Miss- Senorita and the Soldado

The Miss Series 2 Miss: Señorita and the Soldado Elloisa must escape the grasp of her former lover, notorious drug lor...

Author: Marie Laura

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The Miss Series 2

Miss: Señorita and the Soldado Elloisa must escape the grasp of her former lover, notorious drug lord Armando Sintorez, but getting out of Mexico with the help of sexy DEA Agent Gustavo Montoya is the last thing she expects. Now back in America, she learns the depths of Armando's betrayal. Because of him, she thought her family was dead. But Elloisa has enough information to close down her captor’s drug cartel, along with over a dozen others. Elloisa is trying to heal and make up for lost time with the family she believed dead, but her past relationship with the drug lord results in a very real death sentence for her and her family. Elloisa is trying to do the right thing in the name of justice, but she wants to protect her family. Never one to trust easily, Ellioisa suspects she is battling leaks and snitches, and she may be right. When DEA Agent Gustavo Montoya vows to protect her, Elloisa feels she has finally found someone to trust, but neither one expects to fall in love. Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Suspense Length: 62,443 words

MISS: SEÑORITA AND THE SOLDADO The Miss Series 2

Laura Marie

ROMANCE

www.BookStrand.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN-BOOKSTRAND TITLE IMPRINT: Romance

MISS: SEÑORITA AND THE SOLDADO Copyright © 2011 by Laura Marie E-book ISBN: 1-61034-541-X First E-book Publication: May 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION To my husband, my children and my loving family who continue to support me and encourage me to following my dreams. A special “Thank You” to Uncle Larry for all your help with the Spanish translations. “¡Muchas Gracias!”

MISS: SEÑORITA AND THE SOLDADO The Miss Series 2 LAURA MARIE Copyright © 2011

Chapter 1 Agent Gustavo Montoya spied through the binoculars from a high set of trees near a small building across from the Sintorez estate. This was the closest he could get to the notorious drug lord, his target. He had spent months establishing his false identity and proving his loyalty to the Sintorez cartel. He had witnessed murder, learned the protocol of Sintorez’s drug development and distribution operation here in Mexico, and was building a case against him. But Sintorez was very intelligent and extremely dangerous. He made the rules. He decided who would be close to him and who would stay outside the gates of his personal mansion. The sight of the beautiful woman Sintorez kept by his side at all times had triggered a curiosity in Gustavo. Sintorez did not seem to treasure or appreciate much. However, he kept the woman at his side even during meetings with other drug traffickers like Miguel Philippe. Gustavo watched the woman now through the lenses, his curiosity getting the better of him. She had long brown hair and an exceptional figure. He tried to make the binoculars focus closer, but they were at their limit. He cursed the inability to not see her face more clearly. Then, as if his plea was heard, she moved closer to the balcony,

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staring off in his direction. His heart hammered in his chest and awareness built inside of him. His body hummed with need and he was shocked. He could hardly see her, yet he felt some sort of connection to her. Who is she? Why is she with a man like Sintorez? He clicked the button on the left of the device and instantly took several pictures of her. He would send them off later to DEA headquarters and see what they could find out. Some activity was going on a few yards away from where he hid in the trees. He needed to get down and evade being spotted. He took one last look through the binoculars at the woman, and he saw her turn her head as if someone was coming. The sight of Sintorez making his way toward the woman angered Gustavo. The man was a monster, but the woman looked like an angel, dressed in white as her hair blew in the wind. Reluctantly, Gustavo turned away and hurried out of the tree. **** The brilliant, bold rays of sun cast a shadow over the courtyard hidden by glorious elms and evergreens. Many were hundreds of years old, their roots buried deep under the old mansion and against the stone barrier wall that surrounded the compound. The evergreens held witness to crime, passion, murder, and a family heritage fated for wealth and success. If the walls could speak, what would they reveal that Elloisa wasn’t already privy to? She stared at them, relished in the thought of being lost amidst the gentle breeze coming in along with the setting sun. The compound was magnificent and yet stood out of place in a desert surrounded by mountains and shacks, hurtfully called villages. The villages beyond the estate were impoverished and run down. Yet Armando lived in luxury without a care for those less fortunate.

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A damn tank is what she needed to get through the walls and out of this living hell. More importantly, Elloisa needed to get away from him. “El bien conocido Armando Sintorez,” she whispered. He was indeed a notorious man. He was her love at first sight, irresistibly handsome and exquisitely deceitful. His jet-black hair and dark, mesmerizing eyes had immediately drawn her to him. He was a man of maturity, sophistication, and wealth. He stood out among all other men she knew. He had a movie star quality about him, and she had been too young, too innocent to recognize the danger or to follow her gut. He played her like a violinist caresses his instrument’s strings. His accent, his deep, sexy voice, and manipulating moves enticed her body and soul. There was no long, drawn-out wooing or coaxing in the relationship. Instead, Armando had seduced her. He was so good, so believable that until several months ago, she was living in a dream. This was no precious princess story but instead a series of lies and criminal activity based around her as the object of revenge. She was a pawn in some sick game Armando chose to create and play. Her family was dead. Her past was a painful thought, and her future was even worse. Now it seemed it was her turn to be deceitful, to manipulate and conquer if she ever wanted to get out of this prison. Armando never loved her. It was all a game. Elloisa was lost in thought as she relished in a lungful of evening air. The last few weeks had been difficult, to say the least. She was finding it more and more difficult to act complacent. Looking around the courtyard, she absorbed the beauty and superiority of the Sintorez estate. It was a stone prison to those looking on from the outside, but inside it was paradise. She glanced toward the main entrance that faced the dessert and side streets leading to the villages. The people were poor. Armando did little for them considering he was so wealthy. His table scraps were brought to the gates for beggars to scrounge and fight over, all at his amusement, of course. Armando, Ramos, and

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the others who dined with him watched the surveillance video connected to the gates. They laughed and roared as they watched the poor, helpless, starving children fight over his scraps. It was barbaric and inhumane. She never watched but instead found an excuse to leave early before the liquor set in and the men began their little dessert ritual and viewed the actions of starving children. Her stomach curdled at the thoughts of his actions. Armando was invincible, but it had come down to do or die for Elloisa. Just then, she heard the solid oak door open. A quick glance behind her, and speak of the devil. Armando entered the room. Elloisa continued to stand on the balcony, soaking in the gentle breeze before the sunset. With each inhale, she could taste the freedom. Just beyond the walls of this prison she had been forced to live in for the past year and a half and over the two rolling hills was her freedom. Elloisa heard Armando Sintorez close the door behind him. She felt his gaze despite the distance between them. He was a powerful and scary man. Out of fear of being rude in any way towards her captor, she glanced over her shoulder, nodding her head in a submissive bow. Her stomach churned with disgust. Her hair swayed in the breeze. “Mi hermosa Elloisa. Vas a impresionar a todos,” he whispered from a few feet away. His voice sounded deep and seductive. The rich, thick, Spanish accent had once made her body shiver with anticipation of his touch. Now, she loathed it. “I love the way your long chocolate locks brush against your hips,” he continued to compliment her. He was always analyzing what she wore and how she looked. She hated this dress and the fact that it was semi-transparent and white. He knew all could see the undergarments below, but he liked teasing others with what he had and what belonged to only him. It made Sintorez feel powerful. She should be grateful that the panties and bra


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were white and not cherry red like the sick bastard could have left for her to wear. His eyes roamed over her body, absorbing the effect and testing the potential reaction of his men to the dress. “You have a luscious body. I can see the thong bikini panties and the lace bra….which means so will others.” His statement, the superior tone combined with his Spanish accent, made her stir with nervousness. It was his idea. He was the one that set the dress out on the bed along with the panties and bra. He wanted her to wear this. “But you set it out for me—” “Shhhhh…” He chuckled at her in his evil condescending tone. He was always playing mind games. Testing those around him and trying to make them confess to betrayal or disloyalty for kicks. She felt the heat and power of his body as Armando moved closer. **** Elloisa wrapped her arms around herself. There wasn’t a chill in the air, but his presence alone sent her whole body into a state of panic. Elloisa knew all too well how horrible and untrustworthy Armando really was, and she felt more like his prisoner now than his lover. Armando’s true intentions were revealed too late. She had been such a fool, and there was no way her family would ever forgive her or take her back. Were they even alive? Had he lied about that as well? Armando swore that her whole family would die if she tried to escape, and the thoughts both saddened and angered her. Even if they were somehow alive, they probably thought she was dead. Armando planned it that way. He owned her. She was his possession, his trophy, and she wished she were dead. The more she

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thought about it, to die would not be so terrible. She would embrace it. After tonight, this life with Armando would all be behind her. She was determined to persuade her own fate and lend a hand. If she failed, then it wouldn’t matter…she was more than ready to die. Patience, Elloisa, patience. The words echoed in her head. She had a plan after all and soon her past would be behind her. Armando interrupted her thoughts. His hands slid around her waist then across her belly. Strong bronze hands glided against her skin encompassing her waist. She panicked and took in a deep breath. Such an intimate touch had held so much meaning in the past. The feel of the heat of his skin connecting with her own had once caused an eruption of desire inside of her. Now it made her sick to her stomach. He wasn’t the man she thought he was. Being with him for more than a year had shown her the real Armando Sintorez. His arms moved over her to hold her from behind, pulling her hips and backside against him. Instantly, she could feel his hardness. She inhaled a shaky breath. He would have her before he had dinner this evening. Elloisa trembled inside. She closed her eyes, forcing the tears away. She wasn’t sure what pain hurt worse, that of losing a lover from lies and betrayal or contemplating suicide. Armando’s other hand slipped under her hair and against her neck. He softly pulled her head back against his chest, whispering in her ear. “My beautiful Elloisa…I am going to have to keep a close eye on you tonight. You are breathtaking and my guests will take notice immediately.” He spread tiny kisses and licks with his tongue across her earlobe then neck. Guests? He spoke of those guests as if they were proper legitimate business friends. Worthy, trusting, and decent—none of those niceties


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even came remotely close to what he referred to as guests. The men were monsters who committed murder and broke the law on a regular basis. They were ruthless, heartless killers living in their own obscene, lawless world of drug trafficking, torture, and the unthinkable to anyone with a conscience. They had no respect for human life. They slit men’s throats for insulting them or simply rolling their eyes in disrespect toward them. She was a witness to such crimes. Elloisa closed her eyes and suppressed the urge to vomit. His hold was firm and possessive. Armando’s bronze hands glided down her hipbone, across her backside, squeezing then back again across her outer thigh then between her legs. Elloisa jumped and prayed he hadn’t noticed her fear. In an instant, he turned her body toward his. His dark gray eyes pierced through her hazel ones. His hands firmly held her shoulders. He was a good eight inches taller, had a perfectly trim body, and was very attractive. There was no denying his looks, but beyond those eyes and that body stood a monster, a rapist, and a murderer full of deceit. Elloisa shuddered at his touch. “What is it, Elloisa? Why are you not talking to me?” he asked her so gently and full of concern. She absorbed the way a strand of his thick, black hair hung lazily near his eyebrow. There was a time she thought it was sexy and sophisticated. The way his eyes crinkled when he didn’t get his way and then how she would tease him to calm him down and make him smile. She fell for the tricks, the façade he created to claim her. He was playing with her because his only concern in life was himself. “I’m fine, Armando. I just feel a chill in the air. Let me grab my sweater before we head downstairs.”

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Elloisa pulled away from Armando, attempting to escape the inevitable as she walked back into the bedroom. She was heading toward the wardrobe closet and scanned the many fine-looking garments each shelf contained. In his eyes, Armando had denied her very little. She had everything. Fine clothing, lingerie, of course, shoes to match, perfume, and even privacy to an extent. But, what she really wanted he kept from her, that which was her freedom. Her attention was instantly drawn back towards Armando when she heard the double French doors to the balcony close then lock. “Forget the sweater. I know exactly how to warm you up.” The white sweater dropped to the floor as Armando forcefully pulled Elloisa against him. She couldn’t stop his next move. His hand held both her wrists tight as he pinned Elloisa against the bedroom wall. Her hip hit the pointed edge of the table. “Ouch!” she yelled, but the sound was lost under his lips then his entire mouth as Armando attempted to devour her. His cologne was consuming, his strength conquering. She hadn’t planned on this. His muscular hands pressed against her hipbones. Her head banged against the hard wall behind her as Armando rubbed his chest then his erection against her. “Armando, your guests…are arriving,” she whispered, out of breath as his moist lips and saliva covered her neck. Her stomach churned in disgust. She hated this man, detested him in every way. He didn’t listen. The room was darkening as the sun began to vanish behind the hills. The muffled sound of music, guitars, people singing, and the fiesta downstairs could be heard in the distance. Her head rolled to the side, and she clenched her eyes.


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Elloisa caught herself drifting towards the sounds, forcing her concentration on each chord and word she could hardly hear from the bedroom. She’d try anything to take her mind away from his touch, his scent, his controlling, commanding hands. She couldn’t let herself do it. Tonight was different. Tonight she had an overwhelming desire to be free. **** Armando pulled the white material off of Elloisa’s shoulders. “My lovely Elloisa…you are mine for eternity.” His hands roughly pulled apart each button and removed the material that covered her breasts. Flesh instantly emerged to Armando’s complete satisfaction. “Get this off! Now!” he demanded. His gold and diamond ring scratched her breast then her shoulder, as he ripped the material from her body the rest of the way before she could move. There she stood, against the wall “Please, Armando…No…Please stop,” she pleaded, and he laughed at her. Anger filled her gut. She couldn’t allow him to do this to her anymore. She was not staying here. She would not be his possession any longer. She thought back to a time when she gave herself so freely to this man. They were so in love. That was the past, a time before the lies and deceit emerged and her rose-colored glasses were removed and reality and truth were shoved in her face. She needed her freedom. She needed to get away from Armando and begin a new life. A combination of panic mixed with determination filled her to her core. Her small bag was packed and hidden in the back closet. Her

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plan was to sneak away during the party and escape in the night, but obviously her plans needed to change. With every disgusting touch, she thought about what Armando had taken from her. “I can’t seem to ever get enough of you,” he whispered, biting and kissing her collarbone then moving lower. She closed her eyes, fought the urge to fight him with strength. She would only lose and suffer the consequences. She thought about the way he destroyed her life, her family. He killed her brother Mathew, took her hostage as payback to her father for crossing him in some international smuggling deal gone bad. At least that’s what Armando told her. Her father was a detective working undercover along with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Armando said her father was on the take. He had accepted bribes and was working hand and hand with some local dealers in the States. She hated him for it. She lost all respect for her father and couldn’t help but wonder if her brothers were involved. Her assumptions about their involvement with drug trafficking and accepting bribes were all she had to think about over the months that passed. Maybe that was why Mathew was shot and killed? “You’re not smiling my dear. Smile for me,” he ordered, out of breath, and she stared at him, her facial expression blank. Armando grabbed a fistful of her hair and used it to drag her across the bedroom. She held on to his wrists to try and stay a foot away and ease the tension, but she couldn’t. This was bad. She had made him angry, and now he would be rough. She contemplated giving in. Just one more time and then he would never touch her so intimately again. No. She couldn’t take this anymore. She couldn’t let this man have her again. She did not want to smell his cologne, the way the smell of his saliva lingered in the air and against her flesh. No!


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She scanned the table by the bed. A solid brass ashtray sat there. It was heavy, and if used properly, it would make the perfect weapon. Armando loved his expensive cigars. He especially enjoyed them in the evening after they made love. Armando grabbed Elloisa’s face. “What is it with you tonight? You know the rules, Elloisa, or do you need to be reminded of them?” She tried to turn away. “No, Armando, I don’t…I…” The slap came out of nowhere, and she fell to the floor, holding her cheek, crying in pain. Armando ripped off his shirt, undid the buckle on his designer dress pants. He pulled Elloisa up in one swift motion then onto the bed. Her body bounced and she nearly went over the other side, but Armando grabbed her by the ankles and pulled her legs towards him. She screamed for him to stop. Elloisa cried, “No….No, Armando, please.” But he was determined to put her in her place, show her what defying him would get her. He had trouble lowering the zipper to his pants. There is a God. She made the move. It was now or never. She had to escape or he would eventually kill her. Elloisa grabbed for the ashtray just as Armando got the zipper down. She slammed the shiny object as hard as she could against the back of his head. Armando froze but he was awake, conscious. She hit him again. Her arms were shaking. Her whole body was as she cried and panted, waiting for him to stop. He was still conscious. Was the man truly invincible? She shook with fear and her courage began to waver, but she couldn’t turn back now. Elloisa had to finish him. She struck him again, feeling the slight

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hesitation right before the brass hit his skull. Finally, he dropped to the floor and appeared unconscious. Elloisa jumped up from the bed and ran to the closet. She retrieved the hidden bag then tossed on some jeans, a T-shirt, and boots. She had a desert to cross if she made it over the wall. Her plan was in motion three hours earlier than arranged. She would have to hide out and pray no one followed her. Armando lay on the bedroom floor, moaning in pain. That was nothing compared to the pain he had caused her here at the mansion, never mind the pain he had caused her family. She looked around the room, grabbed what she needed, then headed slowly out the door. Luckily, she peeked down the hall first. Ramos, Armando’s bodyguard, was heading down the hallway. “Shit!” she said softly then closed the door. He was probably wondering where Armando was. The guests were still arriving. There was a knock on the door. “¿Armando, estás ahí?” “Armando, are you in there? Everyone is asking for you. Elloisa, is Armando in there?” he called through the door, and Armando made a groaning sound. “Boss, are you all right!” Ramos called and Elloisa could hear the concern in the man’s voice. His hand was on the doorknob, and she heard it rattling. Think, Elloisa, think. She giggled then moaned. “Oh, Armando…please, baby…harder, más, más duro, así como así. Oh, yeah, oh…” she exclaimed as she tied the scarf around Armando’s mouth. “Sorry, boss, I thought something was wrong. I’ll cover for you two,” Ramos said. She heard the piece of shit chuckle. ****


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Ramos walked back down the hallway thinking what a lucky man Armando was. Elloisa was a goddess, her body was pure perfection. He had always admired it and often fantasized about doing her, but his boss would kill him on the spot. Elloisa was Armando’s prize possession. If another man even dared to look at her, he would be killed. “Ramos. I am looking forward to meeting with Armando to discuss that issue in New York. Demacio wants to make some additions to the facility,” Miguel stated after he shook Ramos’s hand. “Sí, Armando will discuss it with you when he comes down,” Ramos replied then glanced around him. “Is the lovely Elloisa joining us this evening?” “Por supuesto. Elloisa es su princesa.” “His princess indeed. I need to get me one of those,” Miguel added and both men smiled. The outdoor patio filled with guests, and everyone waited for Armando. The Mexican music played, señoritas served beverages, and hired prostitutes entertained the men. Tonight, there was to be a grand fiesta. Ramos took in the sights around him. The fun and excitement filled the air. It was exactly the way Armando liked to throw a party. “¿Dónde está Armando?” Ramos smiled, remembering where they were. “Él decidió tomar el postre antes de cenar esta noche.” They raised their glasses and roared with envy as Ramos told them that Armando decided to have desert before dinner this evening. **** Avalar leaned over and whispered to his guard. “If I had a woman like that Elloisa, we would be in bed all the time.”

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“Sí. She has become quite valuable to him. Perhaps something to keep in mind if things don’t go well in New York.” Avalar squinted his eyes and thought for a moment. “Good thinking. See what you can find out about her. I know she was born in the United States and that there was some controversy around her coming here, but Armando pulled it off.” “I will, sir.” Avalar glanced at his watch. What the hell time was Armando planning on arriving? This was kind of rude. He had things to discuss with Armando. **** Elloisa realized the only way out was down the side of the balcony. She couldn’t chance being seen without Armando by anyone. The guests were probably asking where they were, and Ramos would be back again. This was what she trained for. The long jogs, crunches, and intense workouts were not to please her captor, but were to prepare her as much as humanly possible for tonight. She gently dropped her backpack and bag onto the ground. There was no one around and the guards were probably in the front by the gates and entrance. Too many big shots were expected tonight. Elloisa slid down the side of the clay building. She landed half on her feet then fell to her backside. Relief filled her mind. Not yet, Elloisa. Far from it. She slowly and inconspicuously made her way to the wall. There was one small spot between the corners of the courtyard where three large bushes sat. She happened upon it one afternoon and nearly blurted out a Hallelujah! Obviously, Armando and his guards had no idea the spot existed. If he knew, he would have closed it up immediately. Armando took his security very seriously.


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Elloisa slowly exited. She was on the outside, but cars were continually coming up the dirt roadway. She needed to hurry across between vehicles without being seen. She waited, praying Armando stayed unconscious. She ran across the road and into the fields. She took out the walkie-talkie and prayed the guy was in the vicinity. There was no response. She needed to get over the first hillside then into the clearing. Perhaps reception was bad down here but would improve the farther up she traveled. She was shaking but was physically ready for what was next as she started jogging up the hillside. The feel of the sand beneath her shoes was not foreign to her. She had jogged many times over this hill with Ramos or one of the other guards following in a Jeep close by. Her ankles were strong, and her training would surely be tested tonight. The more she ran, the smaller the Armando Sintorez Estate looked. Durango had been her prison for the better part of a year. Being south of the Cerro del Mercado, she had some major traveling ahead of her to get to Saltillo. She was alive and she would be free from him forever. **** New York Teressa Givani kneeled down and began to pull some of the new weeds from the rose garden beds. She was compelled to keep up the garden even though that had been a pastime that she and her daughter Elloisa did together. She wouldn’t let it go and she wouldn’t allow the gardener to maintain it. Elloisa and she had planted every seed together. They started creating the garden when Elloisa was five. Every year, they would add another type of rose bush. They now had

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a beautiful garden of various types of roses. Elloisa loved the altissimo rose best and its vibrant pink and cream colors. Teressa smiled at the thought. It seemed hopeless to wish for her daughter’s return. However, every time she came out to this garden, she couldn’t help but pray to the roses for help. She inhaled their floral scent then prayed that some way, somehow, they could bring Elloisa back to them. She gathered a bunch of roses to bring into the house so she could place them in a vase on the island in the kitchen. It was something that Elloisa always did. The kitchen island looked so bare without them. She sighed as she entered the house. Her husband Jerry liked to see the roses, too, although he wouldn’t admit that. He was a man and he felt at fault. If he hadn’t been involved with the undercover case against Armando Sintorez, then Elloisa would still be here. Teressa felt the tears fill her eyes. All she could do was pray that her Elloisa was still alive and not in pain. **** “Elloisa! Elloisa!” Armando screamed off the balcony, and Ramos came running outside. “¿Qué hay de malo?” Ramos called to his boss from below. Armando looked down over the balcony to the courtyard. “Get everyone together. My Elloisa has escaped. Now!” Armando yelled as he held the back of his head. The blood covered his hands and he felt dizzy. Why would she do this? How could she attack me like she did? The anger inside him was more intense than anything he ever felt before. Elloisa would pay for this and probably with her life.


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He heard the roar of the engines as the Jeeps were started and men were yelling down below. They would track her down. She couldn’t have gotten that far on foot. He held his head as the dizziness overtook him. Ramos appeared at the doorway. “What the fuck happened?” Ramos yelled and Armando held up his hand to signify that Ramos not yell or ask questions. Armando’s body swayed, and Ramos grabbed him, helping him to the bed. Armando looked at the rumpled sheets. Images of his Elloisa and what just took place infiltrated his mind. “What do you want me to do to her when I find her?” Ramos asked. Armando leaned against the headboard, holding a towel against the back of his head as the blood continued to flow. “Get her back here, Ramos. I will be the one to punish her.”

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Chapter 2 DEA Headquarters, New York City John Falco stood behind his desk and looked out the window. He couldn’t believe the information he just received. It was a damn miracle. He swallowed the lump of emotion in his throat. This would surely bring peace and closure for the Givani family. His best friend Jerry had been a great agent, but losing his daughter was the ultimate sacrifice. It was the main reason behind him ending his career. Rightfully so and John understood completely. His daughter meant everything to him, and her abduction destroyed him. Through his numerous connections, he had information coming in from various sources in the last few weeks about Armando Sintorez. The notorious drug lord was on the DEA’s most wanted list. Who would have known that Jerry’s own sons would undercover an operation so big and one that led back to Sintorez? The problem was that neither Salvatore nor Jack knew it yet. It wasn’t John’s place to tell them or to give up one of his many CIs for information. Confidential informants were hard to come by. Especially when dealing with men as ruthless as Sintorez and Avalar. The good news was that Agent Gustavo Montoya was working undercover in Sintorez’s operation. He hadn’t been invited to the estate yet, but it gave him closer access to do some of his best work. If it wasn’t for Gus’s great memory and efficient military survival skills, Elloisa wouldn’t have been identified. John struggled with the decision of calling Jerry. He really shouldn’t yet, but if he called John’s son Mathew, he could probably


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make some reason up for initiating the call then gently ease into this new information about Mathew’s sister. Mathew was working for the DA’s office as an investigator. He could let him know what was going on and let Mathew make the decision. Of course, he didn’t want to get their hopes up. The chances of Elloisa surviving and Gustavo getting her out alive were slim to none. According to John’s sources, Elloisa had become Armando’s prize possession and obsession. She went everywhere with him, including meetings with other higher ups. She could potentially be the best informant the bureau had ever come across. If she made it across the border, there would be more bloodshed here in the States. Armando would send men to retrieve her or even attempt to kill her. If that happened many innocent civilians could die. If other gangs learn of Elloisa’s knowledge of Armando’s business dealings, any number of those gangs or dealers could want to capture her. John had a feeling that this was the beginning of the end for Armando Sintorez. He owed his friend the information. Jerry and the family needed the heads-up to prepare for what was to come. Releasing a sigh, he made the call, opting to inform Mathew of the news. **** Mathew Givani was speaking with the District Attorney, discussing the conclusion of a case they had just finished in court. “The judge ruled fairly. I think twenty years to life is the best we could hope for. They are in their forties,” the District Attorney stated. “Hey, we had such concrete evidence and our witnesses were foolproof. Killing four men, covering them in lime, then burying them is pretty brutal,” Mathew stated.

