"Let them in, I don’t think they would be stupid enough to try anything," Santino’s voice calls out from just inside the door before appearing in the doorway. He still looks the same as he did seven years ago. Except for the peppered gray mixed in his dark hair.
We walk into the house, Prez leading the way behind Santino. Looking around, I see no signs of Daniel. Fucking pussy is probably too much of a coward to show his face.
"Come in, sit down." Santino says spreading his arms in a grand gesture as we enter what appears to be a large office that’s decked out in rich mahogany wood shelves and cabinets that are filled with books from floor to ceiling.
Alba would love this room… Shit. Focus.
The four of us continue to stand as he walks towards a round glass table and picks up a bottle of scotch, casually pouring himself a drink into a short glass.
"Can I offer you men a drink?"
"Cut through all this bullshit. What do you want with MY club?" Prez barks.
A flash of anger crosses over Santino’s face as soon as the harsh words are spoken, but only for a second before regaining his composer.
"Mr. Martinez owes me a debt. Several years ago, he killed one of my men—”
"He killed—you had him kill my father," I step forward with my fists clenched and nose flaring from the angry breaths leaving my body. Quinn grabs me by the shoulder to keep me from moving any further.
"Rein that shit in, man. Think about your sister right now." he says to me in a hushed tone. Stepping back, I keep my eyes trained on Santino’s face. The face I’m gonna beat to a bloody pulp the first chance I get.
"I always see the bigger picture, Gabriel." He tells me as he walks over to the desk in the room, reaching into a humidor box sitting on top and pulling out a cigar. Sitting down in the large black leather chair behind the desk he clips the tip and lights it, taking a toke. The smoke billows around his head as he releases his breath.
"Where’s Leyna?" I question through gritted teeth.
Santino leans back in his desk chair, "In due time…"
Having had about enough of this shit, I walk forward towards his desk. From the corner of my eye I see the suit that stepped up in Prez’s personal space earlier is now moving towards me. My hand shoots out on instinct, connecting with his thick meaty neck.
"You wanna die, motherfucker," I growl.
"Stand down men," both Prez and Santino’s voices boom. The prick still in my grasp puts his hands up. I can’t find it in me to release my hold.
"Let him go, Gabriel," Jake says from behind me.
Dropping my hand, the asshole backs away and stands beside his boss.
"I’
m aware of your current operations and that you hold some clout with the local law enforcement around here. So, I need you and your club to escort my men and their load across the state line. It’s currently being loaded and will be on its way soon. Possibly in about four weeks."
I watch as Prez and Logan exchange looks. They don’t look happy that someone has been nosin’ around in club business. Logan crosses his arms and speaks.
"What kind of merchandise are we dealing with here?"
"That’s none of your concern. I only need you on escort detail to make sure they get where they need to go. As soon as this is done I’ll hand over the girl." he informs us all.
"You gave your word Gabriel could see his sister today. I expect you to hold up your end of the deal before I agree to do a damn thing that involves my club," Prez states.
"I did." Reaching over Santino picks up the phone sitting on his desk to his right and speaking into the receiver he tells the person on the other end, "Bring the girl downstairs to my office." He places the phone back on its dock.
A few minutes later I watch as an exact carbon copy of my mother walks through the door. Raven dark hair that frames a heart shaped face, with almond shaped eyes the lightest shade of green. She’s not much taller than our mother was either, maybe five feet four inches.
"Hermano brother," Leyna cries, tears springing from her eyes as she runs to me and wraps her arms around my waist. My hard exterior cracks a little with her embrace. I lift her chin with my finger.
"Have they touched you or hurt you in any way?"
"No, they have been good to me. Did you come to take me home with you?"