Page 196 of Forbidden Fate

I cross the room.

No one stops me.

I take the phone from Falcon. “Moreno,” I say.

A soft breath on the other end.

Then the voice I have known for half my life slides into my ear.

Vega.

The room seems to shrink.

Robin steps closer.

Vinnie’s hand moves toward his pocket.

Raven takes Belinda’s hand and leads her out of the dining room, nodding to Star and Daniela. “Come on, Mom. Dani. Sav. Please. This doesn’t concern us.”

It does, but I understand what she’s doing. She wants her brothers and Robin to be able to speak freely.

They follow her without argument.

Falcon is already gesturing. “Record it.”

Vega chuckles. “Yes,” he says. “I heard that. Record the call. I’d expect nothing less from the Bellamys.”

My stomach turns.

He knows exactly where I am. Exactly who I’m standing with.

He probably figured out that I got on an international flight out of Colombia to the US. It couldn’t have been that difficult to pinpoint my first stop.

I had no doubt he’d find me quickly. Maybe he even let me come here. I knew the risks. But I had to come. Had to…

Had to protect Robin?

No. She has all the protection she needs. I’ve been through that.

I came because I love her. And I’m pretty sure she loves me, too.

Vega continues, “You may put me on speaker if you like. It’s best they all hear this.”

I press the speaker button with my thumb.

Vega’s voice fills the room. “Good evening, Bellamys.”

No one responds.

He laughs. “Such manners. I expected more from Texas royalty.”

“Say what you called to say.” Falcon’s voice is ice.

“Are you there, Vinnie?” Vega asks. “I know you ordered my death. But I’m not Jacinto Agudelo. You’ll have to try a little harder than a poisoned pastry at a football game.”

Vinnie says nothing, but his jaw is tense and his eyes are sharp. He’s holding it together. He has to.

“You called for me, Vega,” I say. “Do as Falcon says and say what you want to say.”