A Cartel Affair (First Original Draft)

Chapter 24

Photo to the side - Hispanic Actor Jesus Martinez as Miguel

Lea's P.O.V.

I showered and changed into the black dress and flats that were in the bag given to me. I didn't have a choice as Miller's blood had stained my pants and shirt. The dress was casual and I didn't have any make up, so I decided to throw my still damp hair into a messy bun.

I jumped as a knock sounded on the bath door. "Time to go."

I flung the door open and pushed past watchdog number one. I stopped and looked over my shoulder at him, "What is your name?"

"None of your business."

I chuckled and crossed my arms over my chest, "Really? It's been my experience that people who call themselves None Of Your Business are nothing but overgrown monkey asses."

The guard turned and before I could blink, had me pinned against the wall, a hand on either side of my shoulders. There was no warmth or excitement coursing through me from the aggressive action as there had been with Carter.

He leaned in and brushed his mouth next to my ear, "They weren't lying when they said you were an annoying little shit."

I wanted to ask who he was referring to but footsteps stopping outside the room door and the sound of the knob turning stopped me.

He pulled back slightly as the door opened, his tone going cold once more has he spoke, "You really should learn to control that mouth yours girl." He ran a hand down the length of my arm causing me to shudder, "Because If you don't, I'm sure I can find a much better use for it."

"Emilio, let her go." Victoria walked into the room. "Miguel doesn't deal with spoiled and damaged goods."

I felt my face betray me as it fell.

"Oh," Victoria walked slowly to where I was still pinned to the wall, her smirk widening into a wicked grin as she stood beside Emilio. "I see you've heard the name. Let me guess, Carter warned you about him."

I didn't acknowledge Victoria as I watched her every move.

"Come, Lea. We have a stop to make before we head to your final destination."

Emilio dropped his arms but didn't move. I slid sideways down the wall, away from the guard, and quietly followed Victoria to the elevator, both guards following closely behind.

The shower had washed away the shock of Miller being shot and as we walked, I took the time to really look around my surrounding. I noticed the name of the hotel and stopped in my tracks, a sense of dread slowly filling me.

Victoria sensed I had stopped and slowly spun. She let her eyes trail over my frozen body, enjoying my obvious discomfort.

"Why are we here?"

I had always planned on coming back to my hometown one day, when I knew I was ready to face my past, but that day wasn't today, or tomorrow for that matter. I clenched my jaw and steeled myself for Victoria's answer.

"Cecily's birthday is tomorrow, isn't it?"

I didn't answer. The cruelty of this woman never ceased to amaze me. I raised my hand to my neck and fingered the pendant Lynx had given me. I knew that if I pressed the center diamond, it would activate the tracker so that Carter would know where I was. But I also knew that if I did that, then it would lead him and the rest of the guys I had grown found of straight into Victoria's trap.

"Why are you doing this Victoria?" I fought to keep the pain from my voice. "You could hand me over to Miguel right now, break Carter, and take the organization for yourself."