Deception's Kiss (The Evans Domination, Book Three)

Table of Contents

Books by Collette

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Coming Soon

About the Author

Books by Collette Scott

Forever Sunshine

Hannah’s Blessing

If We Dare to Dream (The Evans Family, Book One)

Through Winter Skies (The Evans Family, Book Two)

Eyes on Tango (The Evans Family, Book Three)

Kat’s Last Chance (The Evans Family, Book Four)

Terri’s Gift (The Evans Family, Book Five)

Cooper’s Choice (The Evans Family, Book Six)

Sunshine Rising (The Evans Family, Book Seven)

Hope is Calling (The Evans Domination, Book 1)

A Blessing in Disguise (The Evans Domination, Book 2)

Deception’s Kiss

By

Collette Scott

Copyright © 2015 by Collette Scott

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Cover images "Almost Jurassic Park by Kirt Edblom and 101128-A-0667M-002" by ResoluteSupportMedia are licensed under CC by 2.0.

For information address Marimay Publishing, P.O. Box 11821, Tempe, AZ 85284

ISBN-13: 978-1511688871

ISBN-10: 1511688874

ISBN – ebook: 9781311204585

Chapter 1

Ryan Harmon was grinning from ear to ear when he accepted the bag. Despite the throbbing ache in his side, he eagerly thrust the impassive guard a twenty then closed the door in his face, wincing when he pushed it solidly. So he was not fully healed yet, but he was making a rapid recovery, and his surgeon agreed. Now if only he could convince the panel to allow him to return to work.

His jaw tightened. Well, he would go back the following week whether the panel liked it or not. In fact, he was not going to allow anyone to have a say. He was returning to the office period, and no one could convince him otherwise. It was imperative that he did so…

They needed him.

Oh yes, his new friends were counting on his involvement. Plenty had happened since Carson Armstrong was taken, and things were moving quickly. Their H-Hour was approaching fast, and he could hardly wait to put an end to the madness surrounding Carson’s life once and for all. That meant that he had to focus on healing properly while ensuring nothing further happened to Carson before they took down El Padrino.

His grin returned as he entered the great room and spied the beautiful young blonde stretched out in the recliner, her legs elevated with a pillow, and her little pink-painted toes poking out from the throw blanket he had draped over her. He stopped by her side to press a kiss upon her forehead. Mmm, he murmured. You smell better than dinner.

Doubtful, she replied with a dreamy sigh.

He nearly forgot about the bag of takeout when she raised her chin to press her lips against his, parting them to tease his into opening, which they did without hesitation. Ryan could not say what it was about this woman that sent his heart racing, but his attraction to her had only increased since she had been released from the hospital. The once-terrified nurse who had caught his attention by chatting so easily with him had shrunk into herself when her ordeal began. However, her fear was slowly being replaced by a warm and delightful vixen, one who was filling his every thought with whispered promises.

Warm tingles formed in his belly, and they were not just from hunger. With the delicious scent of fried rice and spicy chicken mingling with her fruity body wash and the feel of her lips caressing his, Ryan wished they could forget everything and just be together. It was a heady mixture of mouth-watering scents combined with heated feelings, and they left him lightheaded and longing for more.

He wanted this woman badly, but it was not meant to be. At least, not yet.

Drawing away, he pressed a single light kiss on her nose before straightening, and the twinge of pain that followed reminded him that his desire was stronger than his physical body. It was a frustrating conundrum that he wished would go away soon, but he had plenty to do for that to happen.

Look, you made me sore, he whined with a wink.

She grinned in return, and his gaze savored the sight of her happiness. Her hair was still damp from her recent shower, and it hung in long golden waves over her shoulders. The way it framed her face gave her an angelic appearance, even with the fading purple and brown bruises marring her smooth skin.

The resulting laughter in her tone lifted his heart and almost made him believe everything was going to be all right… almost. You sore? I’d never know it.

He raised his T-shirt and showed her the stitches in his abdomen. Although still covered under a white bandage, he watched her gaze shift and grinned. I’ll have you know that I have stitches under there.

No, you have a twelve-pack, she griped, her lips twitching with mirth. Don’t you eat?

