Page 82 of King of Hearts

“What?”

“Yeah, he wants to fucking list you on the black market, the sick fuck. Your only hope is to hide behind El Peligro.”

I shook my head. “That’s not an option.”

The boy across from me leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Taylor, you’re fucked. If El Peligro isn’t a choice, then…” He shook his head back and forth.

A few tears threatened to fall as I held Alex tighter against my chest. Maybe I could just leave. Maybe if I started over, he’d never find me…but what would he do with Juan?

“Markos will want the meeting, trust me…please just try,” I pleaded.

I had no idea what sort of man Markos was now, but I was banking on the fact that his pride had been bruised by me exiting the marriage contract. He’d want me back if just to brag. That would place me under Mariano family protection, which was about as good as being behind El Peligro.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Kyle stood, grabbing his cell from his pocket, already pulling it to his ear.

* * *

I wonderedwhat the day would bring while I watched the darkness wrap around the house. I was still in the living room, pacing with Alex cradled in my arms while I waited for Kyle to come back down. He’d mentioned in passing that his mom was on a shift at the hospital so I could make myself at home, but that was impossible. I felt like I was waiting for the Grim Reaper to come and claim me.

Kyle finally came down the stairs, looking exhausted even though it had only been about thirty minutes since I had arrived. He didn’t look defeated though, so that was something.

“Good news and bad news.”

I walked closer, lowering Alex into her carrier so I was more prepared for what he was about to say.

“Markos agreed. He has an address for you to drive to.”

“Okay, that’s good…” It wasn’t. It was about the same as being sold, but at least I knew who I was going to with Markos…and at least it would still piss my father off. “Bad news?” I asked, buckling the straps in the carrier.

“Decker called me, and Rylie called him…” His hand came up to his hair again, tunneling through it. “He’s on his way here. I don’t know if Mal will be with him or not, but he’s not happy.”

Well shit, I had better get going then, and fast.

“Send me the address for where I’m supposed to go. Here’s my new number.” I handed him the note I’d already prepared. I had a burner phone I’d bought on one of my trips to see Fatima.

Padding back toward my bag, I shoved it up on my shoulder. If I didn’t beat Decker, he’d never let me leave, and depending on when Juan found the letter…I had no idea if he’d come after me, but part of me hoped he wouldn’t. I meant what I’d written in that letter. I wanted him to have a happy life. I wanted him to have everything.

“Kyle…thank you. By the way…” I turned with my hand on the doorknob. “The second you get a chance to kill my father, you should take it. It’s the only kill you’ll ever make that won’t make you feel like a monster.”

With that, I opened the door and headed toward my ending. Whether I lived or died…a life without Juan was no life at all.

Chapter Thirty

Gravel sprayed behindmy car as I pulled on the e-brake, blocking in Kyle’s borrowed shit from Ivan. Decker’s truck was here, which was good…maybe he’d help me hide his little brother’s body. Maybe not—didn’t matter. The way I was feeling, I was half tempted to murder them both, just for the sake of simplicity.

I flexed my fingers as I slipped on a pair of brass knuckles and walked toward the front door, knocking politely. I had no idea if their mom was home, but fuck, at this point she wouldn’t stop me…no one would.

Kyle opened the door casually, saw me, and tried to slam it shut, but my hand was faster. I grabbed the door and pushed it open, causing Kyle to fall. He quickly got on all fours, trying to get back to his feet while crawling to put distance between us.

“Fuck. Juan, calm the fuck down—you don’t understand!” he screeched, still pawing at the carpet to get purchase. I walked up behind him and kicked him behind the foot, forcing him down again. A few lamps were on, but he nearly knocked one of them over when he tripped. Maybe I could use one and beat him over the head with it.

I bent down, grabbing him by the shirt and halting his progress. He twisted his face toward me, which was the wrong thing to do.

I didn’t even hesitate. I drew my arm back, and my fist flew into his jaw.

I let him go a second later as he groaned, holding his face. I hadn’t broken anything, but it was pretty fucking close. Hopefully I had his attention.

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