basic reconnaissance on the streets, including from you and Montego. There’s going to be talk and I want to know what the fuck they’re saying.”
He seemed surprised, his brow lifting. “That we can do, boss.”
“Make certain Carlos’ family is taken care of. Anything they need, and I do mean anything, you will have provided for them.” I knew how close Jorge was with Carlos, both coming up through the ranks together. Loyalty would always be valuable in my organization.
Smiling, he seemed relieved. “I’ll make certain they’re doing just fine. I already have protection for their family.”
“Good. I have some things to take care of. Call me with any information.”
Jorge knew he was being dismissed, backing away almost immediately. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think she has anything to do with Calleja.”
“Why, because she’s beautiful or is it simply because she’s an American?”
He glared at me smugly before rubbing his jaw. “Jesus, boss. Because you and I have both been around women in that position. They may be better liars than men, but they certainly do react when their man is cut down in cold blood. She couldn’t have given a rat’s ass about the bastards we gunned down. And hell, yeah, boss. She’s beautiful but she’s yours. I wouldn’t dare consider touching her.”
While his statement was indeed wise, the last sentence threw me. If one of my own men had already been able to tell I had a weakness with regard to Savannah, it could be easily used against the entire family. I tamped back my anger, nodding several times. “Point taken.”
The moment of tension was unnecessary.
“I’ll get out of your hair, boss. Call me if you need anything.”
“One more thing, Jorge.”
He lifted an eyebrow as he looked at me. “Okay.”
Savannah hadn’t been very forthcoming with who she was. I wasn’t entirely certain I could or wanted to buy she was handling some art gallery for her aunt, although the story was a good one. I had taken a look at her wallet, including her identification. At least I had a name. “See what you can find out about Savannah Tyler. Her driver’s license states she’s from Charleston, South Carolina. She supposedly took over a galleria that had to be near the café I was casing. I need you to find out if that’s the truth, including the person who owns it and if there is any connection to Calleja.”
I was surprised the man actually smiled, his damn eyes twinkling. “You actually like the girl.”
“She means nothing to me, Jorge. Nothing. What does mean something is if she was working for Calleja in any capacity. That’s what I need to know.”
He held up both hands, backing away. “I didn’t mean any disrespect, Mr. Santiago.” He didn’t wait for my reply, moving out of the room with purpose. Jorge always called me by my surname when he knew I was on the edge.
The man was right. I was poised to go over the very precipice.
I concentrated on his footsteps as he walked into the foyer before moving closer to the window. I had to play this very carefully or everything was going to crumble. I refused to allow my family to be hurt by anyone.
Including...
Sighing, I loathed the fact I adored the girl. I hadn’t been able to get her out of my mind since I’d dropped her off the morning after our night together. I’d felt more relaxed and open with her than any other woman I’d been with. The realization had left me craving her, longing to touch and taste her again.
The feel of her heated bottom against my palm had been extraordinary. The way she’d responded the minute I shoved my cock inside her tight little ass had left me breathless. And the fact she’d hungered almost as much only fueled the electricity that had exploded between us. The connection was intense.
The ramifications dangerous.
I took another gulp of my drink, envisioning her face in the throes of passion. When I absently rubbed my fingers across my lips, I had to laugh. My entire family had been openly threatened, the organization under serious attack, and my cock was twitching at the thought of a single woman.
Jorge had a good point, although I’d seen more than one good actress in my time. What I knew is that I could break her. The only question remaining in my mind was how far I was willing to go in doing so.
As I finished my drink, I realized that the only way