I was trying to before you waylaid me, he replied lightly. But I’d happily forget dinner if you had something else in mind…

The sound of her giggle was like the sweetest music to his ears. It was something he had been working hard to tease out of her with increasing frequency. The days they spent together had been a journey for both of them. She was not without her scars from the terrifying events of her kidnapping, and he was finding the human inside of him, long buried under rules and regulations, while he cradled her in his arms.

However, it was encouraging to see a remarkable strength emerge from deep inside Carson that began when she refused to speak to a witness advocate or counselor. To his amazement, she had not flinched when Douglas explained that no one would know she had survived. With her approval, a statement was released that she had died in a car accident on the highway, and no mention of cartel involvement. Ryan had remained silent as she wisely pointed out that her family and friends would grieve, but at least they would be safe. Then she entered lockdown without complaint.

Ryan had held his tongue reluctantly while she and Douglas discussed the details, for he did not share her opinion. These days together had only confirmed his suspicion that her optimism stemmed from her faith in him. She believed it would only be a short while, when in reality she could be facing a lifetime sentence of hiding with a new identity. At any moment, she could be whisked away to some unknown location until it was safe for her to return – if it was ever safe for her again. Plenty of people had been forced to begin new lives in WITSEC, and she was no different. Protective custody was one thing, witness protection another.

He cherished every minute they spent together because he knew what she did not. Their days were numbered, and he was not looking forward to her reaction when they came for her. She would despise him. Her looks of adoration would become glares of disgust when she learned that he was deceiving her by withholding the truth.

His desperation to prevent that from happening had made him reach out to Zachary Evans, and he was not surprised to learn that Zach was already one step ahead of him. As usual. While Carson and Ryan were moved to a secure location to recuperate, Zach and his family had been forming a plan to bring El Padrino into the United States. With his zealous determination, Zach intended to force the cartel leader to face justice in a federal court, and his family was mobilizing to make it happen.

Although his wounds were not as severe as Carson’s, she was healing faster. Both their MRIs and CT scans had come back clear, but Ryan continued to be plagued by headaches, and he secretly blamed it on their differing levels of tension. While Carson was secure with the knowledge that everyone once after her believed she was dead, and her 24/7 guards included Ryan, he was consumed with stress. He knew Douglas had submitted the paperwork for Carson to enter witness protection, and Ryan was desperate to stop it.

Of course Ryan wanted Carson safe, but he was growing attached to her the longer they were together. From the moment he had caught her speaking to herself in the police station, he knew there was something special about Carson Armstrong, and he had only grown more convinced in recent days. Hours of talking always culminated into laughter, and he found his kisses becoming more intense as their injuries healed. There was no doubt about it, he had fallen for her – hard. It was a painful problem that his growing affection balanced on the edge of a knife. One wrong move, and they would be severed forever.

At night, Carson twitched in her sleep as he lay awake worrying and wondering when Douglas would arrive to take her away. Her nightmares remained buried in slumber; he lived his every day. They had to eliminate the threat to Carson soon, or he would surely go mad.

Are you okay? Are you really hurt?

It took Ryan a moment to realize that his thoughts had gotten away with him, and his smile had faded. He forced it to return and reached out to stroke her cheek. Her bruises were fading quickly, and her swollen eye had almost returned to its normal beauty. At the moment, both of them were studying him intently.

I said you hurt me, he replied cheerfully. Carson’s eyes widened, and a look of dismay replaced her smile. Ryan’s thumb gently stroked her soft skin while inside his heart ached. I’m teasing. I’m fine.

You’re not, she responded. Those beautiful blue eyes of hers went from wide to narrow as she studied him intently. I can see it in your face. Something’s bothering you… and this isn’t the first time either. Something’s wrong. I can tell.

Ryan almost broke down and told her the truth, but he held his tongue. Even another hour of her gazing at him as though he was the most special person in the world was worth it, and definitely better than the alternative. He was trained to remain impassive and objective, and he put that training to use as he focused on distracting her.

Smiling broadly, he wiped the moisture from her lips with his thumb and then bent to replace it with his lips. He kissed her again, setting the food down on the floor so he could show her how much he wanted her to remain in his life. He kissed her with all the longing that had built inside him after days spent together, and they were both breathless when he finally lifted his head.

