I paused and then let out a sigh. “No. I am trusting you now by telling you that there is only me here. I even sent the doctor and nurse away.”
“Uno momento.” Carlos stared at me. “You mean you are alone here?Weare alone?” He looked shocked.
“I couldn’t have anyone here,” I explained. “I had to ask you about my family members and reveal why I captured you. Do you think I trust any of Quanto’s men upon hearing that? To allow them to know my motives?”
Carlos stared at me. “Bien, I admit you are scary enough to make me behave anyway. All by yourself, La Espada.”
I raised a brow at him as I felt some surprise that I did not show on my face. “You know that name?”
“Si, I do. People in our business have code names as I said. In the cartel especially. Often it is to instil fear. I realize this.El Padrino, El Chapo and so on. But you are calledThe Bladefor a damn good reason. So of course, I know about it.”
I studied him, not knowing if he was kidding or not. The man jumped back and forth between darkness and happiness at random times. It could be because of the long coma. Or it could be other factors. Like he was happy about Santiago being gone. And now, he could go and get the kids. The second reason was he was free from having to be in the cartel as he had explained already.
He didn’t have to be part of thedark lifeanymore as I called it. Yes, I felt the same way he did at times. While living thisexistence had been exciting and challenging, there were parts that made me sick to my stomach. Though I never once showed how disgusted I felt when around other members. That would do nothing to help me.
“So can I have the phone?” he asked.
His question cut into my thoughts. I knew the second I handed him this cell phone that there would be no turning back. This would seal our fate. We would have a team and go after Alex’s kids. I stepped close to the bed and gave it to him. Our fingers touched and I jolted. What the fuck was that? I actually felt a spark of… Shaking my head I ignored it and sat down in the chair. I couldn’t allow myself to feel attracted to this man. It would be a huge mistake at this point.
Carlos swiped the screen then he paused.
“Did you have their numbers memorized?” I asked.
Nodding, he smiled. “I did just that. Had them in my head for a while now. Hell, it’s a good thing I didn’t lose my memory in that accident. Ok, for the first man. I just need to take a minute to think of what the phrases were.”
“Phrases?” I asked curiously.
“Yes. I mean there’s no decoder ring here, ya know? But there is a sort of test to pass. The men both have a key word then a few questions to answer.”
“Like a safe word?” I asked.
Pausing, Carlos snickered. “Oh Selena, you are wicked.”
I scoffed.
He laughed at my reaction. Then he tapped in a number. “And please do not speak,” he instructed me as his gaze met mine for a few seconds. “They might bolt on me if you do.” He tapped ‘call.’ Then he placed it on speaker.
After two rings, a voice answered, “Yes?”
“I seek Hotspur,” Carlos said.
I blinked at him. That was an odd name.
“For how long have you sought?” the voice asked.
“A hundred years,” Carlos replied.
“And what of the code?’
Carlos met my eyes as he shook his head then said, “Bound by bravery, loyalty, honor, and the defense of the weak.”
“Well damn, Carlos!” the British accented voice on the phone exclaimed. “I thought you died, mate!”
Carlos laughed. “Reports of…”
“…my death are exaggerated,” they both quoted at the same time. Then they laughed together.
I rolled my eyes.
