Page 98 of LA Reign

“I can see that,” he growls at me. “Not my problem.”

I suck in a breath. “Whatever my husband has done, Rafe, this girl and her baby are entirely innocent.”

“We won’t be hurting her or her baby, don’t worry,” he snaps.

“She’s just a kid, Rafe. Just let her outside for some air. She’s hardly going to escape with you two watching her, is she?”

He shakes his head. “Boss says she’s to stay down here. But don’t worry, we’re not allowed to harm a hair on her pretty little head. You, on the other hand…” He licks his lips and my stomach turns. “You’re fair game. Just as soon as we have your husband where we want him.”

I swallow a rush of bile. What are they planning on doing to Alejandro? I hate that they’re using me to hurt him.

“My husband will cut off your balls,” I mutter.

He scowls at me, stepping towards me with his hand raised. I brace myself for another blow, but he’s disturbed by the ringing of his cell phone. He pulls it out of his pocket and holds it to his ear. I listen to the one-sided conversation.

“Yes, boss?” he says.

“They’re fine. His puta is a mouthy bitch though. I can’t wait to teach her a few manners.”

Laughter.

“Well, of course he is. He’s a fool.”

“No. He’ll never find them. Because he’ll never suspect you. Arrogant prick!”

“We can do a few more days, yes.”

“He’ll be on his knees. He’ll be ready to sell his soul by then.”

More laughter.

“Adiós.”

I try and fill in the gaps of that conversation, and I don’t like any of the possible conclusions. Rafe turns to me with a grin as he pockets his cell phone. “Seems your husband is creating quite the stir looking for you, puta! He is causing World War Three out there. But he isn’t even close to finding you or discovering who is double-crossing him.”

So, it is someone who Alejandro trusts behind this, as he dreaded. Or Rafe wouldn’t have mentioned being double-crossed, or made that comment about him never suspecting. Because your enemies don’t stab you in the back—they look you right in the eye as they twist the knife.

“I guarantee he’ll find out soon enough, and then no-one will be able to protect you, Rafe. And if you know my husband at all, you know that what I’m saying is true.”

I bite back a smile as I see him wince. Another thing I’ve learned. He does know Alejandro. Well enough to be worried.

“Fuck you, puta,” he snarls.

Chapter

Forty-Five

ALANA

Ihave no idea how long we’ve been in this dark and filthy basement. As well as knowing Rafe’s name, I found out the other one is Gian. They’ve fed us and kept us hydrated, allowing us toilet breaks on the bucket. Embarrassing and humiliating, but nothing we won’t survive. And apart from having to endure their lewd comments about me and Gian’s wandering hands, they haven’t followed through on any of their threats. Yet.

Mercifully, they haven’t laid a finger on Lucia, and I am eternally grateful. She has been incredible. So brave and strong. I keep on telling her that Alejandro will find us soon and take us home. Gian and Rafe laugh every time I say it. Occasionally Gian slaps me for being “so annoying,” but it doesn’t deter me. It’s the only hope we have, and I cling to it hard enough for both of us.

Lucia and I are still tied up. I have scoured the room to look for something to use as a weapon, or to cut our ties, and while there is a knife nearby, the two men never leave us alone. One of them is always watching us.

“What time did he say he’d be here?” Gian says impatiently and I sense the tension seeping into the room.

“He’ll be here soon. Chill,” Rafe replies.