The first sign of frustration sounded in Nesto’s voice. “Your father never asked Paul outright if they were his?”
“I overheard him talking to Paul on the phone once, telling him he had to close them down. According to my father, Paul didn’t deny they were his. I don’t believe he ever came right out and said they belonged to him, but he did say he couldn’t close them down.”
Standing, Nesto paced to the window, shoving his hands into his pockets. He didn’t turn toward her when he spoke. “Paul said he had business out here and wanted to meet with you, correct?”
“As I said, he called more than once. On the last call, he asked for me to make introductions. His business partner wanted to talk with someone high up in MacLaren Enterprises. Someone who could make decisions.”
This time, Nesto turned to stare at her. “Paul didn’t mention the topic of discussion?”
“No. He said his business partners were giving him a month to come up with new deals, but he never mentioned what the deals were about. Except…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to recall Paul’s exact words.
“Except?”
“Each time he called, Paul intimated his businesses dealings were legal.”
Nesto snorted. “And you believed him?”
Taking another swallow of whiskey, she set the glass down and stood, anger creeping into her voice. “No, I didn’t believe him. I haven’t believed him in a long time. Even though he pleaded, I refused to help him. Enough of my life has been ruined because of Paul and his actions.”
Nesto knew she didn’t mean just the messes she’d helped him out of or the money he’d been given in the hope of aiding him. The moisture glistening in her eyes told him Paul had ruined her life in other ways, including pushing her to break off her relationship with Nesto. Not even the knowledge she’d done it to keep him out of trouble cracked his anger or the reality she hadn’t trusted him with the truth. In Nesto’s world, omitting the truth ranked right up there with lying.
He shoved aside any feelings of sympathy for her. She’d been the one to make the choice to keep the truth from him. Nesto would do what he could to keep her and the MacLarens safe, but that didn’t mean anything had changed between them.
If anything, the reasons she gave for trying to shield him created a more intense burning rage than when she’d given him no reason at all. If anyone could have helped Paige and her family, it would’ve been Nesto. He couldn’t get beyond the fact she didn’t trust him enough to confide in him.
“What do you think this Javé guy wants? Maybe if I meet with him, explain there’s nothing I can do—”
“Absolutely not, Paige. I’m not certain of the next steps, but you are not going to meet with Javé or any of his officers. Ever.”
Pulling out his phone, Nesto punched in a number. “Hey, bro. I have a situation. When can you be at my cabin?”
Paige stared at him as he fixed them something to eat. The Chinese food she’d planned had been forgotten, along with her appetite, until Nesto mentioned eating. That’s when her stomach perked up.
He’d changed over the last couple years. The close-cropped, military haircut had been replaced with longer hair, almost touching his collar. The slight wave of his dark, silky strands held a hint of red under the kitchen lights. His handsome face still had a hard edge, the dark stubble on his jaw and chin giving him a dangerous look, warning off those who considered confronting him. At almost six feet tall, he wasn’t as tall as most of the MacLarens, yet his broad shoulders and muscled arms underscored the fact he could hold his own. Of course, anyone who knew of Nesto’s Special Forces background would already be aware of his abilities.
Paige had often wondered how a warrior such as Nesto had found a doctoral student so intriguing. Especially one who’d grown up with everything, never wanting for the basics, such as food and shelter. Nesto had struggled every day of his life, worked hard to achieve success, and never wavered from his strong values and bond with Kade.
She and Brooke, both with blonde hair, fair skin, and blue eyes, used to joke how much they looked alike. When he’d first met Paige, Kade had even asked if they were sisters. In many ways, Nesto and Kade could pass for brothers with their dark good looks and rugged appearance. At one point, Paige wondered if Nesto found her attractive because she was so much like his best friend’s girl. Over time, she realized that wasn’t the case. Nesto was his own man, making his choices separate from the person he admired beyond all others.
A knock drew her attention to the front door. Pushing it open, Kade stepped inside, his hand gripping Brooke’s. Both glanced at Paige, then over at Nesto, before Brooke moved to sit next to her.
