Page 126 of When Lies Unfold

I don’t know a thing about takin’ care of kids, but there’s no way in hell I can turn my back and leave her here to starve. There are too many fuckin’ creeps in this world who’d abuse the hell outta her if given the chance.

“¿Qué es tú nombre?” What’s your name?

The moment she answers, my fingers curl into tight fists. Gordo lets out a low growl of anger behind me. If I didn’t care about scarin’ this poor kid, I’d punch a hole in this motherfuckin’ wall.

Molesta isn’t this kid’s name, but evidently, that’s what her mom’s been callin’ her. Annoyin’. That bitch got this poor kid to believe her name was Annoyin’.

I’d kill that piece of shit right now if she weren’t already dead. And I’d enjoy every second of it.

With my upturned palm extended, I quietly offer, “Ven conmigo, pequeña.” Come with me, little girl.

When she slides her small hand in mine, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and curiosity, I vow to find her a safe home.

I vow to help her the way I once wished for someone to help me.

Except no one ever did.

PRESENT

Silence reigns over us now that I’ve finished the story. With my fingers laced atop my head, I peer sightlessly at the closed bedroom door.

When Lola finally speaks, it’s barely audible and filled with a wonder that makes me feel shit I have no business feelin’. “So, you do rescue people.”

I bristle, suddenly uncomfortable as hell. “Don’t go gettin’ any ideas?—”

“You brought me here at some point last night.” Her sudden remark drags my attention to her.

I hold her gaze. “I did.”

“And you didn’t do anything.”

Fierce indignation takes hold of me, ’cause I sure as hell don’t like her implication.

“What’re you tryin’ to say?” Filled with barely banked fury, my tone starts out dark and low before risin’ incrementally. “That you expected me to force myself on you?”

Holdin’ up both hands in surrender, she regards me with wide eyes. “No! That’s not it. I just…”

“You just what.”

She purses her lips before droppin’ her attention to where her fingers bunch the covers. “I’m just saying that I didn’t expect you to bring me here just to sleep.”

Her eyes cautiously lift to mine, her voice subdued. “But I slept well, so…thank you.”

She slept well, meanin’ she didn’t have any nightmares.

She hesitantly continues, “So, I guess you need to work.”

“Yeah.” Glancin’ at my watch, I scrub a hand down my face. “I’m late as it is.”

“You said you don’t traffic people.” Lola’s rushed words draw my attention, and for some reason, it sets me on edge. Worry has her brows drawn together. “Are you planning to try and stop him from doing it again?”

“Wish it were that easy.” I’m slow to answer, because somethin’s tellin’ me to use caution here. “But it’s complicated.”

Her features fall, eyes downcast, as if my answer disappoints her. Why the hell have I started dissectin’ everything she does or says now? Fuck Marcelo for puttin’ those doubts in the back of my mind.

With my fingers beneath her chin, I tip her face up, forcin’ her to meet my eyes. My tone is gentler now. “Hey.”

“Hey,” she mimics my muted voice.

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