by Ashley Jade
I look her in the eyes. “You better make this worth my while or I swear, I'll throw you off that damn roof.”
“Jesus Christ Dev,” Moe mutters.
We sneak down the hallway and make our way to the roof.
I fight the familiar feeling of serenity and calm that I have being up here.
There is no such thing as calm right now.
Not until I get my revenge against Alex.
“Start talking,” I say.
Maria begins speaking as Moe's facial expressions change from uneasiness to sadness, then nervousness.
After what feels like hours later, he sighs and looks at me. “Look, Maria understands what you're saying...well, for the most part. It comes from all of her years observing Hector. She just doesn't speak English very well. She doesn't want you to think that she's lying to you or trying to deceive you about anything. She said that she's on your side."
“Noted. Now, tell me what she said,” I say.
“Okay...first off- Yes, Maria is Alex's mother,” he says.
I arch my brow at Maria. “That means you must be Diego's mother too.”
But that wouldn't make any sense...
“You're not old enough to be Diego's mother though. Alex is 31. Diego was 12 years older then Alex. Diego would have been 43 by now. You're like 50 tops."
She looks down and nods.
“You're right Dev. She's not Diego's mother. True to Hector's legacy. He had an affair with Maria,” he pauses as his expression turns sorrowful. “It wasn't a consensual affair though...if you catch my drift.”
Oh god...that's horrible.
Remorse spasms through me as I reach over and give her a hug. “Lo siento Maria.”
She hugs me back as she weeps.
Moe clears his throat. “However, here's where the story really unfolds. Alex thought that his mother was Diego's mother for the first 18 years of his life. No one knew that Maria was really Alex's mother. No one except Hector and his wife....who he killed."
I stare at him and my mouth drops open. ”Hector killed his own wife?”
It shouldn't surprise me, considering all I've heard about the man...but it's still appalling.
Moe nods. “Yeah...but let me finish. So, understandably- Maria wanted to have an abortion after she found out that she was pregnant."
I give Maria's hand a squeeze as Moe continues.
I can't even imagine how awful that must have been for her.
“However, Hector wanted her to keep the baby. Well, he forced her to keep the baby. Tristan was kidnapped fairly recently at that time and he didn't know if he was going to be found alive. He needed a back up. Anyway, the three of them had an understanding. Meaning- Hector, Hector's wife, and Maria. They were going to raise the baby and pretend that it was his wife who gave birth to Alex. No one was ever supposed to find out. That all changed though after Alex killed Diego. Or, well...after they thought that Alex killed Diego. Hector's wife ended up spilling the beans in a fit of anger and rage over losing her only real son. She said that she was thankful that Alex wasn't really hers. Alex found out the truth when he was 18. Hector told Alex that his real mother was..."
He pauses and looks over to Maria, appearing apologetic for what he's about to say.
“Hector said that his real mother was nothing but a whore who didn't even want him in the first place. He said that he only used Maria to fill the void over losing Tristan's mother. The only woman he ever really loved. He said that Tristan was his pride and joy and that Tristan was the only son he was ever really proud to call his own. He said that he was disgusted by Alex and the happiest moment of his life was when he found Tristan again. He told Alex that he would make sure that he never see's the light of day and that he didn't consider him his son anymore. Then, he killed his wife for going against him and spilling the truth about Alex. The man was a fucking psychopath Dev. ”
Clearly.
A small part of me wants to feel bad for Alex...but I know that would only be counterproductive to what I know I ultimately have to do.
Nothing excuses what he's done.
Nothing excuses the kind of man that he's become.
That said...I know all too well the kind of pain he feels inside his heart.
On some level, I can even understand why he’s so angry with me now..
I know, what it's like to feel unloved and unwanted.
I know that ache...I know that agony.
It still doesn't make it right though.
Moe clears his throat again. “Maria wishes that her son didn't turn out like Hector. She said that it breaks her heart every single day to see the monster he's become. She tried to show him love and affection after the truth came out...but he wouldn't have it. The only person he's ever let in...was you Dev."
I close my eyes. This is too much. All of this is just too much.
I open my eyes and look at Maria. “Look, I'm going to get my revenge against your son. Nothing is going to stop me.”
She nods her head and says something to Moe.
“She said she understands. She won't stop you, but she's scared for you. She doesn't want you to die. She said that she will help you any way that she can, but she knows that it will end in your death...not his."
I take a deep breath. Then...a peculiar feeling sneaks up on me.
“If this was such a big secret then how did you know about it before? From what you said...Tristan doesn't even know the truth about Maria. So...how the fuck did you find out? Also, how the hell are you even here right now? You never told me. Who's side are you really on Carlos?”
He glares at me. “I know we don't exactly get along...but I'm not the enemy Dev. That said, I guess I do owe you some answers. To answer your first question, I knew that she was Alex's mother because I'm becoming closer with the guards. Particularly the guards who patrol the cellar. There's a guard by the name of Edwardo, he's Alex's cousin. I'm hoping, that with enough time he will put in a good word for me and eventually I'll be allowed down in the Cellar. Then, hopefully the perfect opportunity to help Tristan escape will arise, in time. I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants here. I just want to get him out of the shit hole.”
