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I wished Carmen were here to put Evelyn at ease, but I understood why the cartel queen had stayed in Mexico City. After Los Zetas’ brazen attack in their territory, one of them needed to remain in their stronghold to oversee security.
“Come join us,” Stefano invited with a sweep of his arm, gesturing toward a cluster of armchairs in the back corner. A dark-haired man occupied one of them like it was a throne, and a massive guard stood stone-faced at his back. He was about my size—well over six feet tall and roped with muscle. If I so much as looked at Adrián Rodríguez he wrong way, he was prepared to snap my neck.
At least, he could try. We would be evenly matched, and I had Evelyn’s safety to worry about. If he sparked my protective fury, he would die screaming before he got anywhere near her.
I managed to keep the threatening tension from gripping my body as I sauntered behind Stefano to join the men. Acting like a brutish caveman wouldn’t do me any favors tonight. These were my new, dangerous friends, and I needed them on my side. I had to secure the alliance and keep my promise to Gian and Enzo.
When we reached them, my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the shadowed corner. The stage was by the bar, and the riotous music that filled the club was notably quieter this far away. Our conversation wouldn’t be overheard, but we wouldn’t have to shout over the music. The setting was ideal for a clandestine meeting.
“Massimo, this is Adrián,” Stefano introduced us. “Adrián, this is our new Italian friend I’ve told you so much about, Massimo Imperiale.”
Adrián didn’t stand to greet us. He remained reclined in his chair, his only acknowledgment of the introduction a slight inclination of his head. He was a king in his own domain, and he bowed to no one. His shockingly pale green eyes seemed to glow through the darkness, studying me with an intensity that would’ve made a weaker man squirm.
I met him head-on, offering him a warm smile. “I’m looking forward to our new friendship.”
He cocked his head, a cunning snake. His cold eyes cut to Evelyn.
I tensed, but Stefano quickly said, “Evelyn is with Massimo. He didn’t want her getting bored at the mansion all by herself.”
“Are you so easily bored?” he drawled, addressing her. “Can you not spend a few hours away from your beloved?”
She stiffened, but she edged toward me. “I want to stay close to Massimo,” she declared, her voice ringing out clearly. She might be intimidated, but she didn’t cower. “He keeps me safe.”
Adrián’s dark brows rose to his artfully tousled black hair. “Do you feel unsafe in my territory?”
She swallowed but met his challenging gaze. “I want to stay with Massimo,” she repeated, avoiding answering his question directly. It was a trap, and she was clever enough not to get caught in it. If she’d admitted she was afraid to be alone in his territory, he would’ve pounced on the insult. She didn’t give him the opportunity to rebuke us.
Again, she pledged her loyalty to me, staring down one of the most dangerous men in the world. The urge to sweep her up in a hungry kiss was almost overwhelming. This strong, stunning woman belonged to me. She gave herself to me willingly. Fearlessly.
“The girl isn’t a threat,” the big man at Adrián’s back interjected, his voice deep like rolling thunder.
The cartel kingpin glanced at his bodyguard, mild irritation tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I can see that, Mateo.” His sharp gaze pierced me once again. “You are both welcome to join us.” He gestured at the empty armchair directly across from him.
Stefano took his seat beside his Colombian partner, and I took the offered chair. It was barely big enough to accommodate me, so I placed Evelyn on my lap.
She sat stiffly, clearly uncomfortable with the arrangement. I placed my hand on her hip, giving her a light squeeze to ground her to me. She blew out a soft sigh and relaxed a fraction.
“As I was saying,” Stefano said to his friend, “Massimo has come to us with a very profitable proposal. His associates are already back in Italy arranging the final details.”
“I know,” Adrián replied in that cold drawl. “You don’t have to put on a show, Stefano. I’ve overseen some of the arrangements myself. This meeting wouldn’t be happening if I weren’t already committed to the deal.”
“Yes,” Stefano allowed with an almost maniacal grin. “But this way, we all get to have a drink together.”
Adrián sighed. “It’s always a party with you. I prefer business. You can be very tedious, Duarte.”
“You can go home to Valentina soon enough,” Stefano replied, the picture of a sympathetic friend. “I know how you hate to leave your wife.”
“Keep my wife’s name out of your mouth unless you want to lose your tongue.” The threat was calm and cold.
“Adrián,” Stefano chided. “Massimo will think we’re not truly friends.” He turned his black eyes on me. “It’s just his way,” he explained. “He has a reputation to uphold.”
Yes, I’d heard about Adrián Rodríguez’s reputation for sadism and calculating cruelty. I didn’t like having him so close to Evelyn, but as long as I remained in his favor, that fearsome reputation would provide protection for us both. No one crossed him, especially not this deep in his own territory.
“I have a lot of respect for you and your operation,” I told him. “My associates and I chose to approach you and Stefano for this deal because we trust that you have the strength and resources to foster a profitable alliance. I came to Colombia because I would like to be your friend. We could make a lot of money together.”
Adrián considered me for a long moment, then gestured to a server. The man appeared out of the shadows, waiting to see to his boss’ every need.
“Get my friends something to drink.” He issued the command lazily, as though he wasn’t making a significant gesture.