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“Your witness was right on the money with verifying the location of the bodies and crime scenes. We lucked out when we found the knife,” the DA responded. “We sure did. But when you think about how big that freaking hole was they dug, they probably dropped it by accident. You could fit an elephant in that hole.” The DA chuckled. “Excuse me, Mr. Givani. There’s a phone call for you.” “Can you take a message?” Mathew asked Donna, his secretary. “It came in on the secure line, sir,” she whispered. “Excuse me,” Mathew stated to the DA then headed to his office. **** “What do you mean she’s alive? Are you sure?” Mathew asked. His brothers and parents were not going to believe this. This had to be some kind of sick joke. No, it couldn’t be. His friend in the Drug Enforcement Agency knew what had happened to the family. He wouldn’t joke around about this. “John, please repeat that. I don’t think I heard you correctly,” Mathew said, hearing his own voice quiver. He could just imagine what John thought. “Mathew, I need you to listen clearly to what I’m saying. Elloisa is alive.” “My God, John. Are you certain that my sister is alive? Because I don’t think my parents could take another false alarm. I know I sure as hell can’t,” Mathew replied. He instantly thought about the call he received a few months after Elloisa’s disappearance. Someone had spotted a woman they thought looked just like his sister crossing the border from Mexico to the US. After the family got all excited and waited by the telephone on pins and needles for confirmation, it turned out to be a false alarm. The woman they found was not Elloisa.


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“Armando has been holding her prisoner at his compound in Mexico,” John stated firmly. “How do you know this?” “Come on, Mathew. Would I be calling you if I didn’t have a good source?” Mathew knew that John was risking a lot by informing Mathew about Elloisa. However, John also knew that the whole family had been suffering something terrible since the accident and the botched DEA mission. There were only speculations as to how Armando found out about Jerry, Mathew’s father. His undercover work was remarkable and untraceable, or so they all thought. Mathew also knew that John wouldn’t notify him of this information unless there was more at stake for the bureau. Friendship couldn’t overrun protocol. “Where is she? How can you be sure? How do we get to her?” Mathew asked as he paced across the green industrial carpeting. His baby sister was alive. My God! “There is a mission in progress to gain inside information and insight into the Sintorez organization. The ultimate goal was to capture Sintorez. It has been going on for the good part of a year. We finally just heard from our agent inside the compound. He’s the one that identified a woman with the same description, age, and name as Elloisa. He is just about a hundred percent sure it is her. She is still alive, Mathew.” John paused a moment, and Mathew could hear him breathing heavily. “What do we do now? What do you need from my family and me?” “We are doing everything we can to make contact with the woman, confirm without a doubt that it is Elloisa and that she is being held prisoner, and then we’ll try and get her out of there. The Sintorez Estate is monitored with guards and surveillance cameras. Our agent

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on the inside found a loophole in the security. I don’t know what it is, but he’s real good.” “What about a backup plan in case he fails?” “He won’t fail, but I do know that your sister sometimes leaves the estate with Armando’s bodyguard.” “I hope this agent pulls through.” “I should get word soon. When I hear something, I will call you immediately.” “I appreciate what you have done, John. I know you are taking a risk. What do you mean ‘confirm that she’s a prisoner’? Do you think she wants to be there?” “It…from the agent’s perspective, Elloisa is well taken care of. We’ll have to wait to know more. I would do anything for your family. Are you going to tell the rest of them?” “I will talk to my father, but no one else until we are sure she is alive and safe. Please keep me updated.” “I will,” John said then hung up the phone. Mathew hung up then collapsed into his leather chair. He rubbed the palms of his hands over the dress pants he was wearing. He hadn’t realized how nervous and shocked he was until he hung up the phone. His palms were sweaty, and his heart raced. Controlling his breathing, he settled down then looked towards the table next to the chair he sat in. He took the picture into his hands, an eight-by-ten of the family from three years ago. He traced a finger over the frame as he stared at his baby sister Elloisa. Stunning at twenty-three years old, she was so innocent, unaware of what her family and brothers were involved with. Yet she had to suffer the consequences of their actions. The family thought she was dead. The tears stung his eyes and he thought about his father. Their father Jerry quit the department immediately after the incident. He hadn’t been the same since and refused to seek counseling or talk about what had happened.


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Did Elloisa know that they searched for her? He wondered if she even knew the truth about what had occurred. He thought about the circumstances that led to that night. Their dad was an expert at his job and had trained his replacement, never mind so many others in their unit. As a DEA agent doing undercover work in New York City, he had known the dangers but lived for the adrenaline rush. Mathew could relate to that feeling. It was why he worked for the District Attorney’s office as an investigator. He always hoped that one day he would find out what happened to his sister. His dad was part of a special task force and was working inside the Sintorez operation. He was trying to put a face to the infamous Sintorez. Mathew’s father had no idea his cover had been blown, and no one had known what Sintorez looked like until it was too late. Now, at least, Sintorez was identifiable. Sintorez had become irate when he found out that Jerry was an agent. It wasn’t until much later, after Elloisa’s disappearance, that the family found out through snitches that Sintorez’s plan was to wipe out the whole family until he had seen Elloisa. Sintorez had sent the family a tape stating how long he had been following Elloisa and what he had in store for her. When they saw his face, they were shocked. Elloisa hadn’t a clue, and she fell in love with Sintorez. More than likely, his lies kept her away from her family. He probably told her they were dead. Sintorez stated on the tape that Elloisa would be their father’s ultimate sacrifice for betraying him. Mathew sighed. When Mathew figured out who Sintorez was, he tried to get to his sister and inform her. It was shocking to realize that the man she had been dating was indeed Armando Sintorez, a drug lord on the DEA’s most wanted list. It had been a blow to the whole department, never mind their own family. The man had dined with them. He had access to their home, to their lives, and ultimately to Elloisa. He remembered

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the night he found out who Sintorez was and tried to get to his sister. Armando Sintorez had already spread the lies and set Mathew up, making him look as if he were engaged in illegal activity. Still, he fought to get to Elloisa and inform her of the truth, but he didn’t make it and had been shot. Sintorez took Elloisa away. They had tried to locate them, but it was no use. The family had taken three months to trek through Mexico, and it had become too upsetting and worrisome for their mother, so they came back to the States. The family believed that Armando finally settled back in Mexico, and they never saw Elloisa again. **** It had destroyed the family. For a while no one discussed what had happened, but the loss of Elloisa, the only girl of the family, was heart wrenching. Their mother, Teressa, was an emotional mess. His two brothers, Jack and Salvatore, continued to work as DEA agents but in a joint task force in the city. He wanted to call them and tell them that Elloisa was alive. But he knew he needed to wait. If it turned out to not be Elloisa, he would cause more heartache than when they first lost her. “My God, Elloisa. I pray this is true and you really are alive.” Mathew’s eyes filled with tears. He prayed, and then he buzzed his partners and cancelled his other appointments this morning. He was headed to his parents’ house to talk to his father. He would wait to talk to Salvatore and Jack. They were getting closer to identifying the supplier and all those involved with a drug trafficking ring that spread out of New York State and into Columbia. The family was determined to try to destroy men like Armando Sintorez and other high profile drug lords.


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Wait until his father heard this news about Elloisa. Again Mathew shook his head in surprise and awe. The smile lightly pulled at his lips. “Elloisa,” he whispered, and his heart ached.

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Chapter 3 Evening had been the scariest. Elloisa had survived on adrenaline and determination as she traveled over hills and through dangerous areas outside of the estate. She had made it farther than she thought. Thank God she had avoided any travelers, as well as poisonous insects, animals, and snakes. That was all she needed. She couldn’t even imagine dying from a bite now that she escaped the claws of a notorious drug lord. Just as the sun was beginning to rise, she heard the sound of the walkie-talkie. It was her first contact person. A thick Mexican accent echoed over the two-way radio, confirming a location to meet. Shit, she should have been more careful. He must have seen her through a pair of high-end binoculars and now confirmed her location through the walkie-talkie. Her heart pounded in her chest and the tears stung her eyes. She wasn’t trained military. She had been a damn college student when she met Armando and he swept her away to his country. What the frig did she know about any of this? Reprimanding herself for the stupid mistake, she slowly made her way down the steep dirt hill and to an awaiting Jeep. Elloisa was exhausted, dirty, and starving as she quickly jumped into the front seat of the old, brown, rusty Jeep. She would have second-guessed the Mexican guy she had verified the next steps with to ensure her escape, but so far, everything was going as planned. Josè Meza just cared about making money and screwing Armando Sintorez. He was the perfect scumbag for Elloisa to engage and contract for her escape. This guy he sent to meet her looked just as shady and scrupulous as Josè.


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Elloisa was drenched in sweat and dirt, but she was alive. She made it out of Durango and was on the outskirts of Saltillo to meet the escort in Monterrey. She hadn’t wanted to wait around for him like some sitting duck. Every noise she heard, every local who caught her eye was a potential threat. The radio she held was not working well, and she couldn’t understand the man’s directions or coordinates. The ignorant moron had no idea how difficult it had been traveling on foot. Her body ached but she needed to continue. Monterrey, being a city of mountains, was spectacular. She was able to mix in with the crowds of tourists and spend the night since her escort had yet to meet up with her to bring her to Father Zipotto. **** Elloisa absorbed the culture of the city. It was filled with tourists and had plenty for people to do. The sight of the stunning pink marble Palacio de Gobierno was breathtaking. If she were here for pleasure, she would have loved to visit the inside of the church or perhaps even the Museo del Vidrio, a museum dedicated the local art of glassmaking. She had read that the museum contained gorgeous exhibits. She had passed the many vendors showcasing the handmade leather bags and other fine clothing and jewelry from surrounding artisans. The views of the cityscape could be seen in the far distance. Monterrey was one of the largest cities in Mexico and brought in big business. The sight of both couples and families enjoying their vacation brought sadness to her heart. Would she ever be so free as to travel on vacation or enjoy relaxing on a beach or a resort somewhere? More than likely, once she was back on U.S. soil, she would never leave it again. But she couldn’t think about a future she may not have. First things first. She needed out of Mexico as quickly as possible.

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**** Agent Gustavo Montoya listened in on the instructions over the radio. The men around him packed their gear as they heard about Elloisa’s escape. The details were sketchy but he gathered from their conversations that Armando was pissed off, and there was a lot of blood in his bedroom. He silently cursed under his breath. This made getting her out alive more difficult. As a matter of fact, she probably just signed her own death wish. Gustavo discreetly exited the room and headed to his bunk house. He grabbed some gear then walked closer to the estate where he could find some tracks that would tell him which direction she had run. Most of the men were on route by Jeep or on foot. He grabbed a ride with two other men as they chose to head toward the mountains. It was a long shot, and more than likely, a woman of her size and lack of training would not make it far. He checked his weapon as he eyed the two men, knowing that they would be dead as soon as they were at a safe distance from the estate. The Jeep bumped and rocked with the rough terrain. The moment they were clear from anyone’s view, he disposed of the two men. He was on a mission to locate, capture, and return Elloisa back to the U.S. **** Another day had passed, and Elloisa had yet to hear from her escort. She was desperate to move on and get closer to the border. At this rate, she may have to get to Father Zipotto herself. After packing her gear and grabbing an early breakfast in the city, she headed out with her destination a four-hour hike away. Just as she started to feel frustrated and as if her plan was failing, the sound of the military walkie-talkie gave her hope. Reaching for


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the handheld device, then answered. Josè’s voice came over the line. They made a plan to meet in twenty minutes not too far from where she was. She released a sigh. Luckily she had headed out on her own without hearing from Josè, or she would have been more than an hour away from the meeting location. Her initial plan was to go straight to the border and get the hell out of this country ASAP. But then she figured Armando and his men would assume she would do that because they thought she was weak and stupid. Yes, she would have to spend more time in the country and basically go a distance then backtrack around, but it would be more difficult for them to track her this way. It was exhausting, but it had to be done. She just prayed these last two days weren’t for nothing. **** Gustavo was at his wits’ end. Where the fuck did she disappear to? He was an excellent tracker, and so far, it appeared she traveled on foot. She was out of her mind to travel across the lands of Mexico on her own. She was an attractive woman, young and vulnerable to the elements and the criminals that wandered in search of prey. He had to find her. Gustavo followed her tracks, and a glance at the map he held told him that she more than likely headed into the city of Monterrey. Maybe she thought she would be able to hide out in the crowds and escape by bus to the border from there. It was at least another two days away. Why would she head in the opposite direction of the border? Maybe she wanted to trick anyone who followed. It appeared Elloisa had planned this escape and thoroughly looked at her options. Gustavo pulled the Jeep into a parking lot by the hotel that looked the least expensive. He would ask around and find out if anyone had seen her.

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**** Elloisa thought that Father Juan Zipotto was very kind as he sat behind the wheel of the old Jeep just waiting for Elloisa to settle in her seat. She went from one Jeep to the next, and her butt was sore, but at least she didn’t have to walk the many miles to the convent. After her long journey on foot across the desert and hills, she was tired. She would be hiding out in a convent a couple of days then crossing the border into the United States and hopefully make it to Corpus Christi. The village outside of Heroica Matamoros was poor and broken down. She wanted to leave now, but they advised her that it wouldn’t be wise and that someone might report seeing a young woman arrive in town and set out to cross the border. There had been numerous killings along the route as well, and it appeared that some kind of drug war was brewing out of control. She would stand out during the day, and traveling at night had its own high risks. The town and surrounding villages were dirt poor. People were desperate, and one word about seeing a woman in town or walking about could potentially get to one of Armando’s people. That was a chance not worth taking. By staying a couple of days in her new role as a nun, she would make her presence less obvious. Inside she wondered if it was a trap just to get her money. She was after all, offering a lot of it. Anyone who knew of Armando’s reputation feared crossing him. But what choice did she have? There were no resources, no means of assistance other than what money could buy and dealing with unscrupulous dirt bags. Josè handed her an envelope. Inside were the proper documents she needed to cross the border. It was the best three thousand dollars she ever invested. She had been slowly stealing money from Armando for the past six months. Thank God he never caught her. “El plan era acompañar al padre Zipotto y a tres otras monjas verdaderas a través de la frontera. El exclamó que los bandidos


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escondidos en el desierto y en los lugares entre aquí y la frontera no los molestarían por el miedo de Dios,” Jose stated. Elloisa nodded at his explanation that the plan was to accompany Father Zipotto and three other real nuns across the border. Elloisa wasn’t too sure about his claim that the bandits hidden in the desert and areas between here and the border would not bother them because of their fear of God. She had personally met men that wouldn’t think twice about killing their own family. She wished she had a gun. When she mentioned this to Josè, he said if she wanted one it would cost her, especially since she would be discarding it once she came to the border patrol station. She was seriously considering it. That was one thing she had learned to do. Shooting a gun was a pastime at the estate. She had learned to shoot as a freshman in college. It was at her father and brothers’ insistence. Then when she got to the estate, Armando and his crew practiced often. She remembered asking him if she could have a try at shooting the targets one day. The men around them had laughed but then saw her determination to try and encouraged her. When it was her turn, she took out every target and shocked them speechless. Armando was so turned on he picked her up, tossed her over his shoulder, and carried her to their bedroom. Those were the beginning days of their relationship and love. That was before he began to share more of his true identity and capabilities. She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat. Then she wished she had thought about shooting him. But she couldn’t go backwards. **** Gustavo had been right. Elloisa had been there and stayed at the hotel. She was a few hours ahead of him, but on foot, he would be able to catch up rather quickly. He gassed up the vehicle and headed out towards a small village that bordered open land before the U.S.

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borders and Texas. On his way, he decided to ditch the noisy, military Jeep. It was drawing too much attention to him. He also made use of the town by making contact with the bureau. He was notified of the things to look for on Elloisa to confirm her identity. More information would follow once they were across and out of Mexico, they said. **** Elloisa glanced down at the papers and saw that she was now Juanita Aquilera. Although she was mostly American, she was a descendent of Spain on her mother’s side and Italy on her father’s side. It was a Godsend that she had such an olive complexion and tanned remarkably. Being fluent in Spanish had saved her as well. She was sure it was one of the reasons Armando kept her alive. After living in Mexico for the past year and a half, she had begun to look just like a local. Armando loved that about her. He would make her sunbathe in the nude so she wouldn’t have any tan lines. Damn, she hated that man and all the horrific things he had forced her to do. His control, his manipulation and ownership of her was sickening. But that was behind her now. She was headed into a new life and a new hope for a future without him. She tried to shake the thoughts from her head, but the impact of Armando Sintorez and his actions was sure to scar her forever. She tried to focus on the next step. In three to four days, she could be safely in the States and the hell she lived through would be behind her. “Hola, señorita Elloisa.” The priest smiled. “Hola, Padre Zipotto.” “Lograste ir por el desierto sin escolta. Impresivo.” “Sí, Padre Zipotto. Estaba resuelto hacerlo y sabía que lo podía hacer.”


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She smiled at the priest’s approval that she had made it across the border, and although he raised an eye when she told him she was determined to make it, she knew she could do it. They got into the Jeep and traveled quickly down the dirt road. She had been attending mass in a large village outside of the compound, and during confession, she confided in Father Zipotto. As she developed her plan, she needed more help and asked Father Zipotto for assistance. She prayed that the priest was truly one of God’s workers and would choose doing right over doing wrong. By the grace of God, he immediately obliged despite the risk. Surely he knew about the consequences of betraying Armando Sintorez, yet he chose to help her anyway, and she was grateful. The convent was about twenty miles away from the border. Also outside the small town was a border patrol station. This gave Elloisa a little peace of mind. As crazy and unpredictable as Armando was, he wouldn’t risk getting arrested or destroying the business he established over her. At least she had hoped that was the case. She had every right to be afraid. Armando owned just about everything and everyone, perhaps even some of the officers on border patrol. Wearing the nun’s habit was her best bet to stay undetected. Still, she knew she would never feel safe ever again. She would always be looking over her shoulder, questioning people’s motives, and trust would not come easy. “Veo que sobrevivido el viaje.” Father Zipotto looked at her, acknowledging that she had survived the journey. She acknowledged him and spoke a little about where she had traveled through and how she accomplished getting here. He was impressed but also sympathetic as he told her that he continued to pray for her. The priest continued to speak to her in Spanish and she responded a little. He explained the plan and described the small convent. Twenty minutes later they pulled through the town. If Father Zipotto hadn’t pointed his finger, Elloisa would have missed the town.

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Everything looked old and seemed to be falling apart. The convent was on the outskirts of town. She had handed an envelope with another wad of money to the priest. She gave him eight thousand dollars now and would give him six more as soon as she was safely in the States. Father Zipotto explained the backup plan. It was not one she looked forward to having to participate in. It involved being smuggled through the border by what the locals called “Escoltas deshonestas.” Dishonest escorts. It was a major risk. However, if she got caught by the border patrol, she would be taken to prison or a holding facility and questioned. Then she could tell them who she really was and hope that Armando’s hand didn’t reach far enough to retrieve her. Or she could be killed, her body used by the escorts and her money taken. Then, of course, she could also be killed while waiting in the prison. Armando had followers everywhere. Her insides twisted, especially at the thought of having to hide beneath a floorboard or small compartment in a vehicle. It would be dark and there wouldn’t be much air, and all she would have was a water bottle and a small flashlight. No…the nun disguise had to work. Besides, she had already made the decision months ago that she would choose death over going back to Armando. Returning as his prisoner and lover was not an option. The priest welcomed the money she gave him. It was obvious the town needed financial support however it could get it. There didn’t seem to be as much as there was back in Tijuana. Could it be that no one like Armando Sintorez had gotten this close to the border? She highly doubted it. The man was well known, and he always claimed to own just about all of Mexico. ****


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“Ramos, our sources say that she has been through here. She traveled through Monterrey and stayed at a small hotel overnight. The receptionist said she looked like she was planning a hike,” Carlos told Ramos over the CB radio. “Okay, so we are on the right track. How is she paying for this? She must be getting some help,” Ramos replied. “The receptionist said she used cash and that she noticed in her bag was a small radio or communication device.” “Probably a walkie-talkie or CB radio. That means that someone is helping her. Put out your feelers around town and see what you can find out.” “No problem.” **** Elloisa adjusted her disguise. She had covered her hair with a scarf, wore black sunglasses, and tried to stay unnoticed. She paused a moment as they passed the small store and a tiny church. She had yet to take an easy breath because she knew she was far from safe. An older man sat on a rickety old chair playing the guitar. It was a pleasant melody but there seemed to be a hint of sadness in it. She avoided eye contact. Taking in her surroundings, she caught sight of someone standing near an old building her and the priest passed. Others watched her enter the town, probably more curious than anything, it seemed. Except for the one man she locked gazes with. Her insides fluttered with nervousness and reservations. There was a tall man leaning against the broken fence. His face was shadowed by the large hat he wore until he tilted his head up towards her. He wore a dirty red bandana around his neck. She noticed that his beige pants were torn, and his boots were scuffed to nearly unwearable.

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He looked up at her as the Jeep slowly passed by. She couldn’t turn away as she looked him in the eyes. Deep brown eyes stared directly at her and her heart raced. There was something about him. Was he one of Armando’s men? Did he work for Señor Rimarez? Something was familiar about those eyes, and she turned away quickly, suddenly paranoid and scared again. She would surely be punished for escaping if Armando caught her. It was something she tried not to think about. He may be so angry that he would kill her. Either way, she wanted to make it into the States. She needed to be free of the chains that had bound her for too long. She never wanted Armando to touch her again. She would rather die a thousand deaths. **** An hour later, she was showered and dressed in a nun’s habit. Only two days until she crossed the border. She tried to focus on her next move once she made it across. Was her family alive? Should she try to contact them? She wasn’t sure what to do. Chuckling to herself, she realized that she hadn’t planned that far ahead. Was it her subconscious telling her that she wasn’t going to make it? She couldn’t help but feel less confident now that she was so close. Armando was clever and always two steps ahead. Had she really tricked him? Knowing how resourceful Armando was, she thought perhaps he was already aware of her location. He liked the chase more than the capture and had told her so many times. It was scary to be hunted, and it gave her a new perspective on life. It made her second-guess her decision to leave the way she did. Then she took the thought back. Her life did not belong to her. It seemed that her life belonged to Armando. The longer she stayed with him, submitted to his control and manipulation, the more she lost her soul.


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“Elloisa, are you feeling all right?” Father Zipotto asked as he joined her by the doorway. “I was just thinking about what I need to do next. To be honest, I hadn’t planned on getting this far.” Father Zipotto smiled then touched her shoulder. “I saw how Armando wouldn’t let you out of his sight and how he controlled you like a possession instead of a human being. I am sure it feels strange to not have him beside you, but you can’t give in to the weakness now. If he finds you, he may treat you worse than I would want to think about.” Elloisa nibbled on her bottom lip. The priest was right. She needed to be strong and focus on getting as far from Armando as possible. If she gave in to the fear and insecurity she was feeling without Armando beside her then she would never make it. “You are right. I’m just feeling tired and nervous. I want to get across the border, and being on American soil will make me feel more confident.” He smiled then crossed his arms in front of his chest. “If you would like to, you can go outside in the garden and pick flowers. There is a basket by the gate. Just be sure to drop a bunch off to Sister Maria. She loves them,” Father Zipotto said and Elloisa smiled. She was grateful for the distraction from her thoughts even if it were only for a short period of time. She cautiously went out to the gardens. **** She took her time walking through the colorful flowers and plants. There was a pleasant breeze despite the fact that Elloisa felt something sharp on the tip of it. The nun habit was a bit to get used to, especially in this heat. She tried not to fidget with the collar, but it was annoying and clung against her throat. This get-up was her ticket out of here. Suck it up, Elloisa.

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She glanced around her, noting that the rickety old fence would prove minimal protection to the garden or its visitors. With each breeze, she felt the sensation again. Someone was watching her. She looked around but there was no one in sight. Her imagination was playing tricks on her, and now her mind was reminiscing. The gentle sound of the music playing in the background made her first imagine the older man on the street side. He looked sad and as if he was stuck in the monotony of the same day-to-day life. The sound drifted across the village, and with it came the memories of Armando. She nearly felt his presence beside her, and the fear and guilt touched her chest. Armando’s whisper brushed against her ear. She practically felt it. “My beautiful Elloisa. I love your body, your long, silky hair, and perfect smile. Tell me that you want me and that you love me with all your heart.” Elloisa closed her eyes. She tried to block the images, the words, the pain she felt recalling his power over her, but he had a hold on her, and she was certain it would take forever to cut free from it. She willed her eyes open and attempted to focus on the color of the flowers. Then she felt the breeze and the sharp pinch on the end again. Go inside. She picked some flowers then glanced around the perimeter. She saw someone tall in a dark shirt, and she remembered the man on the street with the brown eyes. It was odd how she immediately made the correlation. Her heart raced and she nearly tripped as she ran back into the convent. No way was she going outside again. She would stay in the convent for now. “Only two days.” She headed to Sister Maria’s office. ****


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“Yo la quiero de vuelta. I want her back…preferably unharmed,” Armando stated into the CB radio. He held the ice against his head, the pain getting worse by the second. “Sí, Armando. I will find her for you if she is not dead already,” Ramos replied. Armando got the chills from the statement. He also heard the vehemence in Ramos’s tone. He would find her and do everything in his power to bring Elloisa back. As angry as Armando felt with Elloisa, he also feared for her life. Any man out there would want her, but she belonged to him. He had dedicated so much time to her. His associates were envious, and he personally had grown attached to her. She had become his everything in such a short time. “Let’s hope you find her soon. If she somehow gets across the border, it will become more difficult to get to her.” “The tracker said she made it quite far. We are out of Saltillo and moving into Monterrey. That’s where she was last.” “What?” Armando was shocked. That was miles and miles across treacherous land that Elloisa had made it through. She had to have had help. There’s no way she could have made it alone on foot. His anger grew. “Someone helped her, Ramos—” “I’m on it, Armando. My men have tracked one person down that we know gave her a ride into town once she emerged from the mountains. She stayed at this hotel overnight. We are working on getting him to give up more information.” “Do what you must. Kill his family if necessary, but get him to give up her resources.” “I will find out who helped her and I will kill them.” **** Mathew arrived at his parents’ house. He called ahead and invited himself over for lunch. Luck had it that his mother Teressa wasn’t home. She was at a charity function and due back this afternoon. That

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would give him enough alone time to make his father aware of the situation. He prayed that this wasn’t another case of mistaken identity. He had been on edge since John’s call, and he debated about telling his father until more information arrived. He didn’t want him to go through the turmoil Mathew was currently experiencing. But he followed his gut. It was telling him to confide in his dad, and he also could use the additional moral support. If things panned out well, the family could have their prayers answered and Elloisa would be home and in their arms once again. Mathew pulled up in front of the Colonial-style mansion. The long, Douglas-fir-lined driveway welcomed every visitor. The large front porch was decorated for spring with brightly colored flower baskets filled with perennials. His mother basked in outside planting projects. His father stood by the colorful planters prepared to meet Mathew on the front porch. He always looked so commanding and superior. It was a trait Mathew hoped one day that he would have. The man was a legend in the DEA. Even agents in ATF, FBI, and the U.S. Marshalls knew Jerry Givani. They also knew how much he suffered after Sintorez took Elloisa away. His presence was superior in nature. When he walked into a room, people took notice of his father immediately. His father was tall with dark black hair that now showed streaks of gray. He had a broad face, was muscular, and had a dark tan complexion. To the unknowing civilian, he would look like a typical businessman on Wall Street. Little would they know that the man was a superior martial artist and gunman. He waved as Mathew got out of his car and met his son by the stairs. ****


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Mathew never showed up for lunch and he sounded relieved when his father said his mother wouldn’t be home. Something important was going on. Jerry had felt the sensations in his gut since last night. He remembered jolting up in bed, the nightmares horrific and his body sweating. It had been a year since he had an episode, and he wondered if it had been some kind of premonition about today and Mathew. Jerry shook the thoughts from his head as he shook his son’s hand hello and pulled him into an embrace. “Dad, how are you?” Mathew asked. “I’m good, son. It’s nice to see you, especially in the afternoon for lunch.” Mathew chuckled. Mathew followed his father into the house and to the kitchen where Rosetta the housekeeper was preparing some tuna fish sandwiches. Mathew exchanged pleasantries with the maid, and then he and his father ate some lunch. Shortly after, Rosetta left the kitchen, and Mathew appeared rather quiet to Jerry. Jerry placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. Mathew looked up with an expression that told Jerry this was something serious. “So what is going on, son? You haven’t said a word since we started lunch,” Jerry asked. Mathew took a drink from the bottled water. “Let’s go into your office, Dad. It’s important,” he told him, and Jerry’s feelings were right. Something big was up and Mathew didn’t want to take any chances of being overheard. Jerry nodded then they headed to Jerry’s study. Once they were inside the study and the door was closed, Jerry took a seat on the edge of his desk. Mathew stood a couple of feet in front of him. He took a deep breath then exhaled. “I received a phone call from a friend this morning…from John Falco. I…He…”

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“What is it, son? What did John have to say? Talk to me,” Jerry stated, noting the difficulty his son was having. “Elloisa may be alive,” Mathew replied, and Jerry felt the words as if he received a blow to his stomach. He cleared his throat but couldn’t find the words. Nothing came out of Jerry’s mouth. It just hung open. He wasn’t expecting news like this, yet he prayed for news just like this every day of his life. He felt the tears sting his eyes and his heart ached. It couldn’t be true. There had to be some sort of mistake, just like before, when Elloisa first disappeared. Before his father could ask questions, Mathew explained everything to him but Jerry was in shock. The tears filled his eyes and his hands shook. “Oh my God! Could it be true? Could my baby girl be alive?” he asked as he began pacing the room. “What is the next step? How do we get to her?” Mathew took a deep breath. “I’m waiting on the call. We should hear something in the next couple of days. In the meantime, I don’t think we should let Mom know about this. Not until we’re sure it’s Elloisa.” “Of course, Mathew. You’re right. We should keep silent until we’re sure. This could be some kind of a trap. I don’t want you or your brothers going anywhere on your own. What if Armando is up to something…” Jerry drifted off and the worry consumed his face. “Dad, I don’t believe after more than a year of nothing from that man that this would be a trick. He won that fight by taking our Elloisa and by shooting me. My God, Elloisa probably thinks I’m dead, Dad. Armando might have told her that he killed all of us.” “She won’t know what to do or how to escape. If she could have escaped, she would have done it over a year ago, don’t you think?” Jerry asked then stood by the window. They locked gazes until he turned to look out the window. They had been waiting, hoping for this moment for so long.


