Page 28 of Brick's Retribution

The light fades as the sun dips below the canyon walls, casting long shadows that make navigating it even more challenging.

Finally, the canyon widens, opening into a small valley surrounded by steep cliffs.

Brick cuts the engine, letting the bike coast to a stop in the shelter of an overhanging rock.

For a moment, we sit in silence, straining to hear if they’re still following us.

Nothing but the whisper of wind through the rocks and the cooling tick of the motorcycle engine.

"We lost them?" I ask, unable to fully believe it was that easy.

"For now." Brick dismounts, helping me off with a steadying hand that I hate myself for needing. "But they'll find another way around. We need to keep moving."

I nod, stretching my cramped muscles. "Who shot at us?"

"Professionals," he answers, checking the bike for damage. "First shot was a warning. They were aiming to disable the bike, not kill us."

"That doesn't make sense." I pace, mind racing. "If Diego betrayed us, why not just kill me? Why the elaborate chase?"

Brick straightens, eyes meeting mine. "Maybe they don't want you dead. Maybe they want you alive."

As much as I don’t want to think about it, Brick’s probably right.

Diego had helped us track down the last human trafficking operation that had infiltrated our border territories.

He knewexactlyhow valuable a cartel princess would be to the right buyers.

"They wouldn't dare," I whisper, but even as I say it, I know it's not true.

They would dare.

The right price would make any risk worthwhile.

"We need to contact your father," Brick says, pulling out his phone. "If Diego's involved, he might not be the only one. Your father needs to know who he can trust."

I shake my head. "No contact. That's what he said. No contact until he reaches out first."

Brick's eyes narrow. "That was before we knew Diego was compromised."

"It doesn't matter. We stick to what he said." Years of training makes this decision automatic. "Besides, my father doesn't trust electronic communications. Everything important goes through trusted messengers."

"Like Diego," Brick points out, frustration evident.

"Like Diego," I agree grimly.

He runs a hand over his head. "So we're on our own."

We're alone in hostile territory, pursued by unknown enemies, with no way to communicate with potential allies.

Our only option is to reach Chihuahua and the relative safety of Brick’s club.

"We should get moving," I say, straightening my shoulders. "Use the darkness as our best weapon."

Brick studies me for a long moment, something like respect flickering in his amber eyes. "You're handling this well."

I give him a bitter smile. "This isn't my first life-or-death situation."

"The assassination attempt?"

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