Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 96206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“How much?” Federico sneered.
“Five million.” The amount was a pittance to an operation like Tierra Caliente but everything to her family. “Cash.”
Federico didn’t even blink. “If you and your sister agree to relinquish any right to future profits, yes.”
“We will.” Gladly. She wanted no part of that life. Valeria would agree.
“And everyone walks out of here alive. We all go our separate ways without another shot being fired or another punch being thrown?” Hunter pressed. “Without any vendettas being issued.”
“Agreed…in exchange for the other concession you promised. I want Victor Ramos.”
Of course he did. Victor had been trying to undermine the senior Montilla and the Tierra Caliente hierarchy since Emilo died, not merely because he’d hated the old man. He’d wanted the power for himself. Naturally, the new management of the organization wouldn’t stand for that. They would want Victor snuffed out at all costs.
He deserved it.
“Done,” Laila answered.
Hunter jerked his stare in her direction.
She raised a brow back at him. “What use do you have for him? Did you think to turn him over to your American justice system where justice is almost never served? Where he could too easily use his money and pull strings to walk free so he can continue to torment me?”
Hunter hesitated, then glanced at Logan and Joaquin. When they both nodded, he scowled. “Fine. You and all your boys disarm. Let us get our wounded out. You can do the same. We’ll be back with Victor.”
Federico nodded, then met her stare. “I can have the cash brought here as well. Then I expect never to see you, your sister, or your nephew ever again.”
“Nothing would make us happier.”
The new boss and his men left their weapons with Deke Trenton and Jack Cole, who stood over a dusty reception counter against one wall. Federico snapped at some of his grunts to carry out their dead, including Montilla, who, despite his threats and demands, had never once held his son.
Good. That man’s tainted blood already ran in her nephew’s veins. Jorge didn’t need the stench of his touch, too. Laila didn’t know what Valeria would tell her son someday about his father. She hoped by then her sister had found a good man who would be a positive male role model for the boy so he never succumbed to the evil half of his genes.
At her side, Trees took her in his arms, his gaze watchful as Matt helped an injured Trevor, who had been shot in the shoulder. Joaquin offered a hand to Ghost, who cursed and clutched his middle like he had some bruised ribs.
“Is that the extent of our injuries?” Trees asked Hunter.
“Yeah. One-Mile saved our asses. I called him on his honeymoon in Maui and flew his ass out here, and… Speak of the devil.”
Walker strode through what had once been the front door, sniper rifle in hand, and headed straight for her. “You all right, Laila?”
She nodded, realizing what had happened. “You shot Montilla?”
“When he had the gun to your head, yes.”
Trees looked taken aback—and horribly pissed off—at the news. “The asshole had a gun to your head?”
Laila squeezed his hand. “I am fine. Thank you, Señor Walker. I owe you a giant debt.”
“You don’t. You helped me escape your brother-in-law’s compound last fall. Without you, I would have died and rotted in that place. As far as I’m concerned, the score is even.”
Trees stuck out his hand. “Thanks. If anything had happened to her…”
“I get it. Being in love and having something to lose? It’s terrifying.” One-Mile shook his hand. “I’m, um…sorry I accused you of being EM Security’s mole.”
“I didn’t love it, but it was the logical conclusion. Next time, maybe confront me to my face?”
“Sure. And I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt first.”
“That would be great.” Trees smiled.
“Trees!”
Laila looked up to find Zy entering the big space and, with Kane’s help, dragging Victor inside. Valeria trailed behind them, holding Jorge close.
“Hey, buddy.” Trees smiled.
“You good, man? You look like shit.”
“Aww, you’re just being nice.”
“What are friends for?” Zy teased as he stopped with Victor in the middle of the room.
Her former rapist and tormentor still had venom in his eyes, but he also had the good sense to look afraid. She didn’t feel an ounce of pity for him. Perhaps someone better would be looking into their heart to find forgiveness. Laila couldn’t lie. She was just looking forward to his death.
“This is your fault, puta,” he snarled.
“Shut the fuck up.” Trees barreled toward him.
Laila held him back, loving that he wanted to protect her. But confronting Victor was something she needed to do herself. “No, it is yours. You chose to violate me as a child, over and over, using me for your sick pleasure. But you made me stronger. You made me a fighter. And because of that, you made me the instrument of your demise.”