Page 121 of When Lies Unfold

“Sabrina.”

She increases the space between her palms. “Seriously? Bigger?”

I lob a piece of croissant at her, and she bursts into laughter. I point at her, and while my expression is stern, amusement colors my tone. “You’re a terrible friend. Terrible.”

She grins. “And you adore me for it.”

52

SANTIAGO

It’s fuckin late, and I’m tired as hell and more than ready for a shower and my bed.

It seemed to take forever by the time we got shit sorted on site—three goddamn days, no less. Juarez pulled through on his end, thank fuck, and we got the girls relocated safely.

“Get some rest, and we’ll all meet up in the mornin’.”

Gordo dips his chin in acknowledgment. “’Night, boss.”

I strip off my clothes and climb in my shower. The warm water pourin’ over me brings a sense of calmness with it. After I’m cleaned and dried off, I pull on a pair of athletic shorts.

When I head to my bed, though, I stop short, ’cause somethin’ feels off.

I stare down at the pillows and the still-mussed covers on my bed from the mornin’ I left abruptly. Scrubbin’ a weary hand down my face, I waver between givin’ in to somethin’ dangerous or playin’ it smart.

I’m out the door in a heartbeat, clearly not choosin’ the latter. My bare feet weave through various hallways until I arrive at the closed bedroom door guarded by one of my men, Tavo.

He immediately straightens when he sees me even though he wasn’t slackin’ off in any way. “Hey, boss. Is there somethin’ you need?”

I tip my head toward the closed door. “Everythin’ okay with her?” When he hesitates, my senses go on full alert. “What is it?”

Expression troubled, he casts a brief look at her door before lowerin’ his voice. “She’s been havin’ some bad nightmares. Calls out for Belleza.”

The idea of Lola cryin’ out in her sleep acts like a goddamn wreckin’ ball crashin’ around in my chest. “Anythin’ else?”

“No, sir.”

I nod. “Good.” Without another word, I enter Lola’s bedroom and quietly ease the door mostly closed behind me.

Faint paths of moonlight cut through the slats of the window blinds in the room, illuminatin’ her sprawled body on the bed.

Uncovered except for part of a bedsheet lyin’ across her middle, she’s dressed in shorts and a tank top that’s ridden up some.

When I venture closer to the side of the bed, my eyes lock on her shoulder. A plain white bandage is affixed to it, and I’m relieved that the area around it doesn’t appear swollen.

Gently, I lay a hand on her uninjured shoulder, and her body jolts before goin’ rigid. She remains asleep, but she lets out a tiny whimper that has my stomach knottin’ up.

“Shhh,” I attempt to soothe her. “It’s me. You’re safe.” Her body relaxes when I ease my arms beneath her. It’s a testament to how tired she must be ’cause she doesn’t rouse as I gently lift her off the bed.

Usin’ my foot to open the door wider, I ignore Tavo’s curious glance when I stride out with a sleepin’ Lola.

Voice muted so I don’t wake her, I tell him, “You’re off duty for now.”

“Got it, boss.”

Once I return to my room and gently ease Lola into bed, a sense of peace washes over me. It’s fuckin’ weird as hell, but that’s exactly what I feel right now.

I crawl into bed beside her while a voice in my head screams, The fuck are you doin’?! But when I reach for Lola’s hand and fit my palm against hers, that voice shuts up.

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