Page 82 of Frost and Venom

“I’m so glad you’ve had that relationship, Guadalupe.” She felt tears burning in her eyes. “I always wanted a brother. I wanted you in my life as well. I know I didn’t suffer anywhere as much as you did, but I thought of us as being close. I wanted to be close to someone. Until I came to Knightly, I didn’t feel as if I had a single person in my life. I was such a dreamer. I would always go into my head and create these ridiculous scenarios where you and my brother would come save me. That you would want me.”

“And instead,” Guadalupe said, shame in her tone, “I put death threats in your mailbox.”

“I don’t blame you, either of you, for hating me. I couldn’t help you. I didn’t know how, but honestly, I would have if I could have.”

“I realize that. I tried to tell Salvadore that you’re innocent in all this, another victim of the senator. I knew he was coming here tonight. He told me. I think it’s best if you’re locked up safe somewhere. I need more time to talk to him.”

It occurred to Harlow she’d been so engrossed in Guadalupe’s story that she hadn’t sent the text to Larado or loaded her gun. She reluctantly hit send, mostly because she knew Wilder would be furious if anything happened to her. He’d most likely try to take on the cartel single-handedly. And she wanted to live to be with him. To spend a lifetime with him.

She may have dreamt of having a brother, but the fact was, she didn’t know him. She might feel empathy for him. She wanted the best for him. She knew he’d had a difficult life, but she wasn’t responsible. She wasn’t going to pay with her life for his need for vengeance. Making up her mind, she slid the drawer open and reached in for her gun.

“When your hand comes out of the drawer, it had better be empty.” The voice came from across the room, somewhere in the shadows.

Harlow immediately looked around frantically for Misha. She hadn’t made a sound. The dog lay on the floor, unmoving. She started toward her, but Guadalupe stepped directly in front of her, both arms wide, blocking Harlow as best she could. Harlow was tall, and Guadalupe not so much. Her son would still have a head shot if he was inclined to shoot.

The sound of an exaggerated sigh could be heard. “Really, Mama? You’re being overdramatic. It isn’t like she’s not a head taller than you. Stop flapping your arms around. You’re short; just accept it.”

“That isn’t funny, Salvadore. Don’t you dare shoot her.”

“I’m not going to shoot her. Put your arms down.” Salvadore sounded amused.

Harlow wasn’t amused in the least. There was nothing at all funny about the situation. “What did you do to my dog?”

“The dog is fine. I darted her. She’ll sleep for a few minutes and give us time to talk. My madre is convinced you’re as much a victim of the senator as she is.”

Harlow shook her head as Guadalupe reluctantly dropped her arms. “I didn’t have it that bad. He beat me, but he didn’t molest me. I’m certain my mother had threatened him against that. I found out about you when I was ten. I walked in on him trying to rape one of my friends when I was older. It wasn’t a great childhood, but I assure you, it was nothing like what he condemned you and your mother to.”

“Mama, step away from her so I can see what my sister looks like.”

Harlow couldn’t help that her stomach somersaulted at the implication that he viewed her as a sister. She should be wary of him. Keep her distance. He was a member of the cartel, perhaps even the reigning heir. He did despicable things, things she could never condone. He’d sent her death threats and meant them.

The moment Guadalupe stepped aside, several tiny red dots appeared on Salvadore’s forehead and over his heart. Her heart nearly stopped. Without thinking, she reacted, rushing past Guadalupe to stand in front of her brother, blocking the lasers. Like Guadalupe, she threw her arms out and shook her head.

“Larado, no. It’s all good. Stand down.”

“Get the fuck away from him,” Larado snapped. “I’m not playing around here. That man threatened you.”

“You don’t understand,” she protested.

She felt hands at her waist. Fingers tightened, and Salvadore began to gently move her aside. She resisted. “Stop,” she hissed. “They will shoot you. These guys don’t play around.”

“I’m well aware,” Salvadore said. “I took that into consideration when I decided to pay you a visit. I found, after the things my mother revealed about your childhood and the kind of person you are, that I wanted to meet you.”

“I’ve felt the same way ever since I found out about you when I was ten,” Harlow said.

“Get away from him,” Larado said.

“I’m not going to let you shoot him,” Harlow reiterated. “If you can reach Wilder, let him know what’s happening.”

Larado swore again under his breath. Harlow heard Guadalupe gasp. “Someone is behind the two of you.”

“Falcon,” Harlow guessed. “Please just let me talk to Salvadore. He’s my brother. This may be my only chance.”

“The man threatened to kill you,” Larado pointed out again when Falcon remained silent.

“Let’s find a way to work this out,” Harlow pleaded. “Please contact Wilder.”

“You’ll abide by whatever he says?” Larado pushed.