Page 60 of Hostile Love
I frown, my mind all over the place.
“And you actually meant to let me escape that day?”
My insides revolt against the truth.
Tomás Souza was my hero once upon a time.
He’s the reason I’m still alive.
Tomás nods and before I can process those thoughts, he grabs my cheeks and hollows them with firm fingertips.
“I’m not the good guy here, Daniela. Especially if the enemy thinks they can take us down. That being said, I recognize how you were prepared to sacrifice your life for Matheus. It’s obvious something’s growing between you two.”
Dark eyes flit from my tear-stained cheeks to the blood next to us. For a second, he stills and then continues.
“The three of us…” He glances at Giovanni. “…can agree we’re on the same page where safeguarding my little brother is concerned. Right?”
A sigh escapes me, and I nod, still in shock.
“But don’t ever mistake my decision to help you escape as a show of weakness. What happened in that barn––what neitherof us will ever forget––it was an off-the-cuff decision that won’t be repeated.”
He’s so close I can easily see the disgust in his black eyes. There’s barely any space separating us. No visible weapons for me to grab or protection from the man who'd tricked me moments ago when he’d ripped my tiny heart out of my chest and handed it back to me, repaired––and somehow different.
Where the ashes of hatred for this man smolder, a wisp of genuine gratitude kindles now.
“The contents of that barn, what happened there, is not what the new generation of Souzas will be known for.” He continues. “I understand your desire for revenge. So, tell me, Daniela, is there a bullet in your gun with my name on it? Or can I trust you to be a part of our inner circle?”
18
DANIELA
“Blanco wouldn’t allow me to do it.” I stare back at Tomás, a little dazed by his honest confession.
These two fuckers tore off my flesh and exposed my heart. They found the truth for themselves, determining where my loyalty belongs.
With Matheus.
There was no hiding it.
And even though I’m furious, I understand why they’d duped me. I’d do the same if a guy was sniffing around Sofia.
There are consequences for the people involved with powerful criminals. That’s how they roll. Trust is earned. It’s the world I live in.
Which is why I’m stunned to learn Tomás’ account of that day.
“Blanco takes the role of being your godfather very seriously, even from afar. He gave me the best weapons and offered unlimited resources to exact revenge…” I shake my head lightly. “But he drew the line at going after you. That was the deal we made, and I honored it.”
Tomás’ eyes skate over my sorry state, holding my gaze for a beat before he replies, “And now?”
“Now you’re just Matheus’ ugly big brother,” I answer, aware of my lethal spark reigniting, ready for anything. “I’m not scared of you, Tomás. Even though you’ve managed to find my weakness, I now understand you’d never be able to get to me that way because you love him too. As for the rest of your family, I have no plans to execute them. Never had. Can you offer me the same assurance?”
He glances over at Giovanni and nods. “If you want full immunity, you’ll have to come clean and admit that Blanco arranged my father’s assassination.”
I exhale when Giovanni wanders behind me and removes the cuffs. Shaking out my hands to get the blood flowing, I get to my bare feet.
“Come on, Tomás. It’s time to change the record. You’ve no evidence pointing to Blanco. Why do you think that is, huh?” I cock a brow at him. “Because he had nothing to do with it. Think about it. Why cut the head off the snake when there’s a pit of serpents at home? Whoever assassinated him knew you’d take over. They let you step up.”
I glance down at the dead guy and feel absolutely nothing now.