Knowing you’re right here, and there’s nothing I can do about it is making me crazy. You’re a beautiful woman.

Though her eyes remained closed, a fleeting smile curved her lips. That’s it?

That’s it, he lied smoothly.

It was not really a lie. He craved her with every fiber of his being, and fearing he would lose her at any moment was distracting.

We can’t have that, she whispered. Come here, big guy.

The huskiness in her voice was almost his undoing, and he kissed her again, drawing her face closer with both hands winding into her damp hair. He inhaled deeply as his tongue explored her mouth, and one hand slid down the curve of her neck, over her shoulder to cover one round breast. He groaned when he realized she was not wearing a bra under his borrowed T-shirt, more from the force of the desire that clenched his stomach muscles tight than the pain his body’s reaction caused to his incision.

Everything about Carson Armstrong was gentle, but his kiss was not. His hunger for her was so intense that the pressure of his lips increased, and Carson’s small hands wound around his shoulders to hold him close when she felt it.

He dropped to his knees and angled his head while her fingers explored his back, and little tingles of pleasure spread through his hyper-aware body when her nails grazed his skin. He found the hem of the shirt and touched the softness underneath, aware that her heart was racing against his palm, and he was pleased to find that she was as affected as he was. It was bound to happen. He already had a taste of her once, and he was eager to claim her as his forever. Sensing that she felt the same, he withdrew before he lost the last of his control.

You know, I’m not that hungry, she whispered when his mouth left hers to taste the skin of her neck. She arched to allow him full access, but her grip did not loosen around his shoulders. Can we hide for a little while?

Ryan was on the verge of losing his battle with himself, but the invitation in her voice made his hand still. He could not hurt her. He would not. Because of him, Carson had suffered more than her fair share of pain and fear, and the last thing he wanted was to cause her more.

His forehead fell onto her shoulder, and he inhaled deeply. As tempting as it is, I don’t want to hurt you.

You won’t, she said as her nails grazed his sides and tickled his chest.

Making love to Carson again would be a dream come true. Still, he hesitated. She had already gone through so much, and she was not only taking painkillers but also antibiotics to stave off infection.

Because of the extended extraction, Carson’s injuries had gone untreated for over 24-hours, and it remained questionable whether or not her wrist would regain full use despite her surgery. Although her broken ribs had not punctured a lung and her breathing exercises were less painful, he also took into consideration her abdominal surgery. Like his lacerated liver, she had internal injuries from the car accident that had left her with a slow bleed in her spleen. It was too soon. There was no way he could make love to her, not the way he longed to, and his body screamed in protest when he inhaled deeply as a reminder that he was not ready either.

The car crash could have killed them both, and Carson had been tortured afterwards. She had almost died, and Ryan was grateful that she was back with him again. He was not about to ruin it now when their bodies were not healed enough to endure what he feared he would do if he lost the tenuous grip on his control.

You’re not ready for this, he admonished softly. You still have weeks of recovery ahead.

I know my limitations, she replied.

You’re killing me, he groaned.

Carson’s responding chuckle was low, and Ryan’s body reacted immediately to the sound. It grew worse when her hand drifted lower, and all of his fears seemed to fade away when her hand hovered above the button of his jeans before reaching in to release it.

With a muffled curse, Ryan gave in. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and guided her into a standing position. She gasped, and the soft sound gave him enough lucidity to gaze at her with the final restraint he needed. Not yet, Carson, but soon, he promised.

I owe you so much, including my life, and I want to make you happy, she whispered.

As quickly as it had flamed, Ryan’s ardor cooled, and he pressed his lips against her forehead before setting her away. Don’t do anything because you think I saved your life, he said roughly. Do it because you want to.

Oh, I do, she replied immediately. That wasn’t what I meant. I just couldn’t find the right words to explain how I feel. It’s so strange. One minute I’m just me, and the next you’re here, and all I want to do is touch you. But you’re so smart and handsome. I just can’t believe you find me interesting.

At that, he laughed. He laughed so hard that he pressed his hand against his side to stem the pain the action caused. There was no doubt about it. He had found a kindred spirit in Carson Armstrong, and he would never give her up without a fight. No matter what it took, he would do his part to help Zach. Ryan had stood out at the Academy because of his intelligence but also because of his ability to adapt. He had learned his lesson, and he learned it well. He would never make the same mistake again – especially where Carson was concerned.