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“Maybe not, Dad. He had tricked her into believing that he loved her and that we had been criminals. He sat in this house and ate dinner with all of us. We hadn’t a clue who he really was, nor did Elloisa. We all know what kind of a monster Armando is. God only knows what he has done to…” Mathew stopped. Perhaps his son was thinking about the circumstances Elloisa had been facing all this time. Jerry had. He had gone over every horrific possibility over the past year. Elloisa was twenty-three years old, a gorgeous, young, innocent woman possessed by a manipulative slime ball. He shook his head trying to ignore the hypothetical images. Over the last twelve months, he had been consumed with the fear that she was dead or that Armando hurt her in ways he fought his mind to deny. Recently, he felt defeated, yet he continued to pray. “My God, Mathew….Oh my God,” was all Jerry said before he covered his face with his hands.

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Chapter 4 It was late in the evening and Elloisa was scared. She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. She hoped it was just nerves, but every time she tried to go to sleep and brush off the feeling, it would return again, full force. It was only in the recent months that she trained herself to follow her gut instincts instead of just doing and believing what Armando told her to. She focused on her mission and what could happen. She even thought about her family. Tomorrow she would be back in the United States. She decided she wouldn’t head back home. There wouldn’t be anyone there. Not Daddy, not Mamma, or her three brothers. Armando had killed them all. The tears streamed down her cheeks. She wondered if her aunt and uncle still lived in New York. That was her destination. She would hide out somewhere upstate, far in the country, and try to put her life back together again. First, she needed a new identity. She would need some form of documentation like a driver’s license and a safe place to hold out while she organized her new life. The farther away from Mexico she could get, the better off she would be. Leaving the United States for Europe would be too difficult. Gosh, the thoughts of trying to develop a covert operation were scary as hell. What the heck did she know about any of this? Right now she just wanted to be back on United States soil and clear of Armando. Just thinking his name brought on intense emotional fear. A creaking sound grabbed her attention. She attempted to listen, only the sounds disappeared. She glanced at the clock. It was one o’clock in the morning. She should be sleeping. How could she sleep knowing her freedom was hours and mere miles away?


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Elloisa’s thoughts were interrupted as she heard another noise outside her bedroom door. Quickly, she pulled a robe over her cotton pajamas. She heard a thump and jumped off the bed. She scanned the room with her eyes. Instantly, she was upset that she didn’t have some sort of weapon and that her room was the only one down a long cement corridor. But for Christ’s sake, she was in a convent. Who the hell would dare to attack her in a… Thump. The knob to her bedroom door was twisting open. She locked it, she was sure of it, she thought, as she tried to grab the wooden chair to push under the knob. It was too late. The door slowly opened. It was dark in her room, and the only light shone from a reflection from the moonlight. The figure was big and round, not that much taller than she was. “S e ñ o r i t a…” He spoke slowly, his words drawn out. He was speaking Spanish, sounded drunk, and was obviously looking to claim Elloisa as his own tonight. In an instant, his eyes were on her, her heart racing as he lunged towards her. Elloisa held the chair in front of her as the man grabbed her from behind it. She screamed, and he covered her mouth. “Eres demasiado joven y demasiado hermosa para darle tu cuerpo y tu alma a Dios.” He told her in Spanish that she was too young and too beautiful to give her body and soul to God. The sick bastard was out of his mind and she hadn’t gone through everything she just did to go out like this! She kneed him in the groin, and he laughed at her. Elloisa jumped over the bed and he chased her. She froze as she heard the click. He had a gun.

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His back was towards the doorway. There he stood, demanding she remove the robe. She’d rather die. “¡Vete al diablo! Pendejo!” she yelled, and he slammed the gun against her cheek. Elloisa fell to the floor. The man was pulling off her robe and smiling. His ugly yellow and brown teeth reeked of booze and nastiness. Drool pooled by the corners of his mouth still containing remnants of his last meal. Her stomach cringed, ready to hurl, but she grabbed his hands, stopping him from removing her robe further. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another figure appeared. It grabbed the attacker by the neck. One twist, a crack, and the lifeless body fell to the floor. It was so fast, she wasn’t certain that it was real. Elloisa was in shock. She crab-walked backwards, and her hands scraped against the concrete flooring. When she looked up and into the same dark brown eyes she had seen a day ago by the building in town, she froze in place. Those eyes. There was something about those eyes. She panicked as she rapidly crawled across the floor and away from attacker number two. Elloisa grabbed for the gun on the floor, and she jumped up, prepared to aim and fire, but she moved too quickly, causing her to fall back onto the bed. Two clicks were heard and she felt the barrel of the gun against her neck simultaneously as she pressed her gun against the second attacker’s neck. They both froze. All she had to do was pull the trigger. So did he. But those eyes, those dark brown eyes warned her not to. “¡Deja caer y todo va a salir bien!”


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“I don’t think so, buddy. Why don’t you put down the gun and everything will be all right,” she whispered, using his words against him. He smirked at her. She barely saw the whiteness of his teeth. “Who are you? What do you want from me?” she replied still holding the gun but not as steady now that this man had her body pinned down with his. If it wasn’t for the gun, she would have been sure he could devour her right up. Those eyes stared at her then it clicked. He was at the lab facility before. He was one of Armando’s men. She had seen him before with Ramos. He must have read her mind because he made his move, and in one quick motion, the gun was no longer in her possession. He pulled her up from the bed, and she couldn’t help the grateful feeling. The bed was too intimate, too enticing for the second attacker to have his way with her. Then he pinned her against the wall, holding the barrel of the gun at her neck. **** What a gorgeous woman. No wonder Armando obsessed over her. Her eyes were the color of light chocolate with specks of green. Her skin was soft and bronze in color, and she smelled amazing, feminine, intoxicating. He stiffened a moment, surprised at his body and mind’s instant attraction. He had a job to do, and it started now. He was a soldier and this was just another mission. He was silent, and he heard Elloisa swallow hard. She was staring straight up at him. She was probably wondering how he found her and whether or not he would take her back to Sintorez. He spoke to her in Spanish, ensuring her that she was going to be okay. She had surprised him by getting the gun and holding it to his neck. They were running out of time, and the longer he wedged his body against hers,

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the more he wanted to make good use of the bed. Taking the scumbag’s prize possession would put him on the kill list. Doing her would put him at number one. He smirked at the thought. Her body shook beneath him and the look of fear in her eyes touched him for some insane reason. Was she trying to trick him as she probably tricked Armando? “Please…Please, whoever you are. Don’t take me back. I’ll pay you. No me tome de nuevo...te voy a pagar,” she whispered. “Are you Elloisa Givani?” he asked as he slowly pushed open her robe with purpose. If she didn’t answer him, there was only one other way to verify her identity. At least there was one perk to this assignment. **** Elloisa pushed her hands against his chest, which was hard as a rock. He didn’t move a half an inch, but the barrel of the gun moved deeper into her throat. Her head was wedged tightly against the concrete wall behind her. The thought that this stranger saved her from one rapist only to rape her himself made her quiver beneath him. There was no way she could fight such a man. He was tall, trim, and muscular, and obviously intent on confirming her name. “Are you Elloisa Givani?” he asked again. She just stared at him in anger until he pulled the elastic of her pants. “If you won’t tell me, there’s only one other way to find out.” She didn’t know what he was talking about. Before she could argue, he slowly began to pull the elastic of her pants down past her hipbone. He held her gaze, and she licked her lips then saw the flash of desire in his eyes. It was quick and something told her he was playing with her. He didn’t pull the elastic any lower than necessary. It was as if he knew she had the tattoo and was using it to identify her. He glanced down then leaned a bit closer to her. He tilted his head down so his lips were mere inches away from her skin.


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He snapped the elastic back up and leaned his body harder against Elloisa’s. “Now, Elloisa, I’m going to put the gun away and I don’t want you to be scared. I’m here to help you,” he whispered, holding her gaze for an awkward few seconds. She felt his warm breath against her chin. She was mesmerized by the lines of muscle beneath the skin of his jaw and cheeks. He had a powerful, sexy look about him. But then again, so did Armando and look how he tricked me. Then as if to eliminate her fear, he slowly lowered the gun. As soon as it was safely behind his back, Elloisa bolted for the door. The man merely reached one hand sideways to grab Elloisa. She came flying back, and he pinned her against the wall again. Her shoulder blades hit the wall and she gasped. His hands held both her wrists in front of her and his other hand held her throat. Elloisa’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re not gonna hurt me, huh?” she slowly asked him. A man his size with his strength could easily break her in two with one hand. His eyes held a look of annoyance and anger. She swallowed beneath his grasp. He looked her over with his eyes and zeroed in on her chest a moment before moving his gaze back up to her face. She quivered as she took each difficult breath, making her chest lift up towards him. Elloisa felt the sexual pull. What in God’s name is wrong with me? “You didn’t listen to me. I’m here to help you. I know you are scared, but I don’t work for Armando. You’re leaving with me tonight, right now. I don’t have time for your non-compliant attitude. Now let’s move.” His voice was commanding, just like the rest of him. “But I can’t, I have Father…”

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“No! Don’t worry about Father Zipotto. You have caused him enough trouble. Don’t you know what they do to people who cross men like Sintorez?” He gripped her tighter, and she tightened her body in response and squinted, waiting for him to break her bones or bruise her flesh. He softened his hold and she gained some confidence. “I know all too well.” She nearly spat at him. He eyed her as if he didn’t believe her or trust her much himself. Yet, here he was asking her to trust him. Crazy! “I’ll explain more once we’re across the border. I assume you purchased papers?” Elloisa nodded. “Get dressed and ready. No one expects you to still be here in the morning.” He walked toward the doorway and turned his back towards her. It was obvious that he wasn’t leaving the room. Elloisa quickly grabbed some clothes and turned her back on him. **** Gustavo’s gut was telling him to move quickly. This operation was a damn nightmare. He hated counting on other people, and he hated having his mission inconveniently altered. Never mind over a woman. Why was she so important? Better yet, why was she trying so desperately to escape? He had followed her for days now and found himself impressed with her ability to remain undetected. She had obviously made a plan and ran with it. The problem was that Sintorez’s men now had the one guy who helped her in Monterrey. Carlos was probably already dead. They didn’t have time to waste. Ramos was on his way here. He turned slightly to steal a glance. Elloisa was stepping into a pair of pants. She pulled the nightshirt over her head then tried quickly to replace it with a black T-shirt.


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Oh yeah, she had the seductive body of a pin-up model. What man wouldn’t want to possess beauty like that? He turned back towards the door. In his line of work, there was never any time for a relationship, dating, or even getting to know a woman even if he wanted to. He wasn’t getting any younger, but he was good at his job and the money was insane. He had an uncomfortable feeling in his gut that he didn’t recognize and he didn’t like it one bit. Every time he looked at Elloisa, he felt it and it pissed him off. “Hurry up!” he whispered his anger through clenched teeth. Then he heard her exasperated exhale. Trouble. She was nothing but trouble. **** Elloisa grabbed her socks and boots then sat on the edge of the bed to put them on. She didn’t want to trust this man. She didn’t want to be told what to do. She had her own plan. What the hell was wrong with it? She asked herself a bunch of questions then stood up from the bed. The man was standing there watching her, staring with those brown eyes as if he was memorizing her body or could see through to her soul. What the frig? The thought warmed her. What the hell was wrong with her? How could she feel an attraction to a stranger, a man with a gun who had yet to identify himself? He gave her the once-over. “Put on a sweater. Do you have one?” Even that look caused warmth in her belly. She grabbed one from her bag then gathered the rest of her things. “Let’s go.” He took her by the elbow and led her into the entryway. They walked through the darkness, and he kept her close to him. Although she had no idea who this man was, something deep inside told her to believe that he would do her no harm. She inhaled.

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He was so close to her, she could smell him. The aroma of outdoors and a slightly woodsy scent swept through her nostrils. It reminded her of a campfire and the smell of freshly burned wood. He was strong, in great physical condition from what she could tell when his chest wedged against her own. Solid muscle, an athlete or an ‘indigno de confianza.’ But if he was as untrustworthy as the locals called them, then why was he here? Perhaps Father Zipotto needed to initiate the backup plan after all. Elloisa wondered why the priest hadn’t come himself to tell her. Then again, perhaps the first attacker had caused the priest harm. Many thoughts went through her mind, but they all led back to finding out who this man leading her to the desert was. **** “You know my name, so what’s yours and who are you?” They continued to walk through the darkness. The stranger wore his hat down low over his eyes. He was mysterious but also not one to mess with. He had used little of his strength to restrain her earlier. He had killed her attacker in a half a second. That kind of training, physical condition, and skill came with training and practice. She stopped and stood still. She grabbed his arm to stop him, and he abruptly looked down at her. She faltered a moment as the massive six-foot-plus frame loomed over her. The dark black military outfit was intimidating as hell. Clearing her throat, she gathered her temper and gall. “¿Quièn eres? La Migra…DEA…CIA? ¡Dime! ¿Quièn te emplea? ¡Hijo de puta!” She was angry as hell and demanded to know who he was and who he worked for. It took them damn long enough to come to her aide. She didn’t need any of them. She was escaping on her own and she didn’t need this guy.


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He read her anger immediately but he didn’t seem to give a shit as he grabbed her, pulling her arms behind her back. Then he held her face with his hand. “I’ll explain everything once we’re across the border,” he stated with clenched teeth as if she was pissing him off. Well, she was damn pissed herself, and she didn’t need this asshole screwing up her plans. “I don’t want your help, none of you, whoever you’re working for. Es demasiado poco y demasiado tarde. It’s too little too late.” She attempted to pull her hands away but he held firm. The man was a body of muscle, and she had no way to escape his hold. “Gustavo,” he said softly then clenched his teeth as if he didn’t intentionally mean to give up such information. Just Gustavo wasn’t enough. “Gustavo from…” “From nowhere in particular. Let’s get you across the border then I’ll explain, all right?” He was firm, and she sensed that he wanted to put an end to the questioning as their gazes locked. She held her expression and watched the tiny muscles near his eyes bulge. He was getting angry with her, and her gut warned her to back off. “Fine!” she stated, admitting only to herself that it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have some highly trained agent by her side, if that’s who he really was. They were silent while they left the village and made their way to the border. He was definitely military and highly trained. Even though he was dressed in all black, she could tell he was trim and muscular. The black T-shirt he wore was stretched tightly over his firm chest. It was tucked into his black camouflage pants, which in turn were tucked into his military-issued black boots. He had multiple pockets on the pants, a knife holder and gun holder on his trim waist, along with some sort of thin utility belt. If it was government-issued then he

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probably had a few high-tech devices located in those secret compartments. She wondered what was in the black backpack as well. They had passed a few small houses, and she could see the scattered lights from the village behind them. Suddenly, Gustavo grabbed Elloisa’s hand to stop her as he looked back in the direction they came from. “What is it? What’s wrong?” she asked, and before he could answer, she heard the sounds herself. Multiple Jeeps made their way through the village. She heard guns shooting and then an explosion. Elloisa stared in shock. Then Gustavo pulled her towards the side of a house. They ran, him holding her hand tightly and her nearly stumbling trying to keep up. There was a large green tarp covering a pickup truck. The truck looked a little beat up but in decent shape. “Get in the back,” he demanded, giving her a push. Then he lifted the cover but kept the truck covered. Elloisa lay in the back bed of the dirty old truck while Gustavo rummaged through his black backpack. She could hear people screaming, and Elloisa knew they were suffering because of her. The smell of rust and dirt filled her nostrils. The screams from the townspeople echoed in the distance. Gustavo kept his hand over her head, applying pressure and silently telling her to keep her head down. She heard Gustavo reach in his pocket then heard a sound. When she looked up, he pulled the knife away and placed it back into his pocket. He had cut a small hole through the tarp, then another for Elloisa. The instant she looked through the hole, a larger explosion lit up the town. It startled her as she grabbed Gustavo’s shirt. One look into his mean-looking eyes and she immediately dropped her hands. She trembled from touching him. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. He didn’t say a word as he focused on the task at hand.


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In an instant he put together what appeared to be a sniper rifle, scope and all. He set the barrel up through the hole and looked towards the direction of the town currently lit up in flames. She knew that he could see exactly who was being dragged to the center of town along with the scope. Elloisa could only see the figures through the darkness, but she couldn’t make out the faces. She wished they had gotten farther way. If those men found them, Gustavo and she were as good as dead. They were outnumbered. “Who is that? Who do they have?” she asked, her voice shaking as well as her body. “The priest,” Gustavo stated with little emotion as he tightened his grip on the gun then placed his finger on the trigger. One shot and he could take out the guy holding the priest, but then someone else would replace that guy who held the priest. It wasn’t worth the risk. His job was to get Elloisa out of Mexico and to a safe location. Elloisa watched as Father Zipotto received blow after blow to his stomach, ribs, and face. “Do something. Do something, damn it!” Elloisa yelled at Gustavo, but he didn’t move. Father Zipotto was screaming out in pain as the knife pierced through his hand. Elloisa was crying. She could make out the figure causing all the damage. She didn’t have to see his face clearly though. Armando only sent one person to do the dirty work and that was Ramos. ****

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“¿Dónde está la mujer? Tiene el pelo largo y castaño y los ojos marrones y seductivos. “No. No sè de què estás hablando, No había ninguna mujer Hermosa.” The priest told them that he didn’t know what they were talking about. There was no beautiful woman. “¿Estaba sola? No?” Father Zipotto shook his head and continued to deny the interrogator. He just kept asking about a beautiful woman with long brown hair and big, seductive eyes. Father Zipotto would not tell him anything. He swore to help save Elloisa, and she gave him all that money. Their church, their people needed it. Armando Sintorez didn’t care about the village. “Is she alone?” he demanded to know. “I don’t know who you are talking about.” “¿Estás seguro? Ramos. Nos encontramos con un muerto en una de las alcobas.” Ramos looked back at Father Zipotto. “You heard what they said. There is a dead man in one of the rooms with a broken neck. What do you know about it?” “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Father Zipotto didn’t have time to block the hit by Ramos. **** Elloisa watched as the confrontation continued. Then Ramos struck Father Zipotto across the face again. Time passed slowly, and Elloisa caught herself holding her breath. “You can shoot Ramos from here. Why aren’t you doing it?” “That’s not why I’m here,” Gustavo replied. Gustavo showed no emotion. He didn’t let his eye off the scope or his finger off the trigger. She stared at the muscles in his forearms, the intensity of his face as he looked through the scope. He was a trained


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killer, a sniper, and she was this close to him. Her insides coiled up at the show of his power and concentration. “Please save him. He was just trying to help me,” she whispered. Gustavo stayed focused as he spoke to her, his words harsh and meant to cause pain. He didn’t even turn away from the scope or lighten his grip on the firearm. “His death will be on your hands. You knew the consequences, yet you chose to involve the priest.” “How dare you say that to me! Father Zipotto knew the risks. He insisted…You could save him right now but…” “Shut up! Ramos and Father Zipotto are not my responsibility. You are. Now shut up and stay still. We may have to make a run for the border.” “On foot? Are you crazy? They have Jeeps and it’s multiple miles across treacherous land. Never mind the border patrols.” Gustavo stayed silent, and Elloisa clenched her fists. She wondered why every man she had ever been initially attracted to was on a power trip. Did she subconsciously have a death wish or an inner desire to be treated with disrepute? Ramos still hadn’t killed Father Zipotto, and Armando’s men were dragging him towards the convent. Perhaps the fact that he is a priest will keep him alive? **** Elloisa lay still, her teeth trembled, and her own heartbeat seemed to echo under the tarp and against the sides of the truck. She tried her hardest to hear Gustavo’s but finally gave up, coming to the conclusion that he must be heartless. Finally Ramos emerged alone from the convent. He gave a few orders with his hands, and seconds later, the Jeeps scattered in all directions. Two of them headed straight for Elloisa and Gustavo.

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“Get ready and stay close,” he whispered, and the serious tone of Gustavo’s voice sent shivers through her body. Her mouth became dry and she feared the outcome. She looked him over as best she could since they were mere inches apart. She felt the heat of his thigh against her thigh as they lay side by side on their bellies. He was military. He knew how to put together a sniper rifle in seconds, and he had worked inside Armando’s factory. Then it hit her. He was an undercover agent and most likely worked for the DEA. Her belly clenched, and fear and regret filled her heart. Her dead family instantly came to mind. She could hear the roar of the engines and peeked out through the small hole. The two Jeeps moved closer and then one took a quick turn to the right. The other Jeep contained three men, all heavily armed and on guard. One of the men sat high in the back and held an automatic rifle of some sort. The other two were armed as well. This wasn’t good. They each got out of the Jeep and walked closer to the small house and covered truck. They were sweeping the area, looking for Elloisa. Gustavo’s backpack was back in place, and Elloisa pulled on her backpack as well. Gustavo remained still. Elloisa felt the eerie silence, and when she swallowed as quietly as she could, even that sounded loud. She clenched her eyes tight, trying to hold in the tears and the sob that was growing deep inside her. She didn’t want to go back to Armando. She didn’t want to die. Elloisa was shaking, her breathing rapid. Pull the trigger damn it! What is he waiting for? Pop…Pop…Pop. Elloisa jumped at the sound, and Gustavo pushed open the tarp. He grabbed Elloisa from the truck. She lost her balance, nearly falling to the ground, but Gustavo held her by the waist as she


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regained her balance. She immediately looked around them, wondering where the three men disappeared to. She got her answer when she saw all three men dead. One was slumped over on the steering wheel of the Jeep. The other two were on the ground. The other Jeep kept on going, its driver never seeing what had happened. “Hop in!” he yelled as he lifted and shoved the dead soldier out of the driver’s seat and jumped behind the wheel of the Jeep. Elloisa stared at the three dead men. None of them were Ramos. She swallowed hard as she attempted to step over one of the bodies. “We’re taking their Jeep?” she questioned as she got into the passenger side. “You’d rather walk across that desert now that I took out three of Sintorez’s men?” he stated sarcastically and as if it was the stupidest question. Rolling her eyes, she held on as the Jeep jerked forward and Gustavo sped towards the border. **** Her heart louder against her chest the closer they came to the border and the farther away from Armando they went. There were two long hills before them, and once they made it past the border patrol station, they were in the clear. Gustavo seemed to be steering the Jeep closer toward the left and away from the main border entrance. Why didn’t he want to go closer to the border patrol station on the Mexico side? “Gustavo, why are we going this way? It’s too far to the left and the fencing.” He was silent as he drove, looking around in all directions then glancing at a small device he held in his right hand. She wondered what it was but then figured he was an agent and probably had lots of crazy toys. He did kind of remind her of some

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sort of secret agent. He seemed more like a combination of James Bond and Rambo. The thought made her belly quiver, as well as a few other spots. She swallowed hard. “What’s that?” Elloisa saw a small light to the right of where they were driving. Immediately, Gustavo turned off the headlights and stepped on the gas. “Are you crazy! How will you see?” She grabbed on to whatever she could as fear gripped her insides. Gustavo picked up speed. Her body rocked around up and out of the seat and nearly out of the Jeep, but she held the roll bars in a death grip. I’m going to die, I’m going to die. Oh my God, he’s freaking nuts! “It’s nothing but empty desert, and if we follow this route, we’ll eventually see lights and the border station.” “The key word is ‘eventually.’ Oh my God!” Elloisa closed her eyes as the Jeep hit something but continued on its path. She held the metal, gripping anything for support and to remain inside the Jeep. Bump after bump, the Jeep bounced and creaked, making horrible sounds. The light to the right seemed to be approaching faster. “Who could it be? Maybe border patrol or something?” “Elloisa, there are bandits and scavengers all along this area. It’s a death trap for the unprepared.” He yelled over the roar of the engine as he continued to drive over the treacherous route they seemed to be stuck in. Elloisa felt her stomach tighten into knots. Her chest ached and her insides fluttered. She was going to die. She was never going to make it home. Suddenly, out of nowhere, they heard an engine roar. Then suddenly headlights appeared to the right of them. Gunfire filled the air, and bullets hit the side of the Jeep. “Get down!” Gustavo yelled as he shoved her head over his lap.


