Page 63 of Hostile Secret
I cock a brow. “A little frustrated, India?” The electric car doesn’t make a sound when it takes off. I love that about it.
“Not anymore. Fifteen minutes was ample time to dry off, dress, put up my hairand…” She overemphasizes the word so I’m all ears. “… make use of a vibrator. I’m good now. Thanks for asking.”
I should stop the car, drag her out, and fuck her on the hood to prove she’s lying. I know it and so does she. I’ve gone through all of her belongings. There wasn’t a sex toy in sight, only a few handguns, a dagger, and a switchblade. I’ll play along with her lies for now.
“Nothing beats a real dick, baby.” I wink over at her and try not to smile when she blushes. Fuck, I could eat this girl all day long.
“I doubt it,” she mutters, rummaging inside her bag and pulling out her cell phone. “Vibrators are dependable. They deliver.”
Oh, I’ll deliver alright.
She looks at the screen, sighs and then types out a message, her polished nails tapping out every letter.
“Who are you messaging?” My eyes burn into her face and then cut back to the road.
“Ana. She wants to know if I saw the drama last night. I had a dozen missed calls and a string of unopened text messages telling me about a bunch of cartel guys getting blown up in the parking lot. She’s asking why I went home.” India shakes her head. “I lied. I told her my brother turned up to surprise me and we headed to a beach house for a weekend-long, splendid family celebration.”
“Good girl.”
I glance over at her as she bites her bottom lip, and those ocean blue eyes find mine. She doesn’t cower or shrivel into the seat. No, this girl gets off on my praise, and after our time in the bunker, she’s all in.
Her sweet little pussy deserves satisfaction, and I’m content to offer it. However, nothing will happen until she’s on birth control.
The clock is ticking.
* * *
“Your turn.”
I stand beside her, watching every move she makes like a hawk. Her small hands are expertly positioned on the handgun I’d gifted her, and her feet are planted wide.
We haven’t been here long and already I’ve hit multiple targets in the exact spot I’d said I would. I even gave the last sheet two bullet holes for eyes and a five-hole smiley face. It made her laugh, which both turned me on and aggravated me.
I could have taken her to my private shooting range at Blackwater, but I thought I’d make an exception for her birthday and take her out for the day. Plus, it’s on the same side of town as our afternoon appointment.
I’m used to visiting the range alone and would never consider bringing a woman with me, never mind find it enjoyable. Spending time in places like this is usually for business only.
Papá had sucked the enjoyment out of it, ordered me to shut the fuck up, and stop crying after he’d dragged my dog’s corpse to the side. He’d just executed my shadow, my best friend. The dog that had shared my bed, went everywhere with me, and even ate my leftovers under the dining table.
In a wave of grief, I’d snapped and pointed my gun at the bastard who murdered Cesar in cold blood. Papá knew I had no bullets left. I’d lost count and wasn’t thinking straight. Cesar was my weakness and my biggest lesson of all.
Papá goaded me until he heard the trigger click. He didn’t die. He didn’t even fucking flinch, because nothing happened other than my failed attempt to assassinate my own father.
That night I nursed a bunch of cuts and bruises on my ribs, and a sore windpipe after his brutal punishment. My brothers weren’t allowed into my room. And without Cesar, it was the loneliest night of my life.
The physical pain was manageable. It was losing something important that ultimately pushed me into the darkness. No one else sees the invisible scars Papá had given me. But they’re there and I’ve never forgotten.
Despite reminding me of the pecking order, the next morning my psycho fuck of a father shook my hand for having balls and finally becoming a man. I was only fourteen.
“Remember to breathe.” I remind her. “To control your exhale, slow your heart rate.”
She clucks her tongue. “This isn’t my first time, for goodness’ sake. Reno taught me all there is to know. Back off and stop breathing down my neck.”
“Am I distracting you, India?” I muse. “You should be able to hit the target even when there’s an interruption.”
“You know what I think… you’re playing dirty, because you’re afraid I’m a sharper shooter than you.”
“Take your best shot.” I fold my arms across my chest and focus on the target twenty-five yards away.
