Page 19 of Hostile Rival
I nod, even though my stomach is queasy. “Okay. Here goes…” Fisher would happily take his payment in flesh if I don’t find a buyer. “Wait here. I’ll be back in a minute.”
“Good luck.” Margo smiles when I glance over my shoulder for moral support. “And no flirting…that guy is mine.”
Ruben’s dark lashes flick up when I stop beside him. “Hey. Could I have a word in private?”
His eyes narrow and he glances over his shoulder in Margo’s direction, then uses his body to usher me backward. “Who are you?”
“Eh…I’m Dani and we have a common friend. And they said you might know people who’d want to buy some coke.”
“Cocaine?” he asks, almost shocked. “You’re asking me if I want to buy cocaine?”
“I bought it earlier, but I don't need it anymore. I’d rather sell it and get my money back.”
Creases deepen in his forehead, and I get the distinct feeling he’s tense when his jaw ticks. “Did you buy it here?”
“No…across town.”
He slams a hand to the wall by my head and glares at me. “Let me get this straight. You two are selling cocaine that was bought across fucking town?” His sharp tone makes me uncomfortable. Ruben quickly looks over his shoulder again and lowers his voice. “Have you approached anyone else here?”
I shake my head, realizing I’m completely out of my depth. “No, you’re the first person. She said you might know someone, otherwise––”
“You have no idea where the fuck you are, do you?” He cuts me off, grabs my wrist, and discreetly marches me in Margo’s direction.
“What the hell?” I growl at him.
“Shut the fuck up!” he orders, close to my ear. “It’s in your best interests to do exactly what I tell you.”
Margo’s eyes widen as we get closer. They’re glued to his hand wrapped tightly around me and then cut to his stormy expression.
“What’s wrong?” She hurries a few steps to join us, turning her back to the room.
“What the hell were you thinking coming here with a dealer, Margo?” Ruben growls at her.
“She’s not a––” Margo looks at me and frowns. “Are you?”
I shake my head, praying she won’t figure out I’m lying. “No!”
Given I haven't actually sold anything yet, I could get away with the lie on a technicality.
“Look…” Ruben unhands me. “You’ve walked into the wrong condo, little girl. Usually, I wouldn't give a fuck if you got your brains blown out, but you’ve involved her. So, get the hell out of here and do not talk to anyone. I repeat…” He holds up his finger in my face. “Do not tell anyone you’re offloading coke from across town. Margo, you should know better.”
“But it’s her personal stash. I didn’t think it would make a difference,” she whispers, her hands balled as if she’s trying hard not to reach for him.
“She’s selling Blanco’s drugs in a Souza…” Just as he raises his voice a little more sternly to get his point across, a tall man strolls across the room and bumps into me.
My stomach knots when I see the gun tucked into the waistband of his baggy jeans. His bald head is covered in demon tattoos and a gold tooth peeks out from a crooked smile.
“Well, well, well, who have we got here, Ruben? A little bird called Cary or Claris, or who the fuck cares, told me these two bitches are dealing cocáina in my territory?”
His eyes burn into my face and instantly my instincts tell me I’m in danger.
“It’s a personal stash. That’s all. I’m not an actual dealer,” I say quickly.
“Okay, princess.” He looks me up and down first, then Margo. “Come into my office and we’ll talk business.”
“Wait…Jorge…” Ruben puts a hand on Margo’s arm. “She’s not part of this.”
“Really?” Jorge cocks a brow at him, and more men move in around us, all of them armed. “Did you invite these putas into my home?”
