Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 444

“Get off me!”

Dean jerked free from the guys holding him and pulled Emmy behind him, shielding her with his body.

He fixed Pearl with a cold, dangerous stare. “You mess with me, you mess with your own money. Is that what you want?”

Pearl threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. In the harsh light, his face looked almost monstrous.

“I knew something was off. Big boss like you suddenly wants to use my connections? Has to meet the ‘stunner’ I mentioned, then acts like she’s nothing special?” His eyes narrowed, sharp as knives. “So this is what it’s really about. You’re here to save her from me.”

“No one’s ever tried to pull one over on me, Mr. Sparrow. You’re the first.”

Dean’s heart sank. Pearl was way too suspicious. The second he agreed to work together, Pearl must have had people looking into him.

No point pretending anymore.

Dean tightened his hold on Emmy’s wrist, keeping her close behind him. His voice was steady, unyielding. “Since you know everything, I’m taking her. She’s leaving with me.”

Pearl just laughed harder, the sound turning dark and mean.

“You think this is some kind of hotel? Come and go as you please, and take my woman with you?”

Dean’s jaw was set. “Forget the shipment. But the money—ten million, all yours. I just want her.”

Pearl wagged a finger, his eyes glinting with mockery. “Should I call you a romantic or just plain stupid?”

“Women come in here. They don’t walk out.”

He paused, lips curling with greed. “But I’ll tell you what. Leave the cash and you can leave too—alone.”

Pearl snapped out a few words in a language Dean didn’t catch.

A group of big guys put their guns away and stalked straight toward Emmy.

“Don’t touch her!”

Dean’s eyes were wild as he threw himself in front of her, fighting like a man possessed.

But there were too many of them, and these guys were stone-cold killers.

Another wave of ugly laughter broke out.

Pearl lunged for Emmy.

“Pearl!” Dean’s voice was hoarse and desperate. “Don’t you dare touch her!”

Suddenly, gunshots rang out from somewhere outside.

Pearl froze, his twisted grin vanishing. He scowled, barking, “What the hell is going on?”

One of his men ran to the door, peeked out, then came back, looking casual. “It’s from the village up front. Must be the border patrol again, but they’ll never get this far. You go ahead, Boss. I’ll take a few guys and check it out.”

He waved a few men out the door.

With the threat gone, the hunger in Pearl’s eyes burned even hotter.

He grabbed Emmy’s arm, his fingers digging in as he reached for her dress.