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“That depends solely on you.”
“I-I don’t—”
“Help me, and you’ll live to see another year. Maybe twenty.”
His smile is wide, so much relief in his features. “Okay.”
“Smart choice.” Yet I’m not sure he’s understanding how much another betrayal will cost him. Grabbing my knife, I open it and flick it at his shoulder, the black metal blade embedding three inches deep. His scream of pain reverberates, bounces off the metal walls, and helps to calm some of the ire boiling within me. He’s not absolved of all his crimes, a payment is yet to be made. “Learn your place, and do it quickly, Davila. We are not friends, partners, or associates. Fuck me over again, and I will deliver on my promise to hang your corpse over the Brickell Bridge. Go near Amberlyn or anyone I love, and I will chop off your dick and watch you slowly asphyxiate as you fight to breathe through the intrusion. Mind your choices, and know that I am always watching.”
“Understood,” he whimpers, holding his arm while not touching the blade.
“I’m glad we could come to an agreement.” Turning my gaze to Israel, I give him a quick nod and he grabs Henry’s arm, hauling the weak man up. My knife is still buried in his flesh and will stay that way until later tonight. For now, though, we’ll take a ride. “Take him out to our boarding dock. I’ll meet you there shortly.”
A nod and they walk out.
I’m left alone with my thoughts. With the need to check up on her, and before realizing it, my cell phone is in my grip. Yet it vibrates before I can call, and it’s Junior’s name on the screen.
“Is she okay?”
“Yes, boss. Miss Ibarra hasn’t left the building, but there’s a problem.”
“What?”
“An unmarked white SUV has been making the rounds in the area. I’ve seen it twice on her street, and the others watching the surrounding blocks have as well. They’re looking for something.” Or taking note of any protection in the area. “Do you want me to approach?”
“No, and keep out of sight. Let them think she’s alone for now.”
“And if they come near—”
“Put a bullet between their eyes and leave them to bleed out on the sidewalk as a warning. She’s untouchable.”
“Done.”
“Is there anything else?”
“Thiago called and said he needs to talk to you.”
“I’ll get a hold of him now; thank you. Call me if anything changes.” Hanging up, I pull up the camera to her bedroom on the app and find her asleep. No toys. No light sheen of sweat on her skin. My sirenita.
Knowing she heard the blasphemous words I’d said to Mirabel, that she was hurt by them, guts me, but knowing she more than likely believes them right now is a bitter pill to swallow.
But that’s my penance. Her doubt. Anger.
But the one thing I can’t allow to happen is for someone she loves to be hurt.
For the woman I love to ever be in danger or mourn her family.
I’d die for Amberlyn and those she holds dear.
They are mine to protect, too.
“I’ll be back to you soon, my love.”
14
“THANK YOU FOR meeting me on such short notice, Miss Ibarra.” Detective Uriel stands from his seat, holding a hand out toward me as I make my way to the table he’s occupying the following afternoon. I take it, and a shiver runs through me. It’s small and unpleasant and I pull it back just as quick, which he catches, face tightening a bit around the eyes, yet his smile remains in place. “Would you like anything to drink? I’m heading to the—”
“Here you go, Amberlyn.” Lily places my café con leche down along with a large slice of red velvet cake before heading back to the counter. They know me here. It’s a small bakery in a strip mall near the office that I frequent when needing a pick-me-up. They make the best sweets, and today is one of those days where indulging is how I’ll get by.