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He switched on the headlights and took off with the Jeep hopping and bobbing along the dusty desert. Bullets echoed through the air. Some hit the windshield and the dashboard, but amazingly not her or Gustavo. She held her head down and prayed to get out of this alive. Her face rubbed against Gustavo’s camouflaged-covered, ironclad thighs. They were hard as steel, and her insides tightened. She was surely losing her ever-loving mind. Bullets flew around them, and she heard the ones that hit the dashboard directly next to her face. And here she was thinking about Gustavo’s body? Suddenly, she felt the Jeep slow down and Gustavo hit the brakes. Before she could question his sanity she heard the shots. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang! The engine roared and the lights froze. There was an eerie silence as Gustavo put the gun away, sat back in his seat, and resumed driving. Slowly, she lifted her head from his lap. As she began to look behind her, Gustavo placed his hand on the back of her head and tilted it towards the front of the Jeep. “Look forward.” It was obvious that he didn’t want her to see the damage. Elloisa was in shock. She had personally witnessed Gustavo’s intensity, capabilities, and training. From the time he whisked her away from the church, he had killed almost ten people in less than thirty minutes.

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Chapter 5 Mathew looked around the room at his family. Once he received word from John that Elloisa had escaped the Sintorez estate on her own without the agent, he notified his family. They had begun to develop a plan to go looking for her based on covert information from informants. John Falco had been dead set against this. He felt it could be a trap now that Elloisa had escaped from Armando. He was right, of course. No one could be trusted at this point. John had CIs that said Armando’s guard Ramos was on the hunt. The last phone call they received at four o’clock this morning informed Mathew that there was a small village torn up and numerous bodies found dead, both there and outside the border. There was no sign of Elloisa or a body. The sound of Mathew’s phone ringing brought everyone in the room to attention. He looked at his parents then answered the phone. “Hello.” “Mathew, I’ve got some news. Based on some intel, it seems our agent was able to track down Elloisa. It’s believed that they’re together.” “Really? And this agent is good?” “Real good. Considering that Sintorez sent Ramos out after her, she’ll need the agent’s help to escape detection and cross the border. But there is some bad news.” “What’s that?” “There’s a team of agents working on capturing Sintorez and monitoring his organization. They found out about the inside agent and about Elloisa. It was inevitable Mathew, but the good part is that they’ve pooled their resources and will be waiting by the border for


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them. The bad news is that a drug war is taking place mere miles from where our intel believes that Elloisa and the agent are.” “What? What do you mean drug war?” “Mathew, they could be caught in the middle of the biggest massacre in Mexican history. Right now, early reports are saying fifty or more victims.” “Jesus, John! What is the Mexican government doing?” “They sent the Mexican marines in, but the scene is bad.” “John, do you think Elloisa is there? Could she be one of the victims?” Mathew swallowed hard at the thought, and his eyes filled up with tears. In the background, he heard his mother gasp. To get this close to having Elloisa back only for her to not make it here and die in a drug war was insane. “I just don’t know. I wanted to be up front with you and let you know I’m on top of this. I will get you answers as soon as they come in.” “I appreciate that, John.” Mathew disconnected the call and took a deep breath. As he turned towards his family, he regretted having to tell them he didn’t know if Elloisa was dead or alive. **** Thirty minutes later, they approached the final stretch of Mexican land before the gates and border security check. They had traveled all night, and the sun was beginning to rise in the distance. She looked at Gustavo and his rugged appearance. His disguise was commendable. Even dirty and exhausted-looking, he was attractive. He glanced at her, and quickly, she looked ahead of them. “Do you think there will be any more obstacles before the checkin booths? Josè mentioned some gangs that worked the border.” “We’re driving a military Jeep and will be gaining enough attention.”

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“A stolen military Jeep, and if that is a concern, then maybe we should ditch the Jeep and the guns before we cross?” “I think it is in our best interest to keep the Jeep and guns as long as we can. We’re not heading across the border in a traditional manner. This is a smaller location and also a lot tougher to cross. Your papers look authentic. Whatever you paid for them was well worth it. Just relax a bit, and we’ll be there soon. It’s just over this next area. Why don’t you pull on the habit and get ready?” A few minutes later, the fencing and gates came into view. In the distance behind the fencing were storefronts and numerous people. “Let me do all the talking. You just look forward and don’t say a word.” He stared at her a moment and smirked then shook his head. “What?” “Just clasp your hands on your lap and pretend you’re overheated and tired in that getup,” he told her. “I don’t need to pretend. This is hell.” Elloisa had no choice but to trust Gustavo’s judgment. He saved her life back there in the desert. He sure as hell wouldn’t steer her wrong now. The guards looked mean and pompous. They eyed her and Gustavo from head to toe until some higher-up came out around the small booth. Elloisa did as Gustavo told her and remained quiet. Gustavo began talking to one of the officials and passed over the passports. The higher-up eyed her, giving her a small smile before solely focusing on Gustavo. Her insides shook with fear as she looked forward. Just across the road was considered official U.S. soil. She would be home in her own country in a matter of seconds. The anticipation was unnerving and emotional. She swallowed the tears and took a small breath, unable to take a full one yet. Not until they were safe. Elloisa noticed that the higher-up and Gustavo had a quick conversation with little nods. Her throat was so dry she wanted to


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cough, but she didn’t want to bring more attention to herself. Her stomached growled. It had been a long time since she had eaten. As Gustavo spoke to the officials, Elloisa glanced around her. Another security officer eyed her suspiciously. In fact, it appeared as if he snarled at her. That bad, creepy feeling consumed her as she instantly thought about Armando. The guard nodded his head, and Elloisa followed his line of sight towards another guard. That one was speaking on a cell phone. Uncertain of what to do, she moved closer to Gustavo, and simultaneously, he took her arm as the sound of a car approaching caught her attention. It was black with tinted windows, a Mercedes, and she swallowed again as the headlights turned on. Squinting against the glare from the lights, Gustavo pulled the Jeep across the security check and up the road. He parked behind the Mercedes. “Let’s go,” he told her then quickly took her hand and led her towards the car. She was grateful that he held her close. Exhaustion was kicking in, and even she was amazed that she hadn’t passed out yet. She knew she couldn’t. At least until she was certain that she was safe. He guided her by the arm, the back passenger door opened, and a second later, they were all driving down the highway. **** The smell of the leather upholstery mixed with perspiration and cologne filled her senses. By the looks of the shadowed beards that appeared on each of the men’s faces, they had been waiting for her and Gustavo awhile. Two men sat in the front seat, and Gustavo and another man sat on either side of her in the back. The men eyed her then smiled. She wondered what the hell was going on as she glanced back toward the guarded posts at the border. The tinted windows blocked a clear view. She leaned closer to Gustavo and whispered.

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“The guards at the posts—” “It’s okay. You’re safe now,” he whispered back. The man in the passenger seat spoke on a cell phone. “Yes, sir, he got her across. She’s safe, and she’s with us. Okay, sir, we’ll continue to follow the plan.” He hung up the phone. Gustavo pulled off his hat and jacket. Elloisa pulled off the habit and looked at Gustavo. They exchanged a meaningful look. She was grateful he was with her, but he seemed unemotional that they made it across alive. **** “Hey, Montoya, great job, and just in the nick of time, too. He’s on her tail and too close for comfort.” Gustavo nodded. “Miss Givani, I’m Agent Franks. This is Agent Perkins.” He motioned towards the driver. “That’s Agent Monroe, and you’ve already met Special Agent Montoya. We work for the Drug Enforcement Agency. You had us all worried for a while, ma’am. We never thought you’d try and escape on your own, never mind make it across those mountains and that desert. Very impressive.” “No thanks to any of you!” she blurted out, and they appeared taken aback by her anger. “What do you suddenly want from me, and where are you taking me?” she demanded. Gus cleared his throat and looked at her with his eyebrows raised. He thought she was pretty damn tough for such a petite little thing. She was obviously in great physical condition and must be strong as hell to survive more than a year as Armando’s prisoner. If she really was. Gustavo still questioned her sincerity. Was she a prisoner, or did she enjoy his company? It annoyed him to think about her with Armando, and the thought of the man touching her, possessing her, really pissed Gustavo off. Now that he had been by Elloisa’s side during her escape, he felt a bit


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possessive himself. He took a deep breath and tried to eliminate the foolish thought by focusing on the other agents. They explained their investigation a little and tried to make her more comfortable. **** “We’re headed to the airport then to New York,” Agent Franks stated, and she eyed each agent, not bothering to hide her scrutiny. They were dressed casually, in jeans and sweatshirts. Each of them carried a sidearm, just like Gustavo. “I’m sure you can’t wait to see your family,” Agent Franks stated, and Elloisa shot him a look as if he’d insulted her. “What did you say?” “Your family, Miss. They will be thrilled to know you made it across.” “My family is dead,” she replied, and Gustavo heard her voice crack. The agents eyed one another. Gustavo was shocked at her response. He turned towards her. “Elloisa, what are you talking about? Your family is alive.” Elloisa covered her mouth with her hand. The tears emerged and Gustavo heard the deep swallow she made in her throat. “Mathew…Daddy…Ma…” She couldn’t complete her sentence. “Yes, Elloisa, they’re all alive and well,” Monroe added and smiled. She cried out, covering her face in her hands. She sounded like she couldn’t breathe and was gasping for air. She was weak, exhausted, and news like this was shocking. Gustavo spoke to her. His tone was soft and consoling. “Calm down, Elloisa, it’s all right. Everything is going to be just fine,” he told her and she dried her eyes, tried to regain her composure as she stared straight ahead out the windshield. No one spoke for a few moments.

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“He told me they were dead…that they were all dead, there was nothing…no one to come back to. My God, it’s been…My God!” she whispered. The sound of her cracking voice bothered him. Everyone in the car was silent, including Gustavo. His heart ached for Elloisa and the fact that she had thought her family was dead. Armando had tricked her, or at least that’s what she wanted them to believe. Trust never came easy for him, and it wouldn’t change because of this woman sitting next to him. He looked forward as the car came to a red light. The other agents looked just as taken aback at Elloisa’s outburst of sadness and shock. He glanced around the area, noting their location, which wasn’t quite the route he thought they should be going. If they continued straight, they would be circling back towards the Mexican border. “Where are you going?” he asked Perkins who was driving. “Yeah, where the hell are you going, Perk? We’re supposed to be headed north,” Franks said, but Perkins ignored him and made a quick left then a right. “Stop the fucking car,” Franks yelled, and Gustavo pulled Elloisa closer to him. “We’re being followed,” Perkins finally responded, glancing into the rearview and side mirrors. Gustavo took in his demeanor, and his gut told him the agent was lying. Gus looked behind them and to the side of them. They just passed the center of town and were headed to the outskirts. There wouldn’t be any cover if there was gunfire. “Stay in the city!” Gustavo yelled. Suddenly a low rider appeared around the corner in front of them. “Look out!” Franks yelled as Perkins nearly hit the vehicle head-on. Shots were fired. Men were pouring out of the vehicle firing upon them. Elloisa screamed as Gustavo shoved open the passenger door. “Stay down!” he yelled as the other agents returned fire, except for Perkins, who had been instantly shot and killed.


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**** Bullets hit the building in front of them. Innocent people on the streets yelled and screamed. The innocent people scattered around them as Gustavo pulled her along with him between two buildings. Concrete and stucco flew through the air, hitting Elloisa and Gustavo as they ran for cover. She gripped his hand tightly as he pulled her along with him and away from the gunfight. Elloisa’s heart pounded in her chest, but she kept up with Gustavo and ran side by side with him. “Where to?” “Fuck if I know. We’ve got to get you off of the street.” Elloisa looked around them. “There!” she pointed to a small indoor mall with numerous clothing stores, restaurants, and boutiques. “There’s only one way in and one way out,” he countered. “But there are clothing stores. We need disguises, to change clothes so we can get the hell out of this town.” In the distance, they heard sirens, and the gunfight was over. He pulled her into the alley just as the tires squealed and the car headed towards them. After pulling Elloisa into a little cove between a rack of clothing and the wall of the store, he pressed his body against hers and covered her head. There was barely enough room for them as Elloisa sucked in her breath and held it. “Oh God, Gustavo,” she whispered and he held her tight as he watched the low rider slowly drive through the alley. He was confident that they were well-hidden, but his heart still pounded in his chest. “Shhhh…” he whispered above her head as the car filled with Hispanic men passed by the alley with guns pointed out the windows.

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From where he stood, he could see the red bandannas signifying a local drug gang, Los caminantes de noche, or night walkers. They were known to do their dirtiest work at night. Why were they after Elloisa?


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Chapter 6 They were silent until he could no longer hear or see the car. Moments later a police cruiser passed. Elloisa was crying. He felt the wetness against his chest and her heart pounding against his ribs. She was scared and rightfully so. The incident they just experienced was too fucking close and exactly why he wanted to get her to New York his way. He rubbed her arms and caressed her hair. They locked gazes as a gentle breeze pressed between them. “I’m not going to make it home, am I?” she asked in a quivering voice. Gustavo cupped her face between his hands, tilting it up towards him. The sight of her red, swollen eyes and quivering lip pulled at his gut. She was a strong woman, but this latest attempt on her life would surely break even the strongest of people. Even he was angry, frustrated, and about at his wits’ end. “Listen to me, Elloisa. I will get you home. You will make it to see your family, I promise you.” She closed her eyes, and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She was a gorgeous woman, and the thought of kissing her lips, taking some of her fear away, entered his mind. He closed his eyes and willed the desire away. He couldn’t get that close to her. He was a soldier, and this was only an assignment. Using his thumb to wipe away the stray tears, he smiled at her.

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“I am good at what I do. All you have to do is listen to me and follow my orders and we will get out of this. Okay?” he asked, and she nodded her head. Gustavo pulled her close against his chest, hugging her one last time. He knew it was a stupid thing to do, but considering that his body and mind wanted to do more than just hug her, he gave in to the little moment of pleasure. **** “If she gets across, Armando, do you want me to kill her?” Avalar asked over the phone. He leaned back in his chair and smiled at the possibility of having Elloisa in his custody. Crazy thoughts went through his mind. “No, I don’t want you to kill her. I want her alive. If I have to, I will cross the border and come get her myself. Isn’t anyone capable of killing the agents and bringing me back my woman?” Armando asked. He was angry and Avalar knew it. Elloisa was his world. There was no man other than Ramos that was allowed within sniffing distance of Elloisa. Avalar couldn’t blame him. She was quite the specimen of femininity. And so very intelligent and obviously resourceful. He would take pleasure in capturing her and having some fun. Perhaps Avalar would let Armando think she was dead. He laughed to himself. “What about the factory? Any updates on when production can start? I’ve invested millions as it is,” Armando asked. “It’s looking real good. I think we’ll be in business by the end of this week. I’ve been pushing.” “I hope so. It’s taken enough time. I’m losing money, and now I’ll have to spend more if your people can’t get me my Elloisa back.”


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“We will try our hardest, Armando. I have some men patrolling the borders. Any sign of a young woman traveling alone, and they’ll notify me.” “Good. Keep me posted, and in the meantime, plan on me arriving within the next few weeks. I’d like to resolve this issue myself.” **** The last twenty-four hours had been emotional torture for Mathew’s family. As the news broadcasted information on the massacre in Mexico, they began to lose hope that Elloisa survived. Jack turned up the volume as the broadcaster repeated the information. “It is confirmed that fifty men and ten women were killed in this bloody massacre by a gang called the Rojo. Violence has increased across the border between US and Mexico since the separation of the Rojo from a smaller drug gang. It is believed that the Rojo gang has one of the largest cartels and that the cartel expands all the way through Central America. The Mexican government has confirmed similar occurrences on a much smaller scale where migrants running the gauntlet faced extortion and death. Sometimes their family members in the States are called to pay ransoms to save these emigrants lives.” “Oh my God! I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe she got this close and Elloisa could be one of the dead,” Teressa stated and began to cry. “We don’t even know for certain if she was there. The intel could be all wrong,” Jack added, trying to calm his mother. Mathew knew they were all thinking the same thing. At that moment the phone rang. Everyone focused on Mathew as he answered. ****

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“She wasn’t there, Mathew. Somehow she must have made it farther than the agents’ last check-in point because they are just miles from the border.” “Thank God…hold on a minute.” Mathew covered the receiver as he told his family the news. They quietly cheered and thanked God for Elloisa’s safety and ability to have traveled so far. Mathew began to ask John more questions. “So they just need to make it across the desert and through the border?” “They’ll do it. Elloisa escaped Sintorez alone, and now, with this agent, her chances of making it home improve immensely.” “I hope so. Please keep us posted.” “I will call you as soon as I receive more information.” Mathew hung up the phone and relayed the information to his family. “So she escaped Sintorez alone? Amazing!” Salvatore stated. “But they don’t know where she is now?” Teressa asked. “No, Mamma, but John said that the agent found her and hooked up with her in some village she was hiding out in. This agent is resourceful from what John has told me.” “My God, Jerry. When will this be over? I just want Elloisa home and in my arms.” Jerry hugged Teressa to him. “I can’t help but be fearful. Until I can physically hold her, I feel skeptical,” Teressa whispered while her husband held her. “She’s going to make it, Mamma. I just know she will,” Mathew added. He was so relieved that his sister wasn’t one of the victims of the massacre that he felt weak. He grabbed the chair, sat down, and slowly calmed his breathing. His mother was right. When was this all going to be over? He just wanted to hold his sister in his arms and love her.


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**** Two more hours passed. No one felt like eating or even leaving the room a second in case the call came in. They were exhausted, but they just kept thinking about Elloisa and praying that she had the strength to endure the escape. Sometime closer to midnight, they heard from John that Elloisa and the agent were safe, in the US, and on their way to the airport. **** It was three o’clock in the morning when Mathew’s cell phone rang a third time. “Yeah?’ he asked, trying to clear his mind. It seemed like he had only fallen asleep minutes before the phone rang. His eyes burned, and his throat was dry and scratchy. “Mathew, they were ambushed on their way through town from the border.” “What? Are you fucking kidding me?” “Unfortunately, no. Three agents are dead, but Elloisa and Montoya must have made it out. There’s no sign of them anywhere.” “Holy shit. Montoya’s the agent who has been with her all along, right?” “Yes. He’s real good, just like I told you. They’re probably hiding out and trying to find a way to contact me. I wanted to keep you posted.” “Was it Sintorez and his men who ambushed them?” “A local gang, obviously working for Sintorez.” “How bad was it?” “They had semi-automatic weapons, shot up half the town, and injured multiple local police. A lot of arrests were made. Our local agents there have been onto some sort of illegal drug transport

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operation run by this gang. They usually work at night but obviously were called out by Sintorez. There’s a full-blown raid about to take place in that town and on that gang.” “This just keeps getting better and better.” “Yeah, well the agents needed the break. They’ve been trying to catch these guys in action. Listen, I know this has got to be brutal on you and the family, and I want you to know that I will do everything I can to get Elloisa home safely to you. I’m sure Montoya will call soon.” “Thanks, John. I appreciate it.” Mathew hung up the phone and rubbed his hands over his face. “Who was that? What’s going on?” Jack asked, with Salvatore and their father right behind them. “It was John.” Mathew began to explain about the ambush and the gang. “Son of a bitch!” Salvatore stated. **** They were in full disguise as Gustavo led her through the mall. After discarding their other clothes into a plastic garbage bin, they set out for a safe location to make a call. Elloisa held Gustavo’s hand as they walked slowly past the storefronts, vendors, and tourists to blend in. Just as they approached the final set of stores, they noticed three gang members walking towards them. “Just relax and follow my lead. They don’t know what we look like,” he whispered. Elloisa swallowed hard and paused to run the silk fabric of a dress through her fingers as if she were browsing with intention to buy. The sunglasses she wore covered most of her face, along with the decorative straw hat, handmade across the border in Heroica. She never looked up but felt the men’s presence close by.


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“Oh, that’s a real lovely color, darlin’. It’s au-thentic and downright pretty,” Gustavo stated loudly with a thick Texas accent. “It does complement my skin and all,” she replied, giving a try at a Texas accent. Gustavo laughed out loud then pulled her close.. “You all would be my Italianna-Mexicanna sugar pie!” he roared then hugged her to him, being sure to put on a show for anyone paying attention. Her heart hammered in her chest as his body pressed against her own. That’s when she noticed the three gang members listening as well and eyeing them while they also glanced around the area. “More,” she whispered to Gustavo and she nearly screamed when he pressed a hand against her backside, blatantly pulling her up against him while rubbing her butt. “You should buy it, darling. Then when we get back to the ho-tel, I can rip it offa ya,” Gustavo teased then growled against her neck as he began tickling and kissing her. Elloisa hung on tight as she giggled and laughed. The gang members just seemed to stare at them strangely, so Elloisa jumped up, wrapping her legs around Gustavo’s waist as she tilted her big straw hat to cover their faces as if they were kissing. She heard people yelling, so she moved her hat to see the gang members move swiftly through the rest of the mall and farther away from them. Elloisa tried to calm her breathing as she remained in place, holding Gustavo’s gaze. The man was rock solid, and she could only imagine what he would look like undressed. “Are you okay?” he whispered, his voice sounding deep and raspy. Her insides coiled up, and her heart pounded faster in her chest. This soldier was lethal when it came to sex appeal. Every inch of him was solid muscle, and if he didn’t remove the palm of his hand that

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remained flat against her backside, she was surely going to embarrass herself. Gustavo held her gaze for an awkward moment. She heard his heartbeat. Thank God. The man did have a heart. As if sensing the awkward moment, he slowly began to release her and take a step away. She looked around then quickly grabbed his hand. “We should stay close just in case they return,” she stated, hoping that he would agree. Any amount of time she could have him near her she would cherish. He eyed her knowingly, and her stomach churned. God, this man made her act like a love-sick puppy. Exasperated and feeling as if the attraction was purely one-sided, she attempted to pull her hand away from Gustavo’s. He held it tight. “No. Stay next to me. I saw a little place over there to make the call. I’ve got an old friend who can help us. Come on,” he stated then pulled her along with him through the crowded mall.


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Chapter 7 Elloisa was grateful for the hot shower and the new change of clothes. She looked at herself in the mirror, hearing her heart pound against her chest as she envisioned Gustavo. He had told her over and over again to stay put and wait for him to shower. She wasn’t to move outside of the small building unless she was with him. He was adamant and aggressive as he grabbed her shoulders and ground his teeth. The soldier could do intimidation, big time. He had her shaking in her crappy boots so badly that she hadn’t moved from the chair by the bed. She was afraid to even breathe the wrong way. Then, of course, he left the bathroom door ajar so he could hear her. She listened attentively as he undressed then stepped into the shower. Her imagination had her fantasizing about Gustavo, and she needed to remind herself that he was just doing his job. He was on a mission, and she was his responsibility. He took a shower in record speed and immediately came back out with only a towel wrapped around his body. By the grace of a god who had seemed to finally make his presence known, she didn’t drool or ogle him. With much finesse and familiarity to seeing chiseled sex gods on display, she rose from the chair and entered the bathroom. Once the door was closed, she released a long breath then panted for air as she laid her forehead against the wood. Gustavo was beautiful. She shook her head at herself in the mirror. Don’t read into his attentiveness and sexual assets. He is taking you home and then he will disappear.

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She dried her hair as best she could, allowing the sound of the hairdryer to drown out her thoughts of Gustavo. Then out of nowhere she thought about Armando. He had resources all over the world. Or at least it seemed so to her. The gang that attacked them was under his thumb, just as many gangs were back in New York. There was a great possibility that Elloisa would always be a target. That was unless Armando was killed. Her heart ached with regret for not doing the deed herself, but if she had the courage and hatred to kill him, she would have done it back in Mexico. She wasn’t capable of murder, even though he deserved to die. Now, as she pondered over her actions, she wished she had killed him. Then no one would come after her. This was all Armando’s doing. Quickly she cleaned up the bathroom then opened the door as she gathered the towels. “You can leave those. Rafael said he would take care of it.” She jumped at the sound of Gustavo’s voice. She felt shaky and guilty, most likely from contemplating murder. “What is it? You’re shaking,” Gustavo asked, taking a step toward her and removing the towels from her hands. She stared at him as he took her hands into his own. She felt so safe with him. It was nerve-racking. Her mind traveled in a thousand directions. But before she could stop herself, she blurted out the thoughts that came to her mind. “How do you kill so easily?” she asked him, and his eyes widened in shock. He squinted at her then looked her over from waist to eyes. “I kill only when necessary, for survival and for the good.” He released her hands and turned from her. Obviously he wasn’t cold-hearted or unscathed by his profession. “I…I had the chance to kill him,” she whispered as she stood in one place and stared at the rug. She felt Gustavo’s stare upon her, but she couldn’t look at him. She felt weak for confiding in him and showing such weakness.


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“What?” he asked, taking a step closer. She stared at his boots and the bottom of a new pair of dark camo pants. His fingers were under her chin a moment later, tilting her face up toward him. When she saw his eyes, they looked somber and dark with emotion. “I had a chance to kill Armando, but when I tried…when I struck him and he wouldn’t let go, I began to shake profusely. I couldn’t continue to hit him and kill him. I couldn’t do it.” She sobbed as her shoulders shook. **** Gustavo pulled her into his arms and held her close. He caressed her hair as she shook against him. The smell of her shampoo and the weakness she shared with him played on his heartstrings. Was she for real, or was she playing him? He wondered if that was how she got Armando. He was pessimistic and untrusting. His job trained him well, and his experience prepared him for just about everything. “Not everyone is capable of seriously injuring someone, never mind killing another human being. You weren’t weak, Elloisa. You got away from him. You got out of there on your own. I will help you get to your family, and all of this will be behind you.” He had to distance himself from her. His gut told him to beware, while his heart felt her pain and her regret. This was work and nothing more. He released her and saw the surprised expression on her face. She thought he was heartless and cold. It was better for both of them. “We have a plane to catch, so let’s get moving.” **** No one slept that night. There was too much anticipation. Elloisa was finally coming home.

