“I already miss you,” I truthfully say, handing him the small bag. “Don’t forget your lunch.”
“A guy could get used to this.” He squeezes my ass before planting one last kiss on my lips. “Have a great day, beautiful. Be ready at six for our date.”
“Don’t work too hard,” I call after him, watching until he disappears into the elevator.
Closing the door, I flatten my back against it and draw deep breaths as everything I’m trying so hard not to think about resurfaces in my addled mind.
I clean up the kitchen on autopilot, my thoughts hugely conflicted as I walk toward my bedroom like I’m walking the plank to my doom.
I sit on my bed for eternity, holding my cartel cell in my hand, debating with myself, but I can’t do it. I can’t send those pics. Pablo asked for transport schedules, but I don’t know what he plans to do with them. What if he hurts people to get back at Cristian? I already feel sick thinking of those women and kids in the files I sent him when I first got here. It feels like I made the biggest mistake sending those, and if anything has happened to them, I’ll never forgive myself. What if this is another mistake? And how can I live with myself if I betray Cristian like this? I love him, and my need to protect him is riding me hard. Continuing to play Pablo’s game will hurt others. How can I go on knowing Pablo intends to kill the man I love?
The simple truth is I can’t.
I cannot let him hurt Cristian or Elio or anyone else.
Images of Mom’s beaten body flood my mind, and an agonized scream tears from deep in my soul. If I don’t do this, he’ll kill my mother. I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. Cradling my head in my hands, I rock back and forth as I argue nonstop with myself.
Make it stop.
Somebody, please, make it stop.
Picking up the cell, my finger lingers over the send button for ages until I throw it on the bed and flop down on my back. I can’t make myself do it. It feels totally wrong. I want to save my mother, but not at the expense of other people. She wouldn’t want that either, but how do I live with myself if I sacrifice her so others live?
Round and round it goes, driving me to the brink of insanity.
Like I told myself earlier, I don’t need to make the decision now. I have until Sunday. So, I secure my cartel cell in its hiding place without sending anything to Pablo. This isn’t the time to make rushed decisions. Too many lives are at stake. There is time to think my options through. Is there a way to protect everyone and save Mom? I don’t know, but I’m going to try.
36
CRISTIAN
Heels tip-tap across the floor as I shut the door to the penthouse behind me after a long day. I’ve only hung up my coat when Sloane appears, looking pretty as a picture in the pink and black minidress I chose for our date tonight. Kate helped me pick matching shoes and a clutch purse. “Oh my god, Cristian.” Throwing her arms around my neck, she envelops me in a cloud of spicy perfume as she peppers my face with kisses. “You are freaking insane, but I’m crazy about you.”
My arms band around her back as she peers up at me, her eyes brimming within smoky lids and thick black lashes. She can’t fully hide the pain she’s desperately trying to hide, but I don’t question her about it. She will talk to me when she’s ready. Until then, my job is to distract her and worship the ground she walks on. To make her feel safe, secure, and loved so she knows she isn’t alone. “I take it you liked the gifts?” I ask, flattening my palms over her shapely ass.
“You bought me an entire new closet, Cristian. It is far too much, and I don’t deserve it.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” It put a smile on her face, and she looks incredible. Whatever is troubling her, I plan to take her mind off it tonight.
“Before you get changed, I want to show you something.” Linking her fingers in mine, she guides me forward. Golden-blonde hair falls in straight sheets down her back, and she looks elegant and sexy in her new outfit. Predictably, my cock jolts to life, hardening the longer I stare at her long slim legs encased in black peep-toe shoes.
“Cristian, did you hear what I said?” Sloane stops at the door to the playroom, planting her hands on her hips. “You haven’t heard a word, have you?”
“Guilty.” I smirk. “I was too busy imagining a hundred different ways I can ravish you after I peel that sexy dress from your body.”
“Fuck.” She slumps a little against the doorway, fanning her face with her hand. “You can’t say things like that when we have plans.”
“I can when I’ll be making my fantasy a realityafterwe get home from our date.” I reel her into my arms and slam my lips against hers, uncaring she’s wearing lip gloss. Sloane doesn’t disappoint, sinking against my chest and kissing me back with the same intense need. “You’re too sexy for your own good,” I say when I break our lip-lock. “You make me want to toss all our plans and spend the night in bed.”
“I see nothing wrong with that plan.” She arches a brow.
“Tempting as it is, I’m taking you out and showing you off.” Standing back, I drag my gaze up and down her body. “You are so beautiful. I’ll be the envy of every man in New York tonight.”
Her features soften as she closes the gap between us, placing her palms on my chest. “I’m proud to be on your arm, but it’s me women will envy. You’re the hottest man on the planet, and I’m the luckiest woman alive.”
I kiss the tip of her nose. “I made reservations, and we need to leave shortly. Show me now.”
“Close your eyes,” she instructs, giving me the stink-eye until I do as I’m told. “Keep them closed until I tell you.”
