Page 53 of Unhinged

His smirk widens. “Believe me, she’s interested.”

This piques my interest, as Luna hasn’t shown any clear indication that she’s interested in Thiago, at least not that I’ve seen. “Okay, but you can’t take her against her will, agreed?”

“Are you saying Alice is willing to be with you?”

I nod. “Yes.” My little bird is more than willing.

“Fine. Have we got a deal?”

I nod and hold out my hand. He glances at it skeptically before shaking. His agreement sends a wave of satisfaction through me. Thiago may be rough around the edges, but he’s got influence. If he’s on board, others will follow.

“Welcome to my madness.”

Thiago tilts his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak so long without adding a riddle.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “The riddles are the only thing that keeps me sane.”

He laughs. “We’ll agree to disagree on that. It’s why everyone says you’re as mad as a fucking hatter.”

“What’s the plan of action?” he asks.

I straighten, my eyes meeting his. “We need to gain trust within the cartel. Show them we’re as ruthless and cunning as Ileana, but if they follow us, they’ll get the respect and treatment they deserve.”

“Some will remain loyal to her.”

I nod. “Of course. But when the time is right, we take Ileana out. It won’t be easy, but with enough planning and a bit of luck, we can do it.”

Thiago’s stony face doesn’t betray his thoughts. “And what’s to stop Ileana from killing us before we get close?”

“I’m her most trusted subordinate. She won’t suspect me.”

“And if she does?” Thiago’s voice is as cold as steel, mirroring the uncertainty that creeps into my mind.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “Then we die,” I reply. “But it’s a risk we have to take. For Luna. For Alice. And for all of us who’ve been living under her tyranny for far too long.”

Thiago considers this for a moment. Then, he nods, the ghost of a grim smile playing on his lips. “You’re as mad as a hatter for this plan, but I’m with you.” His jaw clenches. “Now, I’ve got to convince Matias.”

“Right, he might be tough to convince considering our altercation yesterday.”

His eyes narrow. “Yeah, that was a dumb move.”

“He hit Alice, so I gave him what he deserved.”

A flicker of rage ignites in Thiago’s eyes. “I don’t think he’ll ever want to team up with you.”

I shrug. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to convince him.”

Thiago grunts, leaning back in his chair as if the world’s weight has landed on his shoulders. “I’ll try for Luna’s sake.” He rubs his temples. “This is real fucking dangerous. But for some twisted reason, I believe in you.” He pushes off the dresser. “I’ll talk to Matias. But remember this,” he points the finger at me, “If this goes south, if Luna and Alice get caught in the crossfire, it’s on you.”

The path ahead will be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but with Thiago and Matias on my side, I feel a glimmer of hope. “To overthrowing Ileana.”

He nods in response, and I leave the room, feeling lighter than I’ve felt in years. I’ve got my first ally on my quest to cut down the Red Queen.

21

TAREN

Little does Ileana know that her insistence that I meet with Damien Vasquez will backfire on her. While I had to cancel the Estrada meeting, as this meeting clashed, Vasquez’s help could be just as valuable. And Ileana sent me to him.

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