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Mathew stood in his father’s study, along with Jack and Salvatore. They waited for the call. The one that said her plane had landed safely in New York. Elloisa was truly alive, and her identity was confirmed by the agency. She made it across the border and was under the protection of DEA agents. She was coming home. Mathew’s cell phone rang, and everyone froze where they were. “Yeah, John?” “She’ll be there in thirty minutes. I’m on my way and about ten minutes from your parents’ house. It doesn’t look like they were followed, but we’re not taking any chances.” “Thank you, John. Thank you so much. We’ll be waiting.” Mathew hung up the phone. Their mother re-entered the office. Her eyes were bloodshot. She had been crying again and hadn’t slept in three days. None of them had. “Mamma, she’s on her way here. They made it,” Mathew told her, and she began crying again. Their father wrapped his arms around his wife. Their mother was a beautiful woman, thin with short brown hair and light brown eyes. Her daughter Elloisa had been a mirror image of her mother. Jerry wondered what she would look like now. What had she gone through and survived? There were so many questions for Elloisa. Jerry was also worried because he knew that the family members weren’t the only ones who wanted her to answer questions. “Don’t cry, Teressa. We need to be strong for Elloisa. She’ll need us now. She’ll need all of us.” Her husband looked toward his sons. They had all been shocked by the news, and none of them had been able to do anything constructive but sit and wait for Elloisa’s return. It was a roller coaster of emotions between the news of her escape, the possibility she had been massacred in the drug war, and then her success in crossing the border, only to be ambushed again. They were all exhausted.


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Jack stood by the window, along with his brother Salvatore. He spoke softly into the small receiver on his sleeve, obviously checking with security around the perimeter of the house. Since news of Elloisa’s return to the States, the DEA wanted to enlist extra security. Jerry agreed, especially after the multiple attempts on his daughter’s life. Jerry and his wife Teressa had been blessed with wonderful, attractive children. They had dark black hair, olive complexions, but Jack had jade green eyes like his father, and Salvatore had dark brown eyes like Teressa. They were both tall and in excellent shape. They had to be with jobs like theirs. Mathew stood near the doorway pacing. All Mathew seemed to talk about was the last time he saw Elloisa. He had been shot by Ramos, Armando’s bodyguard. She was sure to think he had been killed. They needed Elloisa here with them so they could have a complete family and move on with their lives. Hadn’t they lost enough time together? Jerry was growing impatient by the minute and tried to calm his breathing. The anticipation was torture in itself. **** Elloisa looked out of the window as they drove through the residential neighborhood along with Gustavo and the other agents. The four men had been her constant bodyguards for the past twentyfour hours. Gustavo didn’t seem to trust her or like her one bit now that they were on US soil. It hurt, considering what they went through and how they survived together. She continuously caught him watching her, studying her, and she knew exactly what he was doing. He actually wondered if she really was a prisoner or if she enjoyed being Armando’s possession. Gustavo wasn’t the only one who would think that. After all, she had remained with Armando for over a year’s time. Perhaps, Gustavo thought she was involved with the criminal activity as well. He hadn’t a clue. None of them did. She was scarred for life. She wanted nothing more than to kill Armando

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herself, but when it came down to doing it, she wasn’t capable. She shook and cried, unable to take out her revenge and her anger on him. Was there a part of her that still loved him? She hoped not because he didn’t love her. He never had. Agent Williams informed her of what really happened that day fourteen months earlier. Her father wasn’t on the take, he was working undercover. Her brother tried to save her from Armando, but it was too late. Everything she had assumed happened had been wrong. Armando fooled her, broke her down with intimidation and threats. If she had known the truth then she would have tried to escape earlier. The thoughts sent an enormous pain through her heart. She would have to live with that new knowledge for the rest of her life. She closed her eyes and prayed that her family still loved her. **** The car pulled onto a long private road where only three very large houses resided. Her parents’ house was at the end of the road farthest from the other two homes. It was gorgeous, semi-private, and about forty minutes north of the city. Initially, she hadn’t seen anyone around, but when they came closer to the security gates, men bearing guns came into sight. She hoped that there was solitude, privacy, and security at her parents’ home. Her palms were sweaty, her heart racing, and feelings of guilt and shame filled her body. Armando had taken too much from her. She felt heartless, detached…lost. All the emotions disappeared and were replaced by pure relief and love as the front door opened and her family filled the colonial front


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porch. The car stopped and everyone got out. Elloisa’s family ran toward her, and she ran toward them **** “Elloisa!” they called out in unison, and her parents embraced her then her brothers did as well. They kissed and hugged. Everyone was crying. “My God, you’re beautiful. You’re so beautiful,” her mother exclaimed. Elloisa was hysterical. Her body went weak in her brothers’ arms. She reached up to place the palm of her hand against Mathew’s cheek. He looked so handsome. All three of her brothers were gorgeous. “You’re alive. Oh, Mathew…” Mathew pulled his sister into an embrace. Salvatore and Jack hugged them both. Her mother Teressa wept as Elloisa’s father held her upright. “My Elloisa, my angel,” her mother’s words collided with her sniffles and tears. “Oh, Mamma.” Elloisa was relieved and so emotional she nearly fainted. Her brothers held her close to them, and the feel of their arms around her brought her joy. “Let’s head inside where you can sit down,” Mathew stated then assisted Elloisa into the house and everyone followed. **** Walking through the foyer, inhaling the familiar scent of cinnamon and apples brought more tears to Elloisa’s eyes. The large painting of a picturesque scene of gondolas in Italy above the entry

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table, the wrought iron coat rack, the marble umbrella holder all remained in the same places as before she left. Elloisa covered her mouth as she eyed the spiral, wooden staircase that led to the bedrooms upstairs. Was her bedroom still the same? The thoughts made her feel afraid. Did her family think that she was dead, too? Had they even tried to search for her or get to her in Mexico? So many thoughts went through her mind. It wasn’t until they all sat in the living room that Elloisa remembered Gustavo and the other agents. It had been an emotional reunion and an exhausting trip. Elloisa sat on the couch beside her mother. The moment she laid her head back to rest, she felt the dizziness and exhaustion. So she opted to sit up straight, her hands clasped on her lap. She was tense, definitely tense, and she was certain it stemmed from the apprehension of the questions her family would have, never mind the presence of the agents. But she also felt the welcoming feeling of being home. It was somewhat difficult. She had thought they were all dead. They had finally accepted that fact and also realized what kind of a man Armando was. Yet, here she was in her parents’ home, surrounded by her family. All eyes were upon her. Mathew sat across from her, Salvatore and Jack stood near the fireplace, and her parents, sat beside her on the couch. “Are you hungry, thirsty?” Teressa asked, placing her warm hand gently over Elloisa’s. Elloisa smiled then stared down at her mother’s hand upon hers. It was such a small action Elloisa had taken for granted years ago. The skin-to-skin contact of holding hands, an embrace, a hug or kiss on the cheek from family, she had missed out on so much. Now that she was with them so close, she craved their touch, their love and affection.


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“I’m good, Mamma,” she whispered as a tear escaped her eye. She felt it slowly roll down her cheek then land upon her lap. She was certain they all watched and that they all saw her emotion. She looked at each of them, absorbing how they had changed yet what had remained the same. “I can’t believe you’re all alive,” she stated, her voice cracking. “I…I thought that you all were dead…Mathew…” She swallowed hard, the tears flowed, and as she looked through clouded vision, she saw they all were crying. “It’s…” She couldn’t get out the words or what she felt inside. She wanted to tell them it was like being around ghosts or in a dream, a fantasy she could only have in sleep, not in real life. But they were real and they were sitting with her now. “Elloisa, I…I can’t believe you are here. This is a shock for us as well. We thought he had…we thought you were dead. How did you survive?” Teressa asked. Elloisa felt the anxiety, the fear, of having to tell her family what had happened. She pulled her hands away from her mother and bowed her head. She wiped a hand across her eyes to remove the tears best she could. Mathew handed her a tissue. She smiled then used it to wipe her eyes. “I…I did what I needed to. Everything seems like such a blur now. It’s so shocking to be here and to see all of you.” “Our prayers have been answered. Our daughter is alive and back home where she belongs,” Teressa whispered. Elloisa stared at her mother. She looked the same aside from the bloodshot eyes and the tired expression. She knew they had heard about her escape and how they evaded an ambush. “How did you make it across the mountains and the desert?” Jerry asked her. “It was brutal, but I was determined to get home.”

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They asked a few more questions and filled her in on John’s part and the latest intel on Armando’s men. Elloisa felt herself leaning back against the couch. Despite not seeing her family in over a year, she felt at home and comfortable. The idea that she could finally rest for a decent amount of time caused her to yawn. Agent Thomas cleared his throat and began to speak. “We have some things to go over with you, Elloisa. They are important to our investigation,” he exclaimed with attitude. Elloisa exhaled. “I have been with my family for less than ten minutes, Agent Williams. I haven’t slept in days and my head is pounding. I would prefer to discuss this at a later time.” She dismissed him with finesse, and her brothers seemed shocked but also tickled by it. From the moment they arrived, Williams had given them all the stare down and appeared to be analyzing their every response and move. “Maybe Elloisa is tired. Perhaps some rest before dinner?” Jerry interrupted the awkward moment and Elloisa was grateful. She nodded in agreement then placed the back of her hand against the side of her forehead. “I am a bit tired, sir. I feel kind of dizzy, so a rest sounds good.” Her father looked at her strangely then quickly smiled to cover up whatever he felt. She stood up from the couch. Mathew rose from the couch ready to accompany her to her room along with everyone else. She paused before they could follow. “I will find my way. No need to follow so close.” Mathew smiled. “Of course, Elloisa. Your room is all ready. Extra blankets are in the closet if you need them.” “Thank you, Mathew.” She stared at him a moment, recalling how he was shot and that she saw him fall to the ground with a thump. She


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saw all the blood and just knew he was dead. Armando told her he was dead. Mathew held her gaze as if he understood what she was thinking and remembering. The word “sorry” sat on the tip of her tongue. She was so sorry for falling in love with Armando. Sorry for not having enough faith in her family. She was sorry for more things than she had time at the moment to remember and go through one by one. Instead she pulled him into an embrace, and her brother held her close. “I’m so happy that you are alive,” she whispered then kissed his cheek and released him. **** “We’re all involved with this from here on out. Understand, Agent Williams? Mathew asked as he stood next to his friend John. “I told you, Mathew, we have our agents working on the case.” “Well, we’re working on the case, as well. We want Sintorez and his whole operation brought down,” Mathew added then crossed his arms in front of his chest. He stared at Agent Williams, not sure that he really liked the guy. “We understand your position, and there’s a lot at stake here. We still have agents in the field,” Williams told them, and John spoke next. “They thought their sister was dead, for Christ’s sake, Williams. Let them help where they can. We can use their skills and the cooperation of every department we’ve got.” “What have you got so far, and what do you need from us?” Salvatore asked. “Right now, we need all the information we can get from your sister. She has spent the last year right by Armando’s side. She’s bound to know information our undercover agents weren’t privy to,” Williams said.

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“She needs to recover—” Jack looked up towards the ceiling, knowing his baby sister was upstairs, home, alive, but on the defensive. She downright refused to talk to Gustavo, Williams or any of the other agents. When she found out her brothers were all DEA agents, she nearly passed out. She stayed close–lipped, and that was a bad sign. “Let’s get something straight, Givani. You and your family really shouldn’t be involved or privy to any information we have thus far. It’s not proper protocol, and to tell you the truth, I want to find out what your sister knows first. Why did she wait until now to try and escape? Why did she freeze up when she found out her brothers were DEA agents? There are a lot of questions,” Gustavo stated, making it perfectly clear that he didn’t trust Elloisa and questioned her loyalty to her family and the agents. “How dare you stand in this house and make accusations about my sister. Who the hell do you think you are?” Mathew demanded with his fists at his side as he stepped up in front of Gustavo. **** They were the same height, but Gustavo was more muscular and a lot more highly trained. But he didn’t share that with the overprotective older brother. Gustavo thought Mathew was a good agent. He had investigated the whole family except Elloisa, and that’s who he was after. “Montoya, cool it, will you? These are my friends. These are good people,” John interrupted as he pushed himself between the two men. “I think your agents should leave. Elloisa will be safe here with us, and when she’s had some rest then you can speak with her,” Jerry added as he motioned towards the door. “Unfortunately, we need to speak with her as soon as possible. Let’s plan on tomorrow morning. Bring her to the office around ten


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o’clock in the morning,” Agent Williams said before leaving the room. They agreed, and the agents left the house. **** “So what do you think, Dad?” Salvatore asked his father once the agents left. Jerry rubbed his hand over his face and exhaled. “I think they’re closer to getting Sintorez than they’re letting on,” Jerry replied then sat down behind his desk. “I don’t want that guy Montoya near Elloisa. He already wants to hang her, accuse her of who knows what…” Mathew began to say but his father interrupted. “Gustavo is an excellent agent, son. He’s thorough, and it takes a lot to gain his trust. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says. He needs to make a determination himself. He’s not one to mess with either.” “What’s that supposed to mean? Am I supposed to be scared of him? Am I supposed to back down when he accuses my sister of being a criminal?” Mathew was yelling now and Salvatore and Jack were by his side. They were just as pissed off as their older brother. “All I’m telling you, Mathew, is that we should be glad Gustavo Montoya is so involved with this case. Do you remember the Lopez gang, the one that imported the highly potent cocaine through Columbia and into New York and Bayside Queens?” Jerry asked, and each son nodded his head yes. It was a famous case and a major bust for the DEA. “Well that was Montoya. He worked undercover for two years. He had to do some crazy shit and even take out over a dozen men. Believe me when I tell you that Montoya is definitely who we want involved with this case.” Mathew understood what his father was telling him. He also had wondered why Elloisa had waited so long to attempt escaping. Why

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now? What was her motivation? He had a million of his own questions. “Let’s get some dinner then see how Elloisa is doing. I don’t want you interrogating her, do you understand? She needs us to be her family, not DEA agents.” “Yeah, Dad, we understand. All we want to do is love her and make her feel safe. I still can’t believe she’s alive and right upstairs,” Jack added as they walked out of the office.


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Chapter 8 It was seven p.m. and Elloisa was still sleeping in the bedroom. Teressa checked on her three times and so did her father and brothers. She had been tossing and turning. Having one bad nightmare after the next and always Armando was capturing her again. She had apologized each time one of her family members came to her aid. She was embarrassed and knew they had questions. Elloisa wasn’t too surprised when she dreamt about Rosalie’s death. The young woman who Ramos had forced to be his played out in her dreams since the night of the incident. It was the beginning of her hatred for Armando and all that he stood for. She would awake in the middle of the night dreaming of the vicious murder of Rosalie. Armando was there comforting Elloisa and reminding her that it was a lesson she would never forget. He made his threats to her own life in whispers and kisses against her skin. “You would not be so foolish to defy me, right, Elloisa?” he would ask as he held her in a tight embrace. Then he would manipulate her body to his liking so he could possess her in every way, body, mind, and soul. She was powerless against his control and manipulation. She could only succumb to his authority for so long. The nightmares continued, the desire to be free grew stronger, and her hatred for the monster who owned her became a game of survival. It wasn’t until she decided that she would rather die than continue to live under Armando’s thumb that her plan began to evolve. Thoughts of Rosalie filled her mind.

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Elloisa never forgot that day and night and the evilness and lack of respect for women, for life, that Armando and Ramos exposed her to. She would be scarred forever because of what she witnessed. Rosalie was an attractive Mexican girl with long black hair and big dark eyes. Elloisa enjoyed her company when she first arrived at the compound. She was only twenty when Ramos captured her and demanded she stay. He swore he would kill her whole family, her mother, father, and three sisters if she left. Elloisa befriended her, and they spent as much time together as allowed. But Ramos was so different from Armando. Rarely did Armando strike Elloisa. At least, not on a daily basis, like Ramos did to Rosalie. Ramos always smacked her around and continuously forced himself on her. It was tragic, and when Elloisa tried to help her, Ramos threatened her as well. It caused a huge fight between Ramos and Armando every time. “My woman is my business! Keep yours in her place!” Ramos yelled at Armando. “You remember who you are speaking to, Ramos. I will handle my woman, and you be sure to never threaten her again.” As Ramos walked out of the room, angry with his boss as well as Elloisa, she felt that maybe Armando was on her side. Maybe, just maybe, Elloisa had brought some aid to her friend and Ramos would think twice about the way he abused Rosalie. She recalled how Armando called her over to him as he leaned against the front of his desk. Elloisa felt the triumphant feeling like she truly had made a difference and saved Rosalie from further harm. Elloisa had begged Armando to talk with Ramos. She told him what he did to her and hoped that his jealousy would give some help and protection to Rosalie. When she stood a few feet in front of him, he smirked then grabbed her wrist, pulling her against his chest.


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He snarled at her, looming over her like an animal about to devour his prey. It was the first time she witnessed his wrath. The evilness she saw and felt scared her. This wasn’t the man she fell in love with. Not the one who showered her with love, affection, and gifts back in the States. This man was different. His voice was low and deep. She sensed the clenched teeth, felt the firm hold on her wrist that pushed against her own back in an awkward position. One turn the wrong way, one inch left or right, and she would be on her knees. Even his eyes looked evil, and she could see the anger and animal in him. “You are my woman. You have had plenty of time to learn your place, to learn to respect Ramos, and to keep your mouth shut. Rosalie is not your concern. You spend too much time together. Time you should be spending with me.” He held her gaze. The intensity of his look, how his hair fell across one eye, his red coloring, and the seriousness of his tone, she would never forget. She knew at that moment he could kill her. If she overstepped her boundaries, if she challenged him in the simplest of ways, her life was over. It was as if he read her thought process when his lip turned up slightly as if smirking but not totally. He was a manipulator of minds. He enjoyed this part of victimizing and destroying potential challengers. Even her, his own lover. He rotated her wrist slightly to the left. Elloisa cried out in pain. But her focus was on her friend. Elloisa was her only hope. “Armando, he’s going to kill her.” She cried out, falling to her knees. Armando was crouching down next to her. “Did you not hear a word I said?” She had defied him. Had spoken back to him, pleading for her friend’s life, pleading for some common decency and any remnants of the decent, classy man she had foolishly fell in love with, and it cost her a small beating herself. She

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would never forget the look in his eyes as he twisted her wrist. Armando broke her wrist in two places. Elloisa cried. It was nothing compared to the beating Rosalie received. As Elloisa drifted in and out of sleep, she thought about Rosalie. The memory of an older woman named Nina entered her thoughts. She was someone’s cousin, and she couldn’t stand the way Ramos treated Rosalie. Plus, she heard what Armando had done to Elloisa for standing up to Ramos. In outrage, Nina attempted to stop Ramos from beating Rosalie one evening by hitting him with a table lamp. Ramos slit Nina’s throat from ear to ear. He was outraged and so angry that a woman would attempt to stop him. Then he went to Elloisa when Armando wasn’t around. He threatened to kill her as well, but not before she received some of his own medicine for being a meddling gringo. Elloisa took him seriously, and she knew the time to escape was drawing near. One night, six months ago as Elloisa recalled, Ramos was raping and beating Rosalie. Rosalie lay naked and battered in the bed when Elloisa was called to take care of her. Ramos was laughing at the sight. Elloisa was horrified. A few nights later, once Rosalie recovered, she attempted to escape. Elloisa had no idea why she would try this. It was inevitable that Ramos wouldn’t release Rosalie, no matter how much the girl pleaded with him. Elloisa was brought out for the chase. Armando wanted her to see the consequences of defying him or Ramos. She got the message loud and clear when Elloisa and Armando approached a mob of wild dogs. The sounds and images were still embedded in Elloisa’s head. It was disgusting, revolting, and the most horrific sight. The animals had their way with Rosalie, and the men just stared, cheered, and celebrated and Armando and Ramos shoved


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Elloisa to the front. She tried to cover her eyes and her ears at the screams of pain, but Armando wouldn’t have it. He held Elloisa’s arms behind her back with one hand and held her neck and head forward with the other. “Never defy me, Elloisa. Never attempt to leave me,” he whispered then kissed her neck. His kisses became rougher and more intense as the sounds of torture slowly came to an end. Those sounds and the images fed into Armando’s ego. There was no fighting him. Elloisa cried as he manhandled her, and Armando dismissed the men and cleared the area. The men were still getting in their Jeeps and departing, but Armando couldn’t wait. He was driven, turned on by the vicious murder and determined to express his possession of her. It was as if he became intoxicated by viewing death and violence. She couldn’t fight him. She didn’t dare challenge him. Elloisa had never seen Armando so angry and so intense before, yet her gut told her in this state he could kill without a thought. As the motors roared in the background, men yelled and cheered as they departed. Armando took Elloisa right there against the Jeep. Elloisa recalled crying hysterically and hearing the echoes of Rosalie’s screams of pain in the wind. It scared the living hell out of her, and she would never ever forget it. After that night, Elloisa never fought against Armando. In doing so, he treated her rather nicely. Thank goodness for her sake that he wasn’t ready to start a family with Elloisa. That was her worst fear. Elloisa remembered how she pretended to make love to Armando. She never defied him, questioned him, or acted like she wasn’t in love with him as well. He believed her. She felt she was smart enough to learn from Rosalie’s mistakes. Elloisa also knew that her survival counted on being just as manipulative, deceitful, and sneaky as her captor. Her plan was a success now because here she was, safely back home with her family who she thought was dead. If she had known Armando was lying, she would have tried to escape earlier.

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Maybe she would have made it. But then she thought about all the workouts and training she did. Her body was in excellent physical condition. She had toned legs and a muscular stomach. She kept telling Armando she was doing it for him, and he ate it up. “Please, Armando, wear protection. I want to have the perfect body for you. I want you to think I’m sexy always,” she had told him, and he loved her for it. She turned his world upside down. Instead of grabbing her and demanding sex, he would seduce her, be gentle with her, and even confide in her. She knew everything about his business. Every connection, every lowlife involved, and the methods he used. He wanted her by his side all the time and that included during meetings. She knew if she ever escaped and made it to the States, she would have more than enough evidence to capture him and his business associates. She was so caught up in her act that sometimes, late at night, after a meeting and making love, she would make suggestions about the business. At first, Armando reprimanded her for even thinking about his work, but the more she made suggestions, the more he seemed to believe her commitment to him. Before long, he was asking her opinion. Elloisa, however, also knew about the corrupt agents and officers involved with Armando. She wasn’t taking any chances by talking to just anyone. She would have to be positive that she trusted the agents completely. How she would ensure this, she wasn’t certain, but some way she needed to figure out who was on her side and who was on Armando’s. **** Gustavo saw her in his dreams. Elloisa appeared before him in a flowing white dress. Her smile was breathtaking, and he knew she was happy to see him. The way her long chocolate locks cascaded


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down her back and danced midair as the gentle breeze swept through the room made his insides tighten with desire. She was a stunning woman with a voluptuous figure. He eyed her from feet to breasts. The curve of her hips, the dip in her waist, and the roundness of her breasts made him lick his lips and adjust his position on the bed. In the distance, he heard the sounds of some romantic love song describing a Mexican bawling about lost love and second chances. She smiled at him and reached for his extended hand. Her legs pressed against the side of the bed, and he caressed her thigh through the light material of the white gown. She looked like an angel. “I thought you would be angry that I came here,” she stated then shyly bowed her head. His stomach clenched and his manhood throbbed against his boxers. “Never. I can’t stop thinking about you, Elloisa. I can’t stop wondering what it would feel like to touch you and hold you in my arms.” She smiled softly “Then don’t stop wondering,” she whispered as she climbed onto the bed and straddled his body. He loved the feel of her hands against his chest and the way she looked at him with desire. The cleavage of her breasts called to him as his mouth watered, wanting to taste her flesh. He inhaled and he smelled her scent. It was clean and light like roses, and it was intoxicating. He loved the way she smelled, and he loved the feel of her body on top of his. He held her gaze as she leaned down, moving closer to his lips. His heart pounded in his chest with anticipation. Then her lips covered his own. They kissed deeply. Their tongues battled for control, and Gustavo craved more of her. He rolled her to her back, pressed his hips against her thighs, spreading them. Elloisa rubbed her hands against his cheeks, his neck, and then his shoulders. He wanted inside of her so badly it burned. Then he heard the click. He pulled his lips from hers and glanced over his shoulder, out of breath. Armando Sintorez pointed a gun at him and fired.

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Gustavo jumped up, scared out of his mind as he reached to his chest, checking for blood and the bullet wound. Slowly, he realized it was just a nightmare. But he felt every sensation and every touch and taste of Elloisa. He threw back the sheets and stood up from the bed running his hands through his hair. He felt wild with concern, with possessiveness, and with a need to protect Elloisa from Armando. He had lost his fucking mind. He lost perspective as an agent with this case. Frustrated, he banged his fist against the bathroom door and turned on the shower. **** Elloisa awoke during the night. It was four a.m. and she could have sworn she heard Armando’s voice. Mi hermosa Elloisa. Eres mía siempre y para siempre. My beautiful Elloisa, you are mine always and forever. She was haunted by his words. The tears escaped her eyes. It would take a long time, perhaps forever, to rid Armando from her thoughts. She wasn’t completely safe yet. Not until he was dead and she personally saw concrete evidence, like his body. The man was invincible and had escaped death by some of the most notorious hunters and government agents. She wondered what he was up to right now. Did he have a plan in motion? Was he already in the States? The chills ran up her spine. If she constantly thought about Armando, worried about him finding her, her future would be filled with a life of looking over her shoulder. Then, of course, there was her family. Sighing, she felt the need to get up and look around the house. She put on her robe and walked quietly downstairs. It appeared that everyone had settled down to bed, yet it did not feel empty. Her being was aware of the warmth, the safety behind the


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closed bedroom doors. It was an odd feeling after being alone for so long. Tiptoeing so as to not awake anyone, she made her way down the staircase. She was home again, and Mexico was behind her. The coolness of the northern temperatures was reassuring. It wasn’t hot and dry like Mexico. She didn’t even have to look out the window to know she was no longer there. Elloisa knew that, but her heart ached something terrible. Swallowing what felt like a lump in her throat, she made her way to the living room. Taking a moment to let her eyes adjust to the darkness, she located a lamp and turned on the light. One click and a low glow softly illuminated the room. She scanned the fireplace mantle with her eyes. A family portrait stood above the mantle, and other small frames decorated the mantle and the surrounding furniture. She made her way over to the wall of memorabilia. One picture stood out from the others. She was a young girl around eighteen, and her father had her pose by the rosebushes near her mother’s garden. The family was having a party, and she recalled the great time they all had. Elloisa had her eye on Mitch Branson, a junior at the local college. He was interested, but as soon as she had her first major conversation with him, she decided he wasn’t for her. She was young, full of life, with the whole world just ahead of her. By twenty-one she had only two boyfriends in her life and her first lover. No regrets there. Charlie, her first lover was gorgeous, sexy, and a successful accountant. Thank God Armando hadn’t taken her virginity as well. The tear escaped her eye. She placed the picture back down then took three photo albums filled with similar memories.

