Page 8 of Hunted By the Cartel

The reminder of our temporary arrangement hung between us, the weight of our situation settling back into the room. I rose from my chair, collecting our plates with a soft clatter.

Of course, I had also prepared a plate for myself. I did say I was hungry and that I was going to eat what I was going to make.

"I'll clean up," I said, carrying the dishes to the sink. "You can make yourself comfortable in the living room. There's a TV if you'd like some entertainment. Enjoy the peace while it lasts."

"I can help with the dishes," he offered, rising from his chair as well. "I may not be much of a cook, but I can certainly clean up after a meal."

I paused, my hands submerged in the soapy water, and turned to him, a faint smile on my lips. Yet one more thing I didn't think would happen between us. I didn't think he would offer to clean the dishes.

"It's all right, Rowan," I said, my voice gentle. "Consider it my way of saying thank you for not breaking any of my dishes." I knew how clumsy he was, for the short time we spent together, so that was a miracle.

He laughed, a soft, melodic sound that warmed me from the inside out. "Fair enough," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. For someone who owed me money, he was very carefree at the moment. "But I insist on helping with breakfast. The least I can do is contribute something while I'm here." And he was thinking that there was going to be breakfast tomorrow morning, the two of us together again. And the best thing about that? There really was going to be.

I nodded, a sense of camaraderie building between us. "Breakfast it is, then," I said, turning back to the sink. "But for now, go and relax. You've had a stressful day, and we both know tomorrow won't be any easier."

He hesitated as if wanting to say something more, but he simply nodded and turned toward the living room. I knew what he wanted to say. Those words were unexpected, to say the least. He didn't think I was going to show so much empathy for him.

As I washed the dishes, the sound of his soft footsteps retreating, I felt a strange sense of peace wash over me. Why was I feeling that way? I didn't know.

Chapter 5

Rowan

I woke with a start, the morning light streaming through the windows and casting soft shadows on the walls. For a moment, I was disoriented, my mind foggy from sleep.

I didn't even remember that I was still here. I thought, for a moment, that I was back at my house. I really wished I was there. Everything would be so much better if I were.

Then, the events of the previous day came rushing back to me. It was like a tsunami of bad thoughts. I felt sick, wishing everything was different. I had put myself into this situation, though, I remembered.

My encounter with Diego, the loan shark who had offered me protection, the warmth of the meal he had prepared for me — it had all felt like a dream, but the ache in my muscles and the lingering scent of him told me it had been very real.

I couldn't believe I could still feel his smell, but maybe it wasn't so surprising, considering I was a rabbit shifter. My sense of smell was supposed to be good, after all

As I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, my gaze fell on the slightly ajar bedroom door. My curiosity was piqued. What could I say? I was a curious rabbit.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized Diego was still here, sleeping in the other room. I couldn't help but wonder what he looked like sleeping. I also wondered what he was dreaming about. I kind of wished he was dreaming about me.

A part of me wanted to respect his privacy, though, to leave him undisturbed. But my curiosity was stronger, especially now that he was somewhat vulnerable. Only 'somewhat', of course. I didn't think he could ever be fully vulnerable.

Stealthily, I rose from the couch, my bare feet padding softly across the room toward the bedroom. My heart hammered in my chest as I approached the door, my fingers curling around the edge as I peered inside. What was I doing? I asked myself.

There he was, sprawled across the bed, one arm flung above his head, the morning light painting his features in soft shadows. He looked so handsome.

Even in sleep, Diego exuded a raw, untamed beauty. His dark hair fell across his forehead, his strong jaw relaxed, and his lips parted slightly as he breathed. It was the first time I was seeing him looking so peaceful.

My heart stuttered in my chest as I took in the sight of him. I knew I should look away, that I was invading his privacy, but I found myself transfixed, unable to tear my gaze away. Could anyone do the same if they were in the same situation as me? I didn't think so.

There was something about him, something wild and untamed, that drew me in, that made my heart race and my skin tingle. I wanted him. No denying it. I wanted to feel his body.

It was then that I remembered my phone, still tucked in my pocket from the previous day. My eyes widened as I realized I could call for help, that I didn't have to face this danger alone.

Why did the thought not cross my mind before? I didn't know. Maybe I wasn't as bright as I thought I was.

With trembling fingers, I withdrew my phone, my thumb hovering over the screen as I debated my decision.

Taking a steadying breath, I dialed the number of my trusted assistant, Lila. She answered on the second ring, most likely concerned about me. I had disappeared, after all.

"Mr. Whisperwind?" She said, concern lacing her words. "Is everything alright? You sound strange. Plus, I haven't seen you recently."

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