Page 13 of Set Up By the Cartel

"Well, why don't we go grab a bite to eat then?" He suggested with a grin."I know a great little hole-in-the-wall taco joint not far from here. Their al pastor tacos are legendary."

As tempting as the offer was, I hesitated. Spending more time alone with Mateo right now felt perilously close to crossing lines I wasn't sure I wanted to venture over. Not when I had orders to report back on his activities.

"I appreciate it, but I'm really beat,"I demurred."Think I'm gonna call it an early night actually."The lie tasted sour on my tongue.

Disappointment flashed across his face before being masked once again."Another time then,"he agreed readily enough, though I could sense his curiosity piqued by my unusual reluctance.

Awkwardness stretched between us as we both searched for something else to say. Part of me wanted to blurt out everything I'd discovered today just to see his reaction. To demand answers and explanations for keeping me in the dark about his true nature.

But I held my tongue, remembering Mr. Novak's warnings about discretion. I needed the job. I didn't want to become overly dependent on Mateo. He would be able to do anything to me then.

No matter how much I might want to confront Mateo, I needed to play along for now.

"Guess I'll see you tomorrow then,"I said instead, forcing a yawn for emphasis."Bright and early."

"You will indeed,"Mateo concurred with a wink that made my stomach flutter despite my best efforts."Sweet dreams, mi amor."

Mi amor. My love. The endearment hung heavy in the air long after he turned and strode off into the night, leaving me standing there like an idiot watching him go.

It was strange, hearing someone say that to me despite the short time we’d spent together. We still had so much to learn about each other, yet I also felt like we’d known each other for a long time. One of the perks of being fated mates, I supposed, if that was really true.

Shaking off the momentary daze, I hurried in the opposite direction towards home, mind whirling with conflicting emotions and unanswered questions. Tomorrow would bring fresh challenges and difficult choices. But for tonight...

Tonight belonged only to me and the suffocating weight of secrets pressing down upon my shoulders.

The next morning dawned gray and drizzly again, reflecting my bleak mood as I dragged myself through the motions of getting ready for work. Sleep had eluded me most of the night, my brain refusing to quiet its relentless churning over the revelations from yesterday.

By the time I walked into Club Nocturne later that afternoon, I felt wrung out and raw, barely holding myself together with sheer force of will. Lila took one look at my haggard appearance and clucked her tongue.

"Rough night?"She asked, handing me a mug of steaming coffee without needing to be told.

I accepted the offering with half a smile, cradling the warm ceramic between my palms."You have no idea,"I muttered into the fragrant steam rising from the surface.

She arched one perfectly sculpted brow."That bad, huh?"

Before I could respond, Javier sauntered up looking far too chipper given the hour. This happened so often that I was getting used to it, to the point where it felt like my life was stuck in a loop.

He leaned against the bar top, flashing a roguish grin."Morning, beautiful!"he called out to Lila."Sleep well?"

She rolled her eyes good-naturedly while I fought the urge to gag. Some things just never changed.

Ignoring Javier's antics, I focused on sipping my coffee and mentally steeling myself for another shift filled with forced smiles and polite chitchat. At least until I could slip away to update Mr. Novak on recent developments... or lack thereof since I hadn't learned anything new yet.

Hours crawled by interminably as I worked, each minute stretching into infinity under the weight of anticipation. By the time closing approached, my nerves were frayed beyond repair. When Mateo finally materialized near the end of the bar, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

"There you are,"he greeted, sliding onto a stool and flagging me down."Been waiting for you to get off."

My heart stuttered even as suspicion coiled tight in my gut. Was this a coincidence or did he somehow know about the arrangement with my boss? Impossible. And yet...

Forcing a brittle smile, I finished polishing the glass in my hand before setting it aside."Oh yeah? What can I do for you, boss man?"I drawled, infusing my tone with false bravado.

Mateo's lips twitched as if amused by my attempt at nonchalance. Leaning forward, he braced his elbows on the polished wood surface separating us."Let's skip the games, Kael,"he murmured lowly, green eyes boring into mine with unsettling intensity."We both know there's more going on here than meets the eye."

A chill raced down my spine at the implied accusation behind those words. Did he suspect something? Had Mr. Novak tipped him off? No, the latter couldn't have happened. It just wouldn't make any sense.

Panic clawing at my throat, I glanced around to ensure no prying ears lingered within earshot. Satisfied we were relatively alone, I leaned closer, pitching my voice to a whisper:

"What are you talking about?"I demanded, hating how defensive I sounded."I don't know what you mean."

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