Page 38 of Set Up By the Cartel

Mateo hesitated briefly before nodding, allowing himself to be guided towards the bed. Together, we settled beneath the covers, bodies pressed close as if seeking reassurance in contact.

Chapter 15

Mateo

I awoke early the next morning, sunlight streaming through gaps in the curtains. For a few blissful moments, I simply basked in the warmth, content in the knowledge that Kael lay safely tucked against my side. Then memory crashed over me like a bucket of ice water — Santiago's revelations, Novak's involvement, and Kael's part in it all. There was something I needed to do.

Rolling over, I studied his peaceful face, heart clenching at the deception hidden beneath such innocence. How could the man I loved so deeply have kept something so important from me?

Gently shaking his shoulder, I roused him awake."Kael, we need to talk,"I said, voice low and serious. This couldn't wait."About your arrangement with Mr. Novak."

His eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to wariness as understanding dawned. Swallowing hard, he sat up slowly, sheets pooling around his waist. I did the same, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Before you say anything,"I continued,"I know you were working with him to protect your job, your independence."He opened his mouth to interject, but I held up a hand, forestalling him."But that wasn't the only reason, was it?"

He closed his eyes, shoulders slumping in defeat."No,"he whispered, sounding miserable."Not anymore. At first, yes, I thought keeping you in the dark was best. I didn't want to risk losing you if you got upset with me."

Pain lanced through my chest at his admission. Trust, once broken, was difficult to mend. And yet, anger refused to take hold. In its place rose a profound sense of hurt, of betrayal so deep it threatened to swallow me whole.

"How could you not tell me?"I whispered, reaching out to cup his cheek in my palm."Did you think so little of our bond that you couldn't confide in me?"

Tears glistened in his eyes, spilling over to track down his cheeks."I'm sorry,"he choked out."I never meant to hurt you. I just... I was scared. Scared that if you knew the truth, you might push me away. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."

My heart ached for him even as frustration simmered beneath the surface. If only he had trusted me enough to share his fears, his doubts. We could have worked through this together instead of letting it fester into something far worse.

"You should have known better,"I admonished, brushing away his tears with my thumb."Our love is stronger than any obstacle. Nothing can come between us unless we let it."

He nodded with a jerk of his head, fresh tears welling up to replace those already fallen."You're right. I was wrong not to tell you sooner. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust again."

Sighing, I pulled him into my arms, holding him close as sobs shook his frame."Shh, it's alright,"I soothed, rubbing soothing circles over his back."I forgive you."

As Kael clung to me, his tears soaking into my shirt, I cradled him tenderly, rocking to comfort him. It was working. Even through the pain of his deception, my love for him remained unwavering. He was the other half of my soul, and nothing could change that.

"I promise you,"I murmured against his hair,"once Novak is taken care of, I will dismantle the cartel brick by brick if that's what it takes to secure our future together. No more secrets, no more lies between us."

He lifted his head then, surprise widening his eyes."You'd really give up everything for me?"His tone held equal parts wonder and disbelief.

Cupping his face in my hands, I met his gaze steadily, pouring every ounce of conviction into my words."In a heartbeat. You and our child mean more to me than any power or prestige. I won't let anything come before your happiness. I've changed my mind. That's what I'm going to do."

A shaky smile curved his lips, hope shining bright in his eyes despite the lingering uncertainty."I want to believe that. Want to trust that this is real, that we have a chance at a normal life together."

"We do,"I affirmed, sealing my vow with a gentle kiss."And I will spend the rest of my days proving it to you. No matter how long it takes."

I rose from the bed, ready to begin putting my plan into motion. Novak would not evade capture much longer. Not with the resources I commanded. And when I finally laid hands on him, I would make him pay dearly for his crimes against me.

Kael reached for me, grasping my wrist as I moved towards the door."Don't go,"he pleaded, voice heavy with emotion."Stay with me just a while longer."

Gazing down at him, I hesitated, torn between duty and desire. The longing in his eyes called to something deep withinme, urging me to succumb to temptation. In the end, I could not refuse him.

Removing my hand from his grasp, I began unbuttoning my shirt with deliberate slowness. Kael watched me with hooded eyes, lower lip caught between his teeth as anticipation built between us.

Soon, barriers fell away until nothing separated us except air. My breath caught at the sight of him bared before me, all smooth skin and lean muscle. He truly was beautiful, inside and out.

"Come here,"I murmured, reaching for him. He flowed into my embrace as if drawn by an invisible string, pressing the length of his body flush against mine.

Warmth bloomed under my skin as our mouths met in a slow, sensual kiss. Tongues tangled, stoking the flames higher. By the time we parted, both of us were fully aroused, need pulsing between us.

Taking his hand, I led him to the bathroom, starting the shower. Steam quickly filled the room as I adjusted the temperature, ensuring it wasn't too hot. I had to be careful with the baby.

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