Page 35 of Gabriel

I was more than capable of leaving blood and chaos in my wake.

Much like today.

I hadn’t thought twice before taking those men down; there was no doubt in my mind they deserved it. Besides, Mother Liana and my parents had taught me that regret was useless once the past was set in stone. Its only purpose was to teach us lessons.

“You’re quiet,” he said. “You okay?”

“Are you not put off by a woman who doesn’t mind killing people?”

He hummed softly, unconcerned. “Should I be?”

“I could kill you as easily as I could kiss you or draw my next breath,” I said, the words slipping out too fast.

He seemed troubled by my tone that was colder and sharper than a blade, but his grin was all teeth and danger. “Please make sure you kiss me before you kill me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Typical. A man hears one word and misses the rest.”

“Oh, I heard the killing part,” he said with a chuckle. “I just prefer to focus on the positives. And I like strong women.”

I snorted. “I can guarantee you that I won’t take your request into consideration.”

“Why?” he asked nonchalantly. “Afraid you aren’t a good kisser?”

I arched my brow. “Oh, I’m good at both kissing and killing.”

He flicked me a glance, his eyes locking on my lips for a heartbeat before he returned his attention to the road.

“I’m sure you excel at everything. Although, fair warning: if you kiss me, I won’t let you go through with the killing part.”

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t ask for permission.”

He laughed, low and quiet. “Oh,preciosa. It’ll be so much fun when it happens, but try not to fall too hard for me. One of us falling hard is enough.”

I let out an exasperated breath but couldn’t keep a smile from forming on my lips.

It was both the right and the worst thing to say. Especially here, in this lawless stretch of jungle where alliances could get you killed and feelings were liabilities. A well-placed word, a flicker of affection, and someone could reel you in and gut you for information.

Like I was about to do some fishing for intel.

“So, you and Jet…” I started slowly, watching him from the corner of my eye. “Have you two done any business together?”

His shoulders tensed. “No.”

Gone was the charming, playful Colombiano and in its stead was the cold, calculating mobster.

“But you two have met, right?” I continued, keeping my tone light.

“Yes.”

“What kind of contact do you two have?”

“None.”

The air in the vehicle shifted, turning cold and somber. Yeah, Santos was definitely hiding something.

Turned out, Santos didn’t know me as well as he thought, because if he did, he’d be running the other way. Once I decided on something, I never gave up, and I protected those I loved above all else.

“I need to take care of some things in Buenaventura,” I said, feigning boredom. “But I probably have time for dinner before I take off.” He stilled, eyeing me suspiciously, so I added, “Restaurant of your choosing.”