“‘Cause we were supposed to make this deal two weeks ago. Just making sure nothing’s changed.”
Benito and Smoke stare at each other, and I shift my arm, exposing the gun in my holster.
“Nothing’s changed. You can be assured of our word.”
Yeah right, the word of a cartel boss who would kill his mother for more territory. Since I’ve been in Tijuana, I’ve seen a guy gun down his father and another guy gun down his wife incold blood, so nothing is off the table or off-limits, and we all know it.
“We will contact you when the casino officially opens, and once we are up and operating, all deals made tonight will begin.” Benito holds out his hand, and Smoke waits two whole heartbeats before he acknowledges the gesture.
Benito nods to Eduardo, who hasn’t uttered a word, then they turn toward the door.
Smoke and Blood exchange a look. “Why don’t we seal the deal at the bar?”
Benito stops just short of the door, turns, and nods his agreement, letting Smoke lead the way.
Bolt and I exchange a look that says we got better things to do on a Friday night than entertain these two, but it looks like we’re gonna be having a drink with some cartel assholes.
MARTINA
I discreetly check my phone again, but no message from Eduardo. It’s been at least a half hour. How long do outlaw bikers and cartel bosses meet? I doubt they were talking about their next vacation or where their kids went to school.
I’m halfway through my third and last margarita when I see Smoke, Blood and Diesel emerge from the back hallway followed by Eduardo and—Benito.
I blink furiously, thinking the tequila is playing tricks with my eyes. They settle at Smoke’s table in the back, and I spin around, my heart racing along with my brain.
Would Eduardo be able to ditch Benito to meet up with me?
Did Eduardo sell me out and bring Benito here?
Would Benito see me and grab me?
Granted, the place is packed with people, but we really aren’t that far away from each other. If he focuses on the bar, he’s sure to see me sitting at the end barstool.
“What’s the matter?” Maxie asks.
“Nothing. I . . . I have to . . .”
“You’re as white as a sheet.” Marisol leans in. “Do you feel all right?”
“Ahhh, no. Must be the drinks. I have to go.”
“Wait, we’ll go with you.” Marisol flags down the bartender.
“No, I have to go—now.” I turn slightly to retrieve my purse, and Eduardo is staring directly at me. I’m sure in another minute they’ll be heading my way, and I’ll have no way out.
Maybe Benito already knows I’m here, and he’s made some deal with the Royal Bastards to help him capture me.
I jerk my head away, and Maxie flanks me. “Do you feel sick?”
“Yes, yes, I need some air.”
“Okay, c’mon.” Maxie steers me out the front door while Marisol leaves a tip at the bar.
I suck in the cool night air, but I can’t stop looking over my shoulder.
“What’s really wrong?” Maxie asks. “‘Cause you’re shaking like a leaf, and your eyes are darting all over the place.”
“I . . . I thought I saw someone I knew in there.” I jerk my thumb toward The Tropics.
