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The man’s awful grin sent shudders down Laila’s spine—and left her no doubt that Victor wouldn’t leave here alive. “Give me your tongue.”
Federico motioned her and Valeria outside. They followed, as did Trees, watching as Chavez took the briefcase from the suit’s hands and handed it to Laila. “The money for you ladies.” He sent her an amused glance. “It is good to be the hero, yes?”
The words echoed exactly those she had exchanged with Montilla’s informant. “It was you I texted with.”
He nodded. “It is also good to keep your own best interests in mind.”
Those words rolled around in Laila’s head until she realized what he meant. “You told me where to find Kimber because you wanted Montilla weakened for your own purposes.”
“She did not belong there, and your lover nearly did the job for me when he shot the old man. But Montilla came out of his coma last week, forcing me to regroup. You and your sister’s perfectly timed message gave me exactly what I needed to wrest control for good. It is fortunate, indeed, that both of you want nothing to do with the organization.”
Or he would have killed them without a second thought. She suppressed a shiver. “Nothing at all.”
“Ever,” Valeria chimed in, clutching Jorge tight. “Neither will my son.”
“Excellent. This concludes our business, then. Mr. Edgington.” He nodded at Hunter, who exited the hospital and headed straight for them, Logan and Joaquin in tow. “You and your men have been admirable adversaries. I hope this is where we part ways?”
Hunter scowled. “I fucking hate what you do for a living, but it’s not my job or my crusade to put you down, especially since, if I did, another you would only spring up tomorrow.”
“It is wise to know the battles you cannot win. I wish you safe travels,” he murmured, as if he was a gracious host, not a criminal boss.
Before he could return inside, Laila grabbed Chavez’s arm. “I want to know how Ramos will die.”
The man smiled. “Bloodthirsty, huh? If I did not have a wife I loved with all my heart, you would be a very interesting woman to tame.”
Trees pulled her back, against his big, protective body. “She’s going to be my wife.”
“And you will ensure she stays out of my business?”
“Damn straight.”
“Good man.” Federico turned his attention back to her. “My men will end Victor Ramos and make it as torturous as possible. I am not sure quite how. You are welcome to stay and watch.”
In a way, his offer was tempting. A part of her wanted to see Victor’s awful end. But her heart had other ideas. That part of her didn’t want to spend another moment in the past or fixated on violence. She’d rather look forward, embrace happiness, and start her future. Now that her family was safe and their tomorrows were secure, it was time.
“No. I have a life to live.” With the man she loved.
“A wise choice. I wish you all health and happiness. Goodbye.” Chavez nodded their way one last time, then sauntered back into the abandoned hospital just as Victor’s screams began to tear through the night.
Laila ignored them and kissed her sister’s cheek, then laid a soft kiss on her nephew’s forehead before handing her the briefcase. “For you.”
Valeria shook her head, then settled the money back in Laila’s grip. “Keep it. I took much more from Emilo before I left, and you deserve every penny.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Perhaps you and Trees could use it to start your married life?”
Laila frowned. “Are you going somewhere?”
“Back to St. Louis, I think. It felt like home to me. I enjoyed the seasons. I liked my neighborhood. I made friends. It is a place to start.”
Laila frowned. After fighting so hard for her family, they wouldn’t be staying together after all? “But…”
“You thought I would remain in Louisiana? Follow wherever you went?” Valeria shook her head. “You do not need me anymore. And I must stand on my own two feet. I will raise my son and, hopefully, find a good man someday. In the meantime, I think I will go to beauty school. That sounds…nice.”
Laila took her sister’s hand. “I will miss you and Jorge, but I want you to be happy.”
“For the first time ever, I will. You have taught me so much about being brave.” Valeria squeezed her fingers. “I can move forward now. I love you.”
Then she turned away and murmured something to Kane, who escorted her to the van, opened the door, and sealed her inside.
Trees led her away from the others, under the moonlight and away from the sounds of Victor’s pain. Then he took her face in his hands. “You okay, little one?”
She turned to him, visually tracing every cut, scrape, bruise, and scab. “Are you? We should get you to a doctor.”
“When we get stateside. But I’m fine. No, I’m great. I have you, so I have everything.” He settled a kiss on her forehead. “You scared me in there.”
“I was terrified of losing you.”
He shook his head. “You can’t lose me, honey. From the first moment I saw you, I was yours. Nothing’s changed.”
Her face softened as her heart melted. “When I met you, I did not believe there was such a thing as a good man. But God blessed me with the best when He sent you to rescue me. I am sorry for all I’ve put you through. But I swear I am yours forever. I want to marry you, Forest Scott.”
Thrill crossed his face, followed by a frown of regret. “I wanted to propose to you the right way. I wanted to put you in a pretty dress, take you to dinner, then get down on one knee with a sparkling ring and find the perfect words.”
She set the briefcase at her feet and clutched his arms. “I do not need any of those things. I only need you. I love you.”
“I love you, too, honey. Let me take you home now so we can start our forever.”