“Hey. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
Paige gave her a small smile. “I didn’t expect to be here, either.”
Kade’s curious gaze moved from Paige to Nesto, who leaned against the kitchen counter, his arms crossed. He hadn’t said a word since they walked in, his eyes never leaving Paige.
“What’s going on?” Kade opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water for himself and one for Brooke, carrying it to his wife.
“It’s a long, complicated story. I need you to listen and provide your sage advice.”
“Sure. Whatever you need.”
An hour later, Paige’s head felt as if it would split open if Kade or Nesto asked one more question. She’d downed two bottles of water and an aspirin while talking through the entire ordeal a second time, her eyes beginning to cross from shifting between the two men. Rubbing her temples, she looked at Nesto.
“I hope there isn’t much else because I’m beat.”
Brooke stood, looking at Kade. “Why don’t I walk Paige back to her place while you two mull things over?”
“No,” both Kade and Nesto answered.
Kade sighed. “Sorry, babe. Until we know what Javé is up to, it’s too dangerous for you to be out alone at night.” Kade looked at Paige. “Especially for you. Javé has you in his sights, and I’m telling you, that’s a dangerous place to be.”
“Look, I know some pretty awful stuff involving a motorcycle gang went on before Eric and Amber got married. As I recall, the MacLarens were involved and it got real messy.” Paige shot a quick look at Brooke before continuing. “She didn’t fill me in on all the details, but I’m trying to understand how what is happening now could be related to the actions of a few years ago.”
“Come over here and we’ll lay it out for you.” Nesto pulled out a chair for Paige at the dining table, then waited until Brooke and Kade sat down. Taking a sheet of paper from the bookcase, he laid it in the center of the table and began to draw boxes, labeling them as he explained.
“When Kade went undercover as a DEA agent, he infiltrated Satan’s Brethren motorcycle gang, or club, as they prefer to be called. They’re a nasty bunch who earn their money trading in guns, drugs, and porn, with a few legit businesses mixed in, such as bike repair shops, part shops, tattoo parlors, and adult entertainment.”
“Titty bars,” Kade clarified.
Nesto nodded. “Right. Their president is Robbie Morgan.” He labeled one box with Satan’s Brethren. “Devil’s Sons is another outlaw biker gang. They deal in guns, drugs, and women, but they also deal in human trafficking. Selling girls and boys through online auctions to buyers around the world, but mainly to men with money in Central and South America. They are a support club to Satan’s Brethren.” He labeled another box with Devil’s Sons. “Their president is Javé Cruz.”
Kade took the pencil from Nesto. “We know Javé has relatives in the Montalvo-Ortiz cartel.”
Brooke gasped. “The same cartel suspected of kidnapping Reyna and Ivan’s mother?”
“The same,” Kade answered. “Brutal people who aren’t above anything illegal in order to enrich the cartel.” He wrote Montalvo-Ortiz cartel in a third box. “Ivan’s uncles, Octavio and Stefan, are suspected of being high up in the organization. We don’t know about Ivan’s father, Javier. He
says he has no cartel connections, but…” He shrugged one shoulder.
Nesto continued. “From the meetings this week, we know Javier has passed along his ownership in Double Ace to Ivan, as have Octavio and Stefan. This was one of the deals they made with the DEA after the Houston incident a few months back, and is what cleared the company for MacLaren Enterprises to buy it.” He took the pencil from Kade, writing Double Ace inside a box. “It doesn’t mean the cartel is through with them. Purchasing Double Ace might actually make them a more lucrative target for cartel needs. Expanded capacity, more distribution routes, and better networks.”
Paige shook her head. “I’m sorry. I still don’t get the connection with Paul or me.”
“Bear with us, sweet…uh, Paige.” Nesto grimaced at the slip, then went on. “Paul is cooking meth on your parents’ land. I’m thinking he has a partner in Devil’s Sons. Don’t ask me how that happened, but my instincts tell me it did. They buy his meth and distribute it through channels provided by the cartel. The cartel wants two things—revenge on the MacLarens for what happened in Houston, and the ability to extend their reach using company subsidiaries to run their merchandise. You, Paige, have been chosen as the person to lay the groundwork.”