“Okay, well we definitely have that in common. Thank you for being a loyal friend. I'm sorry I thought you were a traitor. Now, how did you end up here?"
He looks down at his shoes. “I went back on my word to Tristan. I didn't protect you. Antonio- he's the head of the mob, ended up screwing things up for Tristan. It wasn't intentional, but things went haywire. He didn't know that Tristan would be leaving for Mexico as quickly as he did. That was partially my fault. I told my friend, the pilot, to get here as fast as he could. I was following Tristan's instructions. He didn't want me to fly him because he wanted me to stay back in Alaska to protect you. He wanted everyone, including Antonio's mob men, to protect you and only you. I had a real bad feeling about his plan from the get go. It wasn't well thought out, which is unusual for him. He didn't care though, he wasn't thinking rationally...all he wanted to do was protect you.”
He pauses and looks at me then. “Anyway, Antonio couldn't get a hold of Tristan to warn him that Alex was on his way...so he contacted me. He said he told Alex the location in hopes that Tristan would kill him sooner and he and Tristan would team up. I told him that he was a fucking asshole and we had some major words with one another. He said that he would find a way to make it up to Tristan and I. I told him to fuck off. Then...I left you Dev. I left you in Alaska and went off in search of Tristan. I'm sorry, but he's my friend and I was worried. Besides, like I said, we never really got along. When I arrived in Mexico...I found out that I was too late, so I had to come up with a different plan. I told Alex that I was a member of the mob but that I wanted to work for him. I guess he was having a good day, because he hired me. He said that I wouldn't be able to start for two weeks though. Like I told you earlier today, he had the house on lock down during that time because he was trying to gain your trust and fool
you for a little while. However, I'm sorry I didn't protect you Dev.”
I give him a smile. “It's okay. You were protecting your friend. A friend that I happen to be in love with. I could never be mad at you for that. Now, it's my turn to protect him. I'm gonna make Alex fall in love with me."
Both Moe and Maria appear confused then.
“Um Dev...I think he's already in love with you.”
I shake my head. “Yes...but he also hates me. However, I'm going to flip it. I'm going to gain his trust and then my other plan will go into effect."
Moe raises a brow. “What plan Dev?”
“Well, I'm not exactly sure yet. But, the less you both know the better...for now.”
“I really don't like the sound of this,” he says as Maria nods her head in agreement.
I turn to Maria. “If you're really on my side Maria, then I need you to do something important for me.”
She nods her head. “I need you to make Tristan believe that I hate him and that I'm in love with Alex.”
She scrunches her face as Moe gives me a dirty look.
“Wow, cold-hearted much Dev? After all Tristan's done for you . I mean, he's risked his life for you. He's never felt this way about any other woman before and you just want to kick him while he's almost 6 feet under already..."
I cut him off. “That's exactly what I want to do. If Tristan believes that I'm really in love with Alex and that I hate him...then, maybe I can save his life. But first, I need to get Alex to trust me and fall completely in love with me."
Both their mouths drop open as I walk past them and make my way back to my room.
Chapter 35 (Dev)
A little over a week has passed, and I haven't seen much of Alex.
He's been busy with Cartel related things.
Needless to say...my plan really wasn't going anywhere.
Luckily, Maria's been keeping an eye on Tristan for me whenever she's able to and Moe's still the guard outside my bedroom.
At least, he was until today.
“Look, I don't have much time. I just wanted to warn you that I'm back to guarding the warehouse. You're going to have a different guard outside your room today," Moe says nervously.
“Who?”
He takes a deep breath. “Edwardo. The guard I told you about. He's Alex's cousin. Edwardo told Alex that he wants to get to know you, so he'll be keeping watch over you today. I'm worried for you Dev. I didn't tell you this before, but Alex and Edwardo are very close. He's basically his second in command. Alex trust's Edwardo...so much so, that he's one of the only guards allowed in the cellar. Please, don't do anything to make him mad,” he says before leaving.
I sigh and bring my attention to the man in front of me who's currently fixing the sink.
I can't help but skim over all the tools laid out before me.
An evil smile spreads across my face when I think of all the things I could do to Alex with the right tool.
I'm practically salivating at the thought, when Maria taps my arm and clears her throat.
I look up and see a tall man wearing a black guard uniform.
He looks to be only a few years older then Alex, and his massive presence has a way of commanding your attention.
He reminds me a little of Diego actually.
I shudder at the thought.
He takes a step forward until we're almost nose to nose.
I feel my heart begin to race...and not in a good way.
“So, you're the girl that Alex has been in love with for all these years?” he says as he raises an eyebrow.
I nod and offer him a smile. “I'm Dev.”
He sucks his teeth and looks me up and down with disgust.
This isn't good.
“I know exactly who you are. I also know that you like to keep it in the family,” he says before he finally takes a step back.
