“Okay.” I lean back against the kitchen counter.
“Firstly, you’re technically not on duty on the weekend, and you’re not obligated to come with us. I should have asked instead of assuming you were okay with it. I’d like you to see the new build and to meet my friends, as you’ll be spending time with them in the future, but if you have plans with your boyfriend, it’s fine for you to stay behind.”
I don’t have to consider it. There is nothing to be gained from staying behind. I can’t go snooping with all the cameras, and Cristian keeps his home office securely locked when he’s not in there. I have more of a chance of getting intel if I’m with him. And more of a chance to get to know him on a personal level if I’m with him as often as possible. Separating myself from him will not support my goal.
“I have no plans, and I want to come with. I’m excited to see the house and meet your friends, and I don’t think I should be apart from Elio during these important early stages.”
“Okay, great.” Stress visibly leaves his shoulders. “Just know you aren’t tied to us for the weekend. The grounds are vast, and you are free to go walking, running, swimming, or biking, or to do your own thing while we’re there.”
“It’s fine, Cristian. Spending time with Elio and you isn’t a chore.” I peer up at him with doe eyes before shyly averting my gaze.
“There’s one other thing.” The dark, decadent quality of his tone sends shivers racing up and down my spine. I love the sound of his voice. It constantly does wicked things to my insides I shouldn’t be keen to encourage. “Once we leave the city, you’ll have to wear this.” He holds out a black eye mask, looking a little sheepish. “My friends have gone to a lot of trouble to protect the location of their property.”
“I understand.” He explained a bit before.
“They are very protective of their wives and kids and have made an enormous effort to keep their property secure. All visitors who aren’t family are required to wear a blindfold. It’s nothing personal.”
“It’s fine, Cristian. I get it. I can’t fault anyone for going to such lengths to protect their loved ones.” The words imprint on my heart as they leave my mouth, and a sour taste crawls up my throat.
“Elio’s father wasn’t a good man, and he pissed a lot of people off before he died. The consequences of his actions are far-reaching. His enemies may target Elio. I will die before I’ll let anything happen to my son, and I won’t apologize for the measures I take that may seem unnecessary and an overreaction. I won’t take any chances with that little boy.”
His words are like a dagger slowly driving into my heart. Cristian doesn’t know he’s already opened his door to the enemy. Nausea swims up my throat, and I couldn’t hate myself any more than I do in this moment. “You don’t need to explain it, Cristian. I get it. Elio is so lucky to have you in his life.” Tears prick the backs of my eyes, and I’m seconds from losing it again. I can’t fall apart before my boss a second time. “If that’s all, I’ll just finish packing my weekend bag.”
Cristian’s eyes bore into mine, and I hope he doesn’t see the truth behind the veil I wear. “That’s all. I’ll grab Elio and meet you at the front door.”
Pressure settles on my chest to the point of pain as I walk to my bedroom to get my bag. As soon as the door is closed, I race to the bathroom and divest the measly contents of my stomach. I’m an awful person. This entire situation is my fault, and I’m only in this mess because I trusted the wrong person. If it’d resolve things, I’d put a bullet in my skull right now.
Slumped on the floor of the bathroom, I rub at the pain spreading across my chest. Inside, I’m waging a silent war. How am I going to do this? How can I sign this man’s death warrant? I don’t want to, but it’s him or Mom, and there really isn’t a choice.
But there is a choice when it comes to Elio. I’m going to protect that kid with my life. Which means I can’t bring my cartel cell with me this weekend. Pablo can’t know the location because he could target Elio or Cristian’s friends. It’s bad enough I’m living with the knowledge they are going to come for Cristian. I couldn’t bear it if they went after his son or his friends too.
However, if I don’t take it, Pablo will punish my mother. That’s the simple hard truth, and I hate I have to hurt my mother to protect the little boy who already means so much to me.
Scrambling to my feet, I brush my teeth and wash my hands before sitting on the bed. As I hold the cell in my hand, it feels like a ticking bomb while I wrestle with my conscience. I’m still mulling it all over when Elio calls out for me. “Come on, Slowpoke Sloane. It’s time to go!”
Mom’s students spring to mind suddenly. They all adore her, and she adores them. She’s a natural with kids, and I think that’s where I get it from. Her disappearance must have hurt them so much. My heart aches with a fresh wave of pain.
I know what Mom would want me to do.
She wouldn’t want me to place any kids in harm’s way for her.
Her instinct would be to protect them, and that’s what I need to do, so I slip the cartel cell in the hidden pocket of my black purse and leave it in the closet. Then I grab my weekend bag and my spare purse and exit the bedroom.
* * *
“Wakey, wakey, Sleepyhead Sloane.” Elio’s teasing little voice rouses me from sleep, and I blink my eyes open, my lashes brushing against soft black silk. Pulling the eye mask off, I rub my sore neck as I push my head off the window and straighten up.
A pool of dried drool stubbornly clings to the window I was sleeping against. It’s gross and highly embarrassing. “We’re here already?” I ask in a sleep-drenched tone, smothering a yawn. My eyes meet Cristian’s amused gaze through the mirror. He drove today, and the bodyguards are following us in the SUV. Glancing over my shoulder, I spot the vehicle trailing us along the winding, seemingly endless driveway. Tall trees loom over us like otherworldly guardians as we maneuver past expansive empty fields on both sides of the road.
“Yes, we’re here.” He looks apologetic. “You’ll need to keep the mask on for a little longer.”
“Oh, sorry. No problem.” I slide it back over my eyes, wondering when he put it on me in the first place.
“You were asleep the whole time,” Elio proclaims. “And you were snoring!” He giggles, and my cheeks heat with mortification. I’m actually glad I can’t see Cristian right now.
“Oh my god.” I lean my head back and silently berate myself. “That’s so embarrassing.”
Cristian chuckles. “It was cute.”