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Elloisa sat on the floor and with every picture, every past moment of her youth, she cried harder and harder. Then she came across a photo album dated the past year. She opened up to the first page and there stood her three brothers with her parents. Her heart sank deeper, the thoughts unnerving that she missed family holidays and good times. Armando took away everything she treasured and loved. She should have been in that photograph and the ones to follow. The sadness in her parents’ facial expressions were obvious. Her father didn’t look like himself at all. “Elloisa.” She turned quickly towards the doorway where her father stood. She didn’t stop crying. She couldn’t stop crying. Her daddy went to her, kneeling down on the floor beside her. “We never stopped thinking about you.” He must have thought she was angry at him, her mother, and brothers for taking such a photograph without her. “Oh, Daddy, I know that. I never stopped thinking about any of you. He told me you were all dead.” She lowered her head and continued to cry. “Oh, baby, my poor Elloisa. It’s all my fault. I never should have taken on that case. If I hadn’t…” “No, Daddy, don’t. It’s not your fault. Armando is…” She turned away, ashamed. Her father took her chin in his hand. “Do not think about Armando anymore. Put the past behind you. We love you and we always will no matter what.” Then he kissed her on the forehead. She was silent a moment and couldn’t help but ask the next question. “Did you…did you come looking for me?” she asked, her voice cracking with the last syllable.


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“Oh, Elloisa.” Her father pulled her to him and hugged her tight. “We did everything we could. Your brothers were gone for months, and your mom was a mess with worry that something would happen to her sons, too. They traveled as far as Mexico City and as close as Tijuana.” She locked gazes with him, grateful to know that they attempted to find her. “I was held in Durango on a family estate.” “Durango?” “South of the Cerro del Mercado.” “Hmm. Well, you are here now. That is all that matters.” She smiled softly then glanced down at the photo album again. “You should get some rest. We have to be at DEA headquarters by ten a.m.” “I’m not ready to talk with them,” she whispered, still looking at the photo of her family. “You have to, Elloisa. They need your help.” “They need my help? They want information and they don’t care at what expense,” she stated. Her thick accent added to the vehemence in her tone. “You could help bring him down.” “That may be so, but can they be trusted?” she asked then looked him in the eye. He waited a moment and understood her concern. “Tell them what they need to know. Follow your gut, Elloisa. If you don’t answer their questions, then they’ll think you’re guilty of something.” “I did what I had to do to survive. I wasn’t given a choice unless you count death.” She turned away. “Maybe that would have been the better choice.” “No, Elloisa, don’t say that. Don’t ever say that,” her father exclaimed a bit too loud, and she stood from the carpeting, joining him in the center of the living room. She looked at him, watched his

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eyes, the way he looked at her. She knew immediately he was aware of Armando’s intentions and demands on her. “I am not the same naïve young woman you remember. I’ve changed, and much of what I’ve become is an influence of the past year in a half. I’m not sure what I’m going to do. You know as well as I do that Armando and his power can reach across borders, break through laws, and defeat even the greatest of soldiers. I’m not a fool. I was forced to learn the trade, the business that took you and the rest of my family away from me. I will do whatever I can to keep you all safe so we can be a family again.” She saw the tears in her father’s eyes. “You were too young and innocent to be exposed to such things.” He shook his head. “My innocence is long gone. I’ve been living in survival mode, just trying to get by and to live to see another day.” “I don’t want to bombard you with questions, Elloisa.” “Then don’t.” “But I can’t help but to think how he must have hurt you.” She shook her head and took a deep breath. “I had to train for months to prepare for my journey. I was determined to get away from Armando and his men. I wanted freedom and I wanted a life of independence without someone constantly looking over my shoulder. I couldn’t take the violence, the lack of empathy toward life. I was determined to get back to the United States. I won’t talk until I am certain where these agents stand in an investigation with criminal charges against Armando.” “I understand. I just want to be sure that he won’t be able to get to you. I want to be sure that he won’t find a way to manipulate you into going back there.” The tears stung her eyes, and her father’s words made her feel guilty for leaving her family and turning against them. He had every right to express uncertainty about her being manipulated by Armando. But she was not the same young woman her father had known.


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“I was blinded by what I thought was true love. His dominance and control overwhelmed me. I was submissive to his words and to his actions.” “What did Armando tell you about me?” he asked, and she swallowed hard. How could she admit out loud that she had such little confidence in her own father that she believed a man like Armando? “He told me you were involved, that you were being paid to move shipments through the city and keep the heat off. I witnessed multiple murders, sick, disgusting acts of violence that will never—could never—be erased from my memory. Never mind what he did to me! I do not know what information I’ll give to those agents. All I know is that I am alive when I should be dead. And that my family is alive when they were supposed to be dead, and Armando Sintorez still lives and breathes as a free man.” “He’s in Mexico and we’re all here to protect you!” Mathew interrupted as he entered the living room. Elloisa locked gazes with her brother. Mathew had always been the do-gooder of the family. “You don’t think he could find me, Mathew? You don’t think he has people in this country looking for me as we speak? You of all people should have an idea about the power he has.” “Yes we do, Elloisa, and he won’t get you ever again,” Mathew stated confidently as he moved closer to her. She closed her eyes and Mathew embraced his sister. “I love you, Elloisa, and I promise we will protect you.” “And I will protect you. If need be, I won’t talk to those agents unless I am confident that they are truly on our side.” “Do as Dad said and follow your gut. Let us worry about protecting this family.” “I love you, Mathew. So please, do not underestimate the powers of Armando Sintorez.”

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Chapter 9 By ten a.m. Elloisa, Jack, Salvatore, and Mathew had entered the third floor of the DEA main headquarters. Their entourage of security did not go unnoticed. “Couldn’t you have toned it down a bit?” Elloisa asked Jack as he held the elevator door open for her. “Not an option.” Jack replied. “Not taking any chances,” Salvatore added from behind her. **** Upon entering the office, all eyes were on Elloisa, and Gustavo noted how she held her head high, walked with confidence and grace. She was a soldier herself but just hadn’t seen it that way. Gustavo couldn’t help but stare or take in the full sight and scent of her. With his fantasy dream still fresh in his mind, he forced his eyes to remain on her face and not her body. She was gorgeous, a head-turner, but she was a survivor as well. She had stayed alive, a prisoner of the most notorious and frightening drug lord that had ever existed. How the hell did she do it? How did she escape? What answers did she hold? Suddenly, she paused in front of him. Elloisa looked up into Gustavo’s eyes. He knew she didn’t trust him or any of the others. He wasn’t a fool. “Gustavo…Agent Montoya, I never really said thank you for saving me from that attacker back at the convent. I could have used someone with your expertise before…many times,” she whispered,


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slightly bowing her head. He got the message loud and clear. A chill ran up his spine as well as a desire to protect her. The thought startled him, but he quickly recovered. “Not a problem, Elloisa, and please, call me Gus. I want you to feel comfortable with me,” he replied, and he was sure she was playing the same game as he was. She winked in response, and her demeanor immediately changed to coy and distant. “Miss Givani, follow me, please. Can I offer you some coffee, tea, or water?” Agent Williams asked as they followed Elloisa into the conference room. “Water would be fine. Thank you,” she told them, and Agent Thomas and Agent Rimarez stopped her three brothers from following. “Wait one minute. We’re going in with her,” Mathew stated as he held his ground in the doorway. “I think it might be easier for your sister to talk about what took place if her brothers weren’t present,” Agent Williams suggested. “It’s okay, Mathew. I can handle this. Agent Williams is right. We should follow this by the book. I don’t want Sintorez getting off on some kind of technicality. I’ll be fine,” Elloisa insisted, and she could tell by their facial expressions that her brothers weren’t happy about it. Elloisa took a seat at the head of the conference table, which appeared to have flustered Agent Mathews. Gustavo chuckled to himself and had a feeling that Elloisa wanted to keep her eye on everyone. There was a stenographer to record everything as well as a tape recorder. She had a look of sophistication and maturity for someone rather young. He was impressed. They handed her some official paperwork that she had to sign then proceeded to get ready.

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“Maybe you’d like to hook a lie detector up to me as well,” Elloisa stated sarcastically as Ramirez and Thomas set everything up. Gustavo stayed toward the other end of the table. Williams smiled. “I don’t think that is necessary at the moment.” He cleared his throat, and she challenged him with a raise of her light brown eyebrows. “Where is Armando Sintorez’s estate located?” “Durango, south of Cerro del Mercado.” “Security?” Williams inquired. “Lots.” “Then how could you have escaped?” Agent Thomas asked as he looked her over. “I was able to find a hole in the fencing behind a bush around the perimeter.” “No cameras?” “Lucky for me, not on that side. You see…” Elloisa began to say before she paused to take a sip of her water, looking directly at Agent Williams. “An hour or so before I escaped, the camera somehow malfunctioned.” “How did you do that?” he inquired and actually looked smug about it. “Who said I did?” “You implied that you did it.” She smirked. “Desire for freedom can sometimes give people capabilities they don’t even know they have in them.” “Guards?” “Lots.” “Miss Givani, it’s important that you expand on your responses so that we can gather the information necessary to advance on this investigation.” “Agent Williams, it would be in your best interest to be more specific about what you’re looking for and whether or not you want me to expand on the obsolete stuff or the good stuff.”


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A few chuckles went through the room and Williams appeared agitated. He glanced at his file and a stack of papers. Then they asked about how she escaped, and she explained about the proper training and intense workouts she did. “Why is it that you waited until now, a year and a half later, to try and escape?” Williams asked. “Fourteen months and three days, Agent Williams. Let me explain a few things to you gentlemen. I want you to have a clear and accurate understanding of Armando Sintorez. “You think you know evil? You believe as you sit here in your high-rise building behind your office doors and comprise your lists of your seemingly successful little drug raids in the city that you’re getting closer to it? The reality is that you’re not. Armando is many steps ahead of you. He knows your moves before you even know your moves.” Elloisa told them all about the murders she witnessed, giving names, dates, and then information about Rosalie and Nina. It was obvious by their facial expressions that they were outraged. At least, most of people in the room were. The female stenographer looked white as a ghost and about ready to run from the room. She leaned forward in her chair as she saw the agents’ eyes widen in astonishment and disgust at Armando’s brutality. She whispered to them. “You don’t scare me, Williams. None of you do. I’ve been to hell and back, nothing you could say or do to me would even come remotely close to what Armando has done. I’ve been to hell. There’s really no need for me to explain and reveal every detail of my time with Armando. It’s the important information you want. I will share a little of what I know.” “What do you mean, ‘a little’?” Williams asked, abruptly interrupting Elloisa. “A little of what I know until I can be sure that you each can be trusted.”

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“That we can be trusted? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Agent Thomas demanded. “There’s no hidden meaning. Take it exactly how it sounded. I don’t know any of you. I don’t trust any of you. I sure as hell wouldn’t trust my life or my family’s lives with you. The DEA left me there to rot, to be victimized, used, and basically to die. I owe you nothing. I’m here for the simple fact that I want justice. I want Armando as well as his bodyguard Ramos to be caught and punished for all of their crimes. I want my family protected, and the only way to ensure this is to capture Armando and Ramos and destroy his cartel. You guys are already working a case to attain that goal, and I will help you as best I can. Here is some of what I know. You’ll get more when I’m ready.” Elloisa stated, and she told them what she wanted to about the trafficking operation, production, and routes of border entry. Over an hour and a half later, the agents had plenty to work on and confirm. **** Gustavo realized that Elloisa was the most valuable witness and informant they could have ever wished for. The DEA wasn’t used to getting such insightful and accurate information handed over to them by an informant. Where most informants were labeled occasional, regular, or arrested individuals with an agenda or a “what’s in it for me” attitude, Elloisa wasn’t. She wasn’t being persuaded to be an informant. She wanted revenge but also justice and security for herself and her family. She wasn’t a criminal as far as his investigation had proven thus far. She knew information no agent had been capable of getting by any other means. She was a precious commodity to the agency. Gustavo watched her as she spoke. He could see her muscular shoulders through her blouse. She was strong and determined not to show her fear. He had to admit that Elloisa Givani held herself well


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under pressure. Williams was pounding her with questions, hidden accusations that Elloisa was seeing straight through. Gustavo watched her eyes and how she wouldn’t turn away from the interrogator. She looked at Williams and the others directly. She wouldn’t glance away or turn from embarrassment, fear, or guilt, which said a lot. She moved her legs when she changed position, and at one point her blouse pulled a little farther to the right, revealing a bit more of her bronze flesh, voluptuous breasts, round and trimmed with lace from the camisole that barely covered them. Gustavo wasn’t the only man in the room affected by Elloisa and her beauty. A slow glance around the room and he could see the other agent’s were absorbing Elloisa’s beauty as well. There was no denying the instant attraction Gustavo felt toward Elloisa. The more she spoke, the more she revealed about herself and her personality. He recalled the anticipation he felt about seeing her again today. She remained in his thoughts since leaving her in the safety of her family last night. His dreams were filled with erotic thoughts of her and it disturbed him. He had been a loner most of his life with no family and no ties to a name. It was what made him a perfect candidate for secret undercover missions that took him away from the United States for months or years at a time. He couldn’t honestly say he enjoyed the profession, but it kept him busy and he loved the adrenaline rush. He stood up just as all the other men in the room did the moment Elloisa stood from her seat. It was she who ended the meeting. It was Elloisa who remained in control, not Mathew or any of them. Gustavo was impressed and Elloisa exited the conference room with dignity and class.

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Chapter 10 “I want her back!” “Armando, you are crazy. She’s gone. She’s out of Mexico, and there is nothing you can do about it,” Ramos stated as he watched his boss stare at Elloisa’s picture. “You can replace her with five…” “No! She cannot be replaced. There will always be just one Elloisa. You don’t understand,” Armando said. He couldn’t stand the idea that she left him. She had escaped, ran, and he should have seen it coming. The last month, she had been different. She was different since the night Rosalie was killed. He should have seen by the way she acted, the way she gave herself to him willingly, that she was up to something. He loved her. He lusted for her and that amazing body. Who would she go with? Who would be the man to have her as he had? The thoughts enraged him. He would kill that man with his bare hands. “Find out where she is! I want to know by this afternoon, Ramos.” “And when I find out where she is, what are you planning to do?” “I will choose a group of men to retrieve her for me. I will have my Elloisa back.” **** “She must be amazing in bed,” Ramos grunted as he turned toward the door.


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An instant later, the sharp switchblade was pressing against his jugular. Ramos could feel the tiny drips of blood roll down to his shirt. “Don’t you ever say anything like that again and never touch her. She’s mine.” Armando released him then shoved Ramos towards the door. **** “Did any of the information you obtained from Miss Givani open any new doors in the investigation?” John Falco asked. “Our men are screening through the information now. It appears that one smuggling entrance location across the border had been missed by our agents. We have men covering that now. In the process, it led to uncovering a storefront thirty minutes from the border that appears to be a large storage facility. There were underground tunnels leading into the basement of the factory,” Williams answered. “Yeah, someone with a lot of money had to have backed the operation. There was plywood brought in with small beams about fourteen inches high and sixteen inches wide placed throughout the tunnel, probably to minimize the chance of a collapse. They even had ventilation because they ran an air pump hose through the tunnel for the person digging. It led directly into the basement,” Thomas added. “That’s impressive,” John replied then looked toward Gustavo who remained quiet. Williams and Thomas glanced his way then back at John. “She seems to be holding out,” Thomas added. “Seems to be?” Gustavo replied sarcastically. “You could have helped us a bit with her, Gustavo. She’s comfortable with you,” Thomas added. “With me? She doesn’t trust me, and she sure as hell isn’t comfortable with me. She’s not stupid. Elloisa will give you what

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little information she wants to give and test your integrity with the department. It’s simple.” Gustavo leaned back in his chair. “She’s been his puta for the better part of a year,” Williams replied in disgust, and Gustavo sat forward, giving Williams and Thomas a dirty look. “Hey, she has been, and there’s no denying it. She’s got class and sophistication considering she’s laid down with such trash, but that being said, she knows more than she’s letting on.” “You know this how?” John asked, trying to bring attention away from the animosity in the room. “Our intel from the Sintorez organization says she was always with Armando. Even in meetings with Miguel Philepe,” Thomas replied. “What else do you have?” John asked. “Elloisa can tell us what other dealers are involved with the organization. There’s been a lot of chatter over the airways and through snitches about some major imports coming in. We don’t have much, but we know that Sintorez is involved. It could be the opportunity the DEA has been waiting for to capture him,” Thomas added. “Okay. Get a move on that and give Elloisa a few days with her family before you question her again,” John stated as Thomas and Williams stood from their chairs. “I think we should press information from her now. She’s a woman. She’s weak and bound to be manipulated with the right methods of interrogation,” Williams replied arrogantly. “Give her time, Williams. She’s was accosted in her home, taken out of the country, and held prisoner for over a year. She finally made it home to the family she thought was dead,” Gustavo replied calmly as he remained in his chair with his arms behind his head, making him appear relaxed. “So she says that she didn’t know about her family. A year is a long time,” Thomas added.


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“Get moving on that information, and be sure to keep me posted,” John interjected, noting that Gustavo was getting pretty worked up over the conversation. Williams and Thomas left the room, closing the door behind them. “Assholes,” Gustavo stated under his breath. John smirked then returned to his desk, leaning against the front of it. “So how do you really feel about the conversation we just had?” “I’m impressed with Elloisa’s ability to remain composed and in control. You heard the tapes from the meeting. She should not be underestimated, and she sure as hell should not be interrogated forcefully. That type of action will shut her down and shut her up. She’s just waiting for an excuse to say, ‘Fuck you. Go find out your own information.’ I think if we push too much too fast, she’ll bail.” “Your point is taken, Gus, but what choice do we really have? She’s the best witness and informant this organization or any other law enforcement agent has seen. We can’t coddle her too long. Besides, I am certain she is right that Armando has men in the country looking for her and that they will come after her and the family.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if they did attempt to get her back.” “It’s good that her brothers and father are agents. At least they can protect her when she’s not here. If anything happens, we may be forced to initiate a witness protection program for the family.” “I think that is going to be inevitable,” Gus replied then stood from his seat, prepared to leave. “Let’s hope not.” **** Early in the morning, Elloisa sat on the screened-in porch, grateful for the mild summer temperatures of New York, although her skin couldn’t help but miss the intensity and heat of the Mexican sun.

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A good twenty minutes had passed since someone had come outside to check on her. Two guards secured the property and another was posted inside the house. Her brothers and father took turns as well. Elloisa was nervous and afraid. She couldn’t help but wonder if the feelings would ever go away and if she would ever be free of her past and Armando. It was very quiet where she sat. In the distance, minor sounds could be heard from inside the house, but for the most part it was calm. She embraced the time to thank God for her survival and for seeing her family again. Prayer had gotten her through many nights on the Sintorez estate. There were times back in Mexico, late in the evening, when she found herself deep in thought about her life in America. It seemed as if she were recalling a past life, not actual memories from years ago. Yet something deep inside wouldn’t let her forget. There was a hold on her memories of her family and her childhood. Elloisa could not deny that she fell in love with Armando and all his power and money. At first, he had kept her sheltered from the business. Perhaps it was a test or some sort of means to determine her trustworthiness. Or maybe he just wanted her to adore him so much that she would accept him and his crimes. She would never know why he just hadn’t sought revenge on her family and killed her. He had killed many times throughout the year. She had witnessed him beat a man to death by banging his head repeatedly on the solid oak dinner table he ate upon every evening. She had witnessed his wrath enough to know she had better not be afraid of death if she were to ever challenge him. In leaving, she had done more than that. He would take it personally, and if and when he found her, she would suffer a horrible death. The chills ran through her body at the thought. Immediately, she envisioned her family and their smiling faces.


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Elloisa closed her eyes and prayed for their safety, no matter what. She had gotten to see them. She got to hold them to her and love them one more time. Asking for them to be safe forever seemed selfish, never mind foolish. “Dear blessed mother. Querida madre santísima. Favor de proteger a mi familia y de guiarlos dondequiera que vayan. Por favor guádalos sanos y salvos siempre y para siempre.” She prayed for the safety of her family. **** There was a small dinner party at the house that evening. Many relatives had been stopping in to see Elloisa, overjoyed at her return. Elloisa helped her mother and the cook prepare the meal in the kitchen. At one point while Elloisa fried some chicken, she caught her mother staring at her. “What?” she asked her with a smile. “You are just so beautiful. I had dreamt about days like these when you were just a child. I was afraid the opportunity to share making a meal together had been lost.” Elloisa felt the tears sting her eyes. “So did I, Mamma, but we are here together. So who else is coming over tonight?” she asked, hoping to change the subject. Maria, the cook, opened up a jar of herbs and sprinkled some over the chicken as Elloisa fried it. Elloisa inhaled the aroma. She had learned a lot about cooking in Mexico. Although Armando was against it at first, he learned to appreciate the meals she made. But he only allowed it once a month or so. She had to get permission and remind him. The thought saddened her. Would such memories disappear one day? “¿Preparabas comidas cuando estabas en Mexico?”?”

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“A veces. Hay muchos condimentos distintos que se usan en la cocina mexicana. Es diferente de la cocina italiana.” Maria smiled as Elloisa told her that there were many spices and ways to prepare meals in Mexico and that they were a bit different from Italian meal preparation. The conversation continued with Elloisa talking about the small village outside of the Sintorez estate and about the different foods and culture. Before long, her mother began to ask some questions, but it wasn’t like she was interrogating Elloisa. It was more like she had wondered what she did for the year. “I will finish. Why don’t you two relax a little? Your guests will be arriving shortly,” Maria suggested. Teressa looked around the kitchen, making sure that everything was set before she left the room. “Come on, Elloisa, we have some time. Let’s sit and talk.” She took Elloisa by the hand and led her to the porch. **** Teressa wasn’t sure what to expect Elloisa to be like. She was her daughter and she would love her no matter what, but she felt the wall between them. Teressa wanted her daughter back. She wanted the daughter she remembered from over a year ago. But the more Elloisa spoke, the more Teressa realized that her daughter was different. She was gorgeous, sophisticated, and definitely reserved. “I know that it is going to take some time, Elloisa, but I would like for us to be close again. Just like before.” Elloisa turned away and looked out toward the yard. “I would like that, too. Please give me some time, Mamma. It’s hard to try and forget more than a year of my life with everyone asking me questions about it.”


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“I understand. Don’t be angry because we are asking about your life. We thought you were dead. We want to know who you are and what you feel.” Her daughter was silent as if contemplating her response. “I am not the same young girl who was taken so abruptly and forced to leave her life and her country. I have experienced things that have forced me to be someone you, Daddy, and the boys may not be so proud of. But the woman I am has kept me alive and made it possible for me to have a second chance at life.” “None of us has questioned you about your decisions, whether forced or not. We are proud of you despite what you may think. We are proud because you had the strength, the courage, and the desire to be free and escape his grasp. That is not something to minimize. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to speak about this past year of your life without fear or repercussions.” They heard a noise and looked toward the backyard where one of the guards patrolled by. Elloisa lifted her chin toward the guard. “Guards need to surround my family’s home, and as long as Armando lives, I will remain on guard, in fear and careful about what I say and who may overhear.” Teressa took her daughter’s hand and squeezed it. “If and when you want to talk, I will be here for you. You are no longer alone, Elloisa. We love you.” Teressa pulled Elloisa into a hug. A few seconds later, the sound of multiple voices filled the room. The company had arrived. The women rose from their seats as Elloisa’s uncles, aunts, and cousins headed toward them. **** A week had passed since Elloisa had spoken to the agents, and they wanted her back at the office to fill them in on some things. This

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time only Mathew would come with her. The two of them entered through the main entrance and met Gustavo. “I was under the impression that I could accompany my sister this time,” Mathew inquired. “I think your sister can handle it. Besides, this won’t take long. A few of the agents have some minor questions and then she can go back home.” Mathew looked at Elloisa and she gave him a smile. “I’ll be fine.” **** “Elloisa, we appreciate everything you are doing,” Gustavo told her as he escorted her down the hallway. Mathew remained in the lobby to wait for her. “I just want this all to be over.” He took her by the elbow as they waited for the elevator doors to open. “I don’t blame you one bit. But understand that you are quite valuable from the agency’s perspective. With your knowledge and experience, we can hopefully break down the Sintorez operation and eliminate the threats to society. Do you realize how many illegal drugs get into the hands of our youth alone? There are drug overdoses, victims of crime against people, property, never mind the taxpayers having to foot the bill for increased police protection, jail facilities, and court costs. It’s a kind of trickle-down effect.” Elloisa smiled at Gustavo. “I understand all of that, Gustavo. I hear the passion in your voice and have seen your dedication to the DEA. But I have more to worry about than just myself here.” She glanced toward her brother’s direction right before they entered the elevator. He pressed the button for the fifth floor, and a few more people entered on the second floor, so their conversation ended.


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On the third floor, everyone got out except Elloisa, Gustavo, and one other man who remained. Gustavo didn’t recognize him, and his gut told him something was up as he eyed the stranger’s attire. The man was wearing suit pants, a dress shirt, and a tie, as well as black combat boots. Who the hell wears combat boots with suits? Gustavo gently guided Elloisa closer to his side and farther from the man. **** Elloisa looked at Gustavo, wondering what he was up to then she looked at the other man. A second later the stranger pushed Elloisa into Gustavo, forcing him against the wall of the elevator, then pulling her back to him. The man pulled out a gun and held Elloisa in a headlock. Gustavo quickly jumped towards the man’s side, and one shot was fired. A series of loud alarms went off as Elloisa fell to the floor with the man still holding her. She heard another shot and the arm around her neck released. Immediately, Gustavo pulled Elloisa up off the floor and into his arms. He turned her away from the body on the elevator floor. She held on, in shock and not sure what the heck just happened. It had all taken place so quickly. She was breathing heavily and Gustavo was calm, too calm. He was cold as ice. Elloisa looked up into his eyes for answers. Her heart was racing. “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Gustavo rubbed his hands over her arms and checked her over for injuries as he cupped her face with his hands. She shook her head.

