Page 30 of Hidden By His Side

Ramiro leaned against the pillar beside him. “It’s been quiet?”

“You doubted it would be?” Seb asked.

“I always expect the worst.” Ovidio Guzman’s threats toward Summer hovered in Ramiro’s mind. “No one you recognized came by?”

“You give me too much credit. It’s not like I know everyone in the cartel. No one suspicious has lurked around the building, though. Hell, with all the security, I doubt they’d target her here at all. It’d be easier to kill her outside of your office building and would pack more of a punch.”

The too-easy-to-picture scenario made Ramiro’s stomach churn. Summer had been panicked and alone this morning when she’d come to the office. If they were after her, they could have easily taken her out.

The only reason they hadn’t was likely Ovidio Guzman’s need to be certain it would affect Ramiro. At the meeting, he’d become certain, but he was dead now.

“I stirred things up,” Ramiro warned, staring at the entrance.

Seb nodded. “Only way to send a message. Do I need to lie low again?”

“I was thinking the opposite.” Ramiro eyed him, but Seb just lifted an eyebrow and waited. “There might be room for you to wiggle back in now. It’d be good to have someone on the inside.”

Seb shook his head. “I value my life more than anything you can offer me.”

Ramiro didn’t push. Not that long ago, he’d had little choice on what jobs he’d taken. There had been orders to follow, or there would have been blood to pay. He didn’t run things that way. He suggested, but any job was ultimately his men’s choice.

Loyalty grew better that way, something he was still growing with Seb.

“I’ll take over here,” Ramiro said.

Seb nodded, but paused as he eyed a man coming up the sidewalk, weaving as he walked.

Even shit-faced, Ramiro recognized Derek Laugerman, Summer’s current prick boyfriend and the father of her baby. His fists clenched.

“Someone you know?” Seb asked.

“A gift to round out this shitty night.” Delivering some pain seemed called for. It wouldn’t be all that satisfying. The asshole could barely lurch up the steps.

“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Seb said, walking away.

Ramiro stalked toward the front entrance.

It was late, nearing midnight, and the inner lobby was empty except for security. The doorman on desk duty tonight eyed Derek with distaste. “I’m sorry, sir, but you’re not on Ms. Johnson’s approved list of guests.”

“I was approved yesterday!” Derek shouted, his words slurring.

Summer had removed his access. Ramiro was proud of her, but it also made him more certain the prick had hurt her.

“I’ll take care of this,” he said from behind Derek. The doorman paused when he recognized him. Ramiro had most of them on his payroll as extra incentive to keep an eye on Summer.

She had more protection than she’d ever know about.

The doorman’s head tilted in acknowledgement. “Mr. Rodriguez.”

“Rodriguez?” Derek turned, eyeing him with a confused look. He looked back at the doorman. “I need to see Summer. Let me see her?” he whined.

Ramiro clamped a hand on his shoulder. “You and I need to have a talk first.” He forced Derek toward the door. There were too many cameras in the lobby. The two out front would be easier for Hayes to erase the footage on.

Summer had been crying that morning. This man had caused it. He deserved to be a smear on the sidewalk for that. It would have been better if the prick hadn’t drowned himself in alcohol first, but if he didn’t remember the lesson, Ramiro could always deliver it again when he was sober.

Derek tried to shrug off Ramiro’s hold, and Ramiro released him, letting him tumble down the steps to the sidewalk.

“You can’t trip me,” the prick whined, bracing himself on the concrete.

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