Page 39 of Forbidden Fruit

The shot cracked out, dropping the punk where he stood. I didn’t stick around to watch his crew freak out. I was already moving, leaving no trace behind. Target eliminated.

I packed up my gear quickly and slipped away into the night, stopping for another cold brew to celebrate a smooth job done. Quick and clean, just how I like it.

Satisfaction settled in as I sped off into the darkness. I’d taken out some real trash tonight. The rest of those cockroaches would think twice about coming after my territory now.

Just another day’s work for me. I lived for the thrill of the hunt - tracking the prey, taking the perfect shot, completing the job. Tonight was textbook. Time to lay low and enjoy the spoils.

Rolling back into town, I felt amped up in that satisfied way after handling business properly. The city streets were mine tonight. I cruised along, savoring the sense of a job well done.

At my sleek downtown high-rise, I swung the sports car into the private garage and took the elevator up, nodding casually to the night doorman. He knew not to ask questions.

Inside my apartment, I went straight for the liquor cabinet and poured myself three fingers of fine whiskey. I sank onto the plush leather couch and put my feet up with a contented groan.

The ice clinked as I took that first smooth, burning sip. Now this was the good life. Everything I'd worked for - power, recognition, respect.

Nights like these, I reveled in the prestige and luxury my skills had earned me. People feared the name Leonardo Delacruz, and with good reason. I was the best trigger man in the business.

After I finished my drink, I stripped off on the way to the master bath, leaving a trail of clothes behind me. I rolled my shoulders, loosening up tight muscles.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and grinned. Chiseled abs and sculpted muscles borne from hard training to become a weapon. Intricate tattoos telling stories few were permitted to know. I looked every inch the rugged badass I was.

In the marble-lined shower, I turned the water nearly scalding and let it sluice over me. The heat felt good on my skin after being out in the night chill for so long.

I scrubbed away sweat and grime from the job, taking my time enjoying this luxury most guys never got to experience. This was the good shit, what separated me from the rest of the pack scrambling for position.

The hot shower had done the trick - I felt smooth and loose, ready to kick back. I toweled off quickly and poured one more drink, savoring the burn down my throat.

Finally I grabbed my phone to check for messages, still coasting on that satisfied high from work done right tonight. But then I saw the missed call and voicemail from a restricted number. My pulse spiked - that was the burner phone I had given Natalia. Something must be very wrong for her to use it.

Apprehension swirled in my gut as I listened to the message. Natalia's voice sounded strained, on the edge of panic. She said her family was attacked and she was scared. I should have been there protecting her!

Cursing myself, I started pacing as I listened to her frightened tone saying she needed me. My heart constricted hearing Natalia sound so vulnerable and unsure. What danger had she been plunged into because of me?

I should have known better than to think we could outrun consequences forever. Our families were destined to clash, but I had recklessly let myself get caught up in Natalia anyway. Now she could pay the price for my selfishness.

My fists clenched as scenarios ran through my mind. If her father had discovered us, there was no telling what violence he was capable of in his rage. The thought of anyone harming a hair on Natalia's head made fury boil in my blood.

She had put her trust in me, and I had failed her when she needed me most. I should have been more vigilant, made sure she was guarded from all threats. But it was too late for regrets - now I had to act.

Natalia was out there somewhere alone and afraid because of my mistakes. But I would find her and make this right. I had to believe I could still protect her from the dangerous forces enclosing around us, no matter what it took. She was the one good thing in my life of violence and shadows. I could not lose her light now.

Grabbing my gear, I strode toward the door with single-minded purpose, undercurrents of fear for Natalia fueling my urgency. I didn't know yet what new chaos awaited, but I would walk through hellfire itself to get back to her side.

No matter what shadows our reckless passion had awakened, I would keep Natalia safe or die trying. She trusted me even knowing the blood on my hands, saw some flicker of light still within my dark reality. I could not fail her now when she needed me most.

Hold on Natalia, I thought grimly. I'm coming for you. And heaven help anyone who tries to harm you before I get there.

Natalia's POV:

I was aimlessly flipping through channels on the TV, not really seeing or hearing anything, when the burner phone on the coffee table suddenly lit up, vibrating loudly.

I jumped, heart leaping into my throat. Ashley and I both lunged for the phone at the same moment. She grabbed it first, checked the ID, and quickly passed it to me.

"It's him," she said breathlessly.

My hands were unsteady, nerves jangling as I answered. "Leonardo?"

"Natalia." The sound of his voice saying my name sent relief crashing through me. "What happened? Are you safe?"

---