“Like hell we are.”
His smile is sharp enough to cut as he faces me, “Rafaelle, it’s always a pleasure to speak to you. Did you enjoy the message I had delivered? I took care of your problem to show that I was serious about this truce between our families.”
My vision turns red. I know exactly what he’s talking about. A 15 year old kid turned up drowned and with his fingers cut on our turf two days ago. I knew he was fucking responsible. What’s worse is that I’m sure he was the one behind the kid in the first place. He sent him to cause trouble and when he had no use for him, he fucking killed him.
I lunge towards Navarro but Elio is immediately there, holding me back.
“Calm down, Rafaelle,” my brother murmurs.
I exhale a soft breath, counting numbers in my head. The kid is dead. He’s not important right now.
“I want to speak to Liliana,” I state, my voice as calm as I can make it.
“And what would you have to say to my daughter? From my perspective, she was your hostage and you demanded a ransom from me that I’ve paid. You have no business with her anymore.”
I ignore him, looking over his shoulder at the dark haired woman staring down at the floor.
“Liliana, look at me.”
Finally, she lifts her head, amber eyes meeting mine and the effect has my heart clenching.
“What’s going on, siren?” I question.
“This is how it’s meant to be, Rafaelle,” she says softly, voice tinged with heartbreak. “I’m going to go with m-my father.”
A muscle jumps in my jaw. I can’t believe the words that are leaving her lips right now.
“What the fuck are you saying to me right now?” I snap.
“You got what you wanted, Rafaelle,” she says, a visible tremor passing through her body.
Her eyes are red with unshed tears. I’m so fucking confused right now. This wasn’t the plan.
She knows very well that I don’t give a fuck about the contract or the deal with Navarro.
What I want is her.
“Right,” Navarro clears his throat. “If you don’t mind, I’ll be taking my daughter home now.”
He places a hand on her shoulder, the gesture possessive. I want to break the limb. But it’s that word, home that really pushes me over the edge. I reach into my jacket and pull my gun out, aiming it at his smug face.
Navarro doesn’t even blink. The room bursts into a blur of motions, weapons are pulled out. His guards are immediately in front of him, protecting him, their guns pointed on me. Our guards move into position as well.
It’s a terse situation that’s a hair trigger away from becoming deadly for everyone involved. I don’t give a fuck and I don’t move. My gun is still pointed at Navarro but my eyes are on the woman at his side.
“This isn’t fucking funny, Liliana,” I growl.
The fear in her eyes makes my chest hurt.
Just come back to me, baby. Come back and I’ll make sure you’re safe.
“Please, Rafaelle,” she says shakily. “Just let me go.”
My fingers tighten around the gun. My breaths are harsh as they escape my mouth.
“You want to leave with him?” I ask her.
“Yes,” she whispers, staring at a spot above my head.