She hugged him tight, her laughter joining his as she buried her face in his chest. With every passing second, he was becoming more convinced that he was falling in love for the first time ever, and it was so bittersweet that he wanted to treasure the warm feeling forever. Unfortunately, he feared that it would not end well, and his heart would be empty as quickly as it had filled.

****

Hayden laughed, a full laugh that made Davis turn to him with one cocked eyebrow.

Chuckling alongside him, El Padrino’s gaze followed Hayden’s, and he glanced over his shoulder at Davis to wink cheerfully before clasping Hayden on the shoulder and giving him a slight nudge. You take no offense that I think your companion too serious?

I’ve been telling him that for years, Hayden replied with a snort.

"I thought your friend Sting was a güero."

Without even batting an eye, Hayden nodded. Yes, Sting is white. He got into some… trouble, so I brought another good friend instead.

The words were casual, his stance relaxed, but deep down he was bundled tight with tension in preparedness to fight if necessary. This was the moment he learned the extent of Diego’s trust. Although he had spent several days charming the old man in addition to smuggling over 10,000 pounds of drugs for him, El Padrino was loading Hayden’s plane with girls for this trip. Hayden’s stomach was in knots, and he fought the urge to run, flee, and never return. However, he continued to smile as if it was the most normal thing in the world, which it was not. This was the hardest moral dilemma he had ever faced, and he did not like it one bit.

The moment Carson Armstrong was taken, Diego’s fate had been sealed. They had all the evidence they needed to build a solid case, and Zach had prepared a list of charges for Robert Wolffard that the Assistant U.S. Attorney could not refuse. Even so, Hayden was like a drug addict. He could not stay away from Diego. Every time the old man called, Hayden accepted his invitations, and he had flown south several times between charters without moving any drugs just to enjoy Diego’s company.

It was dangerous to cultivate this man’s friendship; he knew that. However, he and Diego had bonded easily, and Hayden had begun to view him as a buddy instead of the ruthless cartel leader behind the order to eliminate his family. He was growing closer to Diego, and Hayden liked it despite the warning bells clamoring at him to keep his distance.

Concerning, yes. Dangerous, absolutely. Dani warned him that he was becoming attached, but here he was again sharing dinner and discussing children with the man he was supposed to smuggle in to the U.S. and Zach’s waiting handcuffs.

You trust this man? Diego murmured. I don’t normally allow men I don’t know this close to my home.

The honesty in Diego’s question made Hayden’s heart leap with a joy that left him feeling even more confused. Diego was accepting his word, and that was an honor he did not take lightly.

Don’t worry about him. He has my full trust, Hayden replied with a genuine smile. I wanted someone I could trust to accompany me because of the cargo tonight.

There’s no need for extra security, Diego replied, waving his hand nonchalantly. You should know by now that I have your back, Markito. I’ve already arranged it with Customs, and my connections know you’ll be crossing. You won’t have any problems with the American authorities.

Hayden’s eyebrow arched in question. You’ve found new contacts?

Not new. Diego shrugged as if they were discussing the contents of his wife’s garden rather than the amount of people he had bought the silence of. I have contacts everywhere. People come to me, especially the Americans. They all want money. Capitalism is evil, no?

Hayden’s knotted stomach sank. Of course El Padrino would have contacts in all forms of government, but how far his reach extended was something Hayden had not yet learned – or considered. His instincts tingled with the need to find out even as he was reveling in the excuse to continue seeing him.

It amazed Hayden how lonely El Padrino was. He had so few close trusted advisors, and many of them were near his age. El Padrino adored young people, and Hayden was becoming the one thing he wanted most but was never able to attain – a son.

Scratching his beard thoughtfully, Hayden finally nodded when Diego glanced at him. Yes, it is. But here we are, aren’t we?

Diego clucked his tongue. I did what I did to better my people. I made a beautiful house and cultivated my land, but most of my profit goes back to them. He spun around and made a sweeping gesture at the small town below his mountaintop home. I take care of them, and they are loyal to me. We try to remain peacefully on our mountain while the American government is content to allow us to fight one another. They take no interest in the cartel violence unless it comes onto their side of the border. Did the finding of the students’ graves reach your news? Or the women who march in the streets, begging for the return of their sons, husbands, and brothers? Violence is ugly, but so is oppression. If the Americans don’t want our country to grow and thrive, they should put an end to their ridiculous drug laws. My biggest market is America, and it is them who make cartels powerful. Imagine what would happen to our profit if marijuana was made legal everywhere?

