Page 68 of Unhinged

Matias chuckles. “Because blood is thicker than water and all that.”

I swallow hard as it’s clear Matias isn’t right in the head. He’s not mad like Taren; he’s psychotic, and I fear that somehow he’s sunk his claws into Kali. Claws that we need to get out if we all make it out of here alive.

“Enough chit-chat. shouldn’t we move?” I demand.

Thiago smirks. “I see why Taren like you, you’re feisty.” He glances around the column, looking for the perfect moment to move. “Okay, let’s go fast and keep your head down.”

He pushes away from the cover of the column and rushes toward the door Ileana dragged me through earlier. Trying to use me against Taren, unaware of his ultimate plan. That a rival cartel leader is in on it.

As the cacophonous chorus of machine guns resonates through the air, bullets zip by like lethal lightning. Each ricochet sends splinters of stone and debris flying like a grim fireworks display. We dart and weave, our every movement a gamble between life and death. With each shot, I flinch, my heart pounding in rhythm with the staccato of gunfire.

Thiago and Matias usher me through the door. I’ve never felt such poignant relief as the door slams shut behind us.

“Fuck me, that was intense,” Thiago says, jaw clenched. “I’m going to need a bottle of tequila after this.”

Matias shakes his head. “If we make it out alive.”

“What now?” I ask.

They both look at me. “Now, we put you back in the holding room with Kali and Luna to make sure you’re safe,” Thiago says, grabbing my forearm.

“What about Taren?”

“Let us worry about him,” Matias says.

I wouldn’t trust Matias with Taren’s life ever. He’s too selfish and impulsive. They drag me into the holding room.

Luna jumps to her feet when she sees me rushing over. “Thank God you’re okay!” She hugs me tightly, and I hug her back.

“Yeah, it’s mayhem out there.”

Kali approaches and hugs me, tears streaming down her face. “When we heard the commotion, we were sure you’d been killed.”

I shake my head. “Takes more than a few bullets to kill me,” I say, trying to remain upbeat despite the fact the entire plan has gone to shit.

Thiago clears his throat. “I need all three of you to remain here until we come get you. Got it?”

Luna looks ready to argue. And I want to argue, but I know they won’t listen.

“It’s too dangerous before you argue with me, bonita,” Thiago says.

My brow furrows at the use of that nickname. A nickname that means beautiful in Spanish. Luna’s shoulders drop, and she nods. “Okay.” And then she steps toward him, reaching onto her tiptoes and kissing him softly.

Kali and I watch in surprise, mouths ajar.

“Please be careful,” she whispers to him.

He cups her cheeks in his hands and gives her a tight smile. Just like Taren, he’s unsure they can pull this off. “I’m always careful.” He kisses her once more and then turns to his brother. “Let’s go.”

Matias clears his throat, eyes fixed on Kali. “Where’s my kiss, little fairy?”

Kali glares at him. “I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, that’ll soon change.”

Thiago grabs his brother’s arm. “We need to get out there and end this.”

Matias sobers and nods, holding his machine gun as they both disappear.

---