Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“While I’m gone, I need you both to stay here.” I glance at Ellie. “If you leave, I can’t protect you.”
I have an early meeting with Eleazar, and I have no idea how it’s going to go, but what I do know is that he’s not touching a hair on Sienna or Ellie’s head. I don’t care what it fucking takes, I’ll make sure to protect them.
“I’m scared,” Sienna admits, and I pull her into my arms, rubbing her back and neck comfortingly. After Sienna gave me a mind-blowing orgasm, I made her come twice before we fell asleep. It was the third time I’ve fallen asleep and woken up with a woman in my bed. The first two times I was a bit younger, and I freaked out both times. But as I watched Sienna snuggled into my side, her head resting in the crook of my arm, there was no freaking out because I knew I wanted this—wanted her—for the rest of my life. And I’ll do everything in my power to keep both her and her sister safe.
“I have two guys standing outside, and I’m going to set the alarm when—”
“Not for us,” Sienna says. “For you.”
I stop my movements and stare at her, momentarily taken aback. In the life we live, I’m used to the danger, to the risk that comes with doing the type of business we do...work with the type of people we work with. Aside from my mom, I’ve never let another woman get close enough to worry about me.
“I’m going to be just fine,” I assure her. “I’m going to talk to the guy who’s put the bounty on your head and clear everything up.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. “Don’t worry. Go swimming, lay out by the pool with your sister, watch a movie. I’ll be back soon.”
Twenty minutes later, I’m standing in what was once Eduardo’s office, shaking hands with his son, Eleazar. “What can I do for you?” he asks, offering me a drink.
Not wanting to offend him, I nod and thank him for the drink purely out of respect. “I’m here to speak to you about a personal matter.”
He raises a single brow, gesturing for me to continue. Growing up, Eleazar and I went to the same private school, hung out with the same circle of people. We were friends. But just after graduation, his brother was killed, and Eleazar left unexpectedly to take over his part of the family business in Mexico. Soon after, he met his wife and never returned...until now.
“It’s been brought to my attention that you have a bounty on Sienna Bardot’s head.”
Eleazar takes a sip of his drink and sits, setting the glass down and clasping his hands together in front of him. “Her whore of a mother killed my father, stole his money and drugs.”
“I’ve heard, but she shouldn’t be held responsible for her mother’s actions.”
“Blood for blood,” he says simply.
“So, it’s only Sienna you’re after?”
He chuckles. “If you’re asking if I’ve put a bounty on the child’s head, no. Children are off limits, even for monsters such as myself.” He smirks, and I sigh in relief.
I take a sip of my drink and set it down, then lean forward, locking eyes with Eleazar. “Your father died owing me a debt, and I’m here to collect.”
Eighteen Years Ago
“I gotta go. If I’m not home by dinner, my mom’s gonna kill me.” I jump on my bike and take off down the street toward our house. As I’m crossing the street, I notice two men grabbing a woman, her body flailing in an effort to get away. When I look closer, I see it’s not just any woman. It’s Marta Gutierrez, the wife of Eduardo Gutierrez, one of the most dangerous crime bosses in Tesoro. Because he does business with my dad, we’ve had dinner with them a few times, and I’m also friends with Eleazar, their son.
I don’t know what possesses me to do it, but instead of minding my own business like my dad taught me to do, I follow the car that leads to a dark alley where they drag Marta Gutierrez out. She’s kicking and screaming, so one of the guys slaps her across the face. “Shut the fuck up, bitch. Save the screaming for when I’m fucking your ass.”
I should probably call my dad, ask him what I should do, but something tells me this woman won’t be alive long enough to save if I don’t act soon.
I watch as one of the guys turns around to make a phone call. Then I make my move. With the baseball bat I was still carrying after playing ball at the park with my friends, I come up behind the guy and hit him across the head with it. He falls to the ground, and I quickly grab his gun, aim it at his head, and pull the trigger. Then I aim for the other guy and do the same. My dad taught us how to shoot a gun at a very young age, so I have no problem taking out both guys. Assuming it’s over, I’m about to lower the gun when the door they were dragging Marta toward swings open and a guy steps outside to see what’s going on. Before he can wield his weapon, I fire the gun, hitting him directly between the eyes.