Tijuana Nights (The Nights Series Book 1) (34 page)
Read Tijuana Nights (The Nights Series Book 1) Online
Authors: Leigh K. Hunt
“Anyway…” Gabe sighed “That’s not what we want to talk about.” He looked up at Chase, and threw his hands in the air. “Come on,” he urged impatiently.
Chase squeezed my hand; his eyes glittering with amusement. “We’d like you to join our team,” he said.
“You want me to what?” I looked from River to Gabe, and finally at Chase. “You want me to join your team? …to become an assassin?”
“Yes,” River said quietly. “It’s what we do, and how we make a living … a fairly decent one, might I add.”
I licked my lips, and settled on chewing my bottom lip for a second. There was so much to think about. Chase being in the relationship mix was a completely different kettle of fish. I shrugged. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” River smiled with amusement. “We’re sure.”
I had the sudden urge to stand up and pace around, but I couldn’t. We were on a goddamn plane, for Christ’s sake, and Chase had me trapped against the window. “But I’m not like you guys,” I said softly. “You guys are pros, and I am nowhere near that calibre.”
Gabe laughed. “That doesn’t matter. We are a team with different skill sets that complement each other. What? You think I’m the world’s best assassin?” He snorted. “Hell no. But I’m teamed up with two guys who are.”
Gabe had a point. I resumed chewing my lip, and gazed out the window at the clouds far below us, and analysed the frosting encasing the outside of the private jet. If there was one thing I had learned throughout this whole tip, it was that I never wanted to let anyone ever control me like Carmen had. If I took up with this team, I wanted it to be on my terms. “Okay, well, I have few questions before I make my decision: What if I eventually want out?”
“Tie up any loose ends, and you can go.”
I looked at Gabe. “You’re not going to go and blow my house up with C4 or anything like that are you?”
He laughed. “No. Not likely. Even if someone put a hit out on your head, I don’t think I could do that to you. As River said, you tie up any loose ends with your kills, and you’re free to take your money and go live whatever life you want.”
“What money?” I asked.
Chase answered. “For each kill we make, we invest a certain percentage into the business. That pays for things like weapons, houses, cars, and planes – like the one we’re currently flying in.”
“What sort of percentage?”
“Fifteen percent of each kill goes into the business. If one of us ever wants to leave, nine percent of the business profit will be paid out on leaving. Six percent stays in. You already know that we three—” He pointed to himself, Gabe, and River. “—have agreed to close up shop once we decide to retire. You… well, you’re different.”
Gabe laid his hand over mine on the table. “You can choose to leave now. You can take your money, and go. Truly. But if you choose to come with us, then you’ll have a hell of a ride. There are thrills and kills, and a lot of amazing experiences. Life will never be the same.”
“If I come with you, whatever I’ve earned, the business will take a percentage now, wont it?” I actually didn’t care. I just wanted to know all of the ins and outs before I signed up for anything.
“Yes,” River replied. “That’s why Gabe has held off on paying you. We wanted to see what you wanted to do.”
I gazed around at the three of them. They had risked their lives for me, and taught me so much in such a short space of time. They had got me out of financial shit with Luke, rescued me from prostituting myself, and killed on behalf of me. In the very least, I owed them my friendship. And I also had a sneaking suspicion that Chase might be just a little bit in love with me.
Butterflies leapt in my tummy. “As long as I get to choose who I kill, then I’m in. I don’t want to kill anyone who doesn’t deserve it. If we research my targets and they have murdered multiple people, or terrorised a community, then I will do my job. But I’m not killing innocents. That’s the bottom line.”
Chase grinned, and pulled me in for a kiss, not caring that both River and Gabe were watching me with silly grins plastered on their faces. Fire swept through me, and my heart raced, not just from the kiss but from the agreement I had just made with them. Something about all this felt right.
“Welcome to the team,” he whispered as he pulled away.
~
THE END ~
The next Mack and the Team adventure - VENICE NIGHTS is coming soon!
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Website and Blog:
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Writing a book is a lot like pulling teeth some of the time. At other times, it’s amazing. But I wouldn’t have been able to wrench this book together without an incredible team around me.
Abby, my daughter – thank you for your continuous two-year-old endurance – you are tenacious beyond your years, and thank you for letting Mummy get some good night’s sleep. You always making me laugh, even when I’m frustrated. I love you more than anything in this world. You help me keep it real.
My super-duper-amazeballs Editor and friend, Cassie Hart. Oh my – where the hell would I be without you? Need I really say more? You are my friend, my confidante, and you have been the most amazing trusted partner in this project… I doubt I could have done it with anyone else.
Evald Subasic and Nicola-Kiri Smith, for grounding me during the final planning stages of this book. Our dream-up sessions dedicated to talking Cartel murder techniques were totally awesome, and you helped me find some diamonds in the rough. Even when I was flailing about.
Melissa Pearl, T.G. Ayer, J.C Hart, and Richard Parry. You have all been published before, which helped illuminate the way forward for me. Thank you for listening to my writer-woes, and just encouraging me to get this book done. Your feedback during my drafting and continuous and unwavering support fills my heart with a lot of love. You all inspire me.
Steve Clement, Penny Epel, and Breanna Glass for your extraordinary brainstorming session regarding Cartel names! I was stressing out, and you guys absolutely came to the rescue!
A big shout out to my proof-readers, Adele Woolley and Erin Travers, and my lovely team of beta-readers! Your feedback and confidence in this book was incredible!
And finally – the biggest acknowledgement is to my family. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for always being there. And thank you for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams.
The Nights Series
Venice Nights (Releasing late 2014)
Paris Nights (Releasing 2015)
London Nights (Releasing 2015)
The Dawn to Dusk Novella Series
London Dusk - Published July 2014
Moscow Dawn (Releasing 2015)
Audio Books
Tijuana Nights – Audio Version (Releasing 2015)
Venice Nights – Audio Version (Releasing mid 2015)
London Nights – Audio Version (Releasing 2016)
Find out more on Leigh K. Hunt’s website:
Leigh K. Hunt is a reader, writer, mother, and wife from the Land of the Long White Cloud, otherwise known as Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has a weird obsession with books like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Pride & Prejudice, and adores Thrillers and Dystopian novels. To say that she lives in her own dreamy wonderland is an understatement.
As a child, her whole world was fantasy-based reality of tree huts, artistic endeavours, musical creations, and story inventions. She would only come back to the 'real world' to do the mundane things like feed the dog her broccoli or brussel-sprouts under the dining table.
If Leigh could have one superpower in the whole wide world, it would be to have the ability to fold space and time, so that she could be anywhere, at any time. Leigh loves travelling with a fiery passion, and exploring foreign countries, delving into different cultures, and immersing herself with the people.
In her adult life, she works full time, is a mother to a gorgeous but very lively two-year-old, and is married to her rock, Michael. She also has numerous mothers, fathers, and a couple of very special siblings who keep her grounded, despite her desire to permanently live inside her head.
To connect to Leigh, please visit her website:
www.leighkhunt.com
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