Page 35 of Hunted By the Cartel

Vincent's face twisted with rage, and he lunged for Rowan, his hands closing around his throat. We barely had enough time to react.

"You sniveling little rat! You dare do this to me? I should have killed you when I had the chance!"

I launched myself at Vincent, prying his hands from Rowan's neck and pushing him away. I was surprised I could react that fast.

"You touch him, and you'll regret it!" I growled, my protective instincts kicking in.

Vincent laughed, a cold, bitter sound. "You really are a fool, Diego. You think you can protect him? You couldn't even protect yourself!"

I stood protectively in front of Rowan, my fists clenched, ready to defend him with my life if necessary. I was going to do whatever I needed to.

But before Vincent could make another move, the warehouse was flooded with uniformed officers, their guns drawn and aimed at Vincent and his men. They were just waiting for the right moment to come in. I already knew they were outside.

"Vincent Carter, you're under arrest for assault, kidnapping, and a multitude of other charges," a stern-faced officer declared. Given his smile, I could tell he was enjoying this. He must have been waiting this entire time to apprehend Vincent. "You and your men are surrounded. Put your hands up, and don't make this difficult. You don't want to do that."

Vincent's eyes blazed with fury, but he slowly raised his hands, a sneer on his face. "This isn't over, Diego. You may have won this battle, but the war is far from over. I'll be seeing you soon."

I smiled, relishing the moment. It was something that didn't happen often. Shame.

The officers moved in, handcuffing Vincent and his men, while others ushered Rowan and me to the side. I turned to Rowan, my eyes searching his face.

Now came the worst part and I had no idea what we were going to do. It wasn't going to be easy. We could both end up in prison as well.

"Why are you here, Rowan? I told you to stay away for your own safety. Are you nuts?"

Rowan's eyes filled with remorse, and he lowered his gaze. He hadn't had a choice, but he stood by his decision.

"I know, Diego, and I'm sorry. I couldn't just sit by and let you face this alone. I knew Vincent would try to kill you, and I had to do something. So, I went to the police and told them everything. I really didn't have another choice."

I felt a rush of emotions — anger, fear, and relief — all warring within me. "You shouldn't have taken that risk, Rowan. You could've been hurt or worse. Vincent's men would have had no qualms about harming you. I had everything under control."

It was a lie, but what else was I going to say? There wasn't much.

Rowan nodded, his eyes downcast. "I know, and I'm sorry. I just — I couldn't let you face this alone. I had to do something to make sure he wasn't going to kill you."

I sighed, my anger melting away as I realized the depth of Rowan's love and devotion. Despite everything, he was willing to risk so much for me. I couldn't have asked for a better mate.

"I forgive you, Rowan. But promise me you'll never put yourself in harm's way like that again. I can take care of myself, and I'll always do my best to protect you."

Rowan nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He wanted to hold me, but it wasn't possible. The police weren't patient.

"I promise, Diego. I trust you to keep us safe."

As the police escorted us out of the warehouse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Vincent was finally behind bars, and Rowan and I were safe, for now. But I knew Vincent's words rang true — the threat he posed was far from over. The cartel would not forget or forgive my betrayal.

As we were ushered into separate police cruisers, Rowan reached for my hand, his eyes coated with worry. "I love you, Diego. No matter what happens, remember that."

I squeezed his hand, my heart heavy with the knowledge of what lay ahead. "I love you too, Rowan. We'll get through this somehow. I know we will."

The cruiser doors closed, and as the vehicles pulled away, I watched Rowan's worried face until it was out of sight. I had no idea when we would see each other again. I only knew it would happen.

I was going to make sure it did.

Chapter 16

Rowan

The walls of my prison cell felt like they were closing in on me, each day blending into the next as I served my sentence.

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