Page 74 of Bastard

The driver shows no signs of slowing the vehicle down.

“Stop the car or you’ll be sorry.”

“Ma’am, don’t,” the driver warns. “Do you know who you’re talking to?”

“Un bastardo. A bigger bastard than when I married him.” The car swerves, that’s how surprised the driver is by my answer. But I’m too desperate to appreciate it.

I launch myself across the seat at him except he’s ready for me. In less than five seconds, he’s on top of me and has me pinned down in the seat.

“Try that again and I’ll put you across my knee.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I hiss.

His eyes narrow.

“Boss?”

Hayden sits up and straightens his suit.

I scramble to sit, as well. That’s when I see her, the lone figure who’s stepped out of the bushes.

I test the door handle and then the window. No escape. “Stop.”

“Drive on.”

Sabine waves. So trusting. So in trouble.

I turn to Hayden. “Please,” I croak out. “I told her I’d help her.”

“You did so without my approval.”

“I didn’t have time for your approval.”

“You put yourself in danger.” I catch the driver’s shocked expression at the anger in Hayden’s tone. If the man was brave enough to share secrets, he’d have a wealth of information to offer from this car ride alone.

“He had her beaten.”

“She’s not our concern.”

“And why not? Lorenzo and Emilia will disappear. What does it matter whether we take her with us or not?”

“Any deviation from the plan can come back to bite us.”

“Después de cada cosa horrible que me has hecho...” I hiss. I touch my ring, intending to slide it off and throw it in his face. But the midday heat has swollen the flesh above my knuckle and the damn thing won’t budge.

“Luciana. Leave it be.” He sighs. “Stop the goddamn car.”

“Boss?”

“You heard me.” He addresses me in the same harsh tone. “Better hope this isn’t a mistake like the one I made with that boy.”

My throat hitches. “I’m sorry. He’ll kill her if we leave her behind.”

The driver pulls over to a stop a few feet away from Sabine and unlocks the locks. Hayden reaches over me to open the door. “Get in. Quickly.”

Sabine slides in next to me and the driver takes off.

“Thank you, Lorenzo.” She offers him a nervous smile. “And you, Emilia. I’ve never had a best friend before, but if I did, I’d want her to be you.”