It’s still rape.
I merely shrug dismissively as I look back at my plate.
What does it even matter anyway?
Nobody ruined the life that Malachi and I used to have but me, and my own damaged brain can’t even be bothered to remember it.
TEN
MALACHI
Present
“THEY’RE STILL IN CORWICK,” I say to Ernesto in the privacy of my study, turning a scotch in my hand as he thumbs through surveillance photos sent over by Vinnie. “The closest they got to her was showing up at a festival we appeared at the first week of December. I informed her that we have to stay home indefinitely until the situation is more secure.”
“I don’t recognize these two,” Ernesto mumbles, holding one photograph closer to his face. “Did your P.I. give you names?”
“Mauricio Cedeño and Rafael Alzaga.” I sip the scotch and lean against the desk. “They’re Columbian nationals, but they’ve been residing in Sonora for about twelve years.”
“Los Dolorosos have been based in Sonora for the past twenty years,” Ernesto supplies. “I don’t recognize these men, but I have no doubt they are working for the cartel.” He cuts his russet eyes up to me. “Have you received any contact or threats?”
I shake my head and down the scotch before refilling the glass. “No contact whatsoever. They were just watching her. But because of that, none of us has any idea what they’re doing here other than potentially trying to abduct her for ransom.”
“It would make sense,” Ernesto agrees, setting the photos back in the folder and closing it. He sighs and folds his hands on his large belly. “What are you going to do about this baby, Malachi?”
I steel myself against emotions of any kind. My supposedly brilliant idea for revenge against Isla’s betrayal is slowly, but steadily and royallyfucking me up. In retrospect, this was a terrible idea, because it isexcruciating.Because—again—none of it had to be this way. We could’ve beenso happy, just like I always promised her we would be way back before I realized she was capable of such betrayal.
“The child will stay here with me, and Isla will be moved to a more secure estate in Kinsdale,” I answer neutrally. “At least until we can contain and eliminate the threat to her.”
He arches his bushy, salt-and-pepper eyebrows at me. “And she’s okay with that?”
I hitch one shoulder. “She is agreeable.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “She doesn’t appear to be very happy about any of it.”
“Well, when she cheated on me and ended our relationship before losing her ever-loving mind and betrayingyouyearsago, she sort of eliminated the possibility ofanyof us being veryhappy. Didn’t she?” I take another large swallow of scotch. “Despitethat, I married her and am doing everything in my power to keep her safe. I certainly hope you can appreciate that.”
He nods slowly. “I do.” He pauses and then gestures with an open palm at the folder. “Have you informed her yet of any of this?”
“After the incident at the festival, I told her that she became a target after she moved here,” I explain. “When the situation is a little more under control, I’ll let her know the rest. Though, given her current condition, I think I’ll wait. Stress is problematic for the early stages of pregnancy.”
He nods again just as there’s a swift knock on the study door, which then flies open.
Joaquin shoves his way in and swings the door shut. “How’s it going,Mal?”
“Mijo,what are you doing barging in here like this?” Ernesto grumbles, pushing up from the couch to pour himself a glass of scotch.
I lift my brows at Joaquin placidly. “How many times have I told you not to call meMal?”
“I dunno,” Joaquin clips, his deep brown eyes boring holes into mine. “I think it’s pretty fitting given what a piece of shit you’re being to my sister.”
“Ayyyy…” Ernesto groans as he sits back down.
I tilt my head haughtily at him. “If you actually spoke to your sister, she would assure you that she’s just fine.”
“Oh, Ididspeak to her,” Joaquin retorts. “And shedidsay she was just fine. But then, I spoke toElle, who says she’s got the classic look of a battered woman and probably has Stockholm Syndrome.”
I sip the scotch as I sit on the edge of my desk. “And I’m sure Elle is quite an expert on the matter.”
