Esteban challenges him with a smile. “If she comes on to me, I won’t deny her. If you’re so fucking worried, then tag along. If not, mind your fucking business, Executioner. She made it clear that she’s a free spirit and will do whatever she wants. I fully support her decision.” Esteban winks at me and moves out of the way before Talon can whack him upside the head. He moves toward the stairs, leading up to the door of the jet.
I cover my eyes, my cheeks flaming. “That’s enough. We’re not having this conversation any longer.”
“Yeah, we better fucking not. You’re gonna make me jealous with your abundance of dick, you lucky bitch. And here I am going to end up hiding in the lavatory, so I don’t scar myself for life if you all decide to have an orgy or some shit.” Bianca tips her head back, screeching a laugh.
Christos mutters something under his breath and joins Esteban, getting Bianca to follow him. Leandro remains utterly silent with his arms crossed at the bottom of the stairs. He doesn’t approach me, but I know he’s waiting for me to board before he does.
Talon snatches my wrist, spinning me into his arms for another hug. “Please be careful, Stacia. It kills me that I can’t be there, and not only because I want to keep you to myself. I just struggle trusting you with anyone else now.”
“Then maybe you should hurry up and find that PI, so I don’t have to stay there long.” I clutch his cheeks and kiss him sensually, not getting carried away, just savoring the taste of his affection.
Talon breaks away first and spins me around, smacking my ass to get me to walk toward Leandro. I smile over my shoulder and blow a kiss like I always do whenever I walk away from him and know that he’s watching me leave. He’s lucky that I’m not wearing a dress. Or maybe he’s unlucky. I can’t flash him my ass as I ascend the stairs.
Leandro trails behind me, boarding last and the flight attendant secures the door. The captain and first officer greet us with a smile, standing outside the cockpit. I walk into the main cabin and peer around at the luxurious space with reclining seats, tables, and giant flatscreen TVs. This is far better than first class on any commercial airline.
I spot Esteban and Christos hunched over, staring at a phone. Glancing up, Christos gives me a look that speaks volumes. My heart jumps at the same time the plane engine hums to life.
I rush and sit beside Bianca while Leandro sits behind us, keeping to himself.
“What’s wrong? You’re making a face,” I ask, leaning forward, lowering my voice.
Esteban sighs and holds his phone out. “They released the charges about the guy.” He means the one I framed.
I read the list over and over again. I can’t believe my eyes. “Murder? I don’t understand.”
“The woman died this morning,” Christos replies, lowering his voice. “She overdosed.”
I gasp and cover my mouth.
Shit. That wasn’t supposed to happen. This is all my fault.
“Are you kidding me?” My chest heaves and my stomach twists. She would still be alive if we didn’t have to frame the guy. IfIdidn’t have to frame that guy.
Esteban reaches over and touches my leg. “Something’s not right. The amount I slipped in the drink wasn’t enough to do that.”
“How can you be sure? She died. We fucked up.” I pull away from Esteban and turn in my seat, unable to get up as the plane moves across the runway, preparing to takeoff.
“You have to believe me. There’s no way she could’ve died. Not because of the drugs.” Esteban squeezes my knee.
“I have a friend at the precinct who will look into it more. They’ll be able to get the toxicity reports.” Christos leans closer but doesn’t touch me. “It’s going to be okay.”
Then why doesn’t it feel that way?
I don’t argue. My mind and body shut down as I replay everything over and over again. Someone lost their life. A woman is dead because of me. It’s as simple as that. I have to accept the blame.
Maybe I deserve what’s coming to me.
Maybe I should just give up now.
Is all this really worth it?
I don’t know.
Closing my eyes, I shut out the world. I lose myself to my inner darkness. It’s who I am now. It’s who I will always be.
Clouds fill the horizon, casting gray light over the ocean. Yachts line the harbor docks, creating a picturesque sight of Miami. There’s something more relaxed about the atmosphere compared to the beaches of LA.
“No, acosador. You’re staying here. Stacia is safe with me. It would be an insult to mis primos if I allowed you to come.” Esteban holds his hand up to Leandro. “You can keep watch here. Ensure no one comes on the dock.”