Chapter 19 #2
She nodded and released my hand. “Just remember Sadie when you hunt these men down. Revenge won’t bring her back. But your dedication to her shows you have a genuine capacity for love.”
The ability to love had been ripped from me years before.
“Don’t worry, baby. That’s one of several things I will be thinking about. Just remember not to try and defy me. You’re safe as long as you remain under my roof.”
“Where would I go at this point? My business is closed. My only real friend has no way of getting ahold of me. Crazy bikers want me as a snack.”
I bristled as soon as she mentioned the last words.
Had the bastard said something to her? Right now, I doubt she’d feel comfortable enough sharing a damn thing with me.
Why the hell should she after our interactions?
To her, I was nothing but a monster in a fancy suit.
Although I’d seen the look in her eyes, the shift and the growing connection we shared.
It was all about her being able to trust me.
As always, there was both electricity and awkwardness between us. The lack of trust was obvious and understandable. No matter how many rules I imposed, forcing her to act in a certain way or keeping her locked in my house wasn’t sustainable.
That meant I’d need to show some sense of honor, or she’d never feel comfortable in confiding in me. “How long have you owned Indiana?”
She seemed surprised at my question, the fire in her eyes I thought gone forever making a brief appearance.
“Almost four years. He’s my special boy.
He had an owner who died and the woman’s children refused to take him, dumping him at a kill shelter.
I found him on the day he was going to be euthanized.
You know, I just don’t understand people.
Indy was so lost, refusing to eat, cowering in his cage.
The people at the shelter said I was the first person that Indy had reacted to.
We spent two hours together on the floor and the bond was… amazing.”
“Did you change his name or was he always a movie star?”
“Yep. His original name was Rufus, but I knew he was going to be my hero, so he needed an appropriate name. It was my favorite movie as a kid, so the name just fit. Didn’t it, baby?” A little of her melodrama had returned, the brief visit something I wanted to see more of.
Woof.
He nuzzled against her leg and watching her anxiety fading by just touching him was far too endearing.
“What about Sadie?” Her voice was hopeful. “I’m sorry if that’s too painful.”
More painful than she could understand. While the ache was immediate, she deserved the same honesty she’d given me.
“I got her as a puppy, believe it or not. I learned quickly that I wouldn’t make a good father of an infant, but we found our stride in a few months.
She had me wrapped around her little paw. ”
“They can certainly do that to you. Dogs have a paw on our hearts, but remember, that doesn’t change just because they cross the rainbow bridge. They are always here with us. Always.” She placed her hand on my heart and I found it strange how emotional I could easily become.
While I didn’t want to break the moment, answers were needed. “The assailant inside your coffee shop. Can you tell me anything about him? Anything he might have said or any distinguishable marks.”
“Like the tattoo. Right?”
“I know you’ve been through a lot, Josette, but any information could prove vital.”
“I told you I just don’t remember anything other than he had a gun pointed at my head. I was shocked.”
When I cupped her face, the hint of fear was palpable. “Maybe it’ll come to you. I know you surprised him by ripping off his mask.” The timing was almost as important.
“I wish he’d said something to me.” Annoyed that I was revisiting the subject, she closed her eyes.
Shutting me out.
“He didn’t send you a message that night?”
Her eyes narrowed. “No, he did not.”
“Then who did?”
“My friend Tilly. Okay? I’d ask her to stop by and check on Indiana. Doggy cams only tell you so much.”
Why did her laugh seem so disingenuous?
She was determined to keep the truth from me, but given my plans, I’d let it go.
Only not entirely. She held her breath as I lowered my head, taking a few precious seconds to brush my fingers across her skin before pressing my lips against hers.
Try as she did, she couldn’t break the connection we shared, the deep longing that kept us tethered. The reason no longer mattered.
The feel of her tongue slipping past my lips and the scent of her continued arousal was almost enough for me to bag the necessity of exacting revenge. With her thong still in my pocket, it felt as if I’d captured a small part of her.
