Page 43 of Set Up By the Cartel

As I rounded the final corner, I spotted them almost in the same instant. Two black SUVs, sleek and menacing, parked outside the building where he was. My blood ran cold as I saw the figures emerging, their faces hidden behind ski masks. They thought it was enough, that we would never know it was them. Cowards.

Without hesitation, I slammed my foot on the accelerator, the car leaping forward like a wild beast unleashed. Time seemed to slow as I drew nearer, the world narrowing to a single, focused point. Javier couldn't even blink. His attention was only focused on what was happening in front of him and around us.

The first man went down as though he was a fly, a spray of crimson painting the sidewalk as my bullet found its mark. The others scattered, diving for cover behind their vehicles. They didn't think we were going to arrive here in such a short time. They thought they were going to have an ampler opportunity to hurt me.

I skidded to a halt, throwing open the door and sprinting towards the entrance. I smiled, knowing that I had the upper hand.

I could hear their shouts, feel the heat of their bullets whizzing past my ear. But none of it mattered. All that mattered was getting to Kael, keeping him safe from harm.

I burst into the lobby, my eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger. And there he was, huddled behind the front desk, his blue eyes wide with fear. Relief flooded through me, swift and intense, as I rushed to his side. I'd arrived in the nick of time. Any later and he would have already been kidnapped.

"It's okay,"I whispered, pulling him close, shielding his body with my own."I've got you. I won't let anyone hurt you, understand?"

Kael nodded, his arms wrapping tightly around me, clinging to me like a lifeline. Together, we made our way towards the stairwell, each step echoing with the urgency of our predicament.

We emerged onto the roof just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cityscape. The sounds of chaos below grew fainter, replaced by the soft murmur of the evening breeze.

I turned to Kael, my hands cupping his face, thumbs brushing away the remnants of tears."Are you alright?"I asked, keeping my voice calm, even though it didn't reflect my feelings at the moment.

He nodded, leaning into my touch."I am now,"he murmured, his gaze locked with mine."Thank you, Mateo. Thank you for saving me. I don't know how it happened. One moment I was enjoying myself, and then the next those men showed up. They said they were taking me with them by force."

I smiled a half smile, my heart swelling with love and gratitude."No need to tell me what they said and worry so much,"I vowed, sealing my promise with a tender kiss."I will always protect you, no matter what it takes. You and our child, you are my entire world."

As we drove back to the mansion, the adrenaline from the confrontation still coursed through our veins. Javier kept glancing over at me from the passenger seat, but I kept my focus on the road ahead, gripping the steering wheel until my knuckles turned white. I could practically feel Kael trembling in the backseat, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps. I felt so sorry for him.

"Are you alright, Kael?"I called back to him, my tone tinted with my concern. In the rearview mirror, I caught sight of him nodding, his blue eyes glazed with unshed tears. It killed me to see him so shaken up, so vulnerable. But I knew there was nothing I could do except get us home safely. For now, anyway. Another time and things would be different.

As the gates of the mansion loomed into view, a sense of relief washed over me. We were home, away from prying eyes and lurking dangers. At least for the time being. I pulled the car up to the front steps and helped Kael out, keeping a protective arm wrapped around his waist as we made our way inside.

Once the door closed behind us, the dam holding back my emotions finally burst. I pulled Kael flush against me, burying my face in the crook of his neck as I breathed in his scent — a comforting blend of citrus and spice."You're safe now,"I murmured against his skin, peppering his throat with soft kisses."I've got you, mi cielo. As long as I still breathe, you're never alone."

Kael melted against me, his fingers threading through my hair as he held me close. For a long moment, we simply stood there in the foyer, basking in the warmth of our embrace. It was a reminder of the love and connection that bound us together, even amidst the chaos.

"I'm sorry,"he whispered."I'm sorry I put you in danger. I should have been more careful, more vigilant. It won't happen again."

I pulled back just enough to cup his face in my hands, my thumbs brushing away the tears that had escaped."Shh,"I soothed, pressing a tender kiss to the tip of his nose."None of that matters right now. All that matters is that we're together, that you're safe."

As if on cue, Javier cleared his throat from the doorway, drawing our attention."I'll give you two some privacy,"he offered, a knowing glint in his eye."Just make sure to call if you need anything."

I gave him a curt nod, grateful for his understanding. Once he disappeared down the hall, I turned my full focus back to Kael. The adrenaline from earlier had shifted, morphing into something far more primal and urgent.

Without warning, I claimed his lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of my pent-up emotions into the movement. Kael responded in kind, just as I thought he was going to, his tongue darting out to tangle with mine. His hands roamed over my chest, slipping beneath my shirt to map the contours of my muscles.

Breaking away with a soft growl, I began walking him backward towards the staircase, never once breaking our heated gaze."Let's continue this upstairs,"I suggested, my voice low.

Kael's only response was a breathless whimper, his eyes darkening with lust as he followed my lead. As soon as we reached the bedroom, I spun him around and pinned him against the wall, my body flush against his. My lips trailed hot kisses along his jawline, down the column of his throat, relishing the way he shivered and moaned at my touch.

"Need you,"he panted, his fingers scrambling at the buttons of my shirt."Please, Mateo. I want to feel alive again."

In one swift motion, I tore off my own clothes, letting them fall haphazardly to the floor. Kael followed suit, stripping down until he was bare before me, all creamy skin and tantalizingcurves. I drank in the sight, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting every inch of him.

Wasting no time, I dropped to my knees, running my hands over his thighs and up to grip his hips."Gonna make you feel so good you're going to forget what happened,"I promised, before taking him into my mouth.

Kael cried out, his head falling back against the wall as I worked him over with my tongue and lips. Each stroke, each flick of my wrist drew out another desperate whimper from his throat, fueling my desire. I took my time exploring, teasing out every sensitive spot until he was trembling, his legs threatening to give out beneath him.

Just when I thought he couldn't take any more, I released him, standing back up to capture his lips once more. Our naked bodies pressed together, a delicious friction building between us.

"On the bed,"I ordered, my voice firm. Kael obeyed without hesitation, crawling onto the mattress and settling onto his stomach, his ass lifted and inviting me.

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