Page 71 of No Mistake

“Sanchez isn’t going to like it,” Ryan said. One of Sanchez’s FBI people had been killed.

“I’ll talk to him. Forty-eight hours. After that, we will find those weapons and we will go after the Vitelli Cartel and put an end to this once and for all. If that means going to Mexico and turning over every damn rock to find each and every one of them, then that is what we will do. That cartel has had way too much power for way too long. It’s time we put an end to it. And when we’re done that, we set our sights back on Reborn. We took them down once, and we will do it again.”

Ryan had never loved working for Onyx as much as he did right at that moment.

Chapter 13

Sophie held Chloe’s hand in her own as she sat beside her bed. The surgery had gone well and she would make a full recovery and have full use of her arm. Chloe had woken up a little while ago, and it had been an emotional reunion. Hearing what she’d been through had left them both in tears. But she was here now. Away from those animals, and they were both safe. Thanks to Ryan and his team.

It had been three hours since Ryan had left, and she hadn’t heard from him. She knew he was with his team, but it surprised her how much she missed him. He’d been a rock through all of this, and she’d gotten used to having him there. She took out her phone and quickly sent him a text.

Chloe’s surgery went well. She’s sleeping right now but she’s going to be fine.

She hit send, then warred with herself about what else to say. She missed him. Why couldn’t she just type that? Why did admitting it fill her with fear? He wasn’t Mark, he wasn’t trying to control her. Before she could change her mind, she typed:

I know you’re working but if you get time, come by and say hi. Chloe would love to meet you. She hesitated for just a moment before adding:

And I miss you.

She hit send just as Chloe stirred.

“Hey.” She smiled at her sister, the sense of relief at having her back sweeping over her again.

“How long did I sleep?” Chloe whispered.

“Not long. Less than an hour.” Sophie took the cup of water off the side and placed the straw at Chloe’s lips so she could take some sips.

“How are you feeling?”

“Groggy, but otherwise OK.”

“How’s the pain?”

“Not too bad. Stop worrying. I know when to ask for more meds.” Chloe gave her a small smile. Sophie tried to stop her tears, but couldn’t.

“Sophie, don’t be upset. I’m OK. I’ll be good as new in no time.”

Sophie swiped at her cheeks. “Physically, yes, but mentally, it won’t be quite as easy.”

“I know. I might have to work through some stuff, and I will. I will not let Ricardo and those assholes ruin my life.”

“You’re so strong, Chloe. I’m so proud of you.”

“My big sister showed me how to be strong. She’s the strongest person I know.”

Sophie snorted.

“You are, Sophie. You got me through Mom and Dad dying, while dealing with your own grief and studying. I can never repay you for that. I was a mess, but you were always there. Even now, you’re still looking out for me. I love you for that.”

“What you went through I can’t even imagine...”

“I knew you would find me. Or have someone find me. I held onto that. You’ve never let me down. And then the team found me. Ryan’s team. Your man’s team.”

Sophie laughed. “He's not my man.”

“Well, if he’s anything like those guys, he should be. Do not let that get away.”

A knock at the door startled them both. The door opened and Ryan stepped in. Sophie’s heart did a somersault.

---