Page 120 of Liar

“You mean my husband.”

Our eyes lock.

Diego releases a long, exasperated sigh. “Even worse. For them.” Pause.

“Foryou.”

* * *

Hayden doesn’t say a word as he slips into the driver’s seat, forcing Javier into the back, fighting for space between Diego and the other Lobo.

Everyone looks away, pretending to watch the helicopter take off. But I can’t stop staring at him. His hair is disheveled. He has dark spots beneath his eyes. He seems tired, exhausted really—like he hasn’t slept in days.

“Are you okay?” I whisper.

“No.” The fact he answered me, even if it was short and clipped, has me bouncing in my seat.

“Eduardo called and said Diego was hurt.”

“No mames, Luciana,” Diego growls from the backseat. “And you believed that pendejo?”

“Yes. He was trying to correct a wrong.”

“The situation,” Diego snaps, “was under control.”

“It didn’t sound that way to me. You’re my brother. I had to come.”

Hayden is silent.

“I realize I’m in the way,” I admit.

“For fuck’s sake, sis. Shut up before the Boss loses his shit.”

“Whatever you ask me to do, I’ll listen.”

Hayden turns, his eyes burning into me. Then, before I can think to react, he strikes. Diego shouts and I gasp as Hayden tugs me into him. He kisses me, hungrily.

Like he missed me.

Like he loves me.

I curl into him, weaving my fingers through is hair as I kiss him back just as hungrily. Loving him so deeply, so recklessly, I couldn’t imagine anything could ruin the bond between us.

“Let me out of this goddamn car,” I hear my brother mutter.

Hayden pulls away.

I fall back into my seat, but not before glaring at Diego.

“Name only?” Diego snarks. “Boss, you never had a chance.”

“Shut up,” I reply, yet feel the smile spreading across my lips.

Javier clears his throat. “What now?”

“Now,” my husband answers, “we blow up a tunnel.”

“And Luciana?”