Although Hayden agreed with most of what Diego was saying, it was not his place to express his personal opinions. Markie was a capitalist, and currently he was Markie. Shrugging nonchalantly, he grinned at Diego. As long as it remains illegal, I have a job.

Diego laughed again, but there was a twinge of sadness in his tone. Me too, but surely we’ve made enough to retire in luxury?

We have, but retiring in this business is impossible, is it not?

Unfortunately, you make a good point, he replied thoughtfully. He glanced down at the marble-lined path leading up to the house for a few moments before sighing. I long for retirement. I wake every morning wishing I could. I’m too old for this. Things are changing. With the Colombians now using our routes, we’ve seen more money but also more death. He clucked his tongue and shook his head. And it’s difficult to see my people dying by the thousands in the cities near the border. The government here is as corrupt as yours, Markie, and everyone takes a bribe. I’ve bought them all.

It sounds like you’ve bought everyone, Hayden said with a chuckle. However, deep down, fear blossomed. Had they bitten off more than they could chew by trying to overpower him? Would they succeed, or would some technicality get him off and get them killed?

Everyone can be bought. I have connections everywhere.

That’s good to know. I’ll admit that I’ve had concerns. He jerked a finger behind him toward Davis. Hence my desire to bring someone I trust. It’s reassuring that you’re not leading me down a path of lies.

Hayden needed to probe how deep El Padrino’s reach went no matter how frightened of the answers he was. Ignoring Davis’ penetrating stare, he waited for Diego’s response as they continued walking up to his sprawling home. The older man was again tugging his full beard pensively, which Hayden had noticed him doing with increasing frequency. Something was troubling him, and Hayden had been trying to draw it out of him with little success. Diego remained tightlipped and distracted. Whatever was bothering him remained unspoken, but Hayden was a determined man. Eventually he would get what he wanted. He always did.

As if sensing Hayden’s stare, Diego glanced at him and smiled. That pleases me greatly, Markie.

It does?

Yes, very much. In the difficult times we’ve faced recently, you’ve been my single bright light. I want to earn your trust and your loyalty.

When you cover my back, you earn my trust, Hayden replied. You’ve been honest with me from the start, so you already have my loyalty.

I’d do anything to protect you, my friend, Diego promised. No matter how distasteful, the job would be done. If you’re arrested, I’ll smuggle you out. If you’re captured by our enemies, I’ll have you rescued. You have nothing to fear – nothing. You’re under my protection, and everyone knows. If they touch you, they’ll face my wrath.

When Diego’s voice grew hard, Davis’ eyes widened enough for Hayden to glimpse from the corner of his eye, but Hayden did not look at Andrew’s friend. Not yet, not while Diego was ignoring him. Guards were invisible, and that included Davis.

This was Hayden’s first time bringing a companion to El Padrino’s compound, and he was still stunned at how easily Davis had walked through the gates. With only a cursory pat down, both men had joined El Padrino as he welcomed them personally at the landing strip, alone and bearing a wide smile of welcome. Diego had greeted Davis pleasantly, and he even shook his hand. Although Hayden noticed Davis’ lips tighten as he shook the hand of the man he was preparing to kidnap, the skilled ex-soldier had kept his feelings in check. So far, so good, and Hayden wanted to keep it that way.

Thank you, Hayden replied coolly.

And I thank you. Diego finished with a chuckle, and the hand upon Hayden’s shoulder tightened. Let’s eat, and then we’ll discuss the details of your cargo this evening.

The warm feeling that had briefly replaced the knots in Hayden’s stomach evaporated as quickly as it rose, but he held himself in check and followed Diego into his beautiful sunroom. With the flick of one finger, Diego ordered another chair brought to the table that was set for two, and two ushers appeared immediately, one carrying a chair and the other a place setting. They went to work silently yet efficiently, but it was a reminder that they were always watched. There were people somewhere on the compound spying on them at all times, and it was yet another thing for him to pry out of Diego. Hayden had to locate the com center if they were going to pull off their plan.

