Fallen Empire (Dirty Empire)

“No. I killed Bane.” I didn’t mean to admit that; it just slips out.

Her eyes snap back to me. “You?” The shock is genuine.

And I realize that maybe that’s why I said it, so I could have the satisfaction of seeing the look on her face when she realizes that I’m not a helpless fool.

“Gabriel couldn’t find me, and I knew that if I didn’t get away, I probably never would.” My voice is unexpectedly calm. “So, I did what I had to in order to survive.”

“Don’t we all,” she murmurs. “Bane was a bad man. He deserved what he got.” After a moment she adds, “My father also deserved what he got.”

I can’t begin to imagine the kinds of atrocities her cartel boss of a father has committed. If it’s anything like Bane or Vlad, then, yes, he likely did.

I’m surrounded by people who are actively trying or have already succeeded in killing their fathers. Meanwhile, I ended up in this situation because I was willing to do anything to keep mine alive. The irony of that makes me chuckle, though there’s nothing funny about it.

She studies me closely. “Remind me to never underestimate you.”

The deep hum of Gabriel’s voice pulls my attention to him, and I take a moment to admire the shape of his broad shoulders, the curve of his back, and the swell of his ass in his dress pants. Even in bloodied and torn clothing, he seems powerful, indomitable, in control. But I can’t forget those few moments, wrapped in each other’s arms, when he showed a vulnerable side, when he admitted to his fears.

There’s a notable buoyancy to him now, one that I haven’t seen since I’ve known him. It’s almost as if he sees the light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel.

Will this new arrangement with Ava jeopardize his dream of a different life though?

I won’t allow it, because it doesn’t just affect Gabriel anymore. This is also my life.

“Gabriel wants out and I want him out.” I meet Ava’s gaze. “Respectfully, after today, I’m hoping I never have a reason to see you again.”

She dips her head. “I understand. We didn’t meet on the best of terms.”

I can’t help the snort that escapes.

“Despite that, I am not my father. I don’t embrace violence unless it’s a last resort. Perhaps I can still change your opinion of me.”

Highly unlikely.

Ava looks to the dining area and the man pouring water into glasses nods.

With a clap of excitement, she climbs to her feet. “Time to eat.” She sashays toward the terrace, her steps measured and confident, as if she owns the world.

And maybe she will—a world where these dirty empires thrive.

But Gabriel and I will be far away from it.

21

Gabriel

“This is not how I saw today going.” Caleb inhales the last of his wine—a full-bodied Mexican cabernet produced in Ava’s Sonora vineyard.

The second he puts his glass down, a server appears to fill it again.

That’s how it’s been all afternoon, as we sit on this shaded terrace, the sun slowly sliding across the sky, heading toward evening as Ava plies us with free-flowing liquor and course after course of five-star food—everything from stuffed poblanos to moles, tamales, and carnitas that give Rosita’s a run for their money.

The Ava Navarro who stepped out of her white SUV outside Phoenix to threaten our lives this morning has all but vanished, and the one who calmly negotiated our truce is barely recognizable, replaced by this version—a warm and welcoming hostess who jokes often and strikes up conversation easily. Even now, her head is tipped back in throaty laughter over something Vince said.

Caleb leans in to whisper in my ear, “You still think she’s gonna try to kill us?”

“Fattening us up for slaughter? Maybe,” I murmur wryly around my glass. Despite the tense arrival and the relentless throb in my skull, it didn’t take long for me to find my appetite once we sat down. Now, I’m ready to unbuckle my pants. The way Mercy’s rubbing her stomach says she feels the same.

Only, I’m not so sure we have anything to fear from Ava—at least not if we hold up our end of the bargain. She sent her entire security team away to station themselves on the outside of the walls—dismissing Tony’s objections—and then invited Farley to join us. When Tony tried to relieve him of his gun, she waved it off.

The guy opened his mouth to argue, but all it took was a few sharp words in Spanish and an icy look, and he clamped his mouth shut, fast.

Short answer is, I don’t know what the hell to make of Ava Navarro, but by the end of the night, she’s either going to try to kill us or fuck us. The way those greedy dark eyes are constantly veering between Caleb and Merrick, my guess is the latter.