Page 58 of Puma's Pride

I hear Corinne’s softer chuckle as she sits next to me. “I’m pretty grateful that you brought the literal Trouble into my life. But you shouldn’t worry. I’m sure the guys have everything under control.”

I glance at Corinne and narrow my eyes. “Just a few hours ago, you were ready to run. But now you’re not worried? Because they’re cops? You think cops will treat Puma and his men fairly?”

Corinne frowns, considers my question and then shakes her head slowly. “Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about the cops at all. I was thinking about Puma and Trouble. I’ve met men and women who crumble when their plans don’t come together the way they expect. They hit a snag and they fall apart. Those two men hit every obstacle with a plan to overcome it. As if nothing and nobody can stop them from achieving victory.”

I study her and know that the picture she’s painting has some major flaws, but she is right about one thing. Our men know how to roll with the punches and come back swinging harder than before. They don’t give up and they’re always thinking.

“You’re right. I think I’m just worked up because I feel like this is all my fault. If I wasn’t here…”

“Stop right there.” Corinne orders. “I like you and Elina too much to imagine what would become of either of you if you weren’t under Puma’s protection.” She shudders and I have to laugh.

“Are you the same person I was talking to just a few hours ago?” I ask her.

She chuckles. “Yeah, yeah. I listened to you. Sue me.”

We sit in silence for a few minutes until Desdemona breaks it.

“Why do you think the cops are here?” She asks me. “You seem to think you’re the cause.”

“This is Juan’s doing.” I say. “I was telling Puma earlier that Greg’s attack made little sense. Juan knows the cars are bulletproof. He would know that Puma would likely catch Greg in the act.”

“You think Juan called the police?” Corinne asks and I nod.

“I do. The timing is right.”

I hear a commotion behind us and I turn in time to see Juan, wearing a police uniform, grab Elina up from her chair. He slams the door shut and holds her against his chest. “Alisa, you and Elina are coming with me.” He says, his gun pointing at my baby’s head.

I stifle my scream just as Elina lets out hers. Only she screams right into the bastard’s ear. He shifts his attention to her, snapping for her to shut up. Mal runs up and punches Juan hard in the crotch. Juan buckles and the gun goes off. I scream again as Elina drops to the ground. Showtime grabs Juan around the neck and has him in a chokehold when the door bursts open. Puma runs into the room and takes in the chaos.

I ignore everyone as I run to Elina, dropping next to her. Puma moves up behind me. I can barely see through the tears, but what I can make out has me crying even harder. Mal is holding Elina close, shielding her with his little body. It looks like he inherited his father’s hero DNA.

Corinne drops next to me and gives me a tearful smile. “I think I just aged thirty years.” She says and I laugh.

“Me, too.”

I get Elina ready for bed and hold her close until her breathing evens out and I know she’s asleep. I want to stay like this and hold her all night, but her bed is too small. She flails in her sleep. I know she’ll not only wake me up, but likely herself as well if I’m in the way. Reluctantly, I rise and tuck her in, spending several minutes just taking her in. With a sigh, I leave the room to find Max sitting outside her door.

“Just in case she or Mal have nightmares.” He says when I raise an eyebrow in question. “Have to protect our future warriors.”

I smile and pat his shoulder before moving past him. I stop when I see Mal’s door open and Corinne step out.

“How is he?” I ask her.

She smiles. “Asleep. Finally. He was pretty proud of himself.”

“He should be. He’s a hero. Just like his daddy.” I remind her.

“How’s Elina?”

“Sleeping. Finally.” I laugh. “I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep that quickly.”

“Kids are more resilient.” She says. “Then again, I don’t think either of them understands what could have happened tonight.”

“Are you having second thoughts?” I ask her as we head to the common room.

She doesn’t answer, but responds with her own question. “Do you think it’s over now? With Juan’s arrest?”

I consider the question and slowly nod. “I think so. Puma will need to talk to Sal, and there might be some fallout. But I don’t think Sal can hold his son’s arrest against Puma or the club. Not after everything Juan’s done.” I let my mind play over everything I know. “I think we’re fine. You and Mal should stay here for at least a few more days until we know for certain. Either way, Puma will want to beef up the security at your condo before you two go back. If you want to go back.”

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