Her laugh was strangled. “Just most days. My father never wanted me to grow up in that world, but it would seem there are no other options.” When she looked over at the sketch pad I’d retrieved from the patio, I followed her gaze.
“Things can always change. As of now, you’ll remain in my care.”
“In your care. You’ll have to explain your definition at some point.”
“What was said in the threat to you?”
Frowning, she appeared exhausted. “It was a riddle about diamonds being a girl’s best friend. That they were forever much like promises and contracts.”
Bristling, I remained frozen. Proof positive Farid was involved. The nagging was shifting directions, questions forming.
The awkwardness between us was difficult to stomach. I could tell by her face she was drifting from one emotion to another. After a full minute of silence, I stood and she moved directly in front of me.
“Don’t walk away,” she whispered and placed her hand on my face. “Please. I don’t… I need to tell you something.”
I could barely get control of my breathing, my chest tightening to the point my muscles ached from lack of oxygen. “What? Just say it.”
She caressed my face. “I appreciate that you’re protecting me especially after I tried to kill you. But I was on a mission and nothing has changed. My father and my sister might not be alive. I might have lost everything, Navarro. For several reasons I feel close to you. Maybe because deep down inside I knew even then you’d saved me from a terrible outcome. I remember seeing theblood covering you. For an even crazier reason I do care about you, so I don’t blame you for the past. There were too many players involved, too much violence. I’m stronger than you think and I will be a part of figuring out what the hell is going on. Whether you like it or not.”
Her determination fucked with my mind. If she believed for one minute I would allow her to leave this house or rush into additional danger, I would have no issue chaining her to a bed.
The knock on the door wasn’t the interruption I wanted.
“What?” I barked.
Silvio walked in, immediately glancing in her direction. “I have news.”
“What is it?”
He was certainly not comfortable saying anything around her.
“You can say whatever it is around our guest, Silvio.” She’d hound me until I told her what the hell was going on. That much I knew for certain.
“The drone was used as you requested.” His words were stilted. “It would seem the Alcarez Cartel leader is MIA, taking about a third of his people with him.”
Which meant if what I’d sent him to determine was affirmed, the odds of success had greatly improved. The fuckers remaining at the compound would have their guards down as so often occurred when the boss was away.
“And?” I pushed.
He darted his eyes back to Fallon until I cleared my throat.
“There’s been a sighting. Ms. Baldwin’s sister appears to be alive.”
CHAPTER 22
Fallon
My sister was alive.
Every muscle in my body tensed, raw emotion sweeping through me the same twisted way it had the moment I’d realized she’d been taken.
Love. Hate. Revenge.
They were all wrapped up together in a nice warm package. I was still reeling from everything I’d heard, stories of the past shattering my mind. I’d known all along that my father wasn’t the sweet, mild accountant he’d pretended to be. I simply hadn’t wanted to force the issue for fear of what I’d find.
Did I hate Navarro or was there some truth to the concept of a fine line being between love and hate? I honestly didn’t know. All I could concentrate on was Brooke.
But I meant what I’d told him. He would allow me to be a part of the solution.
