Page 90 of The Perfect Stranger

The answer only layered the guilt. Guilt I deserved.

She had been given a provocative, skin revealing dress to wear just for him.

He had attempted to rape her, almost succeeding.

When he attacked, she was able to stop him with an ultimatum—one wrong digit tomorrow finalizing the transaction and the game was up.

For the rest of the night, I held Nina close. She wanted comfort and wanted me to give it to her. She asked questions, needing the pieces of the puzzle to fit together finally. I told her of La Balsa and what had happened. I told her more about why I needed my revenge. Her arms tightened around me, offering her own form of comfort. When conversation ceased, I breathed Nina in and stroked her arm until she fell asleep.

I stayed awake, cautious that we were still in Gabriel’s house and his rules still applied. I didn’t want to be caught off guard in the event he went on one his tirades.

Our battle with the Santos cartel was not yet over.

It had only just begun.

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