Page 75 of Till Death Do Us Part

Rei turned in my direction.

“Silas and Viviana. I forgot they were arriving today.”

“To Jano’s house,” Rei said, throwing the keys to Felipe.

By the time Rei and I stepped foot back on Bella, the sun was nearing the horizon. As much as I’d like to shower and spend time with my wife, we knew the routine and what was expected of us. Together, Rei and I went to ourpadre’soffice to give him a full report.

After listening,mi padreleaned back in his chair and templed his fingers. “Why not leave the nark as another calling card?”

I shook my head. “Business is good. Too many dead bodies and the authorities get suspicious. They start snooping around. We don’t need that headache.”

Padrenodded.

If I told him about the wife, he’d tell me I was too soft. He’d probably agree with Nicolas that she could have made us green by working the back rooms at Wanderland.

Padrecontinued, “We should hear soon if our message was received.” He scanned both of us. “Get rid of those clothes and clean up beforevuestra madresees you.”

Rei and I walked silently toward our suites. With each step, I tried to blot out the horror of our day and what we’d done. Only a monster could threaten a man’s wife, transport and distribute human remains, and face his own wife with a smile. I was close to a monster, but the dread coiling through me at the thought of Mia’s innocent smile was evidence that I hadn’t fully made that transition.

Rei stopped me in the hallway. “Maybe we should have taken Nicolas up on his offer for whores.”

“What the hell?”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier. I know how days like today fuck with our minds. Mia shouldn’t be a victim too.”

My fingers flexed, ready to ball into a fist. “I wouldn’t hurt her.”

“I know that. I’m just saying?—”

“What?” I growled. “What exactly are you saying?”

Rei lifted his palms in my direction. “Get yourself into a better headspace.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

Headspace.

Straightening my neck, I took a deep breath and opened the door to our suite.

Mia turned my direction, standing near the open doors to the balcony. The setting sun glowed around her like the aura of an angel. I couldn’t peel my eyes away. She was a fucking goddess in a long green dress. Her soft skin glowed pink and tan and streaks of gold highlighted her hair.

She was exactly what I needed and wanted, the light to balance out my darkness. My muscles tensed with the hunger to not only go to her but to consume her. The darkness in my soul longed to ravage her mercilessly. The craving was so intense, it was almost more than I could restrain.

Her wide eyes met mine. “What happened?”

Closing my eyes, I clenched my teeth and walked to the decanter of tequila. Pouring myself a generous portion, I brought the tumbler to my lips and emptied every drop. The sweet burn attempted to douse the flames of destruction sparking to life beneath my skin. The slam caused by lowering the glass too hard to the table echoed throughout the suite.

She came closer. “Are you hurt?”

I shook my head once before pouring more tequila. Holding tight to the tumbler, I contemplated trying to explain my state of mind, but the memories were too raw and fresh. Hell, the smell of death hung around me like a thick fog. If I opened the faucet, I was afraid I couldn’t shut it off. I’d spent the last few days and nights trying to ease Mia’s fear of me and about this marriage. All my effort would be for naught if I didn’t get myself under control.

Headspace.

Instead of replying, I turned, disappeared into the bathroom, slammed the door, and turned on the shower as hot as it would go.

ChapterTwenty

Mia