Page 92 of Hostile Rival
I stop breathing. My mouth dries instantly, and my hands go numb.
That voice.
I want to scream, but my lungs won’t work, not even when he continues. My blood runs cold, so icy that it paralyzes me.
He’s drained the power from my soul. I would kill the fucker if I could actually feel my hands.
“Your papá knew about this place. We had an understanding. I’m not the only one involved here, boy. Whatever the fuck you think you know, you don’t.”
“Boy?You’ve got some balls, Eddie. You know I outrank you, right? I have the power to crush whatever shit you've got going on.” Matheus laughs again. “I’d cut your throat myself if there wasn’t someone else deserving of the pleasure.”
“If you come for me, you’ll start an uprising inside your organization. Everything your papá built will crumble beneath you. Let me speak to Tommy. He’ll straighten this out.”
Snapping, Matheus throws a punch into Eduardo’s face, busting up his nose. “In case you hadn’t noticed, I already came for you. I’m the Souza who’s got you tied up. And I don’t give afuck about anything you have to say. This has nothing to do with what you’re hiding in our club. It’s about you andher.”
My skin crawls when his bloodshot eyes slither over my combat gear. I look away and try to breathe calmly.
“Her?” He sounds confused.
“Take your mask off, little firecracker,” Matheus orders, his tone firm. “Face this fucker properly.”
I manage to reach up, my hand trembling, and pull it off, suddenly finding a little air. I still can’t feel my face, though.
My mind tells me I’m back in the dark, waiting for the light to burn my eyeballs. Fear snakes down my spine and tightens my throat like claws. All I hear is that voice ringing in my ears.
I’ve no idea if Matheus can see the panic in my eyes or if he knows I can’t breathe. Somehow, his fingers find mine and he takes my hand in his. His grip is firm, yet his thumb gently strokes mine. After a beat, he drags me into him.
Without a care for the gawking target beside us, he presses his lips to mine, urgent and hungry. He slides a hand around my lower back and glues me to his body. His strength becoming mine, supporting me where we stand. Deepening the pressure, he leans into me and grunts.
Our violent kiss isn’t tender or romantic this time. No, this is a Souza proving his ownership—and stamping his mark on me. With this one kiss, he gives me so many feelings. I can feel them swell in my chest, becoming so powerful I rise above my fear.
Matheus bites my bottom lip and gently tugs. As he pulls away, his gaze cuts to Eduardo. His lungs expand and contract while mine do the same, finally able to breathe on my own.
“This woman belongs to me,” he grits out. “She’s under my protection. Which means she’s under the protection of my brothers too. And you…” Matheus lets go of me, giving me space. “…you fucked with her.”
Eduardo studies me. I could throw up, having his glare burning into my flesh again after a lifetime of dealing with the nightmare he’d given me. I’m not usually this weak. Killing the others was effortless, fun, almost. But finally hearing that voice again, the shockwaves have knocked me sideways.
“Never seen her before.”
“Really, Eddie?” Matheus growls. “You shovedcocáinaup her ass and hid your ugly face behind a flashlight, because you’re a fucking coward.”
The guy narrows his eyes at Matheus and then cuts his wary gaze to me again. I shift my feet and steel my spine.
“I wouldn’t touch anyone under our protection,” Eduardo mutters.
Matheus throws a quick jab, clipping Eduardo’s jaw this time. “Our protection? You’re not one of us, Eddie. Not anymore. You murdered innocents like they were stray dogs. They weren’t our enemies. And this one…” Matheus points at me. “She survived.”
Eduardo chuckles. “All of it was sanctioned by Elias. He wanted more product flowing into the States. And that meant a steady stream of mules. It’s why Elias trained Tommy to take over. He understands the business. You’re a spineless punk who relies on his family name too much. You think playing college kingpin makes you a drug lord? It doesn’t. You don’t even wear your family's ring. I’ve worked my way to the top while you fucked whores and posted on social media.”
As he speaks, hatred turns my blood black to match my soul. I stretch my neck from side to side, slowly morphing into the persona I’d adopted because of him.
“These days, I’m just as powerful as you. Fuck with me and you’ll face the consequences,boy.”
That’s all it takes. My killer instinct fires up. I whip out my favorite daggers, lightning quick. Turning toward Eduardo,I lunge and stab his eye right through to his brain, loving the sound of his shocked scream.
Next, I puncture his left eye, a little disappointed at the lack of blood spray, and twist both blades to make sure the damage is fatal. That should hurt more than the burn he left on my retinas and memory.
Adrenaline pumps through me. I leave my weapons stuck in his face and turn to Matheus, breathing heavily. The corner of his mouth hitches into a heart-stopping smile. I throw my arms around his neck, overwhelmed by emotion.
