Page 89 of Hostile Love
Fintan, aka Gator.
“Traitor scum,” I hiss, crowding him.
He grimaces, knowing he's a goner, yet still smirks while he rasps, “S-surprise.”
I dig my fingers into his cheeks and lean in closer.
“It’s no surprise. I knew you were an asshole.”
Air shoots down his nose. “Even assholes…like money…isn’t that what…it’s all about?” He bares his teeth at me, blood blending with saliva at the corners of his mouth. “It’s what…the Souzas kill for…what they pay…professionals like us with…even when they’re already rich bastards.”
He exhales a rattled breath, then wheezes as he inhales.
“We’re no different, you and I…we murder for cash…blood for money.”
“Shut the fuck up!” Matheus yanks Fintan’s head back.
Deep down, I know he’s right. I’ve carried out countless kill orders for Blanco and earned a wage, plus all the extras. Ammo, weapons, flights, clothes––a room of my own in multiple mansions where I could safely lay my head.
Murder is a currency and I’ve become rich because of it. Not in the same billionaire stratosphere as the Souzas, but I have a comfortable lifestyle.
All because of Blanco, justice, and loyalty.
Fintan and I are not the same, though.
My breathing calms and a serene ocean wave washes over me, taking me to that shadowy place I lurk in the seconds before the devil inside of me collects a soul.
“You broke your oath to serve the Souzas. And you’ll die for your betrayal.”
A smug smile dances on Fintan’s dry lips.
“Last year,” he mumbles. “I set up my rifle…” He pants a little, pain becoming his master. “And followed a Souza order to kill a Souza.”
Last year? My skin prickles and I tighten my hold on the knife.
“Elias?” I ask.
Fintan just chuckles. “Bingo.”
Matheus goes rigid. My eyes cut to his, finding them void of warmth and tortured like the nightmares I had suffered for years. I sense it all running through his head, remembering the torment and emotional walls he’d faced from a man who wasn’t even his father.
Twenty-three years of feeling like he was never good enough. That he didn't deserve a father’s guidance. And now the man who had killed Elias is right before him, keeping a secret.
My heart cracks and that deadly possessiveness I have for Matheus spills out of it.
“Who gave you the order?” I press the blade against Fintan’s jugular.
He chuckles, coughing at the same time. “Lozano.”
“Don’t fuck with me. You know I’m talking about Elias’ assassination.”
“That’s for…me to know…” he mutters. “And for you to keep on wondering. Go...fuck…yourself…bitch!”
Matheus snarls and jams the crook of his hand under Fintan’s jaw, squeezing.
“Don’t speak to her like that or I’ll burn the skin off your fucking bones while you’re still alive. Who paid you to kill Elias?”
“Tomás isn’t the only…” He sputters blood. “…Souza who pulls the strings. Good luck.”
