Page 59 of Tainted Obsession 1

I don’t want to meet with the cartel kingpin, just as I hadn’t wanted to go to Colombia.

But Massimo is still raw from his nightmare, and he confessed so many dark secrets of his past. He’s made himself vulnerable with me, and I don’t want to needle our newfound intimacy with prickly words.

I can’t leave this building; George and hisZetasfriends might get to me.

For the time being, I’ll stay with Massimo, even if that means meeting with the most dangerous drug lord in Mexico.

Chapter 24

Massimo

“It seems you had an eventful morning,” Stefano drawls as Evelyn and I take our seats on the sofa across from him and Carmen.

His black eyes rake over my face, studying me with intensity that would make a weaker man squirm. He notes the small, stitched cut on my brow.

“But you got out mostly unscathed.”

“Yes,” Carmen adds with a bright smile. “We’re so relieved that our friends are all right.”

She places her hand on his arm, a subtle restraint.

Duarte is pissed that our trip has been delayed, and he’s probably also angry that Crawford isn’t dead yet. His wife is attempting to smooth his harsher edges.

They make a formidable team.

Carmen’s gaze slides to Evelyn, and her overly bright smile softens into something more genuine.

“How are you doing, Evelyn? I’m sure it must have been a difficult situation.”

My delicate little butterfly lifts her chin and laces her fingers through mine, squeezing in a pulse of reassurance.

“I’m okay,” she says, the promise meant for me more than for our hostess. “Massimo protected me.”

Carmen nods her approval. “You see? I told you our big Italian friend would keep you safe.”

I blink at the women. Is that what they talked about at Duarte’s party last night? I’d worried that Carmen was trying to take Evelyn away from me, but it seems the cartel queen might be on my side.

“I never doubted it,” Evelyn asserts. She squeezes my hand again, a silent promise of sincerity.

I brush my thumb over her palm, marveling at the delicate beauty who’s captured my full attention. She fears the cartels, and she’s made it clear that she’s uncomfortable around Duarte. But here she is, pledging her confidence in me for all to hear.

My chest swells with pride, and my cock stiffens. If I didn’t have an obligation to stay for this conversation, I’d throw her over my shoulder and carry her away like the precious prize she is. I want to bury myself inside her and hear her scream my name as she clenches down on my dick.

“You’ll take the helicopter to the airport in the morning and then the private jet to Colombia,” Carmen continues, satisfied that Evelyn isn’t traumatized by what happened withLos Zetas. “No one will ambush you on the road again, and Stefano will be traveling with you. I’m staying home.”

“Yes,” Stefano agrees coolly. “We wouldn’t want to put our friends at risk. The city can be a dangerous place if you cross the wrong people.” He kisses Carmen’s cheek. “I know you’ll defend our interests while I’m gone, my love.”

“You’d never allowLos Zetasto step into your territory and live.” I remind him that they’re his enemies too.

I promised to kill Crawford for him, but his issues with the rival cartel are a larger problem for his business. Duarte has areputation to uphold, and he’ll defend his territory with swift brutality, regardless of my presence.

Duarte’s head cants to the side, and his dark eyes consider me for a long, uncomfortable moment.

“Of course not,” he allows after several heavy beats of silence. “And when we return from Colombia, I’ll tie up any loose ends in that regard. I’m sure you’ll be happy to help, won’t you, Massimo?”

“I look forward to it,” I reply with savage sincerity.

“Enough business,” Carmen declares. “I’m famished, Stefano, and I’m sure Evelyn would like to eat something too. Let’s give these two some privacy.”