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Ryan’s eyes met mine. Warmth had returned to her smile as she winked, causing my eyebrows to raise. This woman knew how to switch in and out of her calculated mode, which was a skill few possessed and most learned in high-level training. But Ryan’s teacher was life’s trials and tribulations.

The sound of strangled coughing pulled Ryan back to her task. She lifted her foot and plucked the pistol out of the Reaper’s ruined hand, using the toe of her boot to kick him over onto his back. He yelled out in pain as his gunshot wound hit the earth, but Ryan ignored him. Dex and I moved closer in case she needed us, but it was apparent she knew what she was doing.

“Why were the Reapers out here? Did you spot us entering your territory or get a tip?” she asked.

“You dumb bitch…” the reaper spit back.

The sound of a gunshot filled the air as Ryan shot off right next to the Reaper’s head.

“Babe, what the hell are you doing?” I called out over the noise. But she was already crouched back down, pressing the hot barrel to the underside of his chin. The aroma of singed flesh hit my nose.

“She’s done this a time of two, huh?” Dex questioned, eyes drinking in her every move.

My head nodded. I saw her working that night at Lotería, but seeing her now; it was clear she wasn’t new to this line of work.

“That’s fucking brilliant. It’s painful enough to hurt, but not so bad he’ll pass out. I’m going to have to pick her brain on interrogation methods,” Dex said while I shook my head. Of course my best friend and the woman of my dreams were psychos. In the best way.

Ignoring Dex, Ryan continued. “Let’s try again. Why the fuck were you out here?”

She kept the gun digging into his flesh as she waited out his reply. He seemed to realize he was fucked and better off focusing on how to lessen the pain he would endure.

“You have no fucking clue what’s going on, do you?” His question was genuine and lacked the mocking tone he had moments ago.

Ryan’s face stayed neutral, not giving away a single emotion or thought. But I knew her, and she was pissed that this asshole was right. She didn’t know what was going on. It was why she’d carried out this plan in the first place. Because someone was fucking with her, and she didn’t know who or why.

“We were hired to attack the box truck. Got a call saying to take out the two guys making the run.”

I watched as Ryan’s brows furrowed. “Who gave the order?” she demanded.

The Reaper locked eyes with her before letting out a long sigh. He knew his time was up.

“Mario Jimenez.”

Her eyes searched his, looking for any signs of deceit. But I could tell he was telling the truth. She gave a nod before standing up. A single shot rang out. A bullet through the head, just as she’d promised. Her voice came out cold and menacing.

“Mario is the Reapers’ backer.” She started marching toward Dex and me. A perplexed look on her face.

I ground my teeth together. I hated to see the flash of betrayal in her eyes, especially knowing I would probably see more of that look as truths came to light about Mario.

“Yeah, it seems that way, babe,” I answered. My words caused the crease in her forehead to deepen.

“Here’s what I don’t understand. He’s the heir to the cartel, second in command. He could’ve arranged to not work with your MC. Why keep his dealings with the Reapers a secret? And where the fuck has Sergio been in all this?” she pondered.

Dex and I exchanged looks. We had it on good authority that Mario was in on some of the same shit as the Reapers. We’d wondered if the rumors were true. And if they were, was Los Muertos involved? Ryan’s reaction confirmed Mario must have been acting on it alone.

I looked back to find she had her phone pressed to her ear.

“Scar, I have a favor to ask. But we need to meet at one of your places.” A sly smile crept onto her face. “We both know you eat men who disrespect you for dinner. Just get your pampered ass on a jet and get over here.” Her smile fell at whatever was said on the other side.

“Yeah…shit’s shifting. Don’t text me anything. Call the burner you gave me. See you tomorrow.”

Before I could even ask who Scar was, Ryan tossed her phone on the ground and shot it.

“Girl!” Dex yelped, throwing his hands up to cover his ears.

I rolled my eyes at Dex’s theatrics. The man never used ear protection and had way bigger caliber guns go off near him.

“Dex, you can’t even hear, so stop being dramatic. And babe, a little warning next time before you decide to pop off on your phone,” I called out.