Page 21 of Hearts Of Darkness

Emilio feeds off conflict, and I can’t be fucked to give him the satisfaction today.

“The DEA got the message. I targeted three other agents before I left Miami.”

There’s a pause. “Are you going soft on me, baby brother?”

What the hell?“I was ambushed. Shit hit the fan… It was him or me, and I chose the latter.”

I know which one Emilio would have preferred. Our father may have been a sick bastard, but he’s never forgiven me for putting him six feet under.

“Nicolas told me about the girl. He said you refused to leave Miami without her.”

Nicolas needs to learn to keep his mouth shut. Perhaps he needs my bullet as an incentive?My gaze flicks to Joseph. There’s a slight shake of his head. Good. We’re on the same page as far as Eve Miller is concerned. Full non-disclosure until I figure out what to do with her.

“You’re developing a nasty habit of picking up bitches on the job, Dante. You need to get off that compound. Move somewhere with more pussy. That way your dick won’t be infringing on our business anymore.”

“I’m saying goodbye now, Emilio.” Hell will be an ice rink before I take advice from him. “I’ll be back in Colombia next week. The new merchandise is scheduled to hit Florida tomorrow.”

“Fine. Rick Sanders is standing by to receive it.” There’s a pause. “Are you screwing her?”

He sounds curious, and that’s not a good thing. I don’t want Eve standing out to him any more than she already does.

“When I can find a gag big enough to shut her up,” I drawl,sliding my eyeline away from Joseph’s.

Emilio’s laugh goes right through me. “Gag or no gag, I bet she screams pretty. You’re a real piece of work, Dante. I pity any woman who catches your attention.”

Likewise,I think grimly. Emilio has three ex-wives. Three ex-beauty queens who have all gone missing, presumed dead. You stay on the right side of my brother, or you pay with your life.

“Asshole,” I mutter, finally hanging up.

Joseph says nothing. I know he agrees, but he’ll never say the words out loud.

“Go on then, enlighten me.” I lean back in my chair again and place my hands behind my head. Bracing myself for the next revelation about my angel. “What else do you have on her?”

9

EVE

Icollapse against the white tiles, letting the water run in deep rivulets down my face. I stay like that for as long as I can stand the heat and the pressure. Washing the sin andhimfrom my skin.

Every part of me aches, most of all between my legs. My tears intermingle with the water as memories from last night come flooding back. Is this what my life is to be like now? To be used and abused whenever he chooses and then locked away like a dirty little secret?

He didn’t use a condom. God knows what diseases he’s given me. Does he even care? At least there’s no chance of me falling pregnant. I can thank my contraceptive shot for that.

Wrapping a towel around my shivering body, I step out of the bathroom and freeze. A white sundress has been laid out for me on the bed, along with a plate of delicious-smelling pastriesand a glass of freshly squeezed juice.

Is this my reward for my total and utter submission? For allowing him to fuck me exactly how he wanted?

“Do you like it?”

I spin around in shock. He’s leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. Calm as anything, without a hint of remorse on his face.

The air vanishes from the room as my periphery narrows and focuses. He’s wearing black jeans and a white T-shirt that hugs his ripped torso like a second skin. He’s so beautiful, I can barely breathe. His stillness is unnerving, his expression unreadable.

“Well?” he prompts.

“Why would I?” I mutter. “I’m your prisoner, not your whore. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t treat me as such.”

He raises his eyebrows at my outburst. “I pay my whores for subservience, Eve. I can hardly accuse you of that.”

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