Page 57 of Unexpected Temptation

“I have no idea what he did or didn’t do. I’m giving you the facts.”

“So you’re willing to pin this on Rafeal Trentini.”

“Again, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She scoffs, then looks at Tank. I wonder if this is their version of good cop, bad cop. Tank leans forward, lowering his voice. “Listen, T?—”

“Fuck you,” I grunt.

He swallows, then goes on. “Just listen to what she has to say, all right? It’s reasonable.”

“My best buddy. One of the only people who survived that hell with me.”

Tank hardens his expression or tries to. “You need to be reasonable.”

“You’re working for the Mob, Tank.”

He tilts his head at me. “Really?You’regoing to tell me that.”

“Every jarhead worth a damn would spit on you if he got the chance.”

That seriously wounds the fucker. He looks like a lost little kid, then says, “I tried to warn you not to get close to her. How didyou think they would react? The Marine who’s ice-cold … People talk about you.”

I don’t answer. I know he’s right, but there’s nothing to say. A jarhead doesn’t stab his brother in the back. It’s as simple as that.

“So now you’re going to tell me I have to work with Carlo,” I say with a tired sigh. “This was never about busting the Mob. I hope they’re paying you well.”

“Carlo and our friends have a simple problem,” Ramirez says. “Similar to your problem. Things need to be stored; things need to be moved. Just play the game, and this little problem won’t have to ruin you, that pretty sanctuary of yours, or that sweet romance you’re starting …”

I stare at the bitch, hating the fact she’s bringing Maya into this, hating myself more for doing the same. I should’ve kept her as a vision in a window.

“So if I don’t move coke for the Trentinis, you’re going to what burn my home down. You’re going to hurt Maya.”

“Did we say that?” Tank snaps.

I laugh gruffly. “Look at her,bro. Did she flinch when I said that? Maybe you think you’re crossing a couple of lines here and there to get ahead. Maybe you’re telling yourself the world’s so corrupt, you haven’t got a choice, but it’s bullshit. She’s going to kill an innocent woman and burn a dog sanctuary. That’s the team you chose. At least be fucking honest about it.”

Ramirez smiles with sick satisfaction when my temper slips. “It seems we have an understanding, then?”

I grind my teeth, sitting back, wishing I could tell them to go fuck themselves. But the Trentini spider web is too intricately woven into the legitimate world. There’s only one language people like this understand.

“Yeah, I get it,” I tell her. “You don’t have to say anything else.”

She smirks again, then stands up. “Tell your little story to the other detectives. I’ll arrange it so the case becomes weak, so to speak, and our friend Carlo will visit as planned. All sound good?”

I expect Tank to follow her, but he lingers, hands behind his back. “T, man, I just have to do the right thing.”

“So do I,” I growl.

He gives me a long look as though he’s going to ask what I’m talking about, but he should know exactly what this has to come to. He might’ve forgotten who he is, but I haven’t forgotten who the hellIam.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

MAYA

Iwake the following day to Loki yapping through the house. Nobody would think he’s a Jack Russell if they heard just the sound of his bark. He makes a pretty good watch dog, that’s for sure.

After rushing to Mom’s room and checking on her, I scoop Loki up and carry him to the front door. Luna looks up at me from the couch as I walk by, a tired look on her face, like she’s saying,Do you really expect me to move?

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