Page 26 of Unhinged

Her eyes remain on my lips when the bartender returns, placing her margarita on the counter. She turns toward him, breaking the spell. “Thank you.”

“And one scotch on the rocks,” the bartender says. “Cash or card?”

I pass him my card, and he swipes it. “Thanks. Have a good evening.” I take my card and drink before guiding Alice away from the bar but still within listening distance from Pablo and the commissioner.

“Can you understand what they’re saying?”

I turn her around so her back is to the two men and carefully glance at them to read their lips. “They’re definitely discussing him agreeing a deal. What for, I’m not sure...”

Alice’s lips purse together. “How are we supposed to learn why he’s here?”

“We listen, watch, and wait. Little bird.” I lean toward her and kiss her cheek softly. “Have patience.”

She shivers at my touch. “Okay, shall we look for the other Estradas?” She asks.

I nod, loving how quickly she picks up how this works. It’s like she fits into this world by my side. The only problem is Ileana is still a fucking obstacle.

“We should mingle,” I suggest, watching Alice nod in agreement. We begin to navigate the sea of people, pretending to be another couple caught up in the glittering event. Suddenly, Javier Estrada approaches us, his dark eyes scrutinizing.

“Hello,” he says, a predatory smile forming. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“I’m Enrique,” I tell him, pulling Alice closer. Assuming a fake identity. There’s no way I can let them know that I’m from the Navarro Cartel. “And this is my girlfriend, Alice.”

“A pleasure, Enrique, Alice,” Javier says, his gaze lingering uncomfortably on Alice. I feel a fierce protectiveness surge, tightening my grip around her. “You’re new in town?”

“We’ve been here a while, actually,” I lie smoothly, my eyes never leaving his. “Just been keeping a low profile, enjoying each other’s company.”

“Of course,” Javier chuckles, though a glint in his eye suggests he’s not buying it. “Well, enjoy your evening.”

As Javier walks away, Alice lets out a shaky breath. “That was intense,” she murmurs, looking at me.

“We survived,” I reply, a half-smile playing on my lips. “Now, let’s keep doing what we’re here for.”

We blend into the crowd, with Alice staying close to my side. As we’re passing by a quiet corner, I hear the familiar voice of Maria Estrada, her words carried over in hushed tones.

I yank Alice against me and bring my lips to her ear. “Quiet, little bird. Act like we’re wrapped up in each other.”

She places her hand tentatively on my chest. Right above my heart as it thuds erratically.

“Lionel, securing the mayor’s favor is crucial if we’re going to secure Mexico City and the whole of Mexico,” Maria’s voice is insistent, a touch of urgency in her tone. “It’s the only way we can broker this deal. We need him on our side.”

“Si, Maria, I know,” Lionel replies. “I’ve already started buttering him up. Invited him for dinner next week.”

“Good. Remember, Lionel, we can’t afford any mistakes,” Maria continues. “Pablo’s expecting us to get this sorted. This is bigger than us. It’s about legacy.”

I glance at Alice, her eyes wide as she processes the information. My little bird knows what that means. It means Ileana’s suspicions were right. The question is, how will I use this information to my advantage?

I sweep Alice away from the corner and wrap a possessive arm around her waist. “Dance with me,” I demand.

Her eyebrows raise a little. “What?”

“I said, dance with me,” I breathe, my lips ghosting her cheek. “It’s a demand, not a question, in case you were wondering.”

She nods in response as I pull her onto the dance floor in the middle of the ballroom.

My fingers trace the curve of Alice’s waist, my grip tightening. The sensuous strains of a tango meet our ears. I guide her through the moves, and it’s clear she’s danced before. Either that, or she’s a natural. That thought angers me, though. I don’t want to think of her dancing with anyone but me. She’s mine.

The music is intoxicating. My heart hammers like a blacksmith’s anvil, forging love and madness equally.

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