Page 42 of The Love Language of the Cartel

His expression shifted from mush to stone almost instantly, becoming more serious. “Your father has been putting out feelers, trying to locate you, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of my father. A month ago, his news would’ve filled me with hope, with the promise of rescue. Now, I was surprised to find myself feeling . . . conflicted.

“Oh?” I said, keeping my tone neutral, not wanting to reveal the turmoil of emotions swirling inside me. “Did you hear anything specific?”

Ozias studied me intently as if trying to gauge my reaction. “Are you sure you want to know?”

I nodded while internally bracing myself. “Yes. Tell me.”

As Ozias relayed the information, I found myself struggling to blur the man before me—protective, attentive, even loving at times—with the brutal cartel leader I’d been warned about, that I’d seen in action. He wasn’t the monster I’d imagined in my nightmares, and I was no longer convinced that my father was the savior I once believed him to be.

“Demi,” Ozias said, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “What are you thinking?”

I leaned into his touch, surprising myself with the action. “I’m thinking . . . that if you knew what happened the last time I opened my heart to someone, then you’d know why it’s hard for me to look you in your face for more than a few seconds at atime. That, and nothing is as black and white as I once believed it was.”

Ozias’s dark eyes searched mine, though his expression was unreadable. “Mmm, very true. Your father claims he’ll get our marriage annulled,” he stated, his voice low and controlled.

I felt a sudden tightness in my chest. “Annulled?” I repeated, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

He nodded, his jaw clenching. “So you can marry a Russian businessman.”

My chest deflated with a heavy sigh, and my shoulders sagged.Of course.Another chess piece for my father to move across his board of power and influence. “Let me guess, someone with deep pockets and useful connections?”

“Alexei Fedorov,” Ozias confirmed, his brows turning downward. “The mothafucka is known for his brutality, especially toward women. It’s pathetic how your father would willingly put you through something like that for his own gain.”

A chill ran down my spine. I’d heard a few whispers about Fedorov here and there at my father’s club. None of them were good. My stomach lurched at the thought of being handed over to such an animal.

“Wow,” I mumbled while running a hand through my hair. “And here I thought my father might actually be worried about me.”

Ozias’s hands curled into fists at his sides. “You deserve better than to be treated like a commodity, Demi.”

I looked up at him, really looking at him for more than a couple of fleeting blinks. The fierce protectiveness in his eyes, the tension in his strong posture—he was genuinely angry on my behalf. When was the last time anyone outside of my cousin Dominic had shown such concern for my well-being?

“It’s always been that way,” I said softly, more to myself than to Ozias. “I’m the only child. I’ve always been at his will. Jumpwhen he says jump, marry who he tells me to marry. It’s the least I can do for not being born with a penis between my legsandkilling my mother in the process,” I said callously.

I turned back to the window, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape of Mexico City. The realization hit me like a bucket of ice-cold water: Ozias, the man who kidnapped me, was looking out for me more than my own father ever had.

“Maybe . . . maybe this is my chance to live my life the way I want to.”

I felt Ozias move closer, his presence warm and solid behind me. “And how do you want to live?”

I spun around to face him, my heart pounding straight through my chest. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had a choice, and I wanted to make the right one. My future depended on it. “I’m not sure yet,” I admitted. “I think I’d like to find out, but I have questions. Questions I need answers to right now.”

Ozias arched a furrowed brow. “Ask away,mi amor.”

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the answer to the question that’d been gnawing at me for weeks. “What was the point in marrying me?”

His expression shifted as he ran a hand through his short, dark hair before answering.

“Politically, it was a strategic move. The marriage ties me to your father’s allies and the Malone family. It created an alliance that strengthened my position within the cartel world.”

I nodded, having expected as much. But Ozias continued, his eyes never leaving mine.

“More importantly, it offers protection. Many of my enemies won’t dare move against me now, knowing that an act against you is an act against the Malones. Your father may be . . .” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Misguidedin his treatment of you, but his reputation precedes him. The thought of incurring his wrath is enough to make even the most ruthlessmen think twice about fucking with me or my business. At least the smart ones.”

I processed the information, feeling a strange mix of understanding and disappointment. “So, I’m just a shield then? A human bulletproof vest for you?”

“No, Demi. You’re far more than that.”

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