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“He got involved with a bad crowd.”
She nodded decisively. “He started using drugs. When he couldn’t make enough money to get them, he stole what little we had. Then he started working for one of the gangs and just disappeared.”
“What happened?”
“He was killed, or so a policeman said when he came to our door late one night. My mother was devastated. She was never the same after that.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Are you really? Why would you give a shit?”
While everything about her was endearing, it was obvious to me her past had jaded her. Was it possible she was a part of what was going on? I cupped the side of her face, my grip firm enough that she knew better than to try to get away. There was so much pain in her eyes, searching mine in hopes they led to a glimpse of my soul. At that moment, I wanted to have one, to be able to keep her safe and happy. The thought was comforting.
It was also dangerous.
“I’m very sorry, beautiful lady. I’m not here to hurt you any further. However, we will need to work together. What I’m offering you is a deal.”
“Let me guess. You’ll allow me to live if I work with you.”
Her directness forced me to take a deep breath. “Is that something you can do? What we’ve shared is electric and I want to help you. You don’t know what you’re dealing with or what this secret society is capable of. I do.”
“Damn you.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Do I have a choice?”
“No, you don’t.”
As soon as I started to lower my head, she pressed one hand against my chest. “Don’t, Diego. I’m no fool. This isn’t anything but a chemical reaction. I’m a cop. Whether you were or still are a criminal, the fact remains we walk in two different worlds. You’re right. I’m way out of my league but I am required to investigate every crime and keep my office and the responsibilities I made an oath to in the highest esteem. In other words, working with you can’t happen. All I can tell you is that if you leave without doing anything stupid, I’ll pretend what happened tonight didn’t. But it’s a one-time offer. One. Do you understand me? I believe in the sanctity of right versus wrong.”
“Then why are you willing to let this go?” I was curious more than anything.
“Because I was reminded a long time ago in one of the darkest periods of my life to get off the streets by an unlikely source, a beautiful boy who’d decided to save my life. This is my chance at paying it forward. After tonight, all bets are off.”
“Understood.” With that, I crushed my mouth over hers, needing the taste of her more than the air around me to breathe. I’d never wanted anyone the way I did her, the softness and taste of her lips a sweet reminder. I gently pushed my tongue inside, pushing my throbbing cock against her stomach. Her tension slowly eased, and she slipped her arm around my neck, tangling her fingers in my hair.
I allowed the kiss to be passionate even though the need to drive my cock deep inside had already returned. I would honor her request. For now. However, she would never be far removed from my sight or my protection.
It was entirely possible one or more of the people inside that bar knew exactly who I was. If they recognized me and knew I’d taken an interest in the raven-haired beauty, it was only a matter of time until they attempted to use her against me.
That wasn’t going to happen.
When I broke the kiss, pulling my head away, I noticed her eyes were closed. I took the opportunity to head to the bedroom, easing her weapon from my pocket and placing it on her dresser along with the ammunition I’d taken.
When I returned to the living room, she was nursing her drink, closing herself down to our overheated attraction.
“How do I know I can trust you, Diego?”
“Only you can answer that question. If you’re so inclined, the cruise is arriving tomorrow at two in the afternoon. I plan on being there. I’ll be happy to show you around.”
She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip. “I’ll think about it.”
I slipped into my jacket, heading to the door. “Be careful, Sabrina. You might consider me the big bad wolf but there are others more savage than I could ever be. They will stop at nothing to manifest their anger and need for revenge through you if they believe it will get to me. I programmed my number into your phone in case you need me.”
Little did she know she’d already struck a deal with the devil. As I’d done today, I would return to collect what was owed to me.
Only next time, I had no intention of letting her go.
