for his family. We are blessed to be able to stay here. You have no idea what kind of danger my friend is now in because of the choice he made in helping us. And he took no time in agreeing. None. Because it was his honor to help out his friend. I suggest you keep that in mind, princess.” Huffing, Diego walked down the hall after giving both of us a harsh glare.
I immediately followed, snagging his arm. “You want to tell me about this friend? He seems mighty important to you.”
He jerked his arm away, moving into the bedroom and turning on the overhead light. “I don’t have to tell you anything except I trust Felipe with my life. What I said about the danger is true. If the Serpent gets wind that he helped us, then his entire family will be killed. I used a single favor and I hated doing it, all because of taking care of a damn woman who doesn’t want to be protected.”
“Lindsey has no idea what the Serpent is capable of. From what I can tell, she only had a few examples of his treachery. I imagine she’s in a state of shock given everything that’s happened.”
“You’re lecturing me on how to handle her now? You?”
Exhaling, I closed my eyes briefly. “We both need to remember she’s the victim. That’s not something we’re used to.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” He snorted as he looked at me. “Do you want to tell me why you have such a hard-on for Lindsey and I’m not talking about your dick. You act like she’s your possession one minute and nothing but a problem the next, yet you’re certainly quick to defend her when her behavior is unacceptable. Now, do you know something I don’t know, a portion of this story that’s been left out? Or does she mean more to you than even I believe?”
Closing my eyes, I tamped back my aggravation. “There’s nothing to tell. She’s an assignment, a package to be delivered and nothing more.”
“Keep telling yourself that often enough and you just might believe it.”
Hissing, I took a long stride closer, daring him to continue. We were both puffed up, ready to start a fight. “Just shut your mouth, Diego. You’re certainly interested in her welfare.”
We were acting like high school bullies vying for the pretty blonde cheerleader.
“Jesus Christ, Jack. We already broke the rules by indulging in carnal activities.”
“Yeah, you certainly enjoyed tasting her again.”
Diego exhaled, shaking his head. “Is that what this is about?”
I shifted my gaze away, rubbing my eyes. Even I was exhausted, the adrenaline rush almost gone. “She doesn’t belong to me, Diego. You’re right as always.”
“What we don’t need is to be at each other’s throats right now. Whatever is eating you is your weakness and one that can’t continue.”
A full minute passed by, the silence eating at me.
I walked forward once again, keeping my eyes on him. “She reminds me of someone I knew a long time ago.”
He studied me intently, easing his weapon onto one of the twin beds. “We all have one of those, Jack. Like I said, you can’t allow the past to interfere. There’s too much at stake, and I’m not just talking about the money.”
“I can handle the past. It was a hell of a long time ago.”
“All right, but I’m starting to agree with you that there is a hell of a lot more going on here.” Diego kept his voice hushed, glancing toward the door.
I walked toward the small window, peering outside. “What about this boyfriend?”
“I don’t know. She just acted like he’s an asshole and a part of the reason she left. I still think this is more about her father.”
“Then we’re going to find out.”
“Other than if she’s honest with us, how are we going to do that?” Diego asked.
“You know as well as I do that she likely knows a great deal. People who are in trouble often have difficulties keeping their mouths shut.”
He grinned. “Said like a man with experience.”
I shot him the bird before chuckling.
“Maybe you need to tell her why you’re such an asshole,” he suggested. “Just my thoughts if you want her to talk.”
“Oh, she will be made to understand it’s in her best interest to talk. Besides, it’s pretty clear she hates me. That’s just fine.”
He snorted before easing onto the bed. “For an intelligent man you’re an idiot. She watches you intently.”
“That’s out of fear alone. Now, who is this Felipe?