Ever.

  I quickly washed my face and arms, fighting the sobs building in my chest. I’d never be able to get rid of the memory of what I’d seen.

  I folded my arms and backed away from my haunted reflection.

  As I left my bedroom, I stared at the closed door to my son’s room. My little boy. My sweet Maverick. The ache to hold him in my arms and to hear his adorable laughter was the worst one of all. Living without him wasn’t acceptable. But at this point, what choice did I have?

  I was no longer in charge of my life. I felt that all the way to my bones.

  I’d risked everything and lost so much in a huge effort to finally feel free. To be happy.

  This was the furthest from happiness I’d ever been.

  When I walked back into the living room, I realized how little my tiny apartment felt like mine any longer. Now there were two men working for Kruz inside. Even in tailored suits, neither one could hide the fact they were brutal men. That left one other soldier outside canvassing the area. Maybe he was looking for another victim in whatever war they were waging.

  Kruz stiffened only seconds later, slowly turning his head in my direction. There was some dark humor in the fact every time he lowered his gaze when looking at me, a series of shudders coursed through me. I was obviously being punished for some horrible deed done in a past life.

  I slid against the wall as I moved into the kitchen, trying to remain as far away from the savages as possible.

  Only Kruz had no intention of allowing me even a few minutes of peace. He crowded my space within seconds.

  “I don’t want you here,” I started, finding it more difficult to look into his eyes than I thought. Maybe I wasn’t such a tough girl after all.

  “As I said before, you have no choice, but I can assure you that everything will be alright.”

  “Why don’t you try and tell me just how it’s going to be alright? Seriously. You’ve destroyed my world and I don’t see any bright spots.”

  He sighed. Not just an ordinary sigh, but one indicating he was growing weary of my antics and outbursts. Well, so was I. “I have a few things to accomplish in the next couple of hours. You should pack.”

  “Pack? Why?”

  “Because there are some very bad men who know you’re with me.”

  “Ha,” I snorted. “I’m not with you, Kruz. Not under any circumstances. Where in God’s name do you think you’re going to take me, some fancy hotel?”

  “Barcelona.”

  He issued the single word as if an order sent from God himself. I knew I was staring at him, unable to blink or even move.

  “Spain,” I croaked out.

  “Spain.”

  “Um… Did you forget I have a life here?”

  His chuckle was as annoying as everything else about him. “Did you forget your life was just changed two hours ago?”

  “Because of you.”

  “Because of circumstances beyond my control.”

  “Why is it all bad guys say stupid shit like that?” I was well educated. I’d excelled at English. However, my ability to form rational, coherent, and intelligent sentences around him had faltered more than once.

  His eyes flashed and I wasn’t certain whether it was from amusement or boosted irritation. “Christine. What I’m trying to tell you is that your life is now in danger. There are people who will attempt to use you against me. I won’t allow that to happen, but I can only control the situation is if you’re with me. I can’t stay in Miami. I’m certain you can understand the reasons why.”

  “What if I’d prefer to take my chances?”

  Another sigh meant the irritation was turning to anger.

  Tough.

  “Then you’ll be dead or worse by this time tomorrow night.”

  Or worse.

  “You’re in the mafia. Right?”

  Now he laughed. “The less you know, the better. Go pack. We leave as soon as I return.”

  “When I arrived in Miami to accept the teaching position, I didn’t know anyone other than Chloe. Making friends didn’t seem to be something anyone else wanted to do, including the teachers I worked with. Even though my best friend did everything in her power to introduce me to her friends, I’d never felt so alone in my life. I loved my job and the children, but at night everything was different.”

  I stopped talking long enough to see if he was rolling his eyes or worse.

  He wasn’t.

