I nod. “Thank you,” I say so low I think he might not hear.
“I wouldn’t be thanking me if I were you. They’re going to love you more than I do.”
A chill rips up my spine and forces my whole body to shiver. He notices—jaw working, gaze flicking over every part of me he can see.
“Might even piss Rena off even more than you stealing her family.”
“As long as they’re safe,” I grind out. I mean it, too. My life has never held much significance. It’s why it’s so ironic that the amazing people I surround myself with end up flying into the sky before me. This time, I can control it. It’s my responsibility.
“When I bust out of this joint, I’ll join you.”
Forcing a smile, I reply, “Of course.”
A warden calls out loudly, announcing that this session’s time is up.
“Bye, Maeve.” Rufio winks, then hangs up the phone.
I can feel his eyes on me as I hang up the phone, stand, and turn to walk down the desolate hallway. I’m the last in here, using up the entire time slot. A guard lets me out the steel door and it clangs shut behind me. There’s a holding area to the right and that’s when I see him. Well, he sees me first.
Lincoln crosses to me, a purpose in his stride. “What are you doing here?” he hisses out, eyes wide—furious. “Maeve.” I hear the accusation in my name. The hurt.
I blink away a tear and throw my arms around his neck. He doesn’t know what I agreed to on his behalf, but that’s the way I want it. It’s the way you treat people when no one is looking. That’s the base of character. Lincoln pulls away from the hug to hold me at arm’s distance.
“Seriously, why didn’t you tell me you were coming here? Don’t tell me you didn’t want me to worry, either. This is absolutely crazy.” Isaac is standing off to the side, pretending not to listen.
“I just wanted to ask him about… Rena,” I say, meekly. “Lincoln, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry, I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to stop me.”
He staggers back a step. “I-I wouldn’t have stopped you,” he says.
“Really? If I told you I wanted to look Rufio in the face and talk to him by myself, you would have let me?”
“Yes,” Lincoln says, but indecision lights his eyes. “I think I would have. Why wouldn’t you want me to come with you?” He’s whisper-talking now.
“Can I point out that you didn’t invite me with you here today, either. We’re all doing what we think is best for us, Lincoln. Coming here today, by myself was best for me. I wanted to face him one last time on my terms. With him not standing in my living room threatening me and those I love. I made my peace.” And then some. “I’m sorry if it upset you, but I could also be upset that you’re here without talking to me about it first. You’re the one who got shot, but they were after me. I think that’s something worth noting.”
Lincoln opens his mouth and closes it. He does it twice. The warden calls out that it’s time for the next group to enter. Isaac strides past to line up at the door. Lincoln shakes his head, putting his hands on his hips. He’s torn between being mad at me for not sharing this and feeling caught because he didn’t tell me either. At least this lie might cancel out because he’s also guilty.
“I have to go,” he deadpans.
“Go then,” I say, tears blurring my vision. The love I have for him so overwhelming. I’d choose him every day, over and over. Even if it means I give up everything.
Lincoln clears his throat and leans to peck my lips. It’s warm and chaste. “We’ll talk later.”
I nod. “Oh, and he’s not going to talk about the case.” I say it loud enough for Isaac to hear. “I hope you have a backup plan.”
Lincoln’s eyes harden into slits. “Isaac isn’t going to give him a choice.”
They have no idea. For that, I’m thankful. I’m confident Rufio won’t tell them about our deal. It would mean making things harder, and he won’t get what I’ve promised him. Letters, money, and… myself. The sunlight strikes me as I stroll out into the day, leaving everything behind me. The chapter is closed. I’m moving on to the next. You’d think I’d feel fear in the face of losing everything, losing the man I love, but it’s quite the opposite. I finally know why I was born. My life’s purpose. I’m breathing truth for the first time in my entire life.
Chapter 6
Lincoln
“What do I say to her? How can I protect her if I can’t trust her, man? I don’t get it.”
“I don’t think she cares if you get it. You have to let her live her life even if it puts her in danger. Is that hard? Fuck yeah. You don’t have another option. This is how real love works.”
“She’s going to get herself killed. Did you see the way Rufio smiled when I brought up her name? How he glowered at me when he saw my face? What do you think he’s capable of behind bars?” I ask, even though I’m certain my friend has no clue how the cartel works, I just need him to talk me down.