Shit...Alex and Edwardo really must be close if he knows about Tristan and I .
I swallow hard. “I love Alex,” I say, a little less convincingly then I would have liked.
He narrows his eyes at me. “We'll see.”
He then turns and leaves the room as Maria gives me a look full of concern.
I squeeze her hand.
Maria soon excuses herself along with the plumber.
Finally...I'm granted a few minutes to myself.
Then...I see it.
A small switch blade lies on the ground, right in front of me.
The plumber must have dropped it.
It's the only weapon I've had at my disposal since I've been here.
It's not enough to do much damage. Unless it's used the right way.
I walk over to it, pick it up and tuck it into the waistband of my skirt.
That's when Edwardo enters the room.
Shit.
“The plumber said he left a switchblade on the ground by accident. Have you seen it?”
Good fucking job Dev.
I can't pull out the switchblade without him suspecting me of foul play.
I shrug. “Nope, I haven't seen it. Are you sure he left it in here? Maybe it was another job site?”
He eyes me for a second too long.
“I already asked him that. He said he was sure he left it in here.”
Maria walks in the room and I breathe a sigh of relief.
She'll back me up.
Edwardo turns his attention to Maria. “I need to speak to Dev alone for a moment.”
Maria looks nervous, but quickly bows her head before she leaves.
His turns his attention back to me as his eyes bore holes into me.
“I'm going to ask you one more time...do you know where the switchblade is?”
I shake my head as he moves a step closer.
“I already told you, I haven't seen it,” I say as I take a step back from him.
He grabs my wrist. “Your first mistake was lying to me Dev. Your second mistake was hiding it. I had the plumber leave it behind on purpose."
Don't show fear Dev. If you show fear...then this will all blow up in your face.
“Did you ever think that maybe he forgot to leave it behind? Not my fault that he failed in your attempt to set me up.”
He lunges toward me and throws me down on the ground.
I attempt to kick him in the balls while he reaches for my throat.
“What the fuck is going on here?” Alex barks as he rushes over to us.
He pulls Edwardo off of me and throws him up against the wall.
“Do not fucking touch her,” he growls.
Edwardo shoots me a look laced with malice as Alex releases his hold on him.
“She took the plumbers switchblade Alex. I told you...I don't trust this puta,” he spits.
He slams him up against the wall again. “Call her a puta again and you'll be visiting the warehouse ese',” Alex sneers.
I give Edwardo a sweet smile.
Edwardo clears his throat and looks at the floor.
“My apologies,” he says before leaving the room.
I hear the click of the lock on the door as Alex turns around to face me.
I walk over to him and throw my arms around him in an attempt to distract him. “Thank you. He was really starting to scare me.”
He backs away and looks at me hard.
“Cut the shit Dev.”
A frosty chill runs up my spine. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Don't play stupid with me...I know you better then you know yourself. Give me the knife.”
I shake my head and back away from him. “I don't know what you're talking about Alex. I don't have a knife.”
His eyes flash as he walks over to the bed and lays down.
“Okay Bonita...I believe you. Now strip.”
Dammit.
I fight back vomit as I give him a wink and begin unbuttoning my shirt.
He gives me a look laced with lust and anger as I saunter over to him.
“You know, it's real h
ard to be mad at you when you're doing that,” he grunts.
My lips turn up in a seductive smile as I unclasp my bra and let it drop to the floor.
I take a step toward the bed and lift my skirt up as he sucks in a breath.
I slowly remove my panties while silently praying that the switchblade doesn't slip out of the waistband of my skirt.
I crawl on the bed, unzip his pants and pull out his erection.
His eyes flash and he groans as I begin to straddle him.
“Do you remember when I fucked you for the first time Bonita?” he asks.
I swallow hard before I answer. “Of course...it was the best night of my life.”
He smiles as he slowly begins circling my clit with his finger.
“Yeah...mine too. I loved claiming you. I loved making you mine forever,” he whispers.
Despite the fact that I hate him, my breathing comes out in short, hard bursts as I press myself against his erection.
“You want me Bonita?” he asks, his own breathing matching mine now.
I nod my head and close my eyes.
“Do you love me Bonita?”
I open my eyes and look at him. “Always.”
He enters me in one swift motion and I begin grinding against him.
He reaches up and pulls us into a sitting position as he drops his head and sucks my nipple into his mouth.
“You're so wet Dev,” he groans.
I smile, because it's not Alex making me wet.
It's the thought of revenge.
I moan as he pins my wrists behind my back, forcing my breasts into his face.
“Do you love me more then you hate me Dev?”he asks.
My need for vengeance is fueling my orgasm as I continue to ride him slowly.
“I don't hate you Alex. I love you,” I pant as I begin to clench my walls around his thick length.
He smiles and licks my neck.
I soon feel something sharp slice into my back before I feel blood begin to ooze and trickle down.
Holy shit...he just stabbed me in the back.
I gasp in a combination of pain and shock.
“Then why were you trying to kill me Dev?” he sneers as he gradually extracts the knife from my skin.
