AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I'll see you soon."
Hanging up, I purse my lips as I contemplate how to go about this.
Alonso Vázquez had been one of Sergio's business associates who specialized in custom weapons. He would supply Sergio with all types of ceremonial weapons and other types of heavy artillery, making thehaciendaas heavily armed as the military—if not more.
Over time, Alonso and I had become friends of a sort, and he'd always supply me with whatever I needed. Of course, from the beginning it had been obvious he wanted more. I'd made it clear from the start, however, that I wasn't interested in anything of that nature and that I wanted to keep things strictly platonic and professional.
He'd taken the rejection in stride, and I'd been surprised he hadn't turned vindictive or bitter over it—as others would have. Instead, he'd pretended nothing happened and had continued to be on good terms. As a result, I'd been truthful with him that I wasn't in the market for a lover, then orever, because my heart and my body already belonged to someone—and would always do so. I'd refrained from telling him who it was, but he'd understood the situation.
But that wasthen, and if I've learned anything in my life is that you should never underestimate a man—especially when he wants to possess a woman. I may need him for a favor this time, but I'm not about to pay that kind of price—or any price. As such, I need to be thoroughly prepared.
Going to my office, I dig through some of my old stuff that I'd recovered from my mother's place. There is one item that will prove most useful in this type of situation. I may be overreacting, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
As I rummage through my old stuff, I find a small pendant, and opening it, I note it still houses some leftover magic dust—but which should be enough to knock an elephant out. Instead of placing it around my neck, I wrap it around my wrist a few times until it sits tightly around my skin—and ready to be used in case of an emergency.
That done, I start to get ready. I put on a pair of jeans and a comfortable shirt, after which I plait my hair in a braid. I top off the look with some make-up, kohling my eyes and adding a dash of red lipstick—resembling at least a little the Noelle from the past. Otherwise, Alonso might not even recognize me.
A smile plays at my lips at the irony.
Back at the hacienda, no one would catch me dead without my face full of make-up, my hair perfectly arranged in place or dressed in anything other than a glamorous outfit. Everything had been, after all, to craft the perfect image.
That was how people knew me—or knewofme.
One slip and the illusion would shatter.
A while later, I check the peep hole to see the guards out cold. Pleased that it had worked, I grab the car keys and the bag I'd filled with basic necessities and I slowly open the door, being as quiet as I can as I go down the stairs.
I encounter more guards on my way out, all passed out, or on the verge of doing so. Yuyu is famous for her concoction and it really knocks you out, making you lethargic and confused. So even though some are still moving, I walk past them without an issue. Same goes for the guards stationed in the lobby and around the exits.
Heading to the parking lot, I press a button to unlock the car before sliding in the driver's seat, adjusting everything to fit my height. I may not have a driver's license, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to drive, which also brings up another bad memory.
It was no coincidence I'd crashed that car months ago.
Pushing those thoughts out of my mind, I start the engine, pulling out of the parking lot and driving towards the exit.
Now I have someone to live for.
There are a few hours left until dawn, and then some more hours until I'm due at the hospital. If I'm fast, then I might finish everything by noon. The only downside of my plan is that I have to check every potential location, thus wasting a big chunk of time. On the other hand, as I'd researched each of them, I'd noted they were all concentrated in one part of the city.
But I'll worry about that after. First, I need to get my equipment.
My body hums with anticipation as I remember those pieces Alonso would create specifically for me. It's been too long since I've had the pleasure of wearing or using one.
I'm so lost in my mind that I barely see the car heading straight for me. Even as I try to avoid it, the driver pushes it forward, effectively cutting my way as the car stops right in front of me.
Muttering a curse, I take off my seat belt and grab my gun.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I demand as I get out of the car, ready for the worst.
Raf might be right to worry about Ortega coming after me too. But what he doesn't know is that I can more than handle myself.
"And there is my dear sister-in-law," a lazy drawl makes me freeze.
The car's door opens to reveal Michele in all his glory. His hand goes to his glasses, removing them from his face so he can pin me with those eerie eyes of his.
"Michele," I grit my teeth. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Tracking you if that's not obvious," he chuckles, closing the door and coming towards me.
