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“Can’t leave you guys alone for a second,” I jab.

“Let’s get the fuck out of here.” Fang bounces up to fire another bullet.

“How many are left?” Tank asks.

“Three!” Vapor shouts.

A gunshot pierces the air.

“Two left,” Diablo growls.

The air is thick with the scent of gunpowder and impending victory, but we’re not there yet. I risk a glance and spot a man sneaking up behind Vapor. I whip my gun in his direction and pull the trigger. Vapor ducks, but my bullet finds its mark first. The bastard drops, dead before he even hits the ground. Too quick. Too easy.

“Last one,” Fang calls before shooting the guy. “And now there’s none.”

“Search the warehouse,” Vapor commands.

Bones, Tank, and Fang fall into step beside us. We sweep across the battlefield, searching for anyone still alive who isn’t a part of our club. A man moans on the ground. He’s as good as dead, but I waste a round, just to be sure.

“Clear!” Vapor’s rough voice is a thunderclap in the sudden stillness.

“What about the office?” I ask, eyeing the closed door.

“Check it.”

With a single kick, I open it, my gun leading the way.

“¡Por favor, no dispares!” The voice is raw, desperate, coming from behind a toppled desk.

I train my weapon on the figure cowering among scattered papers and shattered glass. The man’s eyes grow wide with terror, while his hands tremble in the air. His frantic gaze locks onto mine, pleading for mercy.

“Pedro Hernandez?” I ask, demanding confirmation.

“¡Sí, sí! ¡Soy yo!Please, I’m not one of them!” he stammers.

“Stay still,” I order, keeping my aim steady. I need to be sure he’s not a threat. We can’t afford any surprises, so I quickly search him for a weapon. He’s clean.

“Te lo suplico,they forced me…” Pedro’s voice breaks, the raw fear unmistakable.

I gesture to Vapor, who steps forward, his imposing presence filling the room. He gives a curt nod after a quick scan, signaling the all-clear.

“Come with us,” I command, lowering my gun but staying alert.

“Thank you,” he whispers.

“Let’s move out,” I say, turning to my brothers. “We’ve got a safehouse to secure.”

As soon as we step outside, Maria runs toward us. I don’t know why she’s not with the other women, but I suspect she’s too stubborn to follow orders. She reminds me of Isabella. Loyal to the core.

“Pedro!” Her arms are outstretched as she barrels into him. They collide, two souls entangled in an embrace of fear and love.

“Mi amor,” he breathes out, his words muffled in her hair. “I’m so sorry.”

“Shh, you’re safe now,” she soothes, but her eyes flick to me, wide with unspoken gratitude.

“Thank you.” Pedro’s gaze latches onto mine, heavy with an indebtedness I don’t need. His life isn’t a currency I trade in. It’s just another day’s work.

“Keep your thanks,” I grunt, holstering my weapon. “You’re alive because of her.” I nod to Maria, who clings to him like she could will away the world’s evils with her embrace.