grip tightens on Winona's hand, and she squeezes back, givinga reassuring look. But | can see the
determination in her eyes. "Whatever you do, Jayden. Stay in the car because these motherfuckers will not
miss."
"Your lady got that right, pretty boy." Tito grins and | wouldn't call it friendly.
| swallow my nerves. | am sure out of my depth.
After what feels like hours, Winona suddenly leans forward, peering out the window. "There!" she says, her voice
sharp.
| follow her gaze and spot Cass on the comer. She was talking to smen. | think swomen are there too.
They could just be older teens, it's hard to tell.
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She's got that tough-girl swagger, but even | can see through it. She's just eighteen, and she's hurting.
Before | can react, Winona's already out of the car.
"Winona, wait!" | shout, but she's not listening.
She's moving fast, heading straight for Cass. My heart's in my throat.
I go
to open my door and run after her. But it locks before | get my hand on the door handle. | look at Tito. "I need to
go with her."
"How long you think your lily-white ass gonna last, rich boy?"
"But Winona, she's a woman."
"We have orders. We can't let you get hurt. No matter what. By the looks she know what she doin'," Mac says
and tilts his head towards the action outside. "Our boys out and about. She'll be right." Cass looks up just as
Winona reaches her, and for a split second, there's a look of surprise on her face.
But then a guy steps in front of Winona, trying to block her path. He's tall, with a shaved head and a sneer that
makes my blood run cold.
All the other guys fall in behind to watch him.
"Get out of my way," Winona says, her voice cold as ice. "She's my girl."
"Or what?" he sneers, taking a step closer. "You gonna stop me-"
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