Page 40 of Liar

I’m slow to process the hand he’s reached out to me, as the identity of the other man sprawled out on the deck registers.

El Calaca’s head hangs low and over the lip of the pool. The water below it is crimson colored.Blood, I think as I gasp and dive forward to take the hand being offered to me.

Hayden hauls me out of the water in one firm pull, like I weigh nothing.

Panting, I stare up at him, so cool, calm, and collected in his designer sunglasses that give nothing away. No telling why two of his men are in the pool with me. No sign why the man who pushed me into the pool lay unconscious and bleeding at our feet.

“Jesus Christ,” is all he says.

His hands catch hold of me, and I’m hauled off my feet then cradled into his chest.

“This isn’t necessary,” I stammer.

“It sure as fuck is.”

“Boss,” Javier interrupts. “Her heels were at the bottom of the pool. If you want, I’ll carry her from here.”

“That won’t be necessary,” is Hayden’s sharp reply.

“Should I send the doctor?”

“Doctor?” I whisper, my nose pressed against his ear. “I’m fine.” The truth is I’m not fine. I can’t seem to decide on what I’m feeling in this moment.

“No doctor,” Hayden grinds out.

“But, Boss. Your knuckles. That was one hell of a punch.”

My eyes go wide. “You hit him?” Because of me? Because the asshole shoved me in the pool? “And your men jumped into the pool after me?” I softly add, piecing it all together.

His body stiffens beneath me.

How long was I in the pool? Three minutes, at the most? How did Hayden react this quickly? Was he watching me? Did he see what happened, then decide to intervene?

“If my second in command were here, this fucker would be dead. I left him alive to avoid war. But I swear to God, if anyone else touches what’s mine, I’ll kill them with my bare hands. Understood?”

I catch the surprised looks of the crowd that’s assembled.

Stunned faces, though no one is more shocked than me.

Mine.MINE?

“Toss some cold water on him then get rid of him.”

Hayden turns and without further explanation, stalks toward the exit ramp with me in his arms.

10

Hayden’s chest flexes beneath me as he heads across the gravel parking lot. The warmth of his body feels good even in this heat, though I’m unsure if the cause is due to the weather. He’s angry, perhaps even furious. I can feel it in every step, every tense muscle.

“Diego?” I whisper.

“Taking care of business.” His reply is clipped, meant to discourage further conversation. Yet, what does it matter considering what’s already been said?

Mine.

I tried to push him out of my mind after he made it clear he wants nothing to do with me. So why is my heart racing as if his dismissing me never happened? Why are my thoughts running on repeat over that one simple word? Mine.

He stops before his black Jeep, opens the passenger door, and leans in to set me inside. It’s only when he pulls away that I’m reminded of the condition of my swimsuit.