Page 62 of Bullet

We went back over to Carlos to offer him the deal. “I need you to do something for me, and in exchange, I'll let you go and leave your family alone.”

He arched a brow but didn't say anything, so I took that as a sign to continue. “This is what you're going to do. Round up your buddies and go back to Matteo. Tell him that you didn't find the girl and you think she's long gone.”

His brow furrowed. “Why should I trust you? How do I know that you won't kill me and my family once I do what you say?”

I chuckled, crossing my arms over my chest. “Look, I may be an asshole, but I'm a man of my word. If you don't, then I'll send my prospect to go pick up your family and bring them back here, and we can see how many fingers of theirs I have to cut off before you change your mind.”

He frowned, unresponsive for several seconds. Then he sighed. “Fine. I'll do it.”

Internally, I was celebrating, but I kept a stone face on the outside. “Good. Don't think about fucking us over, or you will regret it. We'll be watching your every move to make sure you follow through. If you don't, be prepared for the consequences.”

I turned to Dead Man and Trey. “Untie him and take him back to where you picked him up. Make sure no one sees you. Then I want you to tail them and make sure he and his buddies leave town.”

“On it, boss,” Trey replied as he went to work untying Carlos.

I lit a cigarette and took a drag. I was happy I didn't have to get a woman and kids mixed up in our dirty work. And I hoped Carlos kept his end of the bargain so it stayed that way.

My mind went to Dixyn. I needed to ask her about her relationship with Matteo, no matter how much it pissed me off. I needed to know what to expect if shit went south.

Satisfied with how things worked out, I went to the shop to get some work done. When I got there, Cowboy followed me into my office and closed the door behind him.

“What's up?” I asked, wondering what couldn't wait.

“Forsaken are making a big run tonight. A shit ton of guns to their biggest buyer. Thought we could hit them on the road before they reach the drop.”

“Who's running?”

“Apache, Raleigh, and Jameson.”

Fuck. My mind went to Dixyn and how she would feel if anything happened to her family.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “I'm not sure that's a good idea with all the shit we have going on with Matteo and the cartel. We don't need more heat on our backs.”

Cowboy frowned. “It would be a decent haul, and we'd hurt the Forsaken. A win-win.”

“As much as I want to hit the Forsaken where it hurts, now is not the time. We still have cartel running around Laughlin with no idea of motive or how long they're sticking around. We're not hurting for guns; we're getting that shipment from the Chinese next week.”

Cowboy clenched his fists. “You're letting that girl get to you.”

I tensed, angered by his accusation “Be careful what you say next, brother.”

My VP and I stared at each other for several heated moments. Then he turned away and stormed out of my office, letting the door slam behind him.

I blew out a breath of frustration. Was I letting my feelings for Dixyn get in the way of business? Would I take the opportunity to hit the Forsaken if I wasn't fucking her?

I told myself I would make the same decision given the circumstances, but I wasn't sure.

Sitting down at my desk, I took out my phone since I hadn't looked at it since getting to the warehouse. A text from Dixyn greeted me.

Well, speak of the devil.

Kitten:Can you meet me tonight?

A small grin tipped my lips. Dixyn was one of the few things in my fucked-up life that made me happy. Plus, meeting her would give me the opportunity I needed to ask her about Matteo.

Me:Sure, kitten. Where and when?

Kitten:Your place?

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