Page 6 of Hunted By the Cartel

Safe. The word echoed in my mind as we stepped into the lobby of his apartment building. It was a foreign concept after receiving the letter.

As we stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind us, I turned to him, my eyes searching his intense gaze. "Thank you," I whispered. "For doing this. You didn't have to. In fact, it would have been easier to kill me, but you still decided to do the right thing "

He met my gaze, his eyes softening, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between us. What could it be? I didn't want to think it was something I should really know, but I was hopeful he was better than who I thought he was.

"You're welcome, Rowan, I suppose," he said, chuckling. Was he finding all of this funny? Because it sure as hell wasn't from my point of view. "But we're not out of the woods yet. For now, just know that you're safe here. Later, I'll do what needs to be done."

And I hoped he wasn't going to put himself in more danger than he already was. If he died, nobody would protect me.

Safe. The word echoed in my mind as the elevator doors slid open, revealing a spacious apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering cityscape.

What a breathtaking view.

Chapter 4

Diego

As the night deepened, I found myself standing in the kitchen of my apartment, staring at the meager contents of my refrigerator. I didn't know I was going to come here, as otherwise I would have bought some groceries.

Rowan had been quiet since our arrival, his eyes darting around the spacious room as if he couldn't quite believe he was there. His behavior was to be expected. Not even I thought I was going to protect him.

I knew he was hungry; I could see it in the way his eyes kept glancing at the kitchen, his slender frame betraying his need for a meal. He probably hadn't eaten much today. It had been a stressful day, taking into account he was looking for his sister before and someone from the cartel tried to kill him. I was still going to find out why that happened.

"You must be hungry," I said, closing the refrigerator door with a soft thud. "I can order something if you'd like. I don't mind doing that."

Rowan shook his head, his eyes flicking to me before quickly looking away. "I couldn't impose any further," he mumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly.

I crossed my arms, a faint smile tugging at my lips. He looked cute when he said that.

"You're not imposing, Rowan," I said, my voice softening. "Consider it part of the deal. I protect you, you get a warm meal, and in turn, you pay what you owe us quicker than before."

He bit his lip, his eyes downcast, and I could see the internal struggle playing out across his features. He already didn't know if he was going to get the money needed in the stipulated month, so shortening that time was even more straining; something he didn't even want to consider.

"I can't deny that I'm hungry," he said, his voice quiet. "But I don't want to be a burden. To be honest, I think I've already been giving you enough trouble."

I sighed, knowing that arguing with him would be pointless. Rowan was stubborn, but I understood his reluctance to accept anything from me. After all, I was his loan shark, the one he feared and owed money to. His opinion of me would probably not change anytime soon.

"How about a compromise?" I suggested, stepping closer to him. "Let me cook for you. It's been a while since I've had company, and I'd rather not have you starve under my roof. I want you to feel okay with me — or as much as you can feel, anyway."

His eyes widened at my offer, and I saw a hint of surprise in their gray depths. He didn't think I would ever say something like that, and to be honest, not even I had thought I would.

"You... you'd cook for me?" He asked, sounding dumbfounded. The more this continued, the more I realized that he was too much of a good person to be involved in the mess he was in, or maybe he was hiding something from me. It could be anything.

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance even as I felt a strange warmth spread through me at the thought of preparing a meal for him. It had been a long time and I was itching to test my culinary skills again.

"I'm not a complete savage, Rowan," I said, turning toward the kitchen counter. "Besides, it's been a long day, and we could both use a decent meal. I'm pretty sure it's going to be better than takeout."

He hesitated, his eyes flitting around the kitchen as if searching for an escape route. But whatever he was thinking he could do, it wasn't going to work. He was stuck with me for now.

"I-I suppose I could eat," he said, his voice soft. "But only if it's no trouble. I really don't want to burden you."

I smirked, already reaching for the ingredients I needed. "No trouble at all, omega," I said, my voice carrying a hint of amusement. I had to hold back my laugh. "Just make yourself comfortable. Dinner will be ready soon. And, I'm sure you are going to enjoy it."

As I set about preparing the meal, I felt Rowan's eyes on me, his gaze curious yet guarded. He couldn't stop looking at me, which I found endearing.

I could sense his uncertainty, his struggle to understand why I, his loan shark, was offering him protection and a warm meal. Little did he know that I was just as perplexed by my own actions. Or, maybe, I was doing it just because I wanted his money.

You're too soft, Diego, a voice whispered in my mind. This omega owes you money, yet here you are, playing the role of his protector and host.

---