When I pulled away, she pressed her fingers down my shirt. “You’re a mess. Don’t get yourself hurt.”
“What did I tell you before? I always keep my promises.”
“Hmmm…” Her expression allowed me to know she no longer believed me.
I wasn’t certain if I could believe myself.
Backing away, I brushed my fingers along the soft skin of her leg as I did.
“I won’t be long. Try and get some sleep.
As I said, my brother will be here in a few minutes with some of his trusted men.
Jaxon will watch over you, but he’ll be inside the house.
” I offered a smile to try to lighten both our moods.
“However, I assure you that he’ll leave you alone.
If he doesn’t…” The sentence was left open on purpose.
At least my lame attempt at making a joke was rewarded with a roll of her eyes. “Your brother, huh? What a golden opportunity to grill him about you.”
“Be careful of Jaxon. He does bite.”
“Ha. I can handle almost anything… Now.” The sudden return to another faraway look brought a wave of tension. She had no idea what I was capable of. Revenge was the only aspect of my life that provided any sense of relief.
And I was damn good at it.
Indiana immediately rose to his feet, padding toward me.
“He really likes you,” she said in such a quiet voice I could barely hear her.
“He’s pretty cute. Just take care of your mom, buddy.”
Woof. Woof.
His tail wagged like a helicopter again. Just like Sadie’s had done.
“A scorpion.” Her voice was dipped even lower. “The tattoo was a scorpion.”
“Where?”
“On his neck. I couldn’t figure out what it was. His shirt was covering most of it, but when my fingers snagged his sweater, I was able to see maybe a third of the design. That’s what it was.”
“Black and white or in color?”
“Color. At least I think so. Does that mean anything?”
“Maybe confirmation of what I’m dealing with.”
“Mexican Cartel.” She stated the words as if it didn’t matter any longer.
Nodding, I thought about her admittance. The pieces were starting to come together. The Las Riveras were the muscle. That much I was certain of. In turn, they’d either been promised or had decided to invade our territory as a bonus. An unwise decision.
She studied me as I headed to the kitchen door and there was no doubt in my mind she was debating the very trust she wanted and I required.
While leaving her wasn’t what I wanted to do given what she’d endured, there was no other option but to send a message.
“Good news,” Enzo said as soon as I walked outside.
“I’m not certain I want any other news tonight.”
“The information was confirmed. My source came through. A warehouse was discovered owned by the Las Riveras gang. It’s on the outskirts of the city, recently purchased by a corporation I’ve yet to check out.
Likely a dummy. From what my informant told me, there are four men who’ve been seen coming and going periodically. What do you say?”
Likely belonging to Marcus Jeffries. I took a deep breath.
“Is there any confirmation other than this informant’s word?
” Even with my explosive anger, I was completely aware any decision of this magnitude needed to be made with caution in mind and clear and concise confirmed information.
If not, everything the Prince family had earned through hard work and diligence would be on the chopping block.
His grin was wide. “I knew you’d say that, which is why I brought art. I had our computer experts working on a few things, some tips that didn’t make any sense. Now, they do. Don’t worry. I paid the source handsomely.”
As soon as I glanced at the photograph, I laughed. While the Las Riveras thought they’d manage to hide in plain sight, they didn’t know the number of people looking out for us. “I say we take matters into our hands and rid them of some merchandise.”
Two vehicles appeared.
“We leave in five minutes,” I told him. “Have our explosives team meet us at our ammunitions’ warehouse.”
“A catchy little fire?”
“A full fireworks display.”
Enzo laughed. “I’ll make a couple calls. We’ll be ready when you are.”
“When you do find the time to run a full dossier on Ms. Samuels, check on her father. I need to know how he died.” For some reason, I thought the information important.
He eyed me curiously. “Sure thing.”
Nodding, I waited as Jaxon strolled casually toward me. It was obvious I’d interrupted something very personal for his evening. “You couldn’t take the time to brush your hair?”