  “Times were tough and I had almost nothing, but little by little, things started to get better. One day when I was out for a walk on a rare day off, I literally ran into Malcolm, spilling coffee all over his shirt. We’d been acquaintances years before. We laughed and I offered to pay his dry-cleaning bill. In turn, he offered to buy me a cup of coffee. That led to a long lunch and wine at sunset. One thing led to another and we started dating. He was always busy with his work but made time for us to be together. At least in the first few months.”

  Maybe there were dozens of aches a person could feel, but I realized that for all the times I’d thought I’d missed Malcolm, I’d just been hungering for human contact. Any human contact.

  “Suddenly, he started calling and texting less and less. His visits became infrequent. Of course, there was always an excuse. I was busy as well so that was fine. Then I started hearing rumors he was seeing someone else. Although I had no idea it was Tonya. Was I stupid or just the ugly duckling? With her connections, he could have been king of Miami.”

  “You are beautiful and brilliant, Christine. Any man who thinks otherwise is a sorry excuse for a human being. Never forget that.”

  Wow.

  Don’t do it. Don’t you dare cry in front of him.

  Why was it when I finally convinced myself he was an unhinged asshole with a God complex, he could suddenly be so sweet? He had no idea how much I needed to hear those words, especially after the way Malcolm had gloated, looking down at me as if I was nothing but a deformed, wounded animal.

  “I didn’t tell you the complete truth about everything and I’m not certain why I am right now. What the hell? Anyway, one night he surprised me by discussing marriage. It wasn’t a marriage proposal, mind you, but a discussion. That was the day I’d found out I was pregnant. You’d have thought I’d told him I had some communicable deadly disease. That was the first real argument we’d had and he stormed out. A week turned into two, then four. Finally, he stopped by to tell me he didn’t want to see me any longer. He even had the nerve to say if I kept the baby, he’d have nothing to do with him. Would you believe his father tried to buy me off? Here’s twenty thousand if you’ll forget my son is the baby’s father. I laughed in his face.”

  I noticed Kruz’s fist was clenched, his eyes hooded as I’d seen them just before he’d punched Malcolm in the face.

  “I’d decided to keep the baby with the full understanding Malcolm wanted nothing to do with his own flesh and blood. Trust me in that I didn’t want Malcolm to have anything to do with my unborn child. Out of the blue after the baby was born, he came to the hospital to see the two of us. I realized later, he was attempting to convince me not to give our child his last name. Maybe I should say threatening me. He’s clever in how he does that. By then, I’d wanted nothing to do with Malcolm and certainly had no intention of saddling my child with the man’s last name.”

  The fact Kruz was remaining silent was both comforting and unnerving.

  “For the first two years, I wasn’t bothered by Malcolm or any of his family members. Something changed because this time last year, he had his attorney contact me. Malcolm wanted to see his little boy. After much consideration and about a half case of wine and bouts of anger, I allowed the visitation. That was also based on the recommendation of an attorney I’d spoken with, Malcolm being his father and all. I thought maybe just maybe Malcolm had changed his mind. At least for his own son. But I was wrong. The single visit wasn’t repeated. Until six months later. That’s where the nightmare began. He made demands, wanting equal custody. I laughed at first until I found myself in court. Of course the first attorney I’d hired wanted nothing to do with going up against the Worthington family.”

  “Let me guess,” he gritted out.

  “Whatever you’re guessing, my bet is you’re right. I didn’t have money for another attorney and thought the family court judge would see things my way. He didn’t. It took me a little while to figure out Malcolm and his daddy dearest had the judge in their pockets. Things went downhill from there. Shit about my past was dredged up, horrible things used against me. I had no ammunition to fight them, but I tried. Every last dollar of my savings, as meager as it was, went into hiring a worthless attorney Chloe helped me find, but at least it was something.”

  Kruz’s breathing was as labored as mine. Perhaps more so.

  “Anyway, the only reason I’m bothering to tell you this is that Maverick is my entire world. My family. My only family thanks to my father. I know what it’s like to be abandoned and I do not plan on allowing my child to think his mother doesn’t love or want him. I don’t know how, but I will stop at nothing to keep that from happening. Hell, I’ll resort to criminal activity if necessary. Maybe you can give me some pointers before you leave. I’m not leaving my son.”