She shook her head. “Why would I do that?”
Nesto cocked his head. “Because Javé will kill Paul if you don’t.”
Placing a hand over her mouth, she doubled over. “Excuse me.” No one blamed her for hurrying to the bathroom and closing the door.
When Brooke stood to go help her, Nesto placed a hand on her shoulder. “She’ll be fine. It’s time Paige got an understanding of how low her brother has fallen.”
“And how useless her attempts to protect him have become,” Kade added, seeing his wife’s face darken.
Brooke’s eyes flared as indignation raced through her. “She did what any sister would. It’s what you would do for Skye or Samantha, or any of the MacLarens or Sinclairs, and you know it. Paige loves her brother, but she sees his faults.” Brooke looked at Nesto, her eyes soft with understanding. “She didn’t make a good decision when she chose to help Paul and leave you behind, but it wasn’t done because she didn’t love you. She made the hard choice because she did love you.”
Nesto glanced away, settling his hands on his hips as he shook his head. “She made her choice and it damn sure wasn’t me.” He let out a breath. “Let’s just get on with what we need to do.”
Brooke nodded, then leaned forward, reading the boxes again. “Do you think both motorcycle gangs are involved?” She directed her question to Kade.
“We know Devil’s Sons are because of Javé. My guess is they’re running this outside their association with Satan’s Brethren. From what I hear, Robbie’s been moving his club further away from illegitimate activities and expanding legitimate ones. I can reach out to a few of my buddies who still work for the DEA and find out what they know.”
They looked up as Paige returned and sat down. “Sorry.”
“Honey, you know you don’t have to apologize. Right, Nesto?” Brooke looked up at him, her gaze penetrating.
“Sure. No apology needed, Paige.” His slight scowl, however, told her more than his words.
Clasping her hands tight in her lap, she straightened her back, doing the best she could to present a brave front. “What did I miss after Nesto said Javé might kill Paul?”
Nesto grimaced. It had been an insensitive statement. One he never would have made if the woman sitting near him hadn’t been Paige.
“Kade is going to talk to his contacts at the DEA to find out what they’re willing to share about Satan’s Brethren and Devil’s Sons.” Nesto looked at him. “You might want to talk with Thad Montgomery, too.”
“I’ll do that. Nesto and I will meet with the brothers as early as possible tomorrow morning. Even if we don’t know the specifics of what Javé and Paul want from you, they need to be on guard and start considering extra security for everyone until this blows over.”
Brooke touched his arm. “What if it doesn’t blow over, Kade?”
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he drew her to him. “Darlin’, this is just another blip in the life of the MacLarens. It will blow over and the family will be protected.”
“I should leave.”
Three sets of eyes shifted to Paige—two filled with concern, one with enough contempt to trigger anger.
Nesto crossed his arms, shaking his head. “You don’t deal with problems by running away, Paige. I would’ve thought you might have learned that by now.”
Jumping to her feet, she placed her hands on his chest and shoved. “I am not running. I’m trying to do what’s best for you and everyone else. I don’t care if you get it or not.” Paige shifted toward Brooke. “If I leave, I’ll have no ability to make introductions or be a pawn in their game. The threat to everyone will be eliminated.”
Kade shook his head, his expression filled with compassion. “It doesn’t work that way. The threat to Paul will still be there for Javé to capitalize on. And now that he believes you and Nesto are still together, I’d bet a month’s salary Javé will threaten Nesto, as well.”
“Let him threaten me. I don’t give a damn what he thinks he can do. I’m more concerned about what will happen to everyone else.” Nesto moved to the refrigerator, taking out four more bottles of water and passing them around. “I’d offer something stronger, but I’m afraid we’d all crash.”
Chugging down half the bottle, Kade held out his hand to Brooke, helping her stand. “Nesto’s right. It’s time to get you home. Tomorrow’s going to come real quick.” They walked to the door before Kade turned, giving Paige a serious expression. “You’re staying with Nesto until the threat is over.”
Her eyes widened. “What? No. Absolutely not.” She shook her head, moving toward the door. “I’ll be safe in my own cabin.”
