Page 33 of Bastard

“Yes.” His hard stare gives nothing away. His words, however, confuse me. With everything that’s happened, I hadn’t given Tight-Lipped’s role much thought until now.

I blink. “You don’t deny it?”

Tap.Tap.Tap.

“Why?” I murmur, far too disturbed by his honesty.

“How many vehicles did they have?”

“Three. Your man provided tires for one truck.”

“And did you see what was inside them?”

“No. But again, your man must have, right? Having gotten up close to look inside.” I pause. “What are you doing, Hayden? Is this some kind of test? See if you can catch Luciana in a lie?” His lack of trust in me hurts. “All these years, I’ve never told a soul about you and your organization. Even after ...”

“I’m aware.”

“Aware ...”

He leans forward. “I trust you as much as I trust anyone.”

I roll my eyes. “Gracias.”

“Why return to a village and risk facing another attack?”

“Love.”

“Love?” A scowl spreads across his features.

“The villagers are like family to me, especially their matriarch, Mustafa. Life in Nmimpi is simple yet the community is close-knit. We don’t even have running water so we carry buckets back from a pipe located outside the village. We cook and eat meals together, and share whatever resources we have.” My gaze flickers over Hayden as he listens attentively, like what I’m saying matters. “I’ve found purpose in life. Something bigger than my selfish desires. Can you understand that?”

“You lovethem, the villagers?”

Something in the way he asks his question gives me pause. Like my answer matters, even though his question has already been answered. “Yes.”

He relaxes back in his seat. “An order is already in effect. If the militants come within a five-mile radius of Nmimpi, they’ll be terminated.”

I should be shocked instead of pleased by how easily he commands acts of violence.

“What do you want from me in exchange?”

“Obedience, to start with.”

I snort.

“This isn’t a joke. Disobey me and the deal is off. Also, you’ll train like everyone else on my team. If things go wrong, you might have to protect yourself.”

I sigh. “I’ve kept up with my gun practice.”

“Yes. I know.”

My eyebrows shoot up. He knows? How? And, what else has he learned about my life post-Loreto? “Is Diego aware of your intentions?”

“No.”

“Are you going to tell him?”

“No.”