Page 40 of Dangerous Liaisons

“We answer to no one.”

“And you are?”

“Erik. President of the Valhalla MC.”

Isabella shot a glance at Kira, who shrugged with an air of bored indifference. “I hate to inform you, Erik, but you’re on the losing side, no matter the promises Diego has made you. His time at the head of his table is ending.”

“And who told you this?” Diego’s voice was laced with incredulity.

“Those you answer to, and they don’t take kindly to you overstepping your boundaries.”

His expression altered to confusion as his men taking tentative steps back, leaving him exposed. Isabella remained calm as shadows stirred behind her. Membersof the Legion MC, led by Hunter, emerged from the darkness. She glanced at Xavier over her shoulder; their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before she returned her attention to Diego.

“You brought them?”

“Consider it an insurance policy,” Isabella replied, her heart racing but her demeanor unshaken. “You’re not the only one who knows how to play the game.”

Erik’s confidence faltered, his gaze shifting between Isabella and the members of the Legion MC. The tension crackled in the air as his crew glanced at one another. Hunter stepped forward, a predatory grin on his face. “You’ve overstayed your welcome, Diego. Time to clear out.”

“This is a mistake. You think you can scare me into submission? You’re making a grave error.”

“On the contrary,” she replied, her voice low and steady, “the error is yours if you think you can hold on to power without adapting to smarter means.”

Erik spoke up, his bravado returning. “You think they’ll back you up if things turn sour? They’ll turn on you just as quickly.”

“You don’t know us, Erik,” Hunter chuckled. “Loyalty means everything to us, and we’ve chosen our side.”

Panic flickered across Diego’s face, and she couldn’t help but suppress a smirk as the realization of his precarious situation settled in.

“I warned you about what would happen the next time we met.”

“Diego,” a commanding voice interrupted.

An older Hispanic man stepped through the doorway. His aura radiated authority, demanding attention and respect. Men poured in from the door behind him, guns readied in their hands. “Isabella contacted me about what has unfolded as of late,” he said, his voice laced with authority. “I am most disappointed in you. This is not how we do business.”

“El Patrón…”

“Your father bridged an alliance with the Russians before his death, and you are doing everything in your power to destroy it.” He turned his attention to Isabella. “My sincerest apologies.”

She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “Thank you for coming, Hector. I hate to involve you in such matters, but the attack on my establishment can’t be overlooked. I don’t wish to end our partnership and thought it best to include you in this uncomfortable conversation. Besides, these are my favorite shoes,” she smirked. “I would hate to get blood on them.”

“You-”

“That is enough!” Hector’s voice was a thunderous growl. “You’re done embarrassing yourself and your family name. This ends now.” His gaze swept over the Valhalla MC. “I suggest you rethink your agreement withmy nephew, or you’ll find yourself buried alongside him in a shallow grave.”

Erik’s jaw tightened at his words, but he held his tongue, knowing the precariousness of the situation. “A debt is owed, one that was established in blood.”

“The land here is not ours to give, but perhaps other arrangements can be made. Diego overstepped and will pay for his transgressions.”

Diego’s protest was silenced as two of his men seized him, his bodyguard stepping back to align himself with Hector.

Isabella turned to Hunter. “Is there something else you wish to say?”

“Can’t say I saw this coming,” he shrugged, “but I’ll take it. I can sleep tonight knowing this dirt bag is no longer breathing.” He shot a warning glance at Erik. “You come into my town again and I’ll make sure you join him six feet under the fucking ground.”

“I’ll listen to your offer.”

“Smart man.” She nodded at Hunter, and with a signal to his men, they filed out of the warehouse. “Hector, I’ll be in touch.”