Page 39 of Sacrifice

When he doesn't meet my eyes, I look down and realize I'm naked in front of him. I blush and fold into myself, trying to hide. "Don't worry about your body, you have to get out of here," he says urgently.

I'm stuck to the wall, too scared to move, afraid I might fall or faint. My stress level has reached its peak, and I can feel my head trying to shut down.

God, why am I like this?I need to be strong.

Mossimo huffs, causing me to look at him. He's not looking at my body. No, he's looking me straight in my eyes. "Deep breaths. You have about three minutes before she comes back. She's Alejandro's daughter. If she gets you out of here, you'll be sold into slavery. She's the one you should really be afraid of."

So my gut was right. I move and wobble. "You’ve got this, Aribella," Mossimo encourages me and I feel myself trying to succumb to the darkness.

Blinking, I straighten my shoulders, not worrying about my naked flesh.

"Ten more steps. You can do this, Aribella."

Sure, ten more steps and then what? Taking a deep breath, I move further into the room and away from the relative safety of the wall. I close my eyes. Please, God, help me.

"One in front of the other. Keep going, Aribella."

Looking at Mossimo, I see the pain in his face. He's put his own needs on hold while he's talking me through my panic.

Nodding, I make myself get a hold of my nerves. I feel centered, and I move again, this time not wobbling.

"Grab the blanket," Mossimo says as I struggle to lift the window. "I know it hurts and you're tired, but keep going, Aribella. Do not stop running. Go now."

The window goes up and I sigh in relief. Despite the pain, I mumble, "What about you?" I can't leave him here.

"Don't worry about me. Get out now." His voice comes out strong, but I can hear the pain. Feeling like I'm letting Vincent down by not taking Mossimo with me, I wrap the blanket around my body and climb out of the room.

My feet land in the grass and I look around. There are woods everywhere. Which way do I go? I decide to head to the left. Maybe that will be the city. The only hope I have is to find someone kind and not involved with anyone around here.

Chapter Seventeen

Miguel and I wait for our family members to show up. Diego insisted I call him. When he heard what happened, he demanded that he be a part of the meeting. When everyone is here, I put him on Facetime.

Stepping into the middle of the group, I feel an eerie calmness come over me. Someone has fucked with me and what’s mine for the last time. Looking each one of the men in their eyes, I begin to talk.

"I've gathered you here because we have a rat in our ranks."

We watch everyone become tense.

"You think we would do something?" Alejandro says and puffs smoke from his cigar. He seems to be the calmest of the bunch.

"I hope not. As you know, as the head of the family and the king of the Texas Syndicate, going against me will mean death for everyone."

Guerrero comes forward and bows. "Cousin, you have my entire army at your disposal. Every man and woman will come for questioning."

I knew it wouldn't be him. My father raised him and Louis as our brothers when their father was killed by the Powers.

Shaking his hand, I nod to him. "Thank you, Guerrero." He stands next to Miguel when Diego talks.

"We can make quick work of this. We will demand everyone to come to the warehouse between our territories and we will have Bruno handle the questioning. It will take all of five minutes to see who the fucking rat is."

A laugh almost escapes me at how Diego takes charge. He could never bow down and take a backseat when there is action involved.

"Very well," I concede. Fighting amongst ourselves will not solve the situation.

Bull, who, although not blood-related, took over the Warriors in our drug division, looks at me. "Whatever you need, Vincent. My entire operation is at your beck and call."

He's innocent. The kid came up in the streets. He has known since he was ten not to cross me. Now, at twenty, with wealth and notoriety, he isn't going to jeopardize his reputation.

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