Page 19 of Brutal Mercy

Hades follows him, with me nestled in his arms, trembling, trying not to cry. I don’t understand what happened here. Did Diego attack the house?

We enter the family room in the rear of the house. Couch cushions have been shredded, and some of the stuffing is sprinkled over the beige carpet. The television is smashed and broken on the floor. Signs of a struggle and destruction are everywhere in the room. My dad’s favorite chair, his La-Z-Boy recliner, is demolished. My mom’s bookshelves are destroyed. Reading was her favorite pastime.

But it’s the message on the wall that makes my entire world spin on its axis.

You have 72 hours to surrender, or your sister will be sold to the highest bidder. Be at the store at the arranged time, or you will never see her again.

“No. No. No!” Tears fall like rain down my face. How could I be so stupid? I left Lyla alone and defenseless. It’s all my fault. I failed her. And he’s going to sell her? Just what the hell is Diego into?

“Look at me,” Hades demands.

I lift my face, tears slipping fast and furiously down my cheeks. I want to crawl into a hole and lick my wounds. Because I failed. I vowed when my parents died that I would care for my sister. I put everything I am into raising her and running the store.

And I have been found lacking.

“We’ll get her back.” He glances at his men. “New plan. Make sure the store is locked up and lock up the house behind us. Call her employees and tell them the store is closed until further notice. Get more of our guys, pack up both bedrooms, and bring them to the compound. We’ll be moving both women to my house. And I want it accomplished today.”

He swivels on his heels and carries me back to the waiting SUV. Once we’re inside, he instructs the driver to head back to his place. But he holds me in his lap and doesn’t let me go.

Burrowing against his solid chest, I sob my heart out. Because no matter what he does, it won’t bring my sister back. My life for my sister’s. I have less than three days. And who is to say he’ll keep his word? When I surrender, he could decide to keep us both.

Seriously, fuck my life. Nothing should be this difficult.

Chapter six

Hades

Inthebackofthe SUV, I hold a sobbing Luna. My heart breaks for her. I didn’t even realize I still had a heart. I thought that fucker had turned to stone years ago, right beside my blackened soul. But she is proving I do.

I soothe her as best I can, running a hand over her back, enjoying the way she feels in my arms.

And I hate what I must do. Because before the night is over, I will take even more from her. It must be done. But for the first time in longer than I care to recall, I don’t feel good about it.

That stupid fucker gave me the opening I have been searching for to eliminate the cartel. And I intend to use it.

Yet I still feel bad for the sweet woman in my arms. She’s a victim in all this. And I vow I will make it up to her somehow.

When we reach the compound, I carry her directly upstairs, not stopping until we’re inside my room. I don’t want to abandon her in the state she’s in, but I have preparations that must be made. And I must act swiftly, decisively.

I lay her on my bed. And it might sound crazy, but seeing her there feels right. As if my bed is where she belongs. After all the women I’ve bedded, none of them ever made me think this way. I swear I’ll make her happy. Give her whatever her heart desires. But my bed is the only place she will ever sleep again.

“Here, let’s get this coat off you so you can rest.”

“But my sister.” She gazes up at me, her face tear-stained, looking so young and like a strong wind would topple her over.

With my free hand, I wipe her tears and cup her cheek. The trust in her eyes almost brings me to my knees. Because I know I’m about to shatter that trust.

“I swear I’m going to help you. But you won’t be any good to your sister if you don’t recover. Take the pain medicine and get some rest. I’m going to make some calls and get the ball rolling. Let me do this for you.” I hand her one of the pills and some water.

“Okay.” She takes the pill.

“Good girl.” I set the water back on the nightstand. “Get some rest. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

She grabs my hand before I leave and stares at me with gratitude. “Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me.”

I nod, unable to accept it or even respond. “Sleep. I’ll be back soon.”

Her thanks guts me. It’s salt poured onto an open would. I don’t want her sweet thanks. Not when I’m going to do even worse than Diego before the day is done.

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