Page 19 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

“That’s the plan….but we saw how well my plan worked out earlier,” he pouts.Fucking pouts.This grown-ass man, with a reputation that could put the devil to shame, pouted. I giggle. My mood has significantly lightened, now that I know we may see Liam for more than a brief moment.

“I’ll call Killian or Liam on the way to the airport. You and I are going to take a little vacation while things cool off around here. Geraldo will think I am breaking in my new pet. Which is a good thing—it will keep us off his radar for a while. In the meantime, I have a ‘body’ to deliver.” He air-quotes the last part and shoots me a devastatingly beautiful smile. I can’t even stop the smile I give him in return.

No, he’s not a monster.

Definitely redeemable.

Oh, God. Is this what Stockholm Syndrome feels like?

Madison’s hairis blowing in the salty breeze as we cruise toward South Beach. Her arms are wrapped tightly around herself. The blue glow of the interior lights makes her look even more angelic than ever.

I’d love to know what she’s thinking right now, yet there is beauty in silence. I don’t want to interrupt her brief moment of peace. She seemed satisfied with her decision, knowing that the ones she loves are safe. Although, I don’t think she’ll betrulysatisfied until Geraldo is dead. It’s the desire to help others that drives her.

We have that in common.

As if sensing me staring at her, she opens her eyes and turns her head my way.

“What are you staring at,Ocean Eyes?"

That’s the first time I have heard her call me that. It’s a nickname—and not one that creates panic when you hear it.

I shrug, currently tongue-tied at the moment. “I was just admiring your beauty. Liam is one lucky son of a bitch,” I say truthfully.

A shiver rocks her body. I’m proud enough to know that my words affect her.It’s a rather warm night. Even out on the water.

“You ready to call your man,Mariposita?” A flare of jealousy hits me as the words slip off my tongue.

“Yes,” she says simply.

I pull her into my lap and fold her hands over the helm. She gawks at me. “Keep the front of the boat heading toward the coast.”

Taking out my phone, I dial the number we have been using to contact them. I put it on speaker, holding the phone close to us. My other hand snakes around her flat stomach. Which reminds me—she must bestarving. Her last meal was a sleeve of saltines.Fuck. I’ll make sure from this day forward this woman never goes hungry again. On the third ring, Killian picks up:

“Diego?”

I give Madison’s waist a gentle squeeze, encouraging her to speak.

“Kil, it’s Maddy.”

“Madison,Jesus fucking Christ, are you okay?” The sound of shuffling and crackling fills the line before Liam’s voice fills the space between us.

“Baby, are you hurt? Where does he have you? Are you on a boat? What’s that sound? I swear to?—”

“I’mfine, Liam. Calm down and listen to me. Is Selena there? We need to talk to all of you.”

“Hello, Liam.” I cut in.

“Youmotherfucker.What are you playing at?”

“Your man is quite the hot head, Mariposita,”I laugh, directing my words at Madison.It’s too much fun. Getting her man all riled up, knowing it would ruffle her feathers as well.

“Cut it out, Diego or I’ll punch you in the ribs again.” She giggles, losing her composure.

“Good job, baby,” Liam commends her.

“Diego, it’s Sel. We need to fill them in.”

“No shit,Sherlock. I told Killian I would be delivering hisbrother’s body to the house. We are en route to you with one of ours lost tonight. Do what you may with him.”

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