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And truthfully, I didn’t want to be parted from him either. Not even for a few hours.
For the time being, I would go wherever Massimo went, even if that meant sharing a meal with the most dangerous drug lord in Mexico.
Chapter 5
Massimo
“It seems you had an eventful morning,” Stefano drawled as Evelyn and I took our seats at the massive dining table. His black eyes raked over my face, studying me with intensity that might’ve made a weaker man squirm. He noted the small cut on my brow. “But you got out mostly unscathed.”
“Yes,” Carmen added with a bright smile. “We’re so relieved that our friends are all right.” She placed her hand on his arm, a subtle restraint.
Duarte was pissed that our trip had been delayed, and he was probably also angry that Crawford wasn’t dead yet. His wife was attempting to smooth his harsher edges.
They made a formidable team.
Carmen’s gaze slid to Evelyn, and her overly bright smile softened into something more genuine. “How are you doing, Evelyn? I’m sure it must have been a difficult situation.”
My delicate little butterfly lifted her chin and laced her fingers through mine beneath the table, squeezing in a pulse of reassurance.
“I’m okay,” she said, the promise meant for me more than for our hostess. “Massimo protected me.”
Carmen nodded her approval. “You see? I told you our big Italian friend would keep you safe.”
I blinked at the women. Was that what they’d talked about at Duarte’s party last night? I’d worried that Carmen was trying to take Evelyn away from me, but it seemed the cartel queen might be on my side.
“I never doubted it,” Evelyn asserted. She squeezed my hand again, a silent promise of sincerity.
I brushed my thumb over her palm, marveling at the delicate beauty who’d captured my full attention. She feared the cartels, and she’d made it clear that she was uncomfortable around Duarte. But here she was, pledging her confidence in me for all to hear.
My chest swelled with pride, and my cock stiffened. If I didn’t have an obligation to stay for dinner, I would’ve thrown her over my shoulder and carried her away like the precious prize she was. I wanted to bury myself inside her and hear her scream my name as she clenched down on my dick.
“You’ll take the helicopter to the airport in the morning and then the private jet to Colombia,” Carmen continued, satisfied that Evelyn wasn’t traumatized by what’d happened with Los Zetas. “No one will ambush you on the road again, and Stefano will be traveling with you. I’m staying home this time.”
“Yes,” Stefano agreed coolly, “we wouldn’t want to put our friends at risk. The city can be a dangerous place if you cross the wrong people.” He kissed Carmen’s cheek. “I know you’ll defend our interests while I’m gone, my love.”
“You’d never allow Los Zetas to step into your territory and live,” I said, reminding him that they were his enemies too. I’d promised to kill Crawford for him, but his issues with the rival cartel were a larger problem for his business. Duarte had a reputation to uphold, and he would defend his territory with swift brutality, regardless of my presence.
Duarte’s head canted to the side, and his dark eyes considered me for a long, uncomfortable moment.
“Of course not,” he allowed after several heavy beats of silence. “And when we return from Colombia, I’ll tie up any loose ends in that regard. I’m sure you’ll be happy to help, won’t you, Massimo?”
“I look forward to it,” I replied with savage sincerity. Once I sealed the deal with Adrián Rodríguez in Colombia, I would return to Mexico City, and I would make sure to kill George Crawford slowly.
“Enough business,” Carmen declared. “I’m famished.” She signaled at a server, and plates were set.
I turned my attention to Evelyn, satisfied that we’d passed Duarte’s scrutiny. Over two dozen of his associates were present, so the focus was off us for now.
I brushed a kiss over her soft cheek. “You did so well, farfallina. You make me very happy.”
She turned her peridot eyes on me. “I meant what I said,” she replied without any guile. “I know you’ll protect me, Massimo. I’ve always known that. There’s no doubt in my mind.”
I lifted our joined hands and pressed another reverent kiss to her knuckles.
How had I gotten lucky enough to ensnare the brave devotion of this stunning woman? She’d looked a cartel king and queen squarely in the eyes and declared her loyalty to me. She feared them, but she was passionate enough to boldly advocate for me.
My chest warmed. I’d never known a connection like this. I’d never shared the secrets of my past with anyone. In my world, women were fleeting indulgences, a way to attain carnal satisfaction through exerting my control over their pleasure. I didn’t have time for distractions, so I liked submissive women who obeyed me without question.
Evelyn had dared to defy me a few times, but I found that I enjoyed her fire. I relished the challenge of dominating a woman with such strength of character. It made her submission so much sweeter.
