Page 1 of The Devil's Daughter

1

Elle

If someone toldme five years ago that before the age of twenty-one I’d be living in a San Diego penthouse with a billionaire, and that I’d have a pair of bodyguards following me around every second of the day, I wouldn’t have believed them.

But it’s true. For a week now, this has been my life. My two bodyguards, who were once childhood friends, live with me twenty-four-seven. They go where I go, watching my every move. Because what I didn’t realize until a week ago was how very valuable I am, at least to the man who is dead-set on carrying out a vendetta against my father.

Today I’ve actually been let out of my expensive cage for the afternoon, and I’m more than excited by the limited freedom this gives me. But it’s also the first timethey’vebeen let out to do their jobs, so they’re taking it just a little too seriously.

“Hold up,pajarito,” Ben says, inserting his muscular bulk between me and the entrance to the animal shelter. He opens the door and pokes his head in, scoping out the interior. When he cranes his neck, the dark whorl of a tattoo is visible peeking above the neck of his black Henley. Then he pushes all the way in, propping the door open for me to follow. He gives me a smirk and I roll my eyes.

“Seriously? It’s not like a rogue puppy trafficker is going to jump out and snatch me. I’m not nearly cute enough.”

I slip past, secretly pleased by how over-the-top his behavior has been since starting this gig. He gawks in mock offense. Behind me, his twin brother Baz chuckles. The pair look like dangerous mercenaries in matching black cargo pants and black shirts. They’re not carrying guns, but they have huge knives in sheaths attached to their belts. It’s a pretty sexy look, if you ask me.

“Just let him have this moment, Ellie. We’re not used to guarding someone so cute. Or who we like being around as much as you.”

I turn and give Baz a demure smile. “Aww, youdothink I’m cute. Well, for the record, I think you’re cute too.” I pat his cheek in a condescending way, even though I’m more than a little thrilled by his words. I just get an eyeroll as he moves inside, and Ben lets the door close behind him.

“Was Papá Flores that bad?” I ask, and immediately regret it. Ben snorts derisively. Baz frowns. I sigh. “Sorry. Too soon, I guess.”

My life has gottensostrange lately. It’s just easier not to over-examine the extent to which things have changed. Besides, today is all aboutpuppies.

I move farther into the lobby of the local Humane Society, marveling at how clean and bright it is. The facility looks almost brand new, with a spacious waiting room and a front desk manned by an attentive young woman about my age, who smiles brightly at me when I turn to look at her.

My twin shadows remain behind me to either side, their distorted reflections dark shapes in the security mirror above the reception desk. I’ve seen them backing up Arturo Flores on a few occasions, and that’s just what they do. They stand sentry, constantly scanning the environment for threats. Only now they’remysentries, and it gives me a pleasant shiver knowing they’re attuned to my every move.

“Hi,” I say. “I’m just here meeting my brother and his girlfriend.”

The clerk, whose name tag reads “Damaris,” is momentarily distracted by the wall of muscle at my back. “What? Oh, wait. Are you friends with Toni Valentine?” She perks up.

“Yep! She’s picking out a puppy today and invited me to help. Who can say no to puppies?” I grin and bounce on my toes.

She laughs, her cheeks turning pink. “Toni Valentine isso cool. I subscribe to her online channel. One of these days, I’ll save up to get a tattoo from her. It was such a treat to see when she made an appointment.”

A gruff expletive from behind startles me, and the next thing I know, Ben’s at my side, leaning over the counter. “She used her real name? Can I see your appointment schedule?”

Damaris leans back, startled by the huge man suddenly leaning into her workspace. He grabs the top of her monitor and swivels it on its arm. Baz joins us on my other side, peering at the screen.

“She should be using an alias,” he says. “Sam should know better.”

“Guys, it’s just the Humane Society.”

“Doesn’t matter. She goes out anywhere but her shop, she needs to take precautions. Is she here yet?” Ben snaps at Damaris. She blinks and shakes her head, rolling back a little farther in her chair.

“Y-You’re early.”

“Ben! Chill the fuck out!” I snap, smacking him on the shoulder. “I’m sorry,” I say to Damaris. “I thought they were better trained.”

“I-It’s okay,” she says, eyes wide. “I think she’s here now, though.” She lifts a hand and points toward the door. Both twins turn and move in one smooth motion. They have the double glass doors open before Sam can even reach for the handle. Both my brother and Toni freeze in place in the middle of the vestibule.

“No alias?” Ben says. “What the fuck, Toni?”

Toni heaves a groan and Sam narrows his eyes. “It’s the fucking Humane Society.”

“That’s what I said!” I push between both twins and wrap my brother in a big hug. “Missed you, Sammy. Just ignore them, they’re being overprotective.”

He hugs back in that way that makes everything right with the world, and it’s hard to let him go. After hearing he and Toni were kidnapped a week and a half ago by the very cartel boss who Baz and Ben are guarding me against, it’s been hard not to appreciate every second we have together.

---