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He touched her lip with his thumb and stared into her eyes. His eyes looked dark and intense as the words left his lips in a whisper. “That was close…too close.” She couldn’t seem to find her voice to reply to him. She felt nervous in his arms, and when he touched her she was hot and aroused. That can’t be a good thing. What was he up to? Her mind began to refocus on what just took place. Someone tried to kill her. Then she thought about her family. “Oh my God. Oh my God! Mathew. Mathew is downstairs,” she cried as she held her hands against Gustavo’s chest, and he held her around the waist tightly. “I’m on it.” He spoke into his cell phone with his other hand. She never saw him reach for it. “Are you all right?” he asked a second time once he hung up the phone. “I’m fine. I want Mathew,” she demanded, pulling away from Gustavo. They stared at one another a moment, both obviously feeling the attraction but trying to ignore it. He bent down and checked the guy. He looked for identification. “Is he dead?” she asked. “He’s barely breathing.” Gustavo took out his cell phone and took a picture of the guy’s face. Then he took a picture of something else. Elloisa couldn’t tell what. She didn’t want to keep looking at the man who tried to kill her. She just wanted Mathew. Just then, the doors opened and Mathew was there as well as a bunch of agents. “Elloisa!” Mathew cried out, and she jumped into her brother’s arms. “What the hell happened?” Mathew asked, and Gustavo explained as they headed back upstairs.


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**** “I want protection for my family immediately!” Elloisa screamed at Agent Williams, who looked rather calm considering what just happened. “We’re on it, Elloisa. You’ll be safe,” Williams told her, and she gave him a dirty look. “I heard that before. You don’t know who you’re dealing with. I’m not talking. Do you hear me? I’m not saying another word until my entire family is protected,” she screamed then turned toward Gustavo. “Who knew it would be just you and me in that elevator?” “Too many people,” he told her and gave her a look that said he was already ahead of her. “He had official identification on. How the hell does that happen in the fucking headquarters of the Drug Enforcement Agency!” “We’ll look into it.” Williams’ snide response bothered her. She gave him a look. She didn’t trust him at all. “Let’s get you somewhere safe,” Williams stated as he put his hand on Elloisa’s shoulder. She immediately got the chills then moved to step away from him. “Such a place does not exist when Armando Sintorez is on the hunt,” she said softly. She felt all eyes upon her. They were silent until Gustavo moved next to her. He took her hand into his and she didn’t pull away. They locked gazes. “Let’s get you home and figure this out. We need to make some changes, and you’ve been more than cooperative.” She nodded then looked towards Mathew. “Let’s go home.”

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Chapter 11 DEA Secret Headquarters, New York City “It’s incredible news about your sister. My heart goes out to your family during this happy yet scary time. It must be bittersweet to know your sister is safe but also that she is a target,” Investigator Higgins stated as he leaned against his desk. “We appreciate that, sir. We hope that we can finally bring Sintorez down and end his cartel,” Salvatore replied, sitting in the chair across from Higgins. “This morning’s attempted abduction right in the main headquarters was unexpected and also pretty damn ballsy on Sintorez’s part,” Jack added. He looked at his brother Salvatore, who released an angry sigh. The moment they received news from Gustavo, Jack and Salvatore had been furious. Apparently, Elloisa handled things well. They were all learning that she had become independent and self-sufficient. She wasn’t a naïve young woman, nor was she the same person they knew before she was abducted to Mexico. “It was ballsy, but that is exactly how Armando Sintorez operates. He thinks that he is above the law. This operation the two of you have been involved in has uncovered some pretty interesting connections. The team has identified five main operators while you were away the last two days and after information your sister gave during questioning.” Higgins smirked. Jack and Salvatore exchanged curious looks.


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“Miguel Philippe, Enrique Avalar, Demacio Cruz, Jah Jevaughn, and…Armando Sintorez,” Higgins stated then leaned back against his desk, smiling. “What?” Jack was shocked. How could these five men be the ones their force was investigating? It was as if they had been granted their family wish to bring Sintorez to an end. “I can’t believe it is this huge. Typically, national and international smuggling is conducted under one main drug lord, one original place, and then smuggled in and distributed through the little guys. These men are all major drug lords. Miguel Philippe, Columbia has always been into growing and selling marijuana. He has a huge following, and I know guys who have been after him for over a decade,” Jack stated. “Avalar is from South America. Cruz is from Mexico, and Jevaughn is from Jamaica,” Salvatore added, and Higgins just stood back listening to them. “You heard me correct, gentlemen. After your sister gave some information to the DEA and Agents Williams, Thomas, and Rimarez, we were able to make these connections through some of their snitches. It’s turning into quite the investigation. It also means bigtime danger for your sister and your family.” Salvatore and Jack showed concern. “Williams said he has Elloisa covered, but after today’s attempt on her, we’re not so sure,” Salvatore stated. Higgins stared at them a few moments before he spoke. “What are you thinking?” Jack and Salvatore exchanged looks. “Our family needs protection all the time,” Jack stated. “Including our parents,” Salvatore added. “You both want off the case so you can take care of your family?” “No, sir. We just want to be sure that they are protected while we’re still trying to catch these men. Protective custody may have to be our only option,” Jack added.

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“Elloisa, never mind Mamma and Dad, is never going to go for that.” Salvatore shook his head. “Let’s leave it up to Williams and the others. Elloisa is technically their case. Maybe we can influence them in who they place as guards for Elloisa and your family. Now let’s talk a little bit about this operation. You two have some work ahead of you.” “Yeah, we need to decide whether we’re going to have to go after these men one at a time or do a simultaneous raid,” Salvatore added. “First, we need to find out where they are then where their distribution centers are. We’re going to need a lot of men, which means the risk of leaking information,” Jack added. Higgins shook his head. “I hate to think that we have rats in our own organization, but these dealers, these drug lords, have ways of making people work for them.” “We’re going to have to choose wisely. Right now there are about ten men and women who know we’ve identified these five men as the operators. We need to bring them in and lay down the law,” Salvatore replied. “Let’s work on this and see how we want to proceed. It could ruin everything if we were to attack too early or on a small shipment being smuggled in. We need to get in touch with our inside people and see if they have any news of anything big happening. I think we should do a link analysis to confirm what groups, organizations, businesses, and so forth are involved with the criminal activity. We need to identify the money investors, the businesses used as fronts, and gather what we can,” Jack added. “Okay, then. I’ll let you two get at it. Call me if you need any assistance and as you have updates to the investigation,” Higgins stated then Salvatore and Jack left his office. **** Teressa gave Elloisa another hug before she left the porch.


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Elloisa looked at Gustavo sitting in a chair, leaning forward as if he were ready to jump into action at any moment. He had insisted upon accompanying her and Mathew back to the house after the incident at the DEA Headquarters. She had spoken to Salvatore and Jack and ensured them that she was safe and that they needed to continue with their investigation. Mathew and her father made small talk as Elloisa listened. But she couldn’t focus on them when Gustavo was there. No matter how hard she tried to ignore his presence, she failed. Gustavo reminded her of one of those sexy, rugged models in an erotic romance novel. His crew cut hair was slicked back with gel, and there was barely enough length in the front to spike it up, but somehow he did it. From his hairline to probably his toes was pure muscle. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. He was very trim and solid like a soldier who went through boot camp a thousand times. His muscles had muscles. Yet, his clothing fit perfectly. The shirt was not too tight to show his body off, but tight enough to see that he had an amazing body. His eyes were a deep color brown, mysterious, and yet, telling. There were light lines extending from them as if caused by squinting in the sun. When they were in the elevator after the incident, he first showed no emotion after shooting the guy who tried to hurt her. Then, after he knew she was safe, he looked concerned and sympathetic. But he was quick to hide that, especially when they locked gazes for too long. Gustavo was definitely a mystery. “Elloisa.” Mathew said her name but she had barely heard him. She was too caught up in watching Gustavo and trying to figure out whether he could be trusted. Gustavo looked at her, and her gaze never faltered despite the others’ presence in the room. She acknowledged her brother, who looked annoyed at her attention towards Gustavo.

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“Maybe you should lie down. You’ve missed our whole conversation, Elloisa.” “No, Mathew. I don’t need to lie down,” she responded then leaned back in her chair, never taking her eyes off Gustavo. “Why are you still here?” She directed her question towards Gustavo. He held her gaze then released it a moment to glance at Mathew and her father before locking gazes with her again. “I was concerned over your safety. It…bothered me that Sintorez’s men were able to get through security and into the elevator.” “Understandable, however, your mission is over. Your job was to get me out of Mexico and across the border. Why are you still here and present during every meeting at DEA headquarters?” “Elloisa, what are you trying to say?” Jerry interrupted, and Elloisa felt only a moment of remorse for hinting that she didn’t trust Gustavo because obviously her father did. “Jerry, it’s okay. Let Elloisa ask me anything she wants to.” “Well, then why are you still here?” “My original mission was to infiltrate the Sintorez organization, get into the compound to do intel, then gain Sintorez’s trust. I was making very slow progress when I mentioned sighting you to my commander back at headquarters. After a few days, my mission was changed to capture, secure, and transfer you safely across the border.” “So you have to blow your cover over me and I’m to believe that you’re not pissed?” “Not pissed off enough to send you back to Sintorez.” “And I’m supposed to believe you because…?” “Because the number of people you can trust is limited. I didn’t have to succeed in the mission. I could have brought you back to Sintorez myself and come out a king and gained his trust while simultaneously gaining deeper access into his organization. Then I would have informed intel that I was too late in getting to you.”


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She eyed him for a moment wondering still whether or not she could trust him. He was resourceful, a trained killer, an agent capable of playing whatever role he needed to. “But you didn’t, so tell me why Gus?” He took a deep breath, never letting his eyes leave her. “I saw a beautiful young woman standing on a balcony, looking sad and terrified. I’ve been trained to follow my gut instincts, and at that moment, they told me that you didn’t want to be there.” She cringed, thinking about that scene and what had followed in the room afterward. Armando touching her, forcing himself upon her until she finally had the strength and determination to stop him. She inhaled then stood up and looked out across the backyard and gardens. “How insightful of you, Gus. To be able to look through binoculars, I’m assuming you had some sort of binoculars because you had not been permitted into the estate yet,” she stated, glancing over her shoulder then back towards the yard again. She continued to address him and express her concern for where his loyalties lay. “What a talent to be able to see such emotion in one’s facial expression. But then again, agents need to be resourceful. They need to know when to play a role and adapt to play another in a snap.” “That’s not the case here, Elloisa. I promised you that I would protect you and get you home, did I not?” he asked. For a moment, it was as if they were the only two in the room. Her heart pounded in her chest. She wanted him to say that he was attracted to her, that he cared for her as more than an assignment and that irked her. Thoughts like this would get her and her family killed. She turned towards him. “You are correct, Gustavo. You have yet to fail me, and I will keep that in mind. If you all will excuse me, I think I will go lie down for a while.” ****

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Gustavo watched Elloisa leave the room, and when he turned, both Jerry and Mathew were staring at him. He exhaled then leaned back. “She has a right to be scared and untrusting. I understand that, but the longer she holds out on information, the better chance Sintorez’s people have of capturing her.” “My sister has changed. Watching her, I see she has developed skills that one can only have from experiencing true fear amongst other things. All I can do is follow her lead and be here for her. I won’t convince her to talk to you and definitely no one else in the agency. That attack on her was bullshit today. It should have never happened.” Mathew stated as he remained holding Gustavo’s gaze. “I agree with you completely. I’ve seen your sister in action. There’s no doubt in my mind that she would have made it out of Mexico without me. She’s resourceful and she’s determined.” “I think my daughter wants to trust you, but today’s encounter set that ability to trust back a few steps, Gus. I know your reputation and I know your capabilities. My daughter is finally back in our lives again. I’m asking for your help and your honesty,” Jerry stated. Mathew didn’t look too keen on his father’s request. Gustavo felt that Mathew was just being protective of his sister and the family. “You know how this works, Jerry. We look at informants or what they are worth, what they are knowledgeable of, as well as their motives for talking. Elloisa is an exception. She doesn’t necessarily want revenge, but she wants justice, and she wants her family to be safe. She knows things that even the deepest of undercover agents weren’t privy to. That makes her high-profile and a target. I want Sintorez and his associates brought down. I’ve seen what they are capable of. I promise you that I will do my best to protect her.” Jerry got up and shook Gustavo’s hand. “I appreciate that, Gus.” Mathew stared at Gustavo, looking unsure, but he didn’t ask any questions, so Gustavo said good-bye and left.


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**** Elloisa saw her mother sitting in the living room on her way upstairs. “I see that Gustavo hasn’t left yet.” Elloisa frowned. “You could have joined us in the sitting room, Mamma.” “It is better to leave this business to your brothers and your father. They know what to say.” Elloisa took a seat next to her mother and smiled as she watched her knit. “What are you making?” “I think a scarf for the winter. It’s for you.” “For me?” Elloisa touched the yarn and felt the softness of the black sparkly material. “It’s lovely yarn.” “It’s supposed to be very warm. I figured you would need something like this all the time for the fall and winter. The weather is so different here than in Mexico.” “You’re right. I’ll probably need a full down coat and an electric blanket on my bed.” Her mom chuckled then added, “We try to go to the beach in the winter. Maybe you’ll join us this year.” Elloisa felt the tears sting her eyes and then the feeling of uncertainty. Her mom squeezed her hand. “It is okay to make plans for the future. If you live your life in fear, then he has more control over you now than when he was physically standing beside you.” Her mom had a point. She just wished it was that easy. “I understand what you’re saying, Mamma. I think that the attempt on my life or as Gustavo said, the attempted abduction, is still

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bothering me. Maybe someday I will be able to speak in terms of the future and not just the present.” She rose from the couch. “I’m going to take a shower then lie down for a bit. I just feel so exhausted.” “That’s understandable. I’ll wake you for dinner.” Elloisa smiled then walked out of the living room. **** “So what do you think, Mathew?” “I think that that Agent Montoya is around Elloisa too much.” Jerry chuckled then added, “He’s a good man and a fantastic agent. They went through a rough time getting across the border. Situations like that cause people to connect on a different level. I’m certain he has the utmost respect for her.” “I’m not certain I trust him.” “That’s your opinion and you’re entitled to that, Mathew. However, I think you haven’t gotten over the night Elloisa came home and Gustavo didn’t back down from your challenge. You have a tendency to hold grudges.” “Oh, come on!” Mathew exclaimed then exhaled as he paced the room. “I’m just being honest with you. I know she’s your sister and you feel obligated to protect her as your sister and as a victim, but she will not respond positively to being coddled or kept under lock and key.” Mathew ran his fingers through his hair and let out a long sigh. “You’re right. Let’s just drop it and focus on this case. What can we do to ensure her safety as the raids begin?” “I’ve got some ideas, but as you know, I’m not really supposed to be aware of what’s going on. I’m supposed to be the father.” “Bullshit! Forget protocol and let’s kick it Dirty Harry style.” “Dirty Harry style?” “Yeah, well, that’s your generation.”


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Jerry smiled then added, “Try Steven Segal or Bruce Willis.” Mathew laughed. “Seriously, Mathew, I’ve got some ideas I’d like to go over with your brothers. Why don’t you call them and see when we can meet.” Mathew looked at Jerry and saw the seriousness in his tone. “You bet, Dad. I’ve always wanted to work with you.” Jerry laughed as Mathew pulled out his cell phone. **** “What are we going to do?” Gustavo asked as he sat in a private meeting room at DEA headquarters with John Falcon. “We haven’t got much of a choice, Gus. Sintorez wants her dead.” “I think he wants her alive. This guy could have taken her out in a second. He wanted her alive, I know it,” Gustavo stated as he ran his fingers through his hair. He was having a hard time getting Elloisa out of his head. The way she clung to him in the elevator, the way she stood up to Williams. The way the perpetrator grabbed her around the neck so forcefully it left a red mark. “What are you thinking, Gustavo?” He let out a long breath then looked at his friend. “She’s very intelligent. She’s the whole package and maybe Armando Sintorez has come to need her. She knows a hell of a lot more than she’s telling us and…” “And what?” John asked. “And I can’t blame her for not talking. I couldn’t even imagine being in her position. She can’t trust anyone.” “She seems to be warming up to you.” “To me? No way. I just happen to be around when someone wants to hurt her.” “You can make her trust you. You have a way with women,” John added with a smile.

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“I wouldn’t do that to Elloisa. She’s been through enough. I see that now.” “Yeah, you look like you’re having a change of heart.” “She’s not who I first thought she was. Her family is close. She treasures that. She stayed with Armando because she thought her family was dead. He made her believe that she had nothing to come back to. She’s incredibly strong, but her family is too important to her. If Armando gets to her family, there’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll return to Mexico.” “We can’t let that happen. He’ll kill her.” “I know he will, but not before he punishes her. She’s a noble woman. She’ll give her life for her family if it comes to that.” “We need all the information she’s got so we can put Armando and his people away forever. Her brothers have initiated four separate raids already that turned out to be fronts for larger inventory. Sintorez is going to catch wind of these raids and he’s going to increase his attempts to get to Elloisa. I don’t think he’ll stop until we catch him.” “In the ground would be better.” John laughed then stood from his seat and Gustavo did the same. John looked at Gustavo. The thought had entered his mind earlier, but now it seemed to be their only choice. **** Gustavo was a top special agent. His tactics weren’t always humane, but John didn’t feel too bad about it as long as the bad guys were on the receiving end. Gustavo and Elloisa seemed to have some sort of connection, but John couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He just knew the two would make a great team. Gus could get her to open up to him. “Why are you staring at me like that?” Gustavo asked as he slightly adjusted his holster.


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“I’ve got the okay to place the Givani family under protective custody, but I don’t want them all together. It would be too easy for one of Armando’s people to get to all of them at once.” “So what are you thinking?” “The two brothers will stay here in constant contact with us. Salvatore and Jack are involved with the case. Word is that they have been working on a major international smuggling case. They could come in handy with this investigation into Sintorez. Mathew and the parents will be placed somewhere else.” “And Elloisa?” “Assigned an agent and placed somewhere isolated but where we can keep contact with her. Perhaps constantly moving her around and changing her location every few days would be wise.” “Who would you trust for this? Agent Williams?” Gustavo asked with an attitude. It was obvious to John that Gustavo didn’t like that guy at all. “You don’t think Williams would be right for the job?” John asked, sounding every bit as sarcastic as he could. “I don’t trust him.” “Good! Because neither do I, but that’s another story. When I heard and saw the way Elloisa was reacting to him, I started to get an off feeling. I don’t want to make accusations. Damn it, I don’t want to even think that this agency could have dishonest or corrupt agents, but there have been too many coincidences. I’m not willing to get Jerry’s daughter killed over it. So what do you say? Do you want the assignment?” “You haven’t given me any choice, so I guess you know the answer. What about Williams and the others?” “I’ll handle them, Gustavo, and you take care of Elloisa. Anything and everything she tells you, I want you to inform me only. I will then decipher the information and spread what I think is necessary and enough. The most important thing is that the entire Givani family is kept safe. We’ll get Sintorez. I know we will.”

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**** Elloisa and her family spent the entire day together enjoying one another’s company. Mathew, Jack, and Salvatore sat around Elloisa on the couch in the living room. Their parents went over some last-minute instructions with the housekeeper and security. It was Salvatore who took Elloisa’s hand and brought it to her cheek. “This is so difficult, Elloisa.” He sighed then kissed the top of her hand. Elloisa felt the tears reach her eyes, but she would not cry. She needed to be strong. Salvatore was very handsome with dark hair and an olive complexion. He was serious, strong, and passionate about his work. “It is difficult for all of us and I’m sorry.” She turned away and focused on her clasped hands. It was Jack who tilted her chin up towards him and held her gaze. “You have nothing to be sorry about. You are a victim in this situation. Everything will work out fine.” He smiled kindly then gently rubbed his finger across her chin before tapping her nose softly. She giggled. It was something her brothers had often done to her growing up. They would touch her nose or call her squirt. They did that up until the day she was taken away. “We love you, sis. We’re going to get through this,” Mathew stated as he placed his hand on her shoulder. She nodded and hoped they were right. Her parents entered the room, and she knew it was time to get going. Then they kissed, hugged and departed, all in hopes that one day really soon, they could live a normal life as a family.


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Chapter 12 “You’re awfully quiet. Are you feeling all right?” Gustavo asked as he drove the black pick-up truck along the mountain road. They had been driving for hours. “Why are you here with me? Why not one of the others?” Elloisa asked as she adjusted the seat belt and faced sideways toward Gustavo. “Why? Are you disappointed? Would you have preferred someone else?” he asked with a smile, and she couldn’t help but blush. Gustavo was good, but he would have to do more than just flirt with her, compliment her, or play with her emotions. He would have to gain her trust, and that wouldn’t be easy. “Maybe Williams, but then again, he was a bit on the touchy side and I like my space. He’s a space invader,” she added and Gustavo laughed. “A space invader, huh? Would you like to elaborate on that for me? I’m not sure I understand.” Elloisa exhaled. “Do you know when you’re having a conversation with someone and they get close to your face or are practically bumping bodies with you? That’s space invading. I need at least an arm’s length of space all the way around me when I’m talking to someone, especially someone I don’t really know.” Gustavo smiled then laughed. “I’ll try and remember that.” “Thanks. It’s very annoying,” she added then laughed. She hated to admit it, but Gustavo was a likable guy. He seemed sincere, and she was positive that Williams wasn’t one of the good

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guys. She had no proof of that but figured since Gustavo was with her instead of Williams that maybe she wasn’t the only one who suspected Williams of the same thing. Elloisa caught sight of the sign that read “WELCOME TO LAKE LUZERNE” in bold letters. The sign was small and the town not much bigger, but it was clean, well landscaped, and very private. Gustavo pulled the truck down a long dirt road in the middle of nowhere. As they traveled over two small hills, they approached a small log cabin on a private lake. There wasn’t a soul in sight. As they got out of the truck and walked around a little to stretch their legs, it felt quiet, and eerie. They were definitely isolated from their neighbors. There was a beachfront area in front of a gorgeous lake. The view of the surrounding woods and mountains was breathtaking. The water sparkled with the sunlight. She was surprised to see it so empty with no boats or much activity. In the distance, way across the lake, there was a person in a canoe and a small beach with some people on it. That was it. It was quiet, private, and peaceful. After asking Gustavo about the place, he informed her that it belonged to a friend of his and that no motor boats, wave runners, or other engine-operated vehicles were allowed on the lake. It was in the middle of the Adirondacks. Laws were strict and preservation of the environment was top priority. It was nature in its finest and purest form. “Do you like to fish?” Gustavo asked. “Never been fishing,” she replied as she took off her sandals and felt the sand beneath her toes. Tilting her head toward the sun with her eyes closed, she let the rays caress her face. Then she felt Gustavo staring at her. A glance in his direction and she saw he was watching her as well as looking past her toward the water and scenery.


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Considering she had been around many good-looking men in Mexico who always were armed and very dangerous, nothing compared to Gustavo. He stood there, so authoritative and commanding. Yet, he wasn’t rugged-looking like when she first had met him back at the convent. His face was cleanly shaven, his hair was shorter and tight in a military type of style and his clothes were more relaxed. Instead of camouflage pants or military cargo pants, he wore dark blue jeans that hugged his muscular thighs and a tight, dark, navy blue T-shirt that showed off his tan and brought out the color in his eyes. For some reason, the navy blue made his brown eyes sparkle with flecks of blue. The sound of him clearing his throat interrupted her thoughts. She blushed at the fact that Gustavo caught her staring at him. She felt compelled to say something, anything that would eliminate her attraction to him and the blush against her cheeks. “You clean up nice, Gus. You’re not as scary looking as back in Mexico,” she stated then smirked before looking back out toward the scenery one more time. “Thanks, I think,” he replied then walked toward her. Now he stood next to her and took in the same sight she was so fascinated by. “You…Elloisa…look better without the habit,” he teased, and she chuckled as she recalled what she looked like dressed as a nun. “Let’s go inside and get settled in. There’ll be plenty of time to explore the property and sit by the lake,” Gustavo stated, and she immediately followed him inside. He made her feel safe, and she was beginning to feel at ease with him even though he was always in soldier mode. His commanding voice should have irked her or angered her after her stint with Armando. Instead, Gustavo’s control, his authority, and his demeanor enticed her, put her at ease and unfortunately for her…turned her on.

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He was there as her protector, nothing more. “Mi soldado,” she whispered then shook the thought away. He is not my soldier and he could never be mine. **** The days had passed slowly, and Gustavo could tell that Elloisa missed her family. She referred to things her brothers had said or described some custom her mother taught Elloisa during conversations with him. The information she was giving to Gustavo was then checked out and confirmed by the agency. Gustavo knew she was reluctant to tell him more information than necessary. She didn’t fully trust him, but they were working on it. Gustavo was getting a better understanding of Elloisa and her experience with Armando. It was sad in a way. She had been so young and completely unaware that she was being duped. Knowing what kind of a monster Armando was, Gustavo was certain the man had fallen in love with Elloisa. If he had only wanted her for revenge or even as a pet, she would have been dead long before a year’s time. Gustavo had spent a few months at one of Sintorez’s offset locations not too far from the estate in Durango, Mexico. Not many people were allowed on the Sintorez estate, but he managed to sneak around and get close enough to record who came and went and to also see his prize possession, Elloisa. The night she escaped was vivid in his mind. He remembered the way she looked standing on the balcony dressed in white and the sadness he saw in her eyes. He never would have guessed that she was planning her escape and buying time. He had wondered how she had gotten away from him. Armando had his hands all over her as they stood on the balcony. Gustavo wondered if Armando had made love to her. It wasn’t right for him to think about it. After all, Elloisa had been Armando’s woman. Of course they shared his bed.


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Gustavo cringed at the thought but was also surprised by the jealousy he felt. She was not his señorita. She was a witness, an informant for the case. He had to remember that. **** They spent a few hours walking the property and getting to know the area. “I want you to remember a few things, Elloisa in case we need to get out of the house quickly and we are separated. I want to show you something.” She followed him over some rocky terrain. Her sneakers weren’t cutting it. Just as she slipped on a rock, Gustavo grabbed her around the waist, catching her before she fell. Her face landed against his chest, and his arms pressed over her breasts. It was an awkward way to be caught but also pleasurable. Gustavo had quick reflexes. He helped her get balanced then took her hand and led her carefully over the rocky hill. There were branches and trees that surrounded a cluttered area and that was where Gustavo took her. “This morning I found this spot.” They approached what looked like a cave between two large boulders. It was hidden beneath the brush. She looked at him strangely, wondering if he intended for her to enter the dark, confined space. As he pulled her closer to it, she stopped short, causing him to stop as well. “What’s wrong?” he asked, standing there in front of her all macho and casual. He more likely was used to dirty caves, stinking jungles, and who knew what else because of his line of work. She was a completely different story. He gave her hand a small tug. “Come on. It’s not bad.” She shook her head. He took a step toward her. He was a breath away from her when he spoke. His beautiful brown eyes sparkled with mischief.

