“You know nothing of the problems you caused when you left. But Finch understood. My patience is a small price to pay.”
Deva shook her head in disbelief. “You? Patience? I doubt you ever were patient, it’s been less than twenty-four hours since I revealed myself and here you are!”
“Not that, you fool! And what could you understand of this kind of politics? Now, come to me, and your fuck buddies won’t end up dead.”
There was something deeper, Deva could sense it and crossed her arms. “If you kill one of them or both, if you’re stupid enough, you’ll have two of the most dangerous syndications against you. And not even your extended MC will be able to survive that.”
The small twitch on Mex’s mouth convinced her that she had hit a nerve. “Again, all I have to do is wait. Patience is my friend. In the blink of an eye, the world can spin on its axis... even yours.”
Deva bit her tongue and was tempted to goad him even more, but she also knew how it would end. “Frankly, I don’t give a damn about your axis, your politics, your orders. I was about to say it was nice meeting you, but it wasn’t. It just confirmed to me that my only family was Mom and Johnny.”
If possible, her father’s face became even harder at their names. “Your brother was never a disappointment like you were. He was ten times better than you’ll ever be.”
“And a hundred times more of a man than you, Father.”
The way his fist tightened on his gun made her wince. And one second she was looking at the mean-looking weapon, and the next, Aleksei had shoved her behind him.
“And now, it’s time for you and your men to go.” His voice was low, and the Russian accent added a level of menace that made her shiver. A quick look at Hector confirmed to her that the showdown wasn’t over yet.
Gripping Aleksei’s waistband like a lifeline, Deva prayed in silence for all of it to be over. For the man who sired her to leave and never come back. Unfortunately, unless someone killed him right here and now, it wasn’t going to happen.
“Don’t make me ask again, little boys. I want my daughter back. Now!”
Deva shivered. There was no way out. She could see it. This was a bloodbath waiting to happen unless she did something, and scramble for some time.
“If I agree to go back, what do I get in return?”
As she sidestepped, Aleksei grabbed her arm in a painful grip. The man wasn’t about to let her sacrifice herself for him. Tense, ready to crack, it was impossible to convey with words what she wanted to do. The best she could do was squeeze his wrist a little and tap it with her fingers.
“Are we negotiating, Daughter?”
When the Russian finally let her go, she moved around him, facing her father once more.
“Always. I want to guarantee the safety of my two lovers and their men.”
Mex shifted, trying to decipher her expression, but Deva had learned with the very best teacher. And when his stance relaxed, she knew a crack finally appeared. One she was so desperate for.
“My dear Victoria, if you come with me, I’ll make sure that no blood is spilled today.”
“And the following days?”
Mex gave her the very first genuine smile. “And there I see the bright child I knew. I will hold my word, as long as you hold yours, Victoria. Simple as that.”
Deva could add another layer, continue her trick, but the more time passed, the more the situation could explode like a firecracker. Gone was the little girl who mourned her mother, the teenage girl whose soul broke for her brother. All her fears, all her doubts, she pushed them aside, as Beatrice had told her to do ten years ago. And that strength, those skills, would help them get her out safe.
“I will come with you on this condition. But first, let me give one last kiss to my lovers, as you’ve so gently said.”
Before her father could object, she turned to Aleksei and kissed him, circling his neck with her arms, plastering her body against his. He stood stiffly at first, but after a second or two, his free arm came around her waist. Ending the kiss, Deva hugged him hard and pressed her lips against his ear.
“Trust me, I’m not going with him. Stand ready to get out.”
It was a quick message, but that’s all she could do with the time she had. Aleksei looked at her as if frozen but didn’t say a word. Didn’t acknowledge her statement.
Going to Hector, she barely had reached him when he grabbed her in his arms and took her lips. Damn, she may not have been aroused, but the man was an incredible kisser. And by the twinkle in his gaze, he was having the time of his life. Discreetly pinching him to let her go, she finally could catch her breath and relay the same message she had told Aleksei. Both men stood still, and their undivided attention bolstered her spirit, confirmed that what she had planned next, she could succeed.
Shoulders back, eyes locked to her father’s, she went to the trio of men. Mex took her in his arms in a fierce but calculated hug. Keeping an arm around her shoulder, he murmured something to one of his men who ran outside.
“My dear Vicky. When you understand the bigger picture, everything will become clear. You will see in time. I promise.”
