Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 122440 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 612(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 408(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122440 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 612(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 408(@300wpm)
“This was the man who abused you so severely.”
Guadalupe nodded slowly. “He used me to blackmail businessmen and politicians by having me seduce them, but then he would fly into a rage and beat me after I gave him the videos. That went on for some years. Through it all, my son was very aware, and as he grew it was under the influence of Enrique. Enrique treated him like a son. He had no heirs, and as Salvadore grew up, Enrique taught him more and more of the business. Naturally, Salvadore wanted me away from Benedict and out of the trafficking business.”
“I can’t imagine how painful that must have been for a young boy, or growing teen, to see the way his mother was treated.”
“It has scarred him,” Guadalupe admitted. “I didn’t know how else to save him. We’re very close. Enrique discouraged our relationship at first, but Salvadore refused to allow him to drive a wedge between us.”
“I’m so glad you’ve had that relationship, Guadalupe.” She felt tears burning in her eyes. “I always wanted a brother. I wanted you in my life as well. I know I didn’t suffer anywhere as much as you did, but I thought of us as being close. I wanted to be close to someone. Until I came to Knightly, I didn’t feel as if I had a single person in my life. I was such a dreamer. I would always go into my head and create these ridiculous scenarios where you and my brother would come save me. That you would want me.”
“And instead,” Guadalupe said, shame in her tone, “I put death threats in your mailbox.”
“I don’t blame you, either of you, for hating me. I couldn’t help you. I didn’t know how, but honestly, I would have if I could have.”
“I realize that. I tried to tell Salvadore that you’re innocent in all this, another victim of the senator. I knew he was coming here tonight. He told me. I think it’s best if you’re locked up safe somewhere. I need more time to talk to him.”
It occurred to Harlow she’d been so engrossed in Guadalupe’s story that she hadn’t sent the text to Larado or loaded her gun. She reluctantly hit send, mostly because she knew Wilder would be furious if anything happened to her. He’d most likely try to take on the cartel single-handedly. And she wanted to live to be with him. To spend a lifetime with him.
She may have dreamt of having a brother, but the fact was, she didn’t know him. She might feel empathy for him. She wanted the best for him. She knew he’d had a difficult life, but she wasn’t responsible. She wasn’t going to pay with her life for his need for vengeance. Making up her mind, she slid the drawer open and reached in for her gun.
“When your hand comes out of the drawer, it had better be empty.” The voice came from across the room, somewhere in the shadows.
Harlow immediately looked around frantically for Misha. She hadn’t made a sound. The dog lay on the floor, unmoving. She started toward her, but Guadalupe stepped directly in front of her, both arms wide, blocking Harlow as best she could. Harlow was tall, and Guadalupe not so much. Her son would still have a head shot if he was inclined to shoot.
The sound of an exaggerated sigh could be heard. “Really, Mama? You’re being overdramatic. It isn’t like she’s not a head taller than you. Stop flapping your arms around. You’re short; just accept it.”
“That isn’t funny, Salvadore. Don’t you dare shoot her.”
“I’m not going to shoot her. Put your arms down.” Salvadore sounded amused.
Harlow wasn’t amused in the least. There was nothing at all funny about the situation. “What did you do to my dog?”
“The dog is fine. I darted her. She’ll sleep for a few minutes and give us time to talk. My madre is convinced you’re as much a victim of the senator as she is.”
Harlow shook her head as Guadalupe reluctantly dropped her arms. “I didn’t have it that bad. He beat me, but he didn’t molest me. I’m certain my mother had threatened him against that. I found out about you when I was ten. I walked in on him trying to rape one of my friends when I was older. It wasn’t a great childhood, but I assure you, it was nothing like what he condemned you and your mother to.”
“Mama, step away from her so I can see what my sister looks like.”
Harlow couldn’t help that her stomach somersaulted at the implication that he viewed her as a sister. She should be wary of him. Keep her distance. He was a member of the cartel, perhaps even the reigning heir. He did despicable things, things she could never condone. He’d sent her death threats and meant them.