Page 169 of Hunter's Revenge

Earlier, I felt dirty and inhuman for what I did to Esperanza, but now I feel nothing hearing I killed her. As far as I’m concerned that was for my father.

Now the only emotions I feel now are rage and terror. I know Malik won’t let me go, and now I know in my heart that it’s not because of some ulterior motive.

It’s because of me. Because he wants me. When I look at him, I see love.

I may never hear those three words many dream of, but I see it in him, and that’s what I will hold in my heart.

I’ll keep it there and pray that something else can be worked out, so he doesn’t die. When I was in that cell, I wanted to warn him. I’ve done that. He has a sufficient heads-up to save himself.

Malik has his legion of Knights and allies in the Bratva and other criminal organizations.

All Dru has is me. She’s always come through for me.

Now it’s my turn to do the same for her.

I’m already typing back my reply to Diego before my brain can fully process what I’m doing.

I text back:

I will agree to come to you in exchange for my friend unharmed and your promise not to kill Malik. You have to find another way to get the cartel back.

I cross my fingers and toes he’ll agree.

The blue dots jump below my message, and Diego’s reply appears.

You have my word. Your friend will not be harmed, and I won’t kill your husband. My little undercover assistant will knock on your door in one minute. You are to go with them. They will bring you straight to me, and we’ll make the exchange. You are not to alert anyone, or the deal is off. Understood?

My breath stalls at the thought of meeting the traitor in our midst, but I bridle my emotions and type back:Yes.

I stand, tamping down the terror churning in my soul, and wait for exactly one minute, holding my breath.

I release it when there’s a knock on the door, but I still feel like I’m suspended in time.

“Come in,” I call out, my voice shaking.

In that split second as the door starts to open, all sorts of questions fly through my mind:

Who is this person?

How could they betray Malik?

How could they betray me?

What are they getting out of this deal with Diego?

What if Malik catches us?

Can he see us now?

What if his other staff come by and intervene?

I disqualify that last question when the door opens fully, and I see Jeanne standing before me.

Suddenly, things that didn’t make sense start to.

Judging from the guilty look on her face, I know she’s not here to intervene.

She’s Diego’s undercover assistant.

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