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“Mamacita, did the Executioner let you leave your room?” Esteban asks from the sand, surprising me. I guess it wasn’t Leandro, after all. “I’m sure you’re bored out of your mind. Join me.”

I hesitate, looking between the mansion and Esteban. Do I really want to start a conversation with him and open up that sort of door? I honestly don’t know.

He pats the blanket beside him. “Siéntate. I have s’mores. You look like you could use something sweet.”

Still, I don’t move. Esteban wags his eyebrows, smiling at me. I’m tempted to turn around and run back into the house, but then again, being out here means that I won’t have to deal with Talon or Leandro for that matter.

Heaving a sigh, I sashay forward, kicking sand. Esteban chuckles and scoots over a bit more. I lower myself beside him, keeping a foot of space between us before moving the box of graham crackers to create a tiny wall so he doesn’t get tempted to lean in.

“Don’t think I’ve chosen to join you because I’m interested. I’m just in desperate need of some fresh air.” I curl my knees up and wrap my arms around them, resting my chin.

“It does seem quite intense inside. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have two men secretly vying for your attention, but also wanting to deny it to each other. It’s a bit messy. At least with me, you don’t have to worry.” Esteban pops one of the marshmallows onto his wire stick and hangs it over the fire. “Toasted, chard, or completely burnt to a crisp?”

“Burnt.” I keep my gaze turned to the fire, watching as the heat waves blur the whitecaps crashing into the shore.

“That’s the best way, mamacita. I thought we’d have some things in common.” Esteban pulls the flaming marshmallow from the fire and holds it in front of us, watching the flames eat away at the sugary outside, turning it black.

“If it’s only how to make, s’mores, then don’t get your hopes up. I am swearing off hot guys and any more trouble.” I hold up the graham cracker and chocolate, letting Esteban put the marshmallow on top before I squeeze it together.

“So you think I’m hot.” He smirks again, his hazel eyes dancing with firelight.

“And definitely trouble. Guys like you prey on people’s weaknesses. I have already been through too much bullshit. You can thank Christos for that.” I take a bite of the s’more, cracking the graham cracker in half. I end up just shoving the whole thing in my mouth, not even caring, because it’s one way to shut myself up. I shouldn’t have even brought Christos up. I don’t even want to think about him. I know that Esteban is his best friend.

“I’d never thank Christos for anything...well, except maybe for that blow job. I didn’t know he had it in him. He was surprisingly good.” Esteban watches the side of my face, his intense gaze penetrating through me as if he can see what’s on my mind.

“I’d have been better.” My mouth betrays me with a smirk, and I grab one of the napkins and wipe my lips. “I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. Though, I’m sure it was for different reasons.”

Esteban bends closer, bumping me with his shoulder. “Are you sure about that, mamacita? I saw the way you smiled. How you couldn’t take your eyes off us. I think it was more than a little payback.”

Heat warms my chest, and I shake my head in denial, hiding my cheeks with my hair. “Whatever helps you sleep at night. Unless...you’re into Christos too.” Because I can already tell that Esteban is attracted to me. He wouldn’t have invited me to join him just out of kindness. I don’t know him well, but I know his type. He sees something he likes, and he’ll go for it. It makes things a bit more exciting, though I know that nothing can happen between us. He’s hot, but he’s dangerous. I need to make smart choices in men, because clearly my attraction is often set to morally gray.

“He’s not bad looking, but no. I’m not into Christos. He’s...a bit unstable. The only one I’m into is you, mamacita. But I don’t mind if you want to continue to fantasize about his chivalry. You have to truly love a woman to suck a cock on her behalf.” Esteban smirks again with his words. “I can see the reason for his obsession.”

I don’t know how to respond, so I stare at the ocean before us, processing everything he’s just said. “And what reason is that?”

“You’re hypnotic. Not only muy bonita, but also confident. Not many women get initiated into the Society of Secrets. You must be algo especial. Extraordinaria. And it’s obviously your strength and resilience. I overheard what you had told Talon about how things were going to work, and it takes a lot of bravery to stand up to someone like him.” Esteban shifts beside me, leaning forward in an attempt to capture my gaze.

“That was a private moment,” I say, building my wall up even higher as he tries to break it down.

“I’m not going to apologize for eavesdropping. I’ve already been pulled into this. I will stay on top of things. I don’t blindly trust anyone, even those who are my superiors. This also involves my business. You were drugged, and I need to know by who just as much as you do. It doesn’t look good if shit like this gets out to the media. I don’t want my clients to be afraid. Especially if I need to entrust my product with new dealers.” Esteban tightens his jaw with his words, going from soft and flirty to scary in a matter of seconds. He’s one of those types. Charming and likable, but one wrong decision could have your life in his hands. That should be enough for me to stay away, but he’s right. I need to know who drugged me, because that could help lead to the true killer.

I swallow my nerves. “Thanks for making things clear and—”

Someone catches my attention on the beach. Esteban frowns and swivels his torso, turning to glance at what I can’t take my eyes off. This isn’t exactly a spot for tourists or local beachgoers. It’s more private with the mansions being within a gated community despite being on the beach. And it’s late.

Esteban reaches into his jacket, surprising the hell out of me by sliding a gun from a holster on his side. “Why don’t you go inside, mamacita? There shouldn’t be anyone on this beach.”

I slowly nod and get to my feet without arguing. Esteban soon follows suit, but instead of coming with me, he heads toward the figure.

I don’t wait to find out what the person is doing here. I can’t afford to be seen.

Reaching the door, I leave it cracked open and try to peer onto the beach, but Esteban disappears from my view.

A gunshot pops through the air, making me jump. I gasp and shut the door completely, locking it. I should run and find Talon or Leandro, but I’m paralyzed as I continue to stare, waiting for what happens next.

Esteban comes back into view, kicking up sand, pointing his gun toward the ground. He’s alone.

Shit.


Tags: Ginna Moran Romance