Page 27 of Set Up By the Cartel

"You saw too much," he admitted. "More than most outsiders ever do. I want you to trust me, and that’s why I took you with me, but maybe I shouldn't do that again."

A shiver ran down my spine at hearing those words spoken aloud. Yes, indeed — far too much revealed itself during Operation Serpiente. Secrets that were better kept hidden from innocent eyes. I wished I hadn't seen anything. That way, I wouldn't have anything to relay to Mr. Novak.

"So, what does this mean for us?"I pressed, wishing to end this conversation as soon as possible.

Several moments ticked by without a response, Mateo seemingly lost deep within private contemplations. Finally, though, he sighed, unfolding his arms to reach out and grasp one of my hands tightly between both of his.

"Nothing changes,"he declared with firmness in his voice."My love for you remains unchanged. My commitment to protecting you stays absolute. I'll be doing some things differently from now on, but nothing more than that."

Relief flooded through me at hearing those reassurances voiced clearly. Still, doubts lingered beneath my calm surface. Could everything truly remain unaltered despite the new knowledge gained? I knew the answer wasn't so simple.

Before any further discussion could occur though, a sudden noise interrupted our conversation — sharp footsteps echoingwith urgency along the hallway outside. A split second later, Santiago burst into the room, breathing as though having run a great distance. His face appeared pale, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool temperature indoors.

"Boss!"He gasped out, voice ragged with exertion."We have a problem! One of our own betrayed us!"

Alarm jolted through me in the same moment, adrenaline surging in me. Betrayal amongst their ranks? That spelled disaster...

Mateo reacted right away, leaping upright from his seat."Who?"He demanded.

Santiago swallowed audibly, his Adam's apple bobbing prominently within his thin neck."It's... it's Luis,"he confessed with some reluctance."He contacted a rival faction earlier, offering information on some of our upcoming operations in exchange for safe passage away from here."

Anger flashed across Mateo's features like lightning striking earth."Where is he now?"He growled. His intention was clear. He was going to deal with the problem right now.

"Held captive upstairs,"Santiago replied."Our men are awaiting your orders."

Nodding, Mateo turned towards me, expression softening somewhat."Stay here,"he murmured."This won't take long."

Then he was gone, striding from the room, accompanied by Santiago. Left alone in the heavy silence, I sat motionless, my mind racing with all kinds of thoughts. How could someone turn against Mateo? And worse yet — how many others might follow a similar path if given the chance?

Time stretched for what felt like an eternity until footsteps finally approached the doorway. What happened? I could only wonder, but I guessed not for much longer. I was going to find out the answer soon.

Turning around, I found Mateo standing there, his face set in stern lines once more. But unlike before, no anger remained visible. Instead, weariness etched deep grooves around his mouth and eyes.

He was lost in thought, likely turning over things he wasn’t ready to share with me. There were many secrets he kept, and while I didn’t know what they were, I couldn't blame him for holding back.

"It's done," he stated as though it was no big deal, even though we both knew it was. "Luis paid the final price for his treachery."

I nodded without saying anything because I knew there was nothing to be said, unable to find words suitable for such a grim topic. After several seconds passed without further speech, Mateo exhaled, running a hand roughly through his dark hair.

He didn't need to tell me what happened. Neither did I have to ask him.

"Come," he instructed, his voice soft as though he wasn't dangerous, which couldn't be any further from the truth. He was one of the most dangerous men I knew. "Let's go together now where we can have some privacy."

In other circumstances, I would be thrilled after what he said, but I didn't feel like that at the moment. I felt completely different. My heart was pounding in my chest.

Following him without as much as even thinking about disobeying him, we climbed the stairs side by side until we reached the bedroom door. Upon entering, he closed it firmly behind us, shutting out the world beyond. It should be relieving, but it wasn't. I feared him. As much as I didn't want to admit it, that was exactly how he made me feel.

In this moment, nothing else mattered but us. I knew he would never hurt me, and for now, I could push aside the thought of how dangerous he truly was.

Turning toward me, he reached out with carefulness in his hands, tracing his fingertips lightly along the curve of my jawline. "Are you alright?" He asked, probably sensing that something was off. There was definitely something different about me, but I wasn’t ready to share it with him. I knew telling him would be a mistake.

Unable to speak just then — and, after everything that happened, I just wasn't in the right state of mind to form coherent thoughts — I simply nodded in response. He smiled without showing too much of his teeth, leaning forward to press a tender kiss against my lips. The kiss lasted only a brief moment before he pulled away again, leaving me breathless. He only gave me a sample of it, and it was so good. It almost made me forget all the bad things that happened.

"Undress for me," he whispered, stepping back slightly. And I knew it was more like a command. If I didn't do what he asked, he would be way more than just disappointed.

Without hesitation, I complied, swiftly stripping off my clothing piece by piece until I stood naked before him. Heat blazed fiercely in his green eyes, hunger evident on his chiseled features. The desire pulsed strongly between us, palpable and nearly tangible.

Reaching out, he grasped my hips with firmness, drawing me close until our bodies pressed tightly together. Then he captured my mouth, exploring the depths of my mouth with passion while his hands roamed eagerly over my curves.

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