Page 26 of Set Up By the Cartel

I managed a weak nod, too drained to speak coherently just then. But even though my body screamed for rest, my mind refused to quieten. Too many questions still lingered unanswered. Too much uncertainty remained unresolved.

Before I could voice any concerns though, another figure stepped into view — Santiago himself. I hadn’t expected to see him here.

Dressed impeccably as always, he exuded an air of smug satisfaction. My stomach churned at the sight of him. What was going on in his head?

He approached Mateo first, bowing his head."Everything proceeded according to plan,"he reported smoothly."No complications encountered along the way."

Mateo acknowledged him with a brief nod before turning back to me."Let's go home,"he murmured, wrapping an arm around my shoulders."I think you've seen enough of what I do, especially tonight. You need rest." And I agreed with him.

And so, we departed, leaving behind the carnage strewn across the warehouse district. As we drove away, I couldn't shake off the sense that something crucial had just transpired without my full understanding. Some vital piece of information slipped past me unnoticed...

In the meantime, I was trying to figure out how to phrase the information I had gathered about the gang's recently completed mission. I also remembered that as long as I worked for Mr. Novak, I would have to continue going on operations with Mateo. If he decided to stop bringing me along, I would need to find a way to convince him otherwise. I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

Back inside the mansion, Mateo guided me upstairs right, insisting I get some sleep straightaway. Exhaustion claimed me swiftly, dragging me down into oblivion almost in the same moment. When next I opened my eyes, it felt like mere momentshad passed rather than hours. Yet sunlight streamed brightly through the windows, confirming otherwise.

Stretching with a groan, I rolled over onto my side, finding myself alone in bed. A quick glance around revealed no sign of Mateo anywhere nearby. Had he already risen? Or perhaps gone elsewhere?

Pushing aside lingering grogginess, I climbed out of bed and padded quietly downstairs seeking answers. Soft voices drifted from somewhere deeper within the house. Mateo was most likely discussing something with someone from his cartel.

Ignoring them, I made a beeline straight for the kitchen instead. I needed coffee again so much right now.

As I poured steaming hot liquid into a mug, footsteps echoed behind me. Turning around, I found Mateo leaning against the doorframe watching me intently. His gaze held a mix of concern and curiosity, making me feel self-conscious. These events reminded me of a similar moment we had not too long ago.

"How are you feeling this morning?"He asked, stepping further into the room.

"Better," I replied. "Just tired still."

Nodding, he reached out to take hold of my hand, drawing me close until our bodies pressed together. Warmth radiated from him, comforting despite the underlying tension simmering beneath the surface.

"Last night went well,"he commented."Those assholes won't trouble us anymore."

But even as he spoke those reassuring words, I couldn't help but think about everything else witnessed during the operation. The sheer brutality displayed, the ruthlessness exhibited... How could anyone live like that constantly? And more importantly, how could I possibly raise a child amidst such violence?

"It's not enough,"I blurted out, pulling away slightly."We can't keep living like this forever!"

Maybe I could convince him to leave the cartel soon, but I wasn’t holding my breath. There was only so much I could do, after all.

Mateo stared at me, jaw working as though chewing over my words carefully.

"Do you really think I want anything less than the best for you? And now, for our baby too?"He demanded.

Then, when I thought he was going to continue to berate me, he changed his mind, tsking. "Come find me later,"he instructed softly."When you're ready to talk sensibly again."

Then he was gone, leaving me alone amidst swirling thoughts and emotions. Sighing deeply, I sank down onto a chair, cradling my head in my hands while trying to sort through conflicting feelings churning inside me.

Hours passed by interminably slowly before eventually, I gathered sufficient resolve to seek out Mateo once more. Rising with shaky legs, I continued with cautious steps, my heart pounding against my ribs. What would await me upon confronting him again? More arguments? Further disagreements?

Fortunately though, when I entered the study where he often worked, I discovered him seated behind the desk engrossed in paperwork rather than waiting for my arrival. He wasn't thinking so much about me at the moment. Relief washed over me for a moment, allowing me the time needed to straighten up my back.

Stepping closer, I hesitated before speaking."Can we talk now?"

He looked up then, surprise flickering across his face before being swiftly replaced by determination. Setting aside whatever task occupied him, he gestured for me to sit opposite him. Once settled, he leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees.

"Have you thought about what you want to say to me?"He inquired, his voice gentle, but I could sense an undercurrent of animosity with me. He was disappointed in the way I acted.

Swallowing hard past the lump forming in my throat, I met his gaze."Everything that happened last night,"I began."And what it means moving forward..."

Understanding dawned within his green eyes, followed quickly by resignation. Leaning back again, he folded his arms across his chest.

---