start to pace and shrug out of my cut. I’m becoming pissed and overheated.
I feel my muscles become taut with tension as I wait for this shit show to start. My biceps flex and my jaw tics as I tighten my grip on my cut. Jemma starts to pace. I swear, I can touch the tension between these two. I can read the trouble in paradise.
I look at Mags to study her and watch her gaze run over me. I snort at the lust-filled look in Magdalena’s eyes. I once relished in that look.
My ex-wife is a conniving bitch, but she’s an attractive one. Mags has the type of beauty that grants her whatever she asks for from fools. I was once her fool.
However, that will never happen again. Magdalena has received all the attention she will ever get from me. I wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole now. She’s a costly mistake for any man willing to entertain her. That won’t ever be me.
“Spit. It. Out,” I roar.
Mags shakes her head and licks her lips. “You never used to be so mean to me,” she pouts.
I tighten my fist in frustration. “I don’t have time for your games. You tell me what the hell is going on or I’ll find out on my own. You and I both know you don’t want me prying into your life,” I rumble.
Mag’s shoulders sag. “They’re coming for me,” she whispers. “Miguel has found me.”
I narrow my eyes as I feel my whole body tense. “She’s kidding, right?” I look at Jemma, waiting for the joke.
Jemma shakes her head with tears in her eyes.
“How did that happen, Magdalena?” I bellow. “I spent a fortune and called in a million favors to reinvent your life. I gave you a new world to hide in.
“I married you so this shit wouldn’t happen. For three years, you made my life fucking hell, all so that I could make you disappear. So, please tell me… how the fuck is this possible? How the hell did you two fuck that up?”
I am livid.
Jemma and Magdalena came to me with a sob story that sucked me in. Mags was a gorgeous girl in need, and they pulled me right into being her savior. I had no idea Mags was already in a relationship with my crazy-as-fuck cousin.
I did everything they asked of me back then, but Mags decided she wanted more. She fought me tooth and nail on the divorce, even after I used my connections to give her a new identity and life.
I narrow my eyes at Mags. They’re leaving something out. That ten percent that never comes to the surface because it doesn’t benefit them. I’m going to lose my shit. I know I am.
“What are you not saying?” I grunt.
“We need your help, Brick. Please,” Mags says with less confidence. It’s an act. I know it is.
“How… tell me, how?” I snap.
Jemma stops pacing, but she won’t lift her head. These two will be the cause of my heart exploding. I grind my teeth to keep from shaking them both.
“Mags and I found a new mark.” Jemma winces with her words. There’s no need. I know I was their mark. I had money and power, and my own cousin and her girlfriend played me for a fool. “He fell for me hard. Mags was just a bonus for his ego.”
“They started to do things without me,” Mags interjects, cutting Jemma off with heat and anger I notice. “He wanted to surprise her with a trip. Jemma didn’t know he was taking her to Brazil until the plane landed. Jemma freaked and demanded he bring her back home, but one of Miguel’s men noticed her on the tarmac.” Mags closes her eyes and licks her lips.
“We didn’t know he was related to Miguel. David is Miguel’s cousin, but we didn’t know. I was made and Miguel figured out the rest. They’re coming for her,” Jemma whispers with panic on her face. “For us. I’m tired of this shit, Brick. I didn’t mean for this to happen, this time. I really didn’t mean for this to happen.”
“Unbelievable,” I roar and run a hand through my hair. “You two are unbelievable. Why do you let her drag you into this shit?”
“I don’t twist her arm.” Mags rolls her eyes.
“The fuck you don’t.”
“Brick,” Mags says softly, causing me to cringe. I know she’s going to drop a bigger bomb on me.
“What?”
“He knows about you. He knows you’re a Lost