  I was spinning, maybe a little out of control. Maybe a lot toward a break in my psyche. I just didn’t care. I’d meant every word I’d said to him. And he wasn’t going to stand in my way.

  “Who are your parents, Christine?” He narrowed his eyes. Why did I have a feeling he wasn’t prepared to take no for an answer?

  Well, the man would need to get used to disappointment. His question was frustrating as hell. “Jesus Christ. You have a one-track mind. They’re nobody any longer, Kruz. At least not in my life and not in my son’s. You don’t need to know a thing about them other than they aren’t in my life. Why would you care anyway? Finding another way to hurt me?”

  Exasperation and panic were overruling even my fear. I knew I should be even more terrified of the man, but at this point, I wasn’t certain what else I had to lose.

  Somehow, he looked far more tempting and intimidating than ever. He was still wearing the suit we’d purchased together, only he’d removed the tie, unbuttoning his shirt. That allowed me to catch a glimpse of his bronzed skin. Mr. Dark and Handsome.

  I needed to stop thinking of him that way. He was far too dangerous.

  Being around him was so confusing, his on again, off again personality too much to handle. Maybe I was just far too overwrought.

  Damn him.

  When he said nothing, reverting to the behavior I’d experienced the moment he’d set foot in my tiny space, I shook my head. “I don’t know if my friends are dead or alive and you won’t allow me to call them. You act like I’m your prisoner after you jumped into my life without an invitation. What I’m trying to tell you is that while I appreciate what you said to Malcolm and quite frankly, I loved seeing the look on his face when you popped him, what I need is a hero at this point. I’m not going anywhere now or ever without my son.”

  The ache was growing, so much so I was nauseous all over again.

  Kruz reached out as if to touch me, but I shifted my head away. In turn, he curled his fingers, exhaling in the sultry exaggerated way only he could get away with.

  He finally turned away, heading toward the front door. Why not escape out the patio door like the criminal he was?

  I wasn’t certain whether to continue challenging him or be thankful he was leaving. When he stopped two feet from the door, I held my breath.

  The tip of his head was structured defiance. I knew the action far too well. “Your friend Chloe and her fiancé made it out before the attack. I had one of my men check to ensure she got away safely. Tonya was killed and in truth, I suspect she was one of the intended targets. As far as Malcolm, it would appear he slithered out to whatever hole he crawled out of like the coward he is.”

  His words hung and I slumped further against the counter. Dead. Tonya was dead. Nothing in life prepared you for hearing that someone you cared about was dead. It didn’t matter what Tonya had done to me, the hateful things she’d said. Her penance shouldn’t have been her life.

  “While I can appreciate the situation you’re in, Christine, the fact remains that you witnessed what I’m capable of. I have no other choice but to take you with me. Andres will remain inside with you while I finish business. I assure you that you won’t like what happens if you attempt to escape.”

  He stopped talking and every curse word I’d ever learned, every slang version of them formed in the forefront of my mind.

  “Bastard,” I managed.

  Kruz stiffened and took another step, placing his hand on the doorknob. “Heroes don’t exist, Christine. But monsters do.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Kruz

  Yes, monsters existed in every shape, size, and color.

  I knew that all too well.

  Had I wanted to exacerbate her fear?

  Maybe. At least enough to try to keep her from making any bad decisions.

  She was far too innocent and young for a man like me, even if she was a treacherous vixen with her hourglass figure and curves to die for.

  “You discovered the information I asked for?” My question was tossed out as soon as I was settled in the back of the rented SUV Benito had been driving.

  “It took a little while.” He tipped his head over his shoulder. “But I got it.”

  “Alright. Let’s not waste any time.” I yanked out my weapon, pulling a fresh magazine from the pocket of my jacket. I doubted I would have too much difficulty completing my task, but at this point, I needed to be prepared for anything.

