Ink's Second Chance - Carol Dawn Page 0,38

Of all the families ruined because of the drugs that they sell on the streets.

“You are going to make a beautiful queen to our empire, Mija,” Roman’s father says, closing the door behind us as we enter the house.

I look around and am floored by the beauty within. There is a fantastic glass chandelier hanging above, marble flooring, and a double grand staircase to the floor above.

“I see being a criminal can lead to a life of luxury,” I say.

“Only if you’re good at it,” Roman says. “The Hernández Cartel is known far and wide. You will never do without or be alone.”

While the words themselves are meant as a comfort, the tone is anything but. It’s a warning.

“Of course, I won’t be alone,” I mutter. “I’ll be surrounded by all of the buried bodies of your victims.”

“She’s not wrong,” his father says.

I can feel my eyes trying to mist over, but I won’t show any signs of weakness in front of these men. They already think I’m weak and incapable of escaping because of my inability to walk.

While they might be right about not being able to escape, I’m anything but weak. You don’t go through the crap that I have in my life and come out weak.

I just need to be patient and keep my head clear. I need the perfect plan.

As we head into the most beautiful living room that I have ever seen, an idea starts to form.

“You made sure when you killed the biker that no one else saw, right?” his father asks.

Roman tightens his hold on me before talking.

A warning to keep my mouth shut.

“Of course, papa. No one was around. His body won’t be found for weeks.”

Roman’s father doesn’t say anything else. I’m finally put down on a leather couch near a beautiful fireplace.

“Can I get you anything, Mija?” his father asks. I really need to learn the man’s name.

“Something sharp and shiny,” I answer with more bravado than I feel.

“Your bride has balls of steel, mijo,” he laughs. “I don’t think you should sleep in the same bed as her.”

“Not to worry, papa,” Roman says. “Her hands will be secured.”

Okay, starting to freak out.

“Uncle, Carlos,” a new voice says. “Mi papa is on video waiting for you and Roman to join.”

Carlos. I finally have a name.

“Let’s go, mijo,” Carlos says. “My brother doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

I start to shiver. Seeing as how it isn’t all that cold in here, it has to be from the adrenaline leaving my body.

“Would you like me to sit you by the fire?” Roman asks.

I nod my head.

I’m lifted and placed on the soft rug in front of the fire.

“Don’t try anything stupid,” he warns. “I can see you from the office.”

As Roman walks off, I stare into the fire and formulate my plan.

Step number one is to act more vulnerable than I actually am.

My face starts overheating so I search for the iron tools to helps extinguish the fire only to find a knob instead.

It’s gas. I turn the knob down until the fire is barely there.

“What are you doing?” Roman asks from behind me.

“I got hot,” I answer. “I wasn’t able to move away so I turned down the fire. I hope that was okay.”

I’ve never been a good liar. I am fully capable of moving completely across this room if I wanted. I hope my face looks as vulnerable as I want him to think I am.

“Of course, Mija,” Carlos says, coming into the room. “He shouldn’t have put you so close.”

“Time to get some rest, love,” Roman says, lifting me up. “Tomorrow we marry.”

The knot in my stomach tightens even further.

“Look,” I say. “I came to you of my own free will. I don’t want the Sons or my sister hurt so I’ll do whatever you want. But I ask that you please not tie me up. Heck, I would be content to just watch that fire all night long. It’s not like I can run away.”

Roman smiles. “Lucky for you, we have a fireplace in our room.”

“I will be locking your door from the outside, mijo,” Carlos says. “I’m sure you can handle her inside the room by yourself. If you need me to unlock your door, just call my room.”

Roman nods and walks up the stairs.

So, Carlo’s is locking us both into the room.

Roman reaches what I assume is his room and walks inside. It’s dark outside and the lights in the room are off, so I can’t see