Page 85 of Brick's Retribution

When men like that want meetings, you don't say no.

"Where?" I ask.

"Secure location outside the city. You're both coming with me and Dante." She glances at me. "My uncle wants to meet the man protecting his goddaughter."

Great.

No pressure or anything.

Just meeting one of the most dangerous men in Mexico while I'm fucking his goddaughter.

This should go well.

Imani stands up. "When do we leave?"

"Two hours. Gives us time to gather more intel and prepare." Amara's expression softens slightly. "Imani, I know this is?—"

"It's fine," Imani cuts her off. "I need to get ready."

She leaves the office quickly, too quickly.

I start to follow, but Amara stops me.

"Let her process for a minute," she advises. "This kind of betrayal... it hits different when it's someone you always thought was family."

"Diego wasn't blood."

"In our world, that doesn't matter. He watched her grow up. Probably bounced her on his knee as a baby." Amara's jaw tightens. "That kind of betrayal hits hard, Brick. Fuck, it demands payment in blood."

The casual way she discusses violence should bother me, but I've been in this life long enough to understand.

Some betrayals can only be answered one way.

"What should I expect from this meeting?" I ask.

"Alejandro is old school. Respectful, but traditional about certain things." She gives me a meaningful look. "He's going toknow about you and Imani. Don't try to hide it, but don't flaunt it either."

"Understood."

"Good. Go check on her. We leave in ninety minutes."

I find Imani in her room, standing at the window staring out at nothing.

She's changed into jeans and a black blouse, her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail with her curls just as tight.

The transformation from vulnerable woman to cartel princess is complete.

"Hey," I say softly, closing the door behind me.

"He has my father," she says without turning around. "Diego has my father, and it's my fault."

"Bullshit." I cross to her, turning her to face me. "Diego's betrayal isn't on you."

"Isn't it?" Her dark eyes are bright with unshed tears. "If I hadn't been investigating the trafficking ring, if I hadn't gotten close to the truth?—"

"Then they would have found another reason," I interrupt firmly. "Men like Diego don't turn overnight. This has been planned for a long time, probably years in the making."

She searches my face, looking for reassurance I'm not sure I can give.

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