Page 49 of Devil's Claim

Well, the man would need to get used to disappointment. His question was frustrating as hell. “Jesus Christ. You have a one-track mind. They’re nobody any longer, Kruz. At least not in mylife and not in my son’s. You don’t need to know a thing about them other than they aren’t in my life. Why would you care anyway? Finding another way to hurt me?”

Exasperation and panic were overruling even my fear. I knew I should be even more terrified of the man, but at this point, I wasn’t certain what else I had to lose.

Somehow, he looked far more tempting and intimidating than ever. He was still wearing the suit we’d purchased together, only he’d removed the tie, unbuttoning his shirt. That allowed me to catch a glimpse of his bronzed skin. Mr. Dark and Handsome.

I needed to stop thinking of him that way. He was far too dangerous.

Being around him was so confusing, his on again, off again personality too much to handle. Maybe I was just far too overwrought.

Damn him.

When he said nothing, reverting to the behavior I’d experienced the moment he’d set foot in my tiny space, I shook my head. “I don’t know if my friends are dead or alive and you won’t allow me to call them. You act like I’m your prisoner after you jumped into my life without an invitation. What I’m trying to tell you is that while I appreciate what you said to Malcolm and quite frankly, I loved seeing the look on his face when you popped him, what I need is a hero at this point. I’m not going anywhere now or ever without my son.”

The ache was growing, so much so I was nauseous all over again.

Kruz reached out as if to touch me, but I shifted my head away. In turn, he curled his fingers, exhaling in the sultry exaggerated way only he could get away with.

He finally turned away, heading toward the front door. Why not escape out the patio door like the criminal he was?

I wasn’t certain whether to continue challenging him or be thankful he was leaving. When he stopped two feet from the door, I held my breath.

The tip of his head was structured defiance. I knew the action far too well. “Your friend Chloe and her fiancé made it out before the attack. I had one of my men check to ensure she got away safely. Tonya was killed and in truth, I suspect she was one of the intended targets. As far as Malcolm, it would appear he slithered out to whatever hole he crawled out of like the coward he is.”

His words hung and I slumped further against the counter. Dead. Tonya was dead. Nothing in life prepared you for hearing that someone you cared about was dead. It didn’t matter what Tonya had done to me, the hateful things she’d said. Her penance shouldn’t have been her life.

“While I can appreciate the situation you’re in, Christine, the fact remains that you witnessed what I’m capable of. I have no other choice but to take you with me. Andres will remain inside with you while I finish business. I assure you that you won’t like what happens if you attempt to escape.”

He stopped talking and every curse word I’d ever learned, every slang version of them formed in the forefront of my mind.

“Bastard,” I managed.

Kruz stiffened and took another step, placing his hand on the doorknob. “Heroes don’t exist, Christine. But monsters do.”

CHAPTER 12

Kruz

Yes, monsters existed in every shape, size, and color.

I knew that all too well.

Had I wanted to exacerbate her fear?

Maybe. At least enough to try to keep her from making any bad decisions.

She was far too innocent and young for a man like me, even if she was a treacherous vixen with her hourglass figure and curves to die for.

“You discovered the information I asked for?” My question was tossed out as soon as I was settled in the back of the rented SUV Benito had been driving.

“It took a little while.” He tipped his head over his shoulder. “But I got it.”

“Alright. Let’s not waste any time.” I yanked out my weapon, pulling a fresh magazine from the pocket of my jacket. I doubted I would have too much difficulty completing my task, but at this point, I needed to be prepared for anything.

“She’s a tough one, boss,” Benito said from the front seat.

I’d tasked Carlos to drive, keeping Andres guarding her. Did I think he’d have his hands full? Hell, yes. I wouldn’t past her to attempt to escape at least once, if not more. I’d warned him about the windows. She had enough balls to try to climb down from the third floor.

I leaned my head against the seat, envisioning the look on my little captive’s face when telling me her woeful story. And that’s exactly what she’d become.