Page 50 of Puma's Pride

“You’re a fucking idiot.” I say in disgust. “Sal didn’t kill your brother, neither did Junior. But you are right, one of his sons did. Juan.”

Greg shakes his head in denial. “No, Juan told me what happened. Sal wants Junior to marry some bitch, the niece of one of the other cartel leaders. She was already married to a Marine, so Sal paid my brother to off him while making it look like he died in battle. Then, instead of paying him, Sal killed him.”

“And Juan told you all this?” I ask.

Greg nods.

“First.” I slam my fist into his face so hard his neck snaps back. Blood pours out of his nose while he gags and blubbers. “No one calls my woman a bitch, got it? Especially not a fucking moron. Juan killed your brother, you idiot. He talked him into killing my woman’s husband and then once he did, Juan killed him.” Greg’s shaking his head, so I press on. “Juan not only killed him, but he stole your brother’s identity. He worked for my woman’s father as part of his security, using your brother’s id to get the job.”

Greg stops shaking his head and looks at me. Now that I have his complete attention, I continue. “He played you. Junior has no interest in my woman, no matter who her family is, and Sal would never force an arranged marriage. Josef must have told you about his family. You were his best friend. Josef came after me because he thought I had something to do with your death, Juan lied to him, too. You attacked Sal’s driver, didn’t you?”

Greg nods.

I pause and glance at Trouble. “Who the fuck’s body was in the car when the bomb went off?”

“Some biker. I killed him and put him in the car.” He admits. I feel Trouble push past me and I don’t stop him. He pounds Greg into oblivion.

CHAPTER THIRTY: ALISA

I follow Corinne into the clubhouse and argue with myself about restarting the conversation from the car. The thought of her taking Mal and leaving breaks my heart. Not just for Puma, but I know how crushed Elina will be if she loses her new friend. Before we reach the hallway leading to the bedrooms, Desdemona steps out.

“There you are. I tried to keep them from falling asleep, so you could see them before their nap, but they both just conked out.”

I see Corinne stare down the hall, and I know she’s considering grabbing Mal and running.

“It might be a good idea to take a few minutes and settle before we see them. They might pick up on our anxiety.” I tell her, hoping she’ll listen.

Corinne’s shoulders droop and she nods. “That’s probably a good idea. I’m not sure what would come out of my mouth right now.”

“What’s going on?” Desdemona asks, her look of concern bouncing between the two of us.

“A man waylaid us on our way back. He shot at the SUV.” I tell her.

Desdemona frowns. “Oh, well, at least you were in the SUV.”

Corinne’s head whips around, and she glares at Desdemona. “Are you serious? Someone shot at us.”

Desdemona looks at me and then back at Corinne. “You’re frightened.” When Corinne’s eyes flash with temper, Desdemona holds her hands up. “I understand. I do. But, the SUVs are bullet proof. He couldn’t have gotten in, so he couldn’t have hurt you.”

Corinne is still angry. “That doesn’t change the fact that he waylaid us. What am I doing bringing my son into a place that has to have bullet proof vehicles?” She throws her hands up in the air in disgust.

“Why don’t you go into the playroom and sit down? It’s quieter in there and more private.” Desdemona says. “I’ll go grab a bottle of wine and some snacks.” She glances at me and we share a look before she heads for the kitchen. I walk with Corinne into the playroom and take a seat across from her.

“I know you think I’m overreacting…” Corinne starts, but I shake my head.

“I don’t.” I tell her honestly. “You’re a wonderful mother who is worried about her son.”

“How do you do it?” Corinne asks, her eyes pleading with me to help her understand. “How do you handle being here with Elina and constantly exposed to danger?”

“My situation differs from yours.” I tell her. “My father worked for Sal and his cartel since before I was born. I grew up knowing I was a potential target. We were always under threat from Sal’s enemies, including the authorities. I’ve had bodyguards since before I was Elina’s age.”

Corinne frowns. “I didn’t know that. You must have had an interesting childhood.”

I laugh as Desdemona comes in carrying a tray laden with wine, glasses, food and plates.

“It was a very boring childhood with smatterings of terror.” I tell her, taking a glass from Desdemona and piling my plate with grapes, strawberries, cheese and crackers. “I didn’t have any friends. Well, that’s not true. I had friends at school. Most parents wouldn’t let their children come to my house because of our known connection with the cartel, and I couldn’t spend time at anyone’s house without bringing at least one bodyguard.”

Corinne grimaces. “Is that how it’s going to be from now on?” She asks. “Will Mal need a bodyguard at all times?”

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