Irritation fled when his words made their way through her brain. Zoe immediately smiled and could tell he now thought she must be a lunatic. “You’re Mrs. Lupe’s nephew? The one who gave her the car? The one she called,mi gordito? My little fat one?”
This time, it was her turn to see his brain having a workout. Muscle by muscle he relaxed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Well, I was a little fat growing up.”
“I wasn’t mocking you. It’s an endearment, and she loves you immensely. And let me assure you that I don’t see an ounce of fat on you. She and Marcus are my neighbors. I needed a car to come here and she lent it to me.”
Ever so slowly, the man sat back, astonishment on his face. “You told her you were coming in this part of town and she said, sure, take my car?”
Rolling her eyes, she was about to reply when her phone buzzed. An incoming call from Archer she ignored. One angry male at a time, please!
“No, I only asked her if she had a car. I needed to get to this address. I didn’t know where it was exactly, I’m not from Chicago. I just followed the GPS.”
Handsome shook his head. “Dumb move, if you want my opinion.”
Zoe looked at the clock and saw that it was eleven. “I don’t want your opinion. Now if you could leave, that would make my day.” Ignoring him she turned her stool around to face the bar and took a sip of her glass. The damn man didn’t move!
“I told you to get lost. I’ll return your aunt’s car in one piece, I promise. As soon as I’m done here.”
“The only reason it’s still in one piece, is because I have my men making sure of it. Coming here is beyond dangerous, don’t you see that, or do you have a death wish?”
“You know nothing about me, what’s going on, why I’m here, so please... I’m at the end of my rope and I don’t need another person telling me it’s dangerous or what to do.”
It took a moment to realize she was yelling at the guy and had to take a deep breath to calm herself down. “Listen. Thanks for guarding the car. I appreciate it, but I’m way over my head with other problems, and you standing by my side probably isn’t helping. Okay?”
Again, ignoring him, Zoe prayed for this hell to be over, and for Lucas, Archer, and everybody to be safe.
“Hey! Maybe I can help you. If my aunt trusts you, I can trust you too.”
That statement, sounding so sincere, made her sob. “Oh, boy. Don’t use that term to define me. Please. Everything is such a mess, a tangle of lies and deception. And I’ve been so honest up till now. It’s so laughable. I’m laughable.”
The stranger remained silent for a moment. “Do you have a good reason to lie to so many people?”
Still unable to look at him, her eyes filled with tears at the image of Lucas. “The only one that matters.”
The stranger touched her shoulder and she turned to him. He extended his hand. “I’m Hector Nazario.”
With a defeated breath, she touched his hand. “I’m Zoe.”
The smile he offered her was full of warmth. Encouraging. “You’re in a jam, Zoe. Maybe I can help you. And before you say no, you don’t have to give me any information. I don’t need you to lie to me. Just tell me what you’re supposed to do here so you can get out as soon as possible.”
Still hesitating, her cell buzzed once more. Archer.
“Boyfriend?”
Zoe shook her head. “When he learns what I did, I don’t think he will ever have anything to do with me. He will despise me. But I have no choice.”
For a long moment, those dark eyes bore into hers before he nodded. “Okay. You came here because you had no other choice. Now, what are you supposed to do?”
Her eyes went to the clock. “At eleven, I was supposed to meet the Hellhound. I have something to give him.”
Hector scowled. “You know the Hellhound is a nickname around here for a messenger. An anonymous messenger used only by dangerous people.”
Zoe nodded. “Yes, I have to give him something. That’s it.”
Hector nodded and looked around the club. She followed his gaze until he connected with a man sitting in a booth. They exchanged a nod and the man came over to Hector. He whispered something she couldn’t hear, and the man turned again.
“What? Is he the Hellhound?”
Hector downed his drink and made a sign for the bartender to bring two more. “No. But Hellhounds are shy, and if he sees you with me, he won’t come near you.”
Panic seized her, and she grasped his elbow. “Then you have to leave. Now. Quick.”
The barman came and put two glasses in front of him. Hector pushed one toward her. “No way I’m leaving your side. It’s a miracle you’re still alive, let alone still have your clothes on. My man will bring the Hellhound to you, when he sees him. They are known in my world, so he won’t be difficult to spot.”
Men roared behind her as another woman came strutting on the stage. “If it would save my brother, I would gladly get them all off and walk into the lions’ den.”
Hector gave her an appreciative glance. “I’m the only one with restraint here.”
Zoe tilted her head at him. “Maybe, but as nobody has even approached the bar, I think you’re the most dangerous man here, and I’m glad you have restraint.”