“Sorry, honey, but the issue is settled and you didn’t get a vote. You may think you’ll be safe, but Nesto and I have dealt with these people before. When you’re in their sights, you’re in serious danger.” Kade tightened his arm around Brooke when she started to speak, knowing what she was going to say. “I can’t have you at our place, either. Javé knows me, so Brooke and I are already in danger. And, in all honesty, if anything happens, my first priorities will be Brooke and the baby. You need to be with someone whose only concern is you.”
“Right. The same man who wishes I’d never returned,” she mumbled.
Kade’s eyes crinkled at the corners, but he held off a smile. “Nesto would never let anything happen to you, Paige. He’d guard you with his life.”
She ignored the knot in her stomach. “I don’t want anyone protecting me with their life. I’d rather it be focused on me.”
Nesto stilled at her words, casting a quick glance at Kade and Brooke before stepping next to Paige. “It’s not a big deal. I have an extra bedroom. Sharing the bath isn’t an issue. We’ve done it before. You’ll have full charge of the kitchen.”
“Great. We all know you’re the better cook.”
The corners of Nesto’s mouth curved upward. “True. This will give you a chance to knock me off the throne.” He grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. When she didn’t look up, he lifted her chin with his hand. “Stay here. I’ll keep you safe while staying out of your way. If you refuse, I’ll plant myself outside your cabin.”
She let out a breath, eyes full of pain, her words a mere whisper. “You already hate me. This will only make it worse.”
His throat worked, a muscle in his jaw twitching as he met her gaze. “I don’t hate you, Paige.” Taking a step away, he lifted his chin at Kade. “Take your wife home. We’ll be fine here.”
Kade nodded. “Brooke and I will be here at seven to follow you two in. We’ll keep close until this is over.”
Paige wandered toward the sofa as Nesto watched them get into Kade’s truck and drive away. Turning, he studied her as she tried to find calm in a chaotic situa
tion.
“Let’s go get what you need, then hit the sack. You’re exhausted, and I’m right there with you.”
Nodding, she moved up to him, waiting until he walked outside, then motioned her to join him. Before they stepped off his porch, she turned to him.
“I realize how hard this must be for you, so…thank you.”
Chapter Nine
Heath, Rafe, and Jace didn’t interrupt as Nesto explained what happened the night before, as well as his and Kade’s thoughts. At a little after seven, they’d been fortunate to find all three brothers in their offices and available.
“Kade will be calling his contacts at the DEA, as well as Thad Montgomery. I’ll be doing the same on my end with the Marshals Service, but doubt they’ll know much. I’m recommending we go back on high alert status at all operations. I’ve already contacted the company we used when we hired additional bodyguards before and told them to be on standby.”
Rafe slapped both hands on the table. “Sonofabitch. I’d hoped we were done with this mess.” He looked at Heath. “Has Ivan flown out?”
“No. He and Gage planned to stay through today before flying back to Houston.” Heath glanced at Kade. “Should we keep them here a few more days?”
“I’d recommend it. At least until Nesto and I have learned what we can about the current state of Satan’s Brethren and Devil’s Sons. The DEA used to have someone inside the Sons, but I heard he got made and they pulled him out. It’s doubtful they have a man in the Brethren. After my undercover work in the club, Robbie is extra careful about bringing in new prospects.”
Jace rested his arms on the table, focusing on Nesto. “Who is the most vulnerable?”
He knew what Jace asked. “Paige, Kade, Brooke, and myself. It’s anyone’s guess after that. If Javé and the cartel are to have any success, they’ll resort to blackmail, threats against our families. The good news is Kade’s and Brooke’s families are here where we can provide protection. Paige is certain she can get her mother to come out for a visit. Her father is leaving for Europe on a long business trip, which is good timing for us.” Nesto shrugged. “In all ways that matter, my family is also here.” Everyone knew he thought of the MacLarens and Sinclairs as his family. “Paul is the only one out there.”
Foolish Heart (MacLarens 0f Fire Mountain Contemporary Book 9) Page 8
