Page 59 of The Riders’ Reign

“Son,” Hector says, and reels off something in Spanish.

Beneath the hood, Jarrod groans something unintelligible.

“We had to gag him,” Ace throws out. “The fucker wouldn’t shut up. You definitely haven’t taught your son how to keep his mouth shut. He was spilling just about everything he’s ever learned, going right back to pre-school days.”

I have to admit that even though Ghost has been beaten and is tied up, he still looks a lot better than ‘Ledger.’

“Well, you can ungag him now,” Hector growls.

“Not until we make the exchange.” Ace thinks fast. “You can communicate in a language we don’t understand and might start telling him of some plan to screw us over. We can’t risk it. Not until you send our man over here.”

Hector’s dark gaze locks on me. “And this is the Montez girl.” One corner of his mouth curls up even further, making his strange smirk darkly scary. “I can see why my son is so infatuated with you.”

A shudder rolls through me, and Rook moves to position himself in front of me, blocking Hector’s view.

“Leave her out of this,” Rook says.

I put my hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Rook. I came here for a reason. Hector and I have some things to say to one another.”

I must be brave, but it’s not easy. My legs have turned to jelly and my insides feel watery. My pulse beats so fast and hard I can feel it in my ears.

“I’m making you one final offer, girl,” Hector says. “Give me the location of the safehouse, and I will allow you to walk away and live your life. I’ll let your friends go unharmed, too.”

“Aren’t they supposed to go unharmed anyway?” I throw back. “Isn’t that the point of this exchange? We all get what we want, and everyone walks away unhurt?”

I hope he doesn’t notice the tremor in my voice. The whole time I’m terrified that he’s going to look at Ledger/Jarrod more closely and realize it’s an imposter. The moment he does realize something’s wrong, this whole thing will go to shit.

“Yes, for the moment, but it doesn’t change what’s happening between my family and yours, little girl. Your brother will wish to step into your father’s shoes, just as soon as he can, and until I know that loose end is taken care of, there will continue to be a war between us. I suggest you make the sensible choice and tell me where the safehouse is. I will guarantee your mother’s safety, as I said before. Why should the females pay for the crimes of the men?”

The females? Talk about sexist. Looking into his face confirms that I’m making the right choice. I don’t trust him to let me and my mother live our lives out in peace, even if I gave him my brother. I think we’d always be looking over our shoulders. “I won’t change my mind. It doesn’t matter how many times you ask.”

He lets out a long sigh, like I’m an infuriating child he’s lost patience with. “Then you cannot be surprised by anything that occurs in the future. We will find them eventually, and who knows what will happen to your mother then. I believe she’s still young and beautiful, like her daughter. Perhaps she will also make a good wife.”

I grind my teeth, and Rook touches my hand, probably trying to calm me. Hector is saying all of this because he wants me to give up the location, and if he needs that to happen, it means he has no idea where the safehouse is or how to find it. My remaining family is safe.

Ace steps forward. “You got your answer for the second time, Hector. She said no. This time, you’ll need to accept it.”

Hector sniffs. “That is fine, as long as your little club understands that by harboring the daughter of a cartel under a takeover it leaves itself open to attack in the future.”

“You are welcome to try.” Rook laughs dismissively. “We’ll be ready for you.”

“I think we’re done talking.” Ace glances back to me. “Get in the car, Camile.”

I shake my head. “No, I⁠—”

“I said get in the car.”

It’s a tone I don’t normally hear from Ace—one that leaves no room for questioning. I slip out from behind Rook, hurry to the vehicle, and climb into the back seat. I’m more sheltered inside like this. Zoo is standing beside the open driver’s door, and I know he’s ready to drive me the hell out of here when the shooting starts.

I don’t want to leave without my men, though.

“What are we waiting for?” Ace says. “Let’s get this over with so we can be on our way. I’m sure we’ve all got far better things to do with our time.”

I peer out of the car window, my gaze focused on Ghost. He’s remained silent the whole time, and I wonder what’s going through his head. He knows the man we’ve hauled out of the trunk can’t possibly be Ledger, but he’s shown no sign of surprise. He’s remained as silent and stoic as ever. I guess that’s his military training.

Ace walks over to where Jarrod is lying on his side on the ground and hauls him to his feet. Hector takes hold of Ghost’s arm. Both sides raise their weapons, preparing for any possible hiccups, though our side is expecting it more.

Ace and Hector walk their men closer and stop when they’re only a few feet apart.