Page 77 of Hostile Devil
Just as he opens his mouth to speak, we spot the rest of our family. They’re spilling out of the dark forest, bounding in our direction. United.
André has his arm around India’s shoulders. She's holding Leo’s hand, and Tomás is holding his other hand. Beside him, Daenis sniffs a nearby tree trunk and Lola palms her cheeks, upset and shocked by the state of me.
She’s seen me busted up before, and even bound one of my broken fingers to a splint. Only this time I’ve one foot in the grave and it’s obvious to everyone.
Seeing them makes my insides warm even though my teeth are chattering.
They’re all I need—mi familia. Not the thrill of sniper rifles or a lifetime cloaked in lonely shadows, not even the power that comes with being the most feared man in Colombia.
I just need these people in my life, and the woman who’s reprogrammed my heart to beat for a different future.
India stops herself from jumping into my arms and carefully presses her warm body against the gnawing pain in my chest, taking my face in her hands. “Don’t ever do that to me again,” she scolds, her eyes watery. “I thought I’d lost you.”
“You almost did,” I mutter, loving how she smells, but feeling pain in every muscle. “Except you can’t get rid of me that easily, baby. We’re attached in too many ways.”
Studying her before me, I inwardly admit she’s too good for me. A killer like me shouldn’t suck her into violence and mayhem, even if she thrives on the danger. Despite my guilt, I’d never let her go.
Over the years, none of the females I’d used for sex ever managed to earn my complete respect, own my attention, or evoke any worthwhile feelings inside of me. Nor did they make my controlled impulses go to shit. Whereas this woman, she makes mefeel––crazy, mad––in love.
For India, I would easily smash up my father’s expectations and go against every torturous lesson I’d ever endured.
The glint in her ocean blue eyes has depleted and beneath the blood spatters and bruising, her complexion is whiter than snow.
“You kicked ass, baby.” I kiss the tip of her nose.
“So did you.” Her dry lips stay slightly parted, her forehead furrowed in thought, and feathery eyelashes flutter against her eyelids as she looks up at me like I’m the god of war returning home.
The permanent shift that had happened inside of me led me to a much more fulfilling role than being a lonely monster. I just want to make this woman happy for the rest of her life.
As my eyes roll and the last dreg of energy drains to my boots, I try hard to fight the exhaustion tugging at my eyelids. I have to usher my family out of here before the police show up.
Lozano’s father is wealthy like us, which achieves influence and deals through corruption. We know that fact only too well. Papá had bribed countless government officials, funded high-flyers, and paid off the chief of police. Those people aren’t so much loyal to the Souzas as they are to the cash, we pay out to them.
Power speaks through dollar signs––and bullets. That part we promise, especially when Tomás had stepped up.
Until I find out who’s on Lozano’s payroll, and anyone else involved in this attack, we aren’t safe.
“Time to go, Gio.” Tomás’ stern tone slips into my mind and then a softer voice follows it.
“Papá.” Leo grabs hold of my arm and buries his face. “You’re hurt. Bad.”
His little shoulders shake quietly as he sobs. India draws her lips between her teeth, slowly places a hand on his head, and then nods, giving me a look that tells me she hates pulling away. But she understands Leo needs to be with me too.
That soft crease on her forehead and the way she nibbles her bottom lip fizzes warmth through my freezing chest.
Even though there’s a measure of space between us now, I still feel the heat of her skin like a roaring fire. Being so close without having my hands on her is playing havoc with my temper.
I lower to my haunches and meet my son's glistening eyes, the worry on his face yet another regret. Losing my balance, I end up bumping my ass onto the wet earth, weariness getting the better of me. I drag him down to the ground with me and hug him tight.
They’re safe.
And then my eyes finally close.
35
INDIA
Despite slipping in and out of consciousness, Giovanni refused to go to the hospital. No surprise there.
