Page 48 of Declan's Hope

Thiswas Salazar?

"He took what I loved" he said. "And now—"

A fit of coughing had Salazar nearly doubling over, while the men behind him grabbed him around his shoulders and waist—holding him up.

"Quítame las manos de encima!" He pulled away from his men, his anger palpable. "I don’t require your help." The men immediately stepped back and stood at attention, while Salazar swiped a shaking hand over his brow dotted with sweat. Then he went to his full height—though it couldn’t be more than five-eight or nine. His hate-filled gaze raked over her and Mercy. "It is only fitting I take what he loves."

"Then you’ve made a huge mistake," Hope said, standing on shaky legs and facing the man. "He doesn’t love me. And the children waiting outside have no idea who he is. They are innocent"

"Yes, innocent children." A slow grin spread over Salazar’s face. Nothing about it reassured her. Then his jaw tightened, his stare going to Mercy and Kara. "I will have to live knowing my son is dead. But killing this Declan Carter will never be enough." He met Hope’s gaze. "He must suffer. And what better way than having their deaths on his head."

"No," she breathed out, clutching her hand to her chest. She pressed it tight against her racing heart, hoping to slow it down. But it didn’t help. Then she reached out her other hand in supplication. "You can’t. If you have to, yes, kill me. But let the children go."

He lifted a brow. "Oh, cariño mío, since you have begged so sweetly—"

Relief began to set in, but quickly fled.

"I’ll spare you watching." A horrendous smile split his face. "You will die first."

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