Page 56 of Naughty and Nice
“Sí, Lieutenant Ruiz.”
My smile returned as I kissed Liliana. “I’m sending Diego here today. If you need to go anywhere, he’ll drive you.”
The most beautiful shade of pink filled her cheeks. “I guess we forgot to discuss the whole new bodyguard thing.”
“Sí, we used our time together doing and saying more important things.” I leaned down, giving her one more kiss. “Love you.”
“I love you, too.”
As soon as I was back in the car, I called Em and asked him to catch me up on all things Roríguez cartel. He said he’d call me back as soon as he dropped Isabella off at the apartments. I took a longer route to el Patrón’s, wanting to put some eyes on the street. Taking two days off was something I’d never before done. I wanted to be sure I knew what was happening when I walked into Jano’s office.
Traffic was unsurprisingly heavy near the shipyard. I drove south to the warehouse. There were few cars parked within the large structure. Climbing the steps, I went inside. A few falcons were present—the men that were the eyes and ears on the street. I took their reports, learning the streets over the last few nights were typical weekend incidents. A few gang fights, a couple shootings, and an incident with masked law enforcement. All of our men were accounted for.
I was heading back to my car when Em called.
“Hola,” I said as I answered.
“I saw Liliana when I dropped Isabella off. She seems happy.”
A smile curled my lips. That’s what I wanted, for her to be happy in a way others saw her happiness. “What have I missed over the last few days?”
Getting in my car, Em’s voice played through the speakers. “Cabezõn’s been quiet. Too quiet. Your father oversaw Wanderland while you were on your honeymoon. He has security footage of two men he believes are with Cabezõn.”
“How the fuck did they get in Wanderland?”
“Rei’s going through the footage. We’ll find out what bouncer they got past.”
And then we’ll bring him in the office for questioning. “I stopped by the warehouse,” I said, “and talked to some of our falcons. The usual shit is happening on the streets, but nothing that stands out.”
“There’s something else,” Em said. “I should probably let Jano tell you, but damn, I think you should know.”
“Qué pasó?”
Chapter
Twenty-Three
Liliana
* * *
Celeste and Reina sprinted to my office as soon as Nick left the building. “Are you truly as happy as you look?” Reina asked.
I nodded, my smile growing larger. “I’m happier than I ever imagined I could be.”
Celeste feigned a frown. “I should have made a play for him sooner.”
“You missed a good one,” I replied, sitting in my desk chair. “I think I gave up on the idea of ever being loved.”
Reina sat in the chair near my desk while Celeste leaned against the wall. “Liliana, you’ve been loved,” Reina said. “All the residents adore you. Obviously so does Mia and damn, girl, el Patrón walked you down the freakin’ aisle.”
“He did.” I recalled how he gave me a last chance to back out of the marriage.
“Did that piss off your father?” she asked.
My thoughts went to my parents, hampering my joy. “I no longer have a father or mother.”
Celeste tilted her head. “What happened?”
