Page 15 of Set Up By the Cartel

We lapsed into comfortable silence then, content to simply bask in each other's company as we sipped wine and nibbled on appetizers. The food was excellent of course, prepared by my personal chef trained in authentic Mexican cuisine. But it paled in comparison to the man seated across from me, his mere presence enough to make my pulse quicken with anticipation.

By the time dessert arrived — a decadent chocolate lava cake drizzled with raspberry coulis — dusk had fallen, stars winking into existence overhead. I watched enraptured as Kael savoredeach bite, a low moan of pleasure escaping his throat that went straight to my groin. I imagined him doing something else. Something dirty and unhinged…

"You enjoy that?"I asked, voice roughened by desire.

He met my heated gaze head-on, tongue darting out to catch a stray smear of chocolate from the corner of his mouth."Mmhmm,"he hummed, eyes gleaming with mischief."Almost as good as something else I can think of."

Oh? My eyebrows shot upward in surprise even as arousal spiked sharply through my veins. Bold little minx! Setting down my fork with deliberate care, I pushed back from the table and rose to my feet in one fluid motion.

"Is that so?"I purred, circling around to stand behind his chair. Leaning down, I nuzzled into the side of his neck, inhaling deeply his scent mingled with the sweet aroma of chocolate."And what might that something else be hmm?"

Kael shivered against me, tilting his head to grant me better access even as his hands came up to grip the front of my shirt."Why don't you show me instead?"He challenged, arching into my touch.

Groaning low in my throat, I captured his earlobe between my teeth and bit down just hard enough to draw a gasp from his kiss-swollen lips."Gladly,"I growled, hauling him up and tossing him over my shoulder caveman-style.

He laughed with a grin on his face as I carried him bridal-style towards the house, pausing only long enough to snag the bottle of wine and two glasses from the tabletop along the way. It turned out that we weren't going to eat much after all.

Upstairs in my bedroom, I tumbled us both onto the plush king-sized bed without ceremony, uncaring of the mess we made of the covers.

Clothes were shed hastily amidst a flurry of groping hands and seeking mouths, desperate to feel skin on skin. When at lastwe lay bare, limbs entwined and hearts beating as one, I took a moment to drink in the sight of him spread out beneath me — flushed and panting, blue eyes dark with need.

"Te amo,"I rasped, brushing damp tendrils of hair back from his face."With every fiber of my being."

Kael cupped my cheek, thumb stroking my lower lip."Yo también te amo,"he whispered back, surging up to capture my mouth in a searing kiss that stole the very air from my lungs. I was surprised he said that.

Lost to sensation, we moved together sinuously, bodies sliding slick with sweat as we chased our mutual pleasure higher and higher. Fingers dug into shoulders, nails raking down backs as tension coiled tighter and tighter deep within my core.

When release finally crashed over me like a tidal wave, I cried out his name like a prayer.

Collapsing atop him, I peppered his face with soft kisses even as my heart threatened to burst from sheer emotion. This... this right here was everything. More important than power or prestige or any material trappings.

Kael was my destiny, my reason for existing beyond the violence and corruption staining my hands. With him, I could envision a future free from bloodshed and regret — a chance to build something real rather than destroy all in my path.

Rolling onto my side, I gathered him close, tucking his head beneath my chin. He fit perfectly there, as if carved specifically to slot against my body like two puzzle pieces locking together.

For a long while we simply held each other, trading lazy caresses and murmuring words of devotion too raw to voice aloud. Contentment settled over me like a warm blanket, lulling me towards sleep despite the late hour.

Just as I began to drift off, however, Kael stirred in my arms, sitting up. Frowning slightly at the sudden distance, I propped myself up on one elbow to peer at him.

"What is it, mi amor?"I inquired, reaching out to smooth away the lines of consternation creasing his brow."Regretting anything already?"

He shook his head, capturing my hand and pressing a fervent kiss to my palm."No, nothing like that!"He assured right away."I'm just... confused about some things still."

My stomach clenched even as I forced a calm expression. So much remained unsaid between us, secrets kept hidden for his protection as well as mine. But perhaps now was the time to start peeling back those layers...

Sitting up, I swung my legs over the edge of the mattress and reached for the discarded glass of wine resting on the nightstand. Swirling the crimson liquid, I debated how best to broach the delicate subject weighing upon my mind.

"I know you have questions about who I am outside these walls,"I began, gauging his reaction."About the nature of my work and the responsibilities I bear..."

Kael tensed beside me but did not interrupt. Encouraged by his silence, I continued:

"I lead a cartel. It's called the Nightshade Wolves. You've probably already heard about it. My role within it is complex and often dangerous,"I admitted, meeting his gaze head-on. I never thought that this moment would materialize, but here it was."We traffic in illicit goods and services, operating outside the law to maintain control over certain territories. Mundane stuff for a cartel."

His eyes widened even as understanding dawned across his expressive features."You're talking about drugs and guns and stuff, aren't you?"He asked, voice tinged with trepidation.

Despite his apparent surprise, I couldn't shake the suspicion that he wasn't as shocked as he should be. I had expected him to flip out, but he hadn't done that yet.

I nodded after thinking about his words, taking a fortifying sip of wine before responding."Among other things yes. The cartel provides an essential service to those willing to pay the price for what we offer."

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