Page 70 of Devious Lies

I was going to wait until I spoke to her before I went to Nico and Angel and explained what was going on.

I hate not having all the details. But this conversation is overdue and now it is unavoidable.

If either surviving Sanchez brother has been stalking my woman, he’s a dead man.

But I owe Nico my loyalty, and, on this thing, I might also need his approval.

It irritates me.

But I get it.

I understand. And it is only because of my love and respect for the two men that I am not waiting in a dark room somewhere to slit that Sanchez motherfucker’s throat.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR-MARIA

Iknow something is wrong.

I told Luc a lot today, so I expect him to be distant.

But I don’t expect him to ice me out.

I’ve sent three texts so far, but he’s not returned a single one.

Too many tears have been shed today already, and I just don’t have any more to give.

The good news is my mother’s case is being taken over by the head oncologist, and he is consulting with one of the top doctors in the state.

Amazing, right?

Someone pulled strings. Made promises. Or threats. And honestly, either is fine.

I just want Mami to get better. And for the doctors to pay attention to her.

It’s finally happening now. All because of Luc.

If I didn’t already love him, that would have probably done it.

I dress with care, pulling on a long skirt with a slide slit and a shimmery silver blouse with tiny silver hooks in the front.

It is loose and sleeveless. I have it tied at my waist and opened the first two hooks to reveal hints of my black bra.

I’ve worn this outfit before, and it gives me a confidence boost. The top emphasizes my breasts and not my stomach. And the skirt is stretchy, the slit makes it easy for me to move around.

Outside, the same driver is waiting for me, and he opens the rear door when I approach.

He doesn’t speak and I don’t expect him to. I just nod my head and thank him when I get inside.

Nerves have me gripping the fabric of my skirt, and I force myself to let go. I close my eyes and take a calming breath in through my nose. Exhaling through my mouth, I open my eyes and I feel a modicum better.

He pulls up to the back, and I frown.

I mean, I’ve been this way a few times, but I usually enter through the front of the bar.

“Ma’am?” the driver says, and I turn to see him standing there, door open, looking at me like I have eight heads.

“Ma’am? I’m twenty-seven,” I scoff, but he just shrugs his massive shoulders.

“Just call me Maria,” I say, and he’s looking at me like I’m nuts.

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