His keen eyes studied the waiters as they worked and Diego watched expectantly. Hayden suspected Davis was doing the same thing, sizing the men up to determine how easy it would be to subdue them once he took note of one man’s trembling hand as he set down the crystal goblet and gold silverware under the cartel leader’s stare. While he was ignored, Davis had been hard at work, memorizing the layout of the property, estimating the size of Diego’s army, and visualizing the plan that Hayden had proposed. If Davis agreed, all they had to do was a series of rehearsals and test runs completed in secrecy on Cooper’s ranch.

The time was growing close, and Hayden’s heart grew heavy. Although he was aware of how dangerous his blossoming affection for Diego was, it was becoming more difficult to view him as the man who ordered the execution of his family after spending so much time with him. If Diego had targeted Hayden alone, he would be able to accept that. Tango had betrayed all of the cartels, and Rocky Alvarez had exposed Tango as an undercover DEA agent, leaving him a marked man for life. However, it was not just him. His entire family had been victimized. That was something he could not accept, no matter how difficult it was to remember when he was in the cartel leader’s company.

Swallowing back his angst, he turned to Diego the moment the two waiters disappeared as silently as they had entered. Thank you for allowing my friend join us for dinner, Hayden said as he took his seat between Diego and Davis.

A friend of my Markito’s is a friend of mine, El Padrino said graciously before turning to face Davis fully for the first time. But if he proves not to be a friend, it will be his balls served for dinner the next time we meet.

Although Hayden laughed, the deadly calm with which Diego spoke left the warning painfully clear. For his part, Davis did not even blink, and his white teeth flashed in his dark face. I’ll say the same about your ‘Markito’. He’s family to me, and I’ll take exception if he’s betrayed.

After a brief hesitation where Diego was unable to hide his surprise that Davis would speak so harshly to him, the older man calmly set his napkin across his lap. It seems as though we both share a special affection for our friend.

Hayden was shocked to see that Diego appeared wounded that Davis would threaten him, and he held out his hands soothingly. We’re all friends here. There’s no need for anybody to take exception at this table.

Markie’s right, Diego said as he studied Davis carefully. I’m a busy man, but it’s not often that I have a meal with friends. This is a rare treat. Besides, I’m very curious to learn more about your past in the military, Señor Galvan.

Hayden swallowed and ducked his head to tuck his napkin on his lap. Here it comes, he thought, hoping that Davis would be able to pull off his role seamlessly. His paperwork was still being pushed through, and they had taken a risk bringing him in this evening. However, Diego accepted Davis’ fake last name only, which bought them a few extra hours, and those few hours were worth every second.

Hayden had suspected the interrogation would begin during their meal, and he was not surprised when Diego steered the conversation to Davis right away. He only hoped Davis was ready.

In an effort to remain as close to the truth as possible, his cover was similar to his real life. He was a former Special Forces sergeant who had retired from the military and moved into private security. That much was true, for many trained killers did the same. From there, they deviated from Davis’ life. In his file, his work in private security had introduced him to drug smuggling, beginning in Afghanistan and later to Markie through his association with Sting. His military training made him desirable on both sides of the border and the law, and the lure of the cash had turned Davis to the other side like so many before him.

Hayden had seen plenty of Americans wandering among Diego’s guards, and their cold, lifeless stares announced that they were every bit the ghosts that Andrew and Davis were. While their presence helped to boost Davis’ credibility, Hayden knew that they would be formidable opponents if their plan went awry. Hayden was confident of his skills but not overconfident. Andrew and Davis were important assets to his plan, for he knew he was out of his league against a legion of killers, and that was exactly what Hayden suspected they were, perhaps even former Delta Force operators who were being paid exceptionally well to guard El Padrino and train his men.

What would you like to know? Davis was asking as three waiters appeared holding plates with massive lobsters, steamed vegetables, and roasted potatoes.

For the first time since they entered the room, Hayden smiled. It was no secret how much El Padrino appreciated American fine dining. The last time they shared a meal, Hayden had questioned him about his penchant for serving American dishes, and Diego admitted that he had developed a soft spot for his American chef’s