Page 77 of Alpha

“Meet us at the door,” I ordered Ale and Filippo. “Have I hurt you?” I stared down, careful not to touch her. “Have I starved or not protected you when others tried to hurt you?”

“Whatever you need to say to let you sleep at night, Eric.”

“You need to curb that mouth when we’re inside,” I warned her. “I’ll take it, but Castillo won’t. And right now, he’s looking for any reason to drill a bullet in your head, so shut up and behave so we can get through this night.”

“Nice to know I have options,” she snarled, and I grabbed her arm and whirled her around to look at me.

“This isn’t a fucking joke, Lexi,” I spat at her. “Don’t fuck this up.”

“What’s in this for you?” She ripped her arm from my hold, but I quickly grabbed her again. “Is it the money?” I blinked at her words, and she shook her head and closed her eyes almost as if to calm her temper. I felt shitty that we were in this situation to begin with. I’d never allowed myself to feel for any of the women; they were faceless to me. I’d allowed this one to get under my skin by letting myself talk to her. I knew it was a mistake. “Please, just tell me I’m worth more than fifty grand?”

That was a punch directly to the gut, and I couldn’t find my voice. I opened and closed my mouth, unsure how to respond.

“I’d like to think I’m worth more than that.” She widened her eyes at me. “At least tell me if I’m worth it for you.”

“You’re worth a few million,” I managed to choke out as I urged her along. “Now, get moving.”

Once inside, we were escorted to the grand ballroom. When the doors opened, we were met with a waft of fine cigar smoke, expensive bourbon, and waitresses in nothing more than thong underwear. Classy as always…

“Who didn’t he invite?” Alejandro snickered behind me. He was right; all the bigwigs were there. This world brought out the worst of people. Women fawned over their men and took turns pleasuring the scum they lusted over.

There seemed to be about seven to ten potential buyers, plus their wives and mistresses. I knew most of the women here would know each other, or at least know about each other. There was no loyalty here; it was all about money and power. Then, of course, there were all of Castillo’s right-hand men and his soldiers lining the wall. The place was like a fortress.

I spotted Grim Gates, and to my utter horror Talya hung off his arm. I swallowed back my anger and focused on what I was here for. I moved my attention and spotted Talya’s parents in conversation with Roman Sanchez.

“Of course, Roman’s here.” Ale spoke close to my ear as if I hadn’t spotted the three right away. “She’s talking with Elva and Jerry.” He referred to Talya’s parents, who glared at me as soon as they saw me. They never liked me, and at this point I didn’t blame them. I’d been an asshole to their daughter.

Roman was one of the oldest buyers Castillo worked with, and he had a real problem with me. When I started to work with Castillo, I came in with my own buyer, Chili, and I refused to work with Roman in spite of his very deep pockets. I simply didn’t trust the guy.

Finger foods were served from silver trays, and drinks were thrust into your hands the moment your glass was nearly empty. There was a Vegas vibe here, no windows so you’d lose your sense of time. Castillo knew alcohol and finger food took the edge off sharp decision making, and he played it up well, especially when he knew he had something particularly appealing on the hook. The people here would understand the tactic. It was the lifestyle of the Cartel.

“Welcome!” Castillo called as he clapped his hands to draw everyone’s attention to himself. He wore a huge smile, and it was easy to see he was enjoying all the attention.

“Everyone,” he whirled around and made sure all eyes were on him, “our very special guest has arrived!”

“Eric?” Lexi panicked and grabbed for my arm.

“You’re okay,” I whispered.

Castillo made his way over to us and reached out for Lexi’s arm, but she jerked it back. With a lunge, he grabbed it roughly and yanked her from my grasp. He walked with her to the center of the room. She locked eyes with me, and I inclined my head at her to behave. “I have quite the story to share with you in a few moments, so please drink up and enjoy some of this wonderful food.” He gestured to the waitresses. “I’ll soon be ready to begin.” He held up a glass and smiled then tugged Lexi back across the room and shoved her back at me. She stumbled into my chest, and I used my free hand to steady her.

“Keep this bitch on a leash,” he hissed as he turned to talk to someone.

“I need to get out of here.” Her words came out in a rush. “I’ve been through enough, Eric. Please, please let me go. I’ll disappear and never say a word to anyone.”

“Lexi!” I snapped her from her spiral. She couldn’t do this now. I couldn’t afford this shit to unravel. “Pull it together. Do you want Castillo to beat you in front of all these people? Or shoot you in the head? Because you have my word, he will.”

“But, Eric—”

“Stand up straight, keep your chin up, and don’t show any weakness. They all thrive on torture and humiliation, and you don’t want to give him that pleasure.” I refuse to consider what will happen if this plan fails. We’re so close.

I spotted Chili in the corner, and relief filled me as he gave me the thumbs up.

“Hey,” I threw down one last card before I left her with Alejandro, “do you want to see your kids again?” I saw the fire reignite inside her. “Then man up because Castillo just might change his mind and end this for everyone.” I pointed to Chili. “Be desirable and do your best to get that guy’s attention.”

“I’m being sold off?” Her voice was incredulous as she stepped back. “I thought you guys were just after the ransom.”

“Sold off or six feet under, you make the call.” I shrugged.

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