Without Warning: A Billionaire Romance (Playboys of New York Book 5), JA Low [book suggestions .TXT] 📗

hit happened to be the owner’s wife. She quite rightly called the cops. She’s been charged for assault, and when we printed her, her prints were on file under her real name, Madlina Ivanov.”

Ariana looks up at me, and I shake my head and tell her silently that I’ll explain a little later.

“What does that mean?” What happens now her real name has been exposed.

“Means we got extremely lucky. Madison or Madlina has exposed herself without you having to do it. She did the work for us.” There’s a grin in his tone. “She doesn’t know that we know who she is,” he explains. “And we need you to play along with that. Because we believe she’s going to call and ask you to post bail, and when she does, you’re going to agree.” Why would I agree? “Then when she walks out of the station, we are going to arrest her for the long list of crimes she’s committed.”

“But won’t she think I’m a part of all this?” To be honest, I am concerned about the plan. It carries risks.

“No. There’s no way she will think you’re a part of this. I’m going to offer her witness protection for turning on the Bratva, or she will be looking at the next ten years behind bars for the long list of offenses she has carried out over the years.” My eyes widen with this piece of information. It can’t be this easy. This entire nightmare can’t be over just like that, surely?

“I’m happy to cooperate in any way possible,” I tell him.

“Great. Her call is going to be recorded when she rings you later today. Please act as normal as possible. This is our only chance to get her and get you free,” the detective explains the seriousness of this to me. I will do anything to rid myself of this woman and her evil clutches on my life. He hangs up, leaving me a tad stunned by the sudden turn of events.

“What’s going on?” Ariana asks. “Why is Madison called Madlina?”

“It’s a long story. Come on, let’s grab some breakfast, and I’ll explain it all.”

Ariana took the news rather well. Of course, she was upset that I kept it from her but understood why I did. Jackson called me once he heard the good news and gave me a rundown of how the phone call would go. I honestly just want this all over and done with. The light in that dark tunnel is becoming brighter now.

My phone begins ringing, and Ariana and I pause to stare at the buzzing device.

“You’ve got this.” Ariana gives me two thumbs up.

I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Hello?”

“Rhys…” Madison sniffles down the phone.

Damn, she’s a good actress.

“I’m in trouble.”

“What’s going on? Are you okay? Those people haven’t hurt you, have they?” Turning my concern up to a level ten.

“I’ve been set up. Some woman attacked me, and now I’ve been arrested. But I didn’t do anything. I told you these people are powerful. They have connections with the NYPD. I need to be careful.”

She sounds so scared.

This woman is a grade-A sociopath.

“What can I do?”

“I don’t have anyone else I can ask, Rhys. I’m sorry to do this to you, but can you post my bail?” I can imagine the plump pout she’s giving me through the phone. It was her signature move.

“How much is it?”

“You’re going to help me?” There’s a sound of relief in her voice.

“Of course. None of this is your fault.” I want her to know I’m on her side, so I keep playing the fool.

“Thank you, Reecy. I appreciate it so much. I know I don’t deserve your help at the moment.”

“I’ll take the amount off your settlement,” I add.

She chuckles. “You have a deal.” Then she tells me how much she needs, which is way more than I know the police were asking, and she asks me to transfer it to her personal account. I told her that I thought it was only via check and that I couldn’t pay direct. We argue back and forth, and eventually, she relents and agrees for me to pay directly to the station. Then we hang up, and I want a long, hot shower to rid myself of that disgusting phone call.

“You did so well, babe.” Ariana wraps her arms around me.

“I want this to end and for us to live happily ever after, in peace.”

“We will,” she reassures me.

37

Rhys

That afternoon I get a call from Detective Johnson asking me to come down to the station. I do as he asks and head on down.

Ariana wanted to come, but I asked her to stay behind until I know for sure that she’s safe. The last thing I want is the fucking Bratva knowing about her and using her to get to me. She nodded her head in understanding and kissed me goodbye.

“Rhys Davenport.” Detective Johnson holds out a hand for me. “Thank you for coming down so quickly. Things are a little crazy, but we were able to arrest Madlina after we posted her bail and she stepped out of the station. She is currently in one of our interview rooms,” the detective explains. “She’s been rather tight-lipped about everything, but we thought if we brought you in and surprised her by telling you who she really is that she might start talking.”

Well, that sounds like a stupid idea. Madison isn’t going to spill anything to the police. The woman’s certifiable crazy, but above all that, she’s super intelligent. Look at the fucking web she wove around me.

“I don’t think she will talk to me,” I reply.

“I think she just might.” He gives me a knowing grin, so I follow him down the hallway toward the interview room. “Just walk in and take a seat. Play stupid.” That’s the extent of the pep talk he gives me before shoving me into the room with her.

“Rhys?” Madison sits up, looking at me inquisitively.

“Why am I