My brother snorted as he raked his hands through his thick mop. “You said it was urgent.”
“And it is.”
The look he threw me was full of amusement, even wearing his signature grin. “Now, why did you call me other than you’re not ready to discuss your wild evening with our Don?”
It was partially for that reason. At this point, I wasn’t in the mood to hear what Alexander would have to say, no matter if his concern would hold merit. “You’re better suited to handle my guest.”
“You mean Josette Samuels?”
I glared at him. There was nothing that occurred within the family that wasn’t potential folly. “She’s witnessed too much already.”
“And you still think she knows more than she’s willing to share.”
Nodding, I couldn’t shake the feeling, yet she was clearly confused as to why she’d almost been abducted. “I’m not going to lie, Jaxon. Her appearance in my life, while maybe karma induced, has presented Santos and whoever is funding his move into our territory with an opportunity.”
“What are you telling me?” Jaxon cocked his head.
My younger brother by all appearances acted as if he was the least interested in the Prince family business, but I’d always known better.
He was simply the master of appearing nonchalant while his observation skills were well honed.
That’s another reason I’d called him instead of Alexander or Montgomery, the latter only eagerly chastising my decisions.
“Enzo found a warehouse full of weapons Santos intends on selling. Or using. There’s definitely some corporation Santos is attached to. If I were a betting man, I’d say it was the same organization attempting to purchase the Strathmore property.”
His groan was exactly the way I felt. “Marcus Jeffries. If what you’re saying is accurate, it’s a pretty brazen move. What the hell has Jacques discovered about Jeffries we don’t already know?”
Snorting, I gave him a hard look. “Nothing yet. I will broach the subject with Alexander when I talk to him tomorrow. And don’t worry, I will.”
“Uh-huh. You better hope for your sake you do. Our brother doesn’t take kindly to receiving information last. Where is this warehouse located?”
“Outside of town.” I pulled out the photograph.
After glancing at it, he looked away briefly. “The Las Riveras are being used as muscle for this mystery corporation.”
“That’s what I believe. The warehouse theft. My guess is Santos didn’t anticipate my early arrival at the warehouse or the possible death of his son.”
“That means things are about to get ugly.”
“You mean uglier.” I hadn’t bothered sending a cleanup crew to the canal. It would be good for other members of the local Las Riveras Cartel to discover the carnage.
“What the fuck are you planning on doing tonight?”
I grinned. “Just showering New Orleans with some fireworks.”
He shifted closer, shaking his head. “You can’t do this without talking with Alexander. You know that.”
“I have an opportunity; I am going to take it. You forget, I almost died tonight.”
“For fuck’s sake, you’re the Underboss of the family. You can’t go off halfcocked with shit like this.”
I shoved my hands into my pockets, closing the distance between us.
I was still an inch taller, although he’d bulked up over the last couple of years.
“I can and I will. You weren’t there tonight.
There were over a dozen bastards determined to end my life and take the woman inside my house being kept against her will still fighting to keep from having a panic attack.
If sending a message by blowing up a warehouse gives Santos pause and perhaps an understanding of what we’re capable of, then so be it. ”
Jaxon sighed. “You’re crazy. You know that?”
“I’m many things, brother. Just keep Josette and Indiana safe.”
After a few seconds of glaring at me, he smiled, his laugh almost annoying. “If you’re worried about the dog, that means you care about the woman.”
“Don’t go spouting off shit you don’t understand.”
“Ah, but I do understand. We both saw the sudden shift happening with Alexander. The love of a good woman can change everything in a man’s life.”
I clapped him on the arm. “Just keep her safe and hold the romance advice to yourself. Okay?”
Shrugging, he studied me as if prepared to say much more. But he didn’t.
Good move.
As I turned and headed toward my car, I took a deep breath, words slipping from my mouth before I could stop them.
“I was given the gift once and failed. I don’t deserve a second chance.”