  “She’s a tough one, boss,” Benito said from the front seat.

  I’d tasked Carlos to drive, keeping Andres guarding her. Did I think he’d have his hands full? Hell, yes. I wouldn’t past her to attempt to escape at least once, if not more. I’d warned him about the windows. She had enough balls to try to climb down from the third floor.

  I leaned my head against the seat, envisioning the look on my little captive’s face when telling me her woeful story. And that’s exactly what she’d become.

  My captive.

  Maybe I was out of my fucking mind, but what choice did I have?

  I’d felt moved by her story, but maybe not in the way a normal man would feel. Had I wanted to comfort her? Yes, but a larger percentage of me had wanted to do exactly what I’d already decided.

  Kill the bastard.

  Christine continued to insist I’d been lying to her, but quite the opposite. I’d said as little as possible to try to maintain her innocence.

  Maybe I was a fucking fool.

  “Yes, she’s trouble,” I answered. It had been a fucking long day with nothing going as I’d planned. Since arriving everything had seemed cursed. “Is the plane ready?” I asked, but with the exhaustion settling in, my tone held a definitive demand.

  “Yes, sir. On standby.”

  “Good.” I turned my head, staring at the lights as Carlos drove. The decision I’d made would more than just complicate things. Even in Barcelona where I could at least control conditions, the element of danger would be increased. Could it be handled?

  Yes, unless Christine decided to give me trouble.

  “Are you sure you want to do this, boss? If you prefer, Carlos and I will deal with it while you get settled in the jet.”

  “Thank you, Benito, but this has become a personal matter.” I had options of course, including leaving without doing a goddamn thing, but in my mind that wasn’t acceptable. Plus, Christine deserved better.

  Jago would tell me I was thinking with my dick. Maybe so, but my dick hadn’t been wet in a long time and certainly not the way it had been earlier in the day. Which now seemed like a lifetime ago.

  Spanking her felt far too damn good. And cathartic. At least for my blackened soul. Seeing her glistening pussy lips had almost had me fucking her right there. I would have experienced zero remorse either. I curled my fingers and brought them to my nose, inhaling her sweet scent.

  There was nothing better than the fragrance of her femininity.

  I shouldn’t continue to think of her as anything but what was required at this point.

  She was my captive, at least until I could figure out what the hell to do with her.

  A flash of something she’d told me forced me to lift my head. “Benito. I need you to chase down something for me.”

  “Of course, boss. What do you need?” He immediately yanked his cellphone into his hand, no doubt flipping through screens until he found the notes application. I had to give the man credit. He was one of the few I knew working inside a cartel who didn’t rely on their mental capacity when taking complicated commands.

  He also knew his way around a computer, including discovering information few could manage. In my opinion, the man was underutilized. His talents exceeded gutting enemies.

  “Find out everything you can about Christine’s family. It’s possible she changed her last name, but since she’s a teacher by profession, I’m certain you’ll be able to track it down.” I’d do so myself, except I had a feeling I’d been extremely busy after returning to Spain.

  “I’ll see what I can find. Anything in particular you’re looking for?”

  “I’m curious if they have any ties to Malcolm Worthington. Or to Jamal Fassi.”

  “Wow. That’s a bit of a stretch.” He twisted his big body so I could see his grin.

  “Nothing can be ruled out.” There was a reason Malcolm had wanted her in his life. Was bringing a child into the world too complicated for him? Or was it someone convinced him an heir would provide more wealth? I’d seen and heard of arrangements such as what I was thinking dozens of times.

  That didn’t make them right.

  Although…

  Crazy thoughts drifted through my mind. Insane ones. The kind of thinking that I’d ordinarily laugh at. But more insane ideas had kept me from being shot to death on more than one occasion.

  For now, I’d keep the idea fresh while handling the situation requiring my full attention.

 

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