Bitter Sweet Hell (Hell Night 2)

“You really don’t have to do that.” I look to Jenny. “Your offer is very generous, but it’s probably best for me to move on.”

“And what happens the next time you get pulled over?” I slide my eyes back to JW. “I guarantee they’ll run your license with your expired tag.”

I close my eyes and silently curse myself for the dumb oversight of my tag. My birthday was last month, and I had every intention to renew it before the end of the month, but then my life went to crap and it slipped my mind. I could kick my own ass for being so stupid.

“It’s no problem,” Jenny says, her tone soft. I open my eyes. Understanding and compassion flashes in her eyes. “You can stay as long as you need.”

“Neither of you understand what you’re asking. You don’t want Diego to find me here. He’s a mean son-of-a-bitch, and he won’t be alone. He’ll have his friends with him.” Or at least I think he will.

JW and Jenny share a look, something passing between the two, before he brings his gaze back to me.

“You let me worry about that. If he comes here, he’ll be taken care of,” he says cryptically. “Diego is his first name?” I nod. “And his last?”

I tug on my lip with my teeth for a moment before spitting out, “Tomas.”

JW’s eyes narrow in recognition. “As in the Tomases?”

“Yes.”

“Fuck,” he mutters and rakes his hand through his hair.

Yeah, it’s not as cut and dry as he thought it was going to be.

“I’m lost,” Jenny remarks with a frown. “Who’re the Tomases?”

“Up and coming Spanish cartel. They’ve been trying to take over the west side of San Antonio for a couple years. They’re currently at war with the Santiagos. They’re mean, violent, and don’t give a shit who they hurt in their endeavors.” His head swivels my way. “You sure know how to pick the wrong family to get involved with.”

My back straightens and my eyes narrow into slits. “I didn’t do it on purpose, asshole. He lied about who he was when I met him. What gives you the right to judge me?”

He leans forward, his elbows on his knees, and puts his face closer to mine. His pine scent swirls around me.

“Because I’m the guy trying to save your ass.” His hands ball into fists. “If I remember correctly, Diego is Emiliano’s son, correct?”

“Yes.”

His nod is so stiff I’m surprised it didn’t pop a tendon in his neck.

“Why is he after you? This seems more than just an abusive ex.”

My nails pinch into my pal

ms. “I saw him murder a woman. Although there’s something strange he asked for when he gave me this.” I point to my black eye. “He wanted to know where I hid the microchip.”

“Where did you hide it?”

I shake my head. “That’s just it. I don’t have it. I have no clue what he’s talking about.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You think I would keep something that could get me killed? Sorry, but I want to live.”

He sits up and rubs his hands down his jean-clad legs. “Okay. Tell me exactly what happened.”

I look away and out the window in front of us, gathering my thoughts and remembering the fear that gripped me when I witnessed something so vile.

“A week ago, Diego and I spent the night at his house. I woke up late and he wasn’t in bed. I had an appointment, so I got up, dressed, and went to look for him to let him know I had to leave. The house was huge. I went to each room looking for him. When I opened the last door, I had no clue what I was walking into. Diego had a girl chained to a wall. She was naked, and he was beating her with a whip.”

I close my eyes and swallow down the bile trying to force its way up my throat.