Escaping Vegas (The Inheritance Book 1) by Danielle Bourdon Page A

that.”
    “I could really use a drink. And I’m not bringing it up because I’m high maintenance , but because I’ve been in the car for three hours and I’m thirsty.” She got a little sassy with him, although inwardly, she contemplated whether or not she really was high maintenance.
    “And you say you’re not uppity,” he muttered, checking the rearview mirror before taking the next exit.
    “It was a request!”
    He shot her a disbelieving look tinged with ill-concealed humor.
    “Just get me something to drink, James,” she retorted to his glance, harking back to the Bond conversation.
    “That’ll be fifteen-fifty, gypsy girl,” he countered glibly, as if he intended to start charging her piecemeal instead of per day. Madalina muffled a laugh against the knuckles of her closed fist.
    Victorville was a sprawling city of light, even at this hour of the morning. The grid stretched away from the freeway on both sides, fading into the distance of the dark desert. The businesses clustered near the I-15 glowed with overhead lighting—the bright signs for gas, fast food, and other services on prominent display.
    “What do you want? Drive through or stop at the convenience store and stretch your legs?” he asked.
    “Is it safe to get out?”
    “Probably. I can’t be sure, but so far, I haven’t seen anyone who looks like they’re on our tail. I’m betting that other car will be out of commission for an hour at least.” He turned into a gas station, a convenience store with a large sign across the front of the white and red building. Gas pumps sat ready for service under a matching red and white awning.
    “This is fine. I’ll only be a second. Do you want something?”
    “I’m going to fill up while you get drinks. Grab me a bottle of water.” He eased the Jaguar to a stop right in front of the doors. There were few cars in the parking lot this late, which meant he wasn’t in jeopardy of blocking anyone in.
    Madalina didn’t waste time. She headed inside, cutting through the candy aisle toward the refrigeration units. A cold burst of air caressed her skin as she opened a door where different labels of water sat in neat rows. Madalina chose two and pulled them from the rack. She walked her purchases to the counter, made small talk with the skinny, beak-nosed clerk, and declined a bag when he offered one. Madalina wasn’t sure what to think of the small blitz of excitement she experienced seeing Cole leaning against the car, the nozzle tucked into the gas tank. He surveyed the streets, the parking lot, the front of the store—where his gaze paused on her for a moment.
    Another, smaller thrill rushed through her. She hurried across the parking lot, aware that it was dangerous to linger. For the first time in a long time, Madalina felt alive in unfamiliar ways. She considered the incredible idea that she’d become a little tired and jaded with life these last few years, that she’d allowed work to consume her. She was twenty-four—too young to feel so set in her ways. Although she didn’t appreciate the unexpected danger that could crop up any second, she was also becoming used to the rush of adrenaline. Meeting Cole’s eyes across the top of the car, she opened the door. His expression was unreadable, complicated—just like the man. Sliding into the seat, she set the bottles into the cup holders, dragged her purse onto her lap, and was just about to close the door when Cole appeared. He met her eyes again, then tapped the door shut. Twisting a look over her shoulder, she tracked his progress around the back of the Jaguar, then reached for her drink. She didn’t know what to make of all the lingering glances, except that they were getting to her. He exuded poise and confidence that she found highly appealing. Once in the driver’s seat, he started the car.
    “Thanks,” he said, pulling away from the pump.
    “You’re welcome.” After a much-needed drink of water, she said, “In times like