“What? Why would anyone want that?”
“Because mi corazón, it distracted the entire world from what they were doing. Evil men want others to exist, because it only makes them fade behind the others. Rafael was the one who made the biggest waves in the water. Of course, they’d want someone else doing the same. The fact we don’t is a problem, and smaller cartels believe they can band together to try and overthrow us. The reason I was in Venezuela is to show our now ally how we could be helpful. My father wanted to stay there for an entire month, but he simply couldn’t. He’s the leader and while running for such a prestigious position he can’t be away that long. So, he asked if I could swap positions with him and prove to the Rojas familia that we are stronger together than apart.”
“Who are the Rojas?” she asks, not ever hearing the name before.
“The Rojas are the familia like ours in Venezuela. You see, us Latin American countries operate very much in the same manner. You said you never really spoke to Rafael, yes?”
“That’s correct. I met him once when I was small, only for our abuela who was dying at the time.”
“Ah I see. Okay. So, view it in this way. Our family is royalty of the crime world for Mexico. The Rojas are the same for Venezuela. As are the Montoya familia in Columbia. Do you follow?”
“Yes. So, are the Montoyas friends of the Cartel?”
“Eh, not so much. At least, not yet. You see, Rafael wanted to create a divide between the countries because he believed himself to be better, more superior. That isn’t what we want and thus changing their minds is rather difficult. They were used to a vile man, so negotiating with those who only want us to respect them is such a drastic change.”
“It makes sense. So, you were there for thirty days doing what?” She still seems upset, but I can’t blame her.
“Señor Rojas, his three-year-old granddaughter was kidnapped and held for ransom. I helped his men locate the Brazilian gang who took her. He didn’t have to pay a penny for my aid, nor the ransom, and his granddaughter was returned safely to her mother.”
“God. That’s horrible. So . . . you were trucking through the rainforest trying to find a little girl and I was giving you shit for it?”
I chuckle once, “Yep, but I’m still the asshole.”
“Oh, I wasn’t denying that. I just feel bad that I gave you a bit of sass about it. You were off risking your life for a kid you didn’t know. There’s nothing heroic about that at all.” I can sense the sarcasm in her voice and let out a chuckle, pressing a kiss to her temple. “And you say you’re not a good person,” she adds.
“I’m not, Amara. One day you’ll see.”
“Yeah, right.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I really just think you’re saying that to make me not feel bad about myself.” She admits.
I roll my eyes at this incorrigible woman. “I’m not one of those typical American boys you’re used to, mi reyna. I mean what I say, and I say what I mean. Understood?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever met a man quite like you.” She confesses, looking into my eyes.
“I would have to agree. Now, since I’ve told you a bit about what the Cartel is working on . . . I’m going to say I don’t want you to leave here. I want you to stay here, in Mexico, with me.”
Amara blinks a few times. “I’m sorry. What?”
“We’re in a relationship now, no?”
“Yes, we are.” She replies.
“I’m not letting you go, Amara. I know what I want and I take it. That is what I said to Angel and I’ll say it to you. Once I make a decision, I’m not the type of man who changes it. You will stay here with me.”
“Um, did I miss something? When did you become the man who makes decisions for me?”
“When you said you wanted to be with me!” I huff, frustrated that this is even a discussion. If she wanted to be with me, she should know the terms. Of course, she wouldn’t be going back to America. Never will I allow my woman to leave my side. We are partners. We stand side by side.
“Estúpido hombre!” Amara growls, rising from her seat and walks away from me.
I’m certain I just pissed her off, but she should know we won’t be separated. Not now. Not ever. I’ve waited thirty-three years to find a woman like her, and I won’t accept us being apart. Not unless we have no choice.
Chapter Eighteen
A woman who knows what she brings to the table is not afraid to eat alone.
~ Unknown
Dante
I try to sit back and let her walk away, though I’ve never been a man who’s ever tolerated disrespect. I could find many other ways to say it, but that is what she did a few moments ago. As if I don’t even think, I rise and quickly catch up to her, placing my hand around the back of her neck I shove my body up against hers and pin her against the wall of the house.
My cock grows hard pressed against her ass and as I wrap my hand around her throat, I’m growling in her ear. “I will let you get away with a lot, mi reyna. Though there are things I simply won’t tolerate. We belong together. Do you hear me? I won’t let you leave me, not when I’ve just found you.”
Amara doesn’t say a word, yet she breathes heavily in and out. I
