Page 35 of Violent Delights

I glance around. “We shouldn’t talk here.”

He nods once. “Midnight. Chapel ruins.”

Then he turns away like nothing happened.

The chapel ruinssit at the edge of the estate, half-swallowed by ivy and rot. Once holy, now just hollow. As I move closer tothe building, I note there are tall trees that hide the secrets I’m sure have been whispered in this hallowed ground.

I arrive five minutes early because I’m not sure if he’s going to play me. I don’t think he is, but I’d rather be alert than be caught out. But Guillermo’s already waiting the moment I step into the ruins.

“You always show up early?” I ask as I stop in front of him.

The corner of his mouth twitches, and he throws back, “You always talk first?”

Touché.

He leans against a cracked pillar, arms crossed as he regards me. The man is far older than me, but he’s still fit, strong, and I’m sure he can take anyone down.

He tips his head to the side, curiosity clear in his expression. “So. What’s the plan?”

“You’re assuming I have one.” I know I want to get rid of Ignacio. My father wants all the intel I can garner, but the most important thing to me right now is making sure Lia is safe.

Guillermo sighs and shakes his head. “Listen to me Montesano,” he says, using my family name as if it offends him. “If you don’t have a plan, you’re an idiot. If you do, you’re still insane.”

Shrugging, I say, “I’ll take insane.” I lay it out for him. “I want to take Mosca out. He needs to die, but my father wants information. I’m in here for her, to keep her for myself, even if it means I’ll forever be on the run from my family and hers. But I also owe loyalty to my father. He is the Boss, and I can’t deny him the requests he’s made.”

He listens. Quiet. Sharp-eyed.

“I want to burn the place to the ground. The organization, the compound, everything. And for Lelia to be safe, I have to ensure she’s safely hidden when all this goes down.” When I finish, he lets out a slow breath.

“You really think you can kill Ignacio and not start a war? And do you really think that Lelia is going to sit back and allow you to do this on your own?”

“No. Firstly, I think we’re already in a war, one that wasn’t of our making, and secondly…” I pause for a long moment before I continue, “She will never let me go through this alone. And that’s where I need your help.”

He grins, then chuckles, amused. “You’re crazier than I thought.”

I nod. It’s true, I am. Nobody will see me coming, and that’s why I have an advantage. Nobody knows I’m a Montesano. “But you want in.”

His grin fades. “I’m not here for you.”

“I know.”

This time, Guillermo steps toward me. His finger presses against my chest. There’s a warning in his gaze, one that I know I deserve. “I’m here for her. And if you get her killed?—”

I don’t allow him to finish his threat when I say, “You can put a bullet in me yourself.”

We lock eyes. He’s considering killing me right now. Deciding if I’m worth betting her life on.

Finally, he nods. “I’m in.”

Chapter 17

Lelia

The day drags.

I’m seated in the window of my bedroom, trying to read, but my focus is on seeing Nico again. I’ve not been allowed out of the house, which only sets me on edge.

Violence is nothing more than an act of malice against those you hate. And in the modern world, that particular dark emotion runs rife, especially through the world I live in.

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