Chapter 21 #3
“It was crushed. What few soldiers remained loyal were killed. As far as the business, Rafael claimed his territory. That was during a time that business mostly consisted of illegal activities so it wasn’t hard to do.”
“What about properties?”
I was surprised by her question. “I honestly don’t know. That never entered my mind. Why?”
She half laughed. “Because if my father is dead, whatever is left belongs to me and my sister.”
I hadn’t thought about that. Chuckling, I looked away. “You’re right.”
“Then I want it back.”
She shifted away, her body shaking, but this time from defiance. “My mother is dead because of ruthless games. However, I won’t be a weak link and I will not allow what’s left of my family to be destroyed.”
“Understood, Fallon. Or would you prefer I call you Gabriella?”
“I don’t know yet.”
What was she thinking?
I refused to back away. We were from two entwined pasts, shattered by men seeking power and fueled by greed. There was very little difference today, although Jago was a different man than his father.
But was I different from mine?
Or my brother?
Or the man who’d taken me under his wing, turning me into the killing machine I’d sought and relished over the years?
The answers weren’t as forthcoming as they’d been before.
She held her breath, slowly allowing her eyes to focus on me. The hard crack of her hand across my cheek was unexpected, but the instant flash of pain was jarring enough to remind me that I was still alive.
I kept my eyes closed after the force of the strike drove my head to the side.
“I fucking hate you, Navarro,” she spit out then shook her head. “No, that’s not even true. I don’t hate you, but I should.”
“It’s better if you don’t care about me, Fallon.”
“Why? Because I’d become a problem for you? A weakness?”
I gritted my teeth to the point my molars hurt. “Yes. You’ve already been used as a pawn to get to me and to Jago and the entire Torres organization.”
“Another game being played.”
“It would appear so.”
She wasn’t backing down. “Then I guess we need to develop a plan of action.”
“We? There is no we.”
“You won’t leave me out of this. Period.”
When she tried to stand, I grabbed her arm, pulling her close.
Our lips were centimeters apart, her heated breath skipping as it pulsed against my face.
“I’m so sorry you’re caught up in this, but you’re not going anywhere, Fallon.
You’re also not going to be a part of anything I consider dangerous.
You’re going to stay right here so I can keep you safe.
If you try and do anything rash, you’ll face the consequences. ”
All I could think about was keeping her safe. I was blinded by the need.
“Are you threatening me, Navarro? Is that what you need to do so you can keep your sanity? Do you feel like a big man? If that’s what you think, then you’re truly nothing but a monster.”
Her defiant attitude should rile me, but it didn’t. Her strength and determination were enthralling.
“No, Fallon, I’m not threatening you. What I feel is responsible for the chain of events that destroyed both our families.
If I hadn’t intervened in saving you from that horrible fuck of a human being, maybe our lives would be intact.
Just maybe. But if I hadn’t, I would have put a bullet in my brain because I’d chosen not to save you. ”
Her mouth twisted as a single tear slipped past her long lashes. I couldn’t stand it when she cried.
“Maybe you don’t remember every detail about that day, and I pray to God you don’t, but you would not have survived, Fallon. What that man was going to do was…” I scrubbed my jaw, furious that I’d told her this way. Furious with myself I couldn’t hold my shit together.
“You killed him,” she repeated.
“I did what I had to do. If that’s what makes me a monster, then so be it.
That’s my cross to bear. But that you discovered the truth about our fucked-up world changes nothing.
Whether your father is working for the Alcarez Cartel or Farid Fassi, I just don’t care.
He is responsible for creating another fucking death sentence by making the cocaine highly addictive. And too fucking strong.”
“What you’re suggesting is that my father is working with a cartel, using whatever formula I found in his notebook.”
“That’s what it seems like. If that’s the case, your father already has a target on his head. Which means so do you.”
“Then I guess we need to work together. My sister is the true victim in all of this.”
“And I meant what said earlier. I will work to find her.” I wasn’t prepared to tell her we had a lead. What Silvio discovered would determine the next steps taken.
“She might be all I have left. Remember who you were all those years ago, Navarro. A hero. Be my hero again.”
Hero. There was no chance I could ever become a hero for anyone. Not after everything I’d done.
I allowed her to walk away, watching as her shoulders continued to heave. “I wish things had been different, Fallon. I truly do. Your father did the right thing taking you away so you and your sister could enjoy a normal life.”
She closed her eyes. “Normal. What I have learned is that there is no normal in our worlds.”
“Just keep in mind that not every day is filled with gunfire and explosions.”
Her laugh was strangled. “Just most days. My father never wanted me to grow up in that world, but it would seem there are no other options.” When she looked over at the sketch pad I’d retrieved from the patio, I followed her gaze.
“Things can always change. As of now, you’ll remain in my care.”
“In your care. You’ll have to explain your definition at some point.”
“What was said in the threat to you?”
Frowning, she appeared exhausted. “It was a riddle about diamonds being a girl’s best friend. That they were forever much like promises and contracts.”
Bristling, I remained frozen. Proof positive Farid was involved. The nagging was shifting directions, questions forming.
The awkwardness between us was difficult to stomach. I could tell by her face she was drifting from one emotion to another. After a full minute of silence, I stood and she moved directly in front of me.
“Don’t walk away,” she whispered and placed her hand on my face. “Please. I don’t… I need to tell you something.”
I could barely get control of my breathing, my chest tightening to the point my muscles ached from lack of oxygen. “What? Just say it.”
She caressed my face. “I appreciate that you’re protecting me especially after I tried to kill you.
But I was on a mission and nothing has changed.
My father and my sister might not be alive.
I might have lost everything, Navarro. For several reasons I feel close to you.
Maybe because deep down inside I knew even then you’d saved me from a terrible outcome.
I remember seeing the blood covering you.
For an even crazier reason I do care about you, so I don’t blame you for the past. There were too many players involved, too much violence.
I’m stronger than you think and I will be a part of figuring out what the hell is going on. Whether you like it or not.”
Her determination fucked with my mind. If she believed for one minute I would allow her to leave this house or rush into additional danger, I would have no issue chaining her to a bed.
The knock on the door wasn’t the interruption I wanted.
“What?” I barked.
Silvio walked in, immediately glancing in her direction. “I have news.”
“What is it?”
He was certainly not comfortable saying anything around her.
“You can say whatever it is around our guest, Silvio.” She’d hound me until I told her what the hell was going on. That much I knew for certain.
“The drone was used as you requested.” His words were stilted. “It would seem the Alcarez Cartel leader is MIA, taking about a third of his people with him.”
Which meant if what I’d sent him to determine was affirmed, the odds of success had greatly improved. The fuckers remaining at the compound would have their guards down as so often occurred when the boss was away.
“And?” I pushed.
He darted his eyes back to Fallon until I cleared my throat.
“There’s been a sighting. Ms. Baldwin’s sister appears to be alive.”