Page 96 of Ruthless Beast

“It’s okay,” she whispers once I have my breath back. “I’m going to help you.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes. I’ll find a way.”

“Oh, Maria,” I say, grabbing onto her and hold her tightly. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. It’s going to be difficult. But I think I know how to get you out of here.”

“I promise I’ll come back for you, Maria. I promise.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I don’t want to be here anymore than you do, Emily. I have family in Troncones. No one will find me if I go there. My cousin works there at a seaside resort. She’ll help me if I can get to her.”

“Do you have any money?”

“I’ve been hiding a few bills here and there over the last two years. I have just enough for a bus ticket.”

“Then it’s a deal. You get us out of here, and I’ll make sure you get to your family. I can have money wired to us as soon as I can make a phone call.”

“Okay.”

“Maria, you’re amazing. Thank you.”

“Let’s get out of here first before you thank me. Don’t tell anyone what we’re planning, Emily. Some of the women in here will sell you out for a shot of tequila.”

“Okay. I won’t.”

“Good. How are you feeling? How’s the baby?”

“Much better now that I have something to look forward to. The baby is fine. I’m so sorry about Diego.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry about your brother.”

“He’d be here if he were alive. David was a good man. He made a terrible mistake, working for the wrong people. He’d be horrified if he knew what his bad decision had sparked.”

“Diego would be too. If he were alive, we’d be married now, living in a small village with our son.”

“Son?”

“Yes, we had a son.”

“Had?”

“He was killed in the car accident along with Diego.”

“Oh, Maria. I’m so sorry.”

“That’s why I’m helping you, Emily. I can’t stand by and watch another innocent child hurt by these bastards.”

“Thank you, Maria. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

23

LUCAS

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