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“I’m not fond of caves, Gus.” “You don’t have to live in it. I just want you to able to get here if you’re in trouble.” He reached his other hand toward her cheek and caressed it. “You trust me, don’t you?” Son of a bitch. There he was, using the old “you trust me” bit. And with those gorgeous eyes and that sexy smile, of course she trusted him. She would go anywhere Gustavo asked her to go. Shit. She released an annoyed sigh. “Okay, soldier. Onward.” He chuckled then pulled her along with him and inside of the cave. It was dark and cold, but Gus was prepared as he shone the light inside. There were three duffle bags, a lantern, and a plastic container filled with stuff. “I want you to know how to get here to hide. I brought some supplies from the house so at least you’d have food and warmth until help arrived.” She swallowed hard. “Where would you be?” His expression turned serious. “It’s in case I get into some trouble. The most important thing is to keep you safe and alive.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I want you to be able to get here and to hide. Sintorez and his men cannot capture you.” She nodded in agreement. Then he took her hand and led her out of the cave. They walked for a while, and then he had her lead them back to the cave. It was trickier than she had thought and nearly got lost. Gustavo pointed out familiar landmarks, and then he got out his knife and made markings in the trees. He was ensuring that in case of an emergency she could get to the cave safely.


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“Let’s head back. It’s getting late,” he told her and began to walk. He remained holding her hand long after they traveled over the rocky terrain. **** It was late in the afternoon, and they were working together in the kitchen, trying to prepare dinner. “I thought you knew what you were doing,” Gustavo teased Elloisa as he took the paring knife from her and took over the job cutting the carrots. “I do know what I’m doing. You said thin slices, fancy ones, and that’s what I was doing.” “No, like this,” he told her then sliced the carrots perfectly. Elloisa rolled her eyes then laughed. She was amused to think that such a large man, a trained killer, was capable of getting angry over sliced carrots. “What are you laughing at?” he asked Elloisa on the defensive as he nudged her with his hip. “Nothing, Gustavo,” she said then smiled. She was caught off guard at the silly, girlish feelings he gave her. She was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable she felt with him. The simple fact that she was attracted to a man came as a shock. Since arriving home, looking through family pictures, reminiscing about the earlier years, she couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever truly fall in love. Did she even have the right to? Would a man accept her for who she was? What about for all her faults and for being with a man like Armando? The thoughts and tears emerged, stinging her eyes. She quickly moved away from Gustavo and walked towards the glass slider doors in the kitchen.

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She wrapped her arms across her, feeling the chill and Armando came to mind. Would he always have this control of her? Would her past with him always be a wall an unbreakable barrier? She placed her head against the cool glass and stared at the magnificent lake. She felt so alone, so isolated, and she wondered if that was all her future held. She jumped when she felt Gustavo’s warm, strong hand on her shoulder. “Elloisa, did you hear me? Are you all right?” he asked, but she wouldn’t look at him. Those big brown eyes made her confess so much too easily. He was either very good at his job or he actually sympathized with her and cared. She couldn’t be sure, but she hoped he really cared. **** Gustavo turned her toward him, and immediately he could see the tears in her eyes. “Was it something I said?” he asked, wondering if he brought back bad memories. He didn’t want to say or do anything to hurt her. “No. I’m fine,” she replied in a whisper then turned towards the glass. Gustavo knew she was lying because she always looked him in the eye when she spoke. He gently touched her chin, tilting it towards him with his hand. She looked straight up into his eyes. “I don’t want you to be afraid of me ever. You can trust me, Elloisa. I will do you no harm.” She was silent a moment as if thinking about his statement. “Not intentionally you won’t. I’m fine, really,” she said on the defensive then turned away and walked out of the kitchen.


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Gustavo watched her go. He wanted to follow her, take her into his arms, and show her, prove to her that he was telling the truth. This was the worst assignment he had ever been on. He was attracted to Elloisa, was growing more and more affectionate towards her every day. He was becoming protective, angrier and angrier at Armando and what he had put Elloisa through. If he ever came to face to face with Armando Sintorez, he would kill him slowly being sure to cause the piece of shit as much torture and pain as he had caused Elloisa and her family. They spent the days going over emergency plans of action. She had impressed him with her ability to quickly pick up on clues and little details he left for her. As feminine and sexy as she was, Elloisa faced danger, obstacles, and difficult tasks with determination and courage. Whether she believed it or not, she was a soldier.

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Chapter 13 “What took you so long to contact me?” Armando asked with anger apparent in his voice. This idiot should know better than to piss a man like him off. Obviously the agent was worried about blowing his cover. There was no doubt where the agent’s loyalty lay. Sintorez, didn’t trust easily and this agent had yet to prove his loyalty to Armando. “It wasn’t safe until now.” “Where are Elloisa Givani and her family?” Armando asked. “Jerry, Teressa, and Mathew Givani are in a safe house in New Jersey right on the border. Jack and Salvatore are still in New York and close to the main office. They’re aware of everything involved with the case.” “And my Elloisa?” “I have no idea. Only one agent has been assigned to her, and so far I have no idea who he is reporting to or where they could possibly be.” “Why is that? How can that be? You’re an agent. You should be able to find out. You’re disappointing me. You don’t want to disappoint me.” Armando strengthened his tone and the agent got the message. “We can get to the parents and brother easily. I could set up whatever you want. If you want them dead…” “No! I want to make Elloisa suffer, and by merely harming them, I can do that. If I kill them, then she will get even angrier, and she knows too much. Now, who is this agent she is with? Are they always alone?” Armando couldn’t help but think about Elloisa with another


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man. The agent, whoever he was, would more than likely be attracted to her. What man in his right mind wouldn’t be? “They are always alone and I’m afraid you know who the agent is.” “What do you mean?” “He was in Mexico at your compound. He went by the name Miguel Martinez. He’s really Agent Gustavo Montoya.” Armando was furious but silent. “He’s a dead man. I think I’ll take care of him personally when the time comes. Put a good scare into the Givani family. I want Elloisa shaking and begging for forgiveness when she comes back to me.” Armando hung up the phone, and the agent began preparations. Armando leaned back in the chair behind his desk and thought about the agent. He more than likely was excited that such a well-known and notorious man like Armando Sintorez would trust him to handle such an important strategic action. Never mind the fact that Sintorez paid a hell of a lot more than the agency did. Little did that imbecile know that he was as good as dead once Armando got his Elloisa and returned to Mexico. His head throbbed. The conversation with the agent aggravated him. He caressed the lump on the back of his head. Luckily, he had recovered from the concussion. All he could think about as he rested in bed was how Elloisa had tricked him. She was stronger than he gave her credit for. While he recovered and Ramos and his men searched for her, he thought about what had made her change. Initially, upon bringing her to Mexico, she had shown such commitment and love for him as no other woman ever had. His Elloisa was passionate, not coy. He had gotten her to forget her family and New York and solely focus on him. She had become his everything until Ramos began to abuse his own woman. But Armando

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knew she had to learn her place. He could not show the men that his woman had control over his emotions. Nor could he give her power over him when he had spent so many years trying to prove that he was a ruthless killer. He leaned back in his chair and sighed as he looked at her picture on the wall. It was a lovely portrait of Elloisa in the gardens. When she returned to him he would punish her for what she did and she would know that she could never leave again. Besides, her family would be dead, so there was nothing to go back to the States for. Now, to find out about Gustavo Montoya. That should be pretty simple. **** “How well do you think Elloisa is doing, Jerry?” Teressa asked her husband as she sat on the couch in the living room. “Probably as well as we are. I know she’ll be safe with Gustavo. He’s an excellent agent, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with her life.” “I think Dad is right, Mom. Gustavo has quite the reputation, and he and Elloisa seemed to hit it off real well,” Mathew added. “I noticed that. Maybe she’ll trust him enough to give him all the information she knows and he can help bring down Sintorez and his gang,” Jerry added, and then they heard the back door open. “Fire!” they heard Agent Ramirez yell from the kitchen, and Agent Thomas ran through the living room. “The shed outside is going up in flames. You all stay right here. Don’t go outside. We’ve already called the fire department,” he told them then went towards the back door. “Come over here next to me, Teressa,” Jerry ordered, and both she and Mathew started walking across the living room. Something came crashing through the front window. It exploded and the fire spread everywhere, including all over Teressa.


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“Mom!” Mathew screamed then grabbed the throw blanket that was on the couch. His father ripped off his shirt, and they covered their mother with it then rolled her body across the floor. They were patting the fire out that was engulfing her body. She was screaming then suddenly went silent as the last flames were put out. Ramirez came in with a fire extinguisher. Jerry hadn’t even realized that he was on fire as well. His hands were injured, but his concern was Teressa. “Get an ambulance quickly!” Jerry yelled and he could hear the sirens in the distance. “Oh my God, Teressa. Please, Teressa…Please keep breathing,” Jerry exclaimed, and both he and Mathew were coughing from the smoke. “Let’s get her outside, Dad. Hurry!” Mathew yelled, and they quickly lifted Teressa and brought her outside. **** Three houses over, the agent and his accomplice watched, waiting for the Givani family to emerge unscathed. The mother seemed to be right in the line of fire. Oh well…not exactly what he had planned, but as long as she survived, then Armando would be all right with it. Quickly they disappeared from the area. As soon as they were at a safe distance he made the call. “The job is done.” “Did anyone get hurt?” “No one is dead,” the agent replied then heard the click on the other end. **** Gustavo and Elloisa finished eating dinner. Elloisa was getting ready for bed while Gustavo finished taking a shower.

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He got dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a T-shirt. He just started to pull on a pair of socks when his cell phone rang. He quickly flipped it open. It was line three. The line that connected directly to John Falcon. “Yeah!” Gustavo said into the phone. “We’ve got a situation, Gus. Someone got to Jerry, Teressa, and Mathew.” “What? How? Are they all right?” “There was a fire, an explosion, and Teressa is in the hospital. She has second-degree burns. She’s unconscious, but the doctors say she’ll make it. Mathew and Jerry have first- and second-degree burns on their hands, and both are suffering from smoke inhalation. So are Ramirez and Thomas.” “How the hell did Sintorez find them? What am I going to tell Elloisa? She’ll want to come back.” “She can’t come back. Not now. Sintorez obviously has men in the area. You need to keep her safe. I’ll do what I can to connect her with her family over the phone. Keep an eye out and prepare to leave on a moment’s notice if necessary.” “Keep me posted, John,” Gustavo said then hung up the phone. He ran his fingers through his damp hair. This wasn’t going to be easy for Elloisa. **** Elloisa prepared for bed and put on a pair of light-beige pajama pants and a black tank top. She was pulling the decorative pillows off the bed when she heard a knock on her door. “Come in,” she stated, and Gustavo entered. “Hey, this protective custody stuff is pretty good. I’m glad that your friend let you use the place…” Elloisa stopped talking and stared at Gustavo.


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His face was once again like ice, which Elloisa knew meant something bad had happened. “What is it?” she asked as she dropped the pillow on the rug and moved towards him. Gustavo stood still in the doorway. “There’s been a fire at the safe house where the agents are holding your family.” “No! Oh, God, no!” she screamed and covered her mouth with her hands. Gustavo moved forward. “Everyone is alive, Elloisa. They’re safe.” “What happened?” Gustavo began to explain, and with each detail, Elloisa became angrier and angrier then scared. She lashed out at Gustavo. “I want to leave! I want to see them. I have to see my mother!” she yelled as she tried to push past Gustavo. He blocked her path. “No! You can’t leave.” She started banging her hands against his chest. Gustavo grabbed her wrists. “Please, Elloisa, calm down. You can’t leave here. You know you can’t. He wants to frighten you.” “It’s working,” she cried as she pushed all her weight against Gustavo. Her head was against his chest, the tears were flowing, and Gustavo moved her towards the bed. “Sit down, Elloisa. Calm down, please. I know you’re scared, but they’re alive,” he told her as he knelt down on the floor in front of her then pulled her to him. He embraced her as she cried. Elloisa wrapped her arms around Gustavo’s neck and pulled her body against him. Even kneeling, he was tall. She was lost in the comfort of his arms, his embrace. And she wasn’t sure how long Gustavo held her. Somehow the anger and upset slowly disintegrated, and she was beginning to settle down.

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Elloisa let go of Gustavo’s neck. They were staring into one another’s eyes, and Elloisa was frightened for a whole new reason as Gustavo cupped her chin in his hand. Her cheeks were damp, and her heart was racing. She moistened her lips, and Gustavo just stared. “You’ll be safe with me. I won’t let him get you,” Gustavo whispered and a tear rolled down her cheek. Gustavo released her chin and wiped the tear away with his thumb then held Elloisa’s face with both hands. “Don’t be afraid of me. Never be afraid of me, Elloisa.” He cautiously inched closer then gently placed his lips over hers, kissing her softly. Elloisa embraced the kiss and seemed to be lost in the moment and the sensations she felt. **** Gustavo pulled her closer, and Elloisa wrapped her arms around his neck. He wanted to use his power, his strength, and his embrace to destroy her fear. Gustavo slowly started to rise, but his lips never parted from Elloisa’s. He kissed her deeply while he moved her farther onto the bed. His body lay halfway on top of hers, and all he did was hold her hair and her head in his hands while they volleyed for control with one another’s tongues. Gustavo was breathing heavy, and he could feel Elloisa’s breasts against his chest. She wasn’t wearing anything under the tank top, and he assumed the same went for under her pajama pants. The thought aroused him


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further. It had been so long for him. Way too long to be without a woman’s body. He was hard against her. He wanted this woman, and he wondered if it was for all the right reasons. He thought of Armando and what he may have done to her. He didn’t want Elloisa to fear his touch or feel controlled. It had to be too soon for her. This had to be a mistake. **** Elloisa fell deeper under his spell. Her body craved more as she moved her hips against Gustavo’s. She had been attracted to him from the start, whether she wanted to face that fact or not. He was her hero. He signified every woman’s military man fantasy from his camouflage pants and military T’s to his combat boots, muscles, and extensive use of firearms. Her whole body throbbed with need and anticipation. As he released her lips, she tilted her head back to catch her breath. Suddenly, he was pulling away. He stopped dead in his tracks. She stared back at him. What was wrong? What just happened? Her mind answered. Armando. “I don’t think this is a good idea. I never should have kissed you like that. I’m sorry, Elloisa,” Gustavo said. Elloisa touched her fingertips to her lips. Her mouth felt swollen, and she still lightly panted, trying to catch her breath. She knew that her eyes were filled with the same want and desire his showed. Yet, he stopped. Had he changed his mind? She raised her chin and responded with her thick Spanish accent. “!No se disculpe! I understand,” she whispered, and her voice cracked. She wanted to cry. Gustavo didn’t want her because of Armando. She didn’t want him to see the hurt and the pain in her eyes, so she turned her face away and tried to get up.

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She thought he didn’t want her because of Armando. Gustavo held her shoulder down and she lay back down on the bed. Again, he quickly took her face gently into his hands. “I’m sorry, Elloisa. I don’t want you to be scared of…I don’t…want to frighten you.” He was concerned for her feelings, her safety. “I understand, Gustavo. I guess this is how it will always be.” “No. You don’t understand. You’re not understanding what I’m trying to say. I could only imagine what he did to you. How he made you feel…I don’t want you to feel that way with me. I really want you to trust me, Elloisa, and I’m sure that’s going to take time. This may be too soon for you, and I have a job to do, and getting intimate may be a mistake. I don’t want you to regret anything between us.” Elloisa was silent a moment and amazed at Gustavo. To think that she didn’t trust him or like him when they first met made her laugh inside. Then she wondered if maybe he just didn’t want to hurt her feelings or make her feel worse. The thoughts made her feel insecure. “You don’t have to say anything more. Let’s just forget this.” She turned her face away from him, but he wouldn’t leave things this way. He moved his body against hers again, then gently turned her face to his, cuddling it between his forearms. Gustavo’s lips were close to hers, and he looked deeply into her eyes. “Eres una mujer increíble,” he whispered. She shook her head in denial of his statement. How could he call her an incredible woman? Here she was weak and ready to cry her eyes out because this handsome man, her saving grace, her soldado was afraid to touch her more intimately. She closed her eyes as Gustavo caressed her cheek and ran his thumb gently over her throat. “Elloisa. look at me,” he whispered, and slowly she opened her eyes.


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“I’m going to prove to you that everything I say is true. You are so beautiful, Elloisa. You have touched my heart and my soul, and no matter what ideas are flowing through that mind of yours right now, I want you to know I care about you and I want you.” **** He kissed her lips before she could respond, and this time he didn’t pull away. He held her close, kissed her deeply, and although his body wanted more, he vowed to take things slow. Never again would anyone hurt his Elloisa. Their lips parted, and both Elloisa and Gustavo slowly opened their eyes. They smiled softly. Gustavo drew her body nearer to his as his arm held her around the waist and they moved to the top of the bed. There, he held her in his arms, her head lay snug against his chest, and soon the soft sound of her gentle breathing indicated that she fell asleep. **** Gustavo awoke to the sound of his cell phone ringing. He felt the heaviness against his body and nearly jerked away from Elloisa. He hadn’t slept with a woman in years. Sure, he had his sexual flings to accommodate his needs, but he never slept with any of them. He was taken aback by the thought, but the sound of his phone halted all other thoughts. “Hello?” he whispered. “Sorry to wake you, Gus. I figured Elloisa would want to know any updated news right away. How is she doing?” John asked. Gustavo adjusted his position on the bed. Elloisa snuggled closer to him, causing her breasts to press together, forming a deeper

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cleavage. Her facial expression appeared wary. She had been moaning and woke up afraid twice during the night. “She’s a tough one, John.” “I don’t doubt that. I heard from the hospital, and her mom is going to be just fine. The burns are treatable and will take some time to heal. They’re going to do some skin grafting, and of course, we have the best plastic surgeon, nurses, and other top staff caring for her.” “And security?” “Covered. I put your buddy Zach in charge.” Gus smirked then cleared his throat. “Good choice. Any other updates?” “Well, I have some men tracking Ramos and three other men working for Sintorez. I’m told there is a lot of activity and discussion about coming to the States.” “Can’t we eliminate them before that?” “Too risky. We need Sintorez and Ramos to step foot here in the States to arrest them and bring them up on all the charges. The man is quite resourceful.” “I’m sure.” “Hey Gus, I’m working on securing a conference call between Elloisa and her family. I want to be sure the lines are safe, and only a few people know about what’s happening.” “Don’t take any chances just because of your friendship with the family.” “Look who’s talking. I’m assuming you and princesa Española are getting along.” “She is not some Spanish princess. She’s the victim here, and I’m doing my job,” Gustavo replied quickly and with an attitude. Then he heard John’s chuckle. “Just as I thought. Be safe, friend.” John hung up the phone. Gus disconnected the call and leaned back against the headboard. He glanced down at Elloisa.


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She was so young. A good eight years younger than him. Her life, her youth, was robbed from her. He absorbed the beauty of her bronze skin, her toned arms and abundant breasts. His body burned with desire. He shouldn’t feel this, shouldn’t want something they could never have. She needed time to acclimate to life with her family and finding herself and what she needed. Sure, she was the sexiest damn woman he had laid eyes on in years and his body knew it, craved to have her, but… He turned his body to face hers and gently caressed the small patch of skin between the waist of her pajama pants and her tank top. She felt soft. Her skin was smooth, and he couldn’t resist touching her. The feel of her hip bone, her shapely hips made him want to feel more of her. The thought of her naked to his touch, open to his desires caused further snugness in the crotch of his jeans. Elloisa stirred in her sleep, and upon doing so, he inhaled the scent of her perfume, wafting through the air. She moved her thigh closer to him, and he lifted his thigh to press her body closer to his own. She wedged her thigh between his two thighs, and her breasts were now directly in front of his face. He smoothed the palm of his hand over her pants, pushing the material slowly down over her hip bone to her thigh. The sight of the small, feminine tattoo mesmerized him. It was no bigger than his thumb, a unique type of rose with only three small leaves attached to a tiny vine. It was feminine and downright sexy. He remembered when he first saw it. It was how he identified her back at the convent. He caressed it with his thumb, staring at it with a desire to place a kiss there. “Mmm,” Elloisa moaned as Gustavo paused and looked up toward her smiling face as she cuddled closer to him. She appeared young and vulnerable, yet sophisticated. He held her gaze as he slid his hand up and over her rib cage then farther to her breast. He fondled and caressed the mound, delighted that there was no barrier other than the cotton tank top. There was such a contrast between his hard, calloused

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hands and her soft, delicate mound. His thumb gently rubbed over the pink, protruding flesh, and instantly it hardened. She moaned softly, closing her eyes and pushing her torso against his erection. Gustavo couldn’t believe how out of breath he was just from touching her and caressing her body. His manhood throbbed beneath his pants, his stomach quivered with need to taste and feel her. He scooted down a few inches as he pushed her tank top up. She lifted her arms, raising them above her head to assist him. He half covered her body with his own, holding her arms and the material at her delicate wrists. She lay on her back, submissive to his wants and desires, her gorgeous mocha eyes locked with his. “I want you, Elloisa.” He tried his hardest to control his breathing as he rocked softly against her. “I want you too,” she whispered, and that was all he needed. Her verbal consent sent him into seduction mode. He was going to show her what love-making was all about. He began by placing soft kisses on her breast, absorbing the soft texture and delicate feel against his lips. He brushed his tongue across her skin, tasting rose petal water or some light, tantalizing perfume she wore. He released his one hand and held both her wrists with the other. He traced the skin just below her breast and above her rib cage before cupping it with the palm of his hand. Gustavo ravished her chest, pulling, nibbling, and tasting every inch of her right breast before licking the valley between and moving onto her left breast. Elloisa wiggled beneath him. “Please, Gus…please…” she begged. He sat up, straddling her hips and holding her arms still above her head. The thought that she might find the position scary had his mind racing. He would never hurt her, and especially not in bed.


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Slowly, so she wouldn’t notice his line of thought, he glided his hands down her body from her wrists, over the underside of her forearms to her breasts. When she remained still with her arms above her head and in the same position without restraint, he swallowed hard, trying to hide his relief. Then he looked her over. She tilted her hips towards him causing her breasts to push higher. “You look like an exotic feast, spread out before me to taste and nibble on,” he whispered as he pressed his groin against her mound. Elloisa moaned and closed her eyes again as if fantasizing about his touch. He began his seduction by taking her left arm and bringing her small wrist to his lips. He kissed the delicate skin then trailed more kisses over her arm to the small space where her arm bent. He licked her skin, and she giggled then shivered beneath his body. A peek toward his right and he noticed her hardened nipples. The need for more and to taste every inch of her became almost unbearable. Gustavo moved farther, reaching her shoulder then her collarbone before his mouth collided with her breast. He kissed, sucked, and nibbled on it thoroughly before placing her left arm back above her head and moving on to her right. He did the same thing as Elloisa moaned and shivered beneath him. Gustavo equally ravished her right breast before moving to her lips then trailing across her chin to her neck. He moved lower, letting his lips trail kisses along the valley between her breasts before stopping to fully manipulate each mound. He felt her fingertips against his shoulders, his cheeks, and then his head as he explored her with his mouth. He could explore her breast for hours, he was certain of that. She wiggled and slowly thrust against him as he used his hands, his fingers to caress her hip bones. Gustavo followed a pathway to her belly where he kissed her some more and she hugged his head to her flesh. They both panted for control until suddenly he raised his eyes

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up to look at her. He saw her desire and he knew she felt exactly what he was feeling. It became a frantic challenge to see who could remove the other’s clothing faster. What seemed like seconds had passed, and Gustavo kissed his way lower and lower, preparing Elloisa for what was to come. His hands were splayed across her toned, tan thighs as he gently spread her while he kissed her delicate skin. Her scent consumed him, and he wanted her now. **** Elloisa held Gustavo’s shoulders as he manipulated her body, causing quivers and tiny eruptions of sexual relief to release. His solid hands against her thighs and the way he used his lips and tongue to taste her and stimulate her body made her insides burn with desire. Then he shifted to the left, leaned off the bed to grab something. She was so caught up in desire and anticipation she couldn’t even open her eyes to see what it was. When she heard the wrapper rip then him shift above her, she smiled. Gustavo was even protecting her now during this most intimate moment. He leaned forward and kissed her lips, drawing her eyes open to lock with his. “Mi hermosa Elloisa, tú eres mi princesa española.” She smiled as he pulled her close and made love to her for the very first time.


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Chapter 14 Jack was working with the team to identify and create link analysis based on surveillance, undercover agent information, arrests, and other sources. “Hey, Jack, we just got word from team three. The campsite we exposed upstate contained a hidden meth lab. Add Monroe to that list of independent investors. The whole campsite and property is owned by him and his company Davenport,” Salvatore stated as he flipped open his cell phone and made another call. “How big was that meth lab?” another agent asked. “I’m still getting the details, but it looks big. The agents said they were rather shocked at the supply and equipment. You know, Jack, that guy Monroe is connected to Enrique Avalar. I think he has that cousin Martha who owns that restaurant called Chichi Cuisine on the upper west side,” Salvatore replied. “Chichi Cuisine? What the hell is chichi?” another agent asked. “It’s like a slang word for beers made in South America. Anyway, the place may be a front for dealing.” “Hey, Luke, go call Estevez in team five. I think he has a few agents working that district. See if we can confirm activity at the location of the restaurant,” Jack stated as he finished up his drawing on the board. They were pulling together a series of evidence leading to their five main drug lords. The trickle-down effect helped the agents to identify the street dealers and their selling locations. The department would need this when the time came for a simultaneous raid. In the meantime, Jack put a call into ATF and a few other organizations to help out.

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“Hey, Jack, they got a bunch of prisoners, but get this—a few of the men found are andadores noche, or night walkers,” Salvatore stated. “As in the gang from Texas that tried to ambush Elloisa and Gustavo?” Jack replied. Salvatore smiled. “Interesting considering that Agent Montoya said the guy who tried to attack Elloisa in the elevator was wearing the Rojo gang tattoo on his wrist. I believe they’re the same gang,” Jack replied then began looking through files of other recent busts where Rojo members were arrested. A while later, Salvatore came over to Jack to tell him about his phone call from Mathew. “Hey, Matt said Mom is fine and the surgeon said no scarring. They’ll take care of everything,” Salvatore stated. “They’d better. Fucking agents weren’t doing their job twice so far that we know of. Where the hell was Agent Williams when Mom was injured? What about the attempt on Elloisa at DEA headquarters?” “We’ve been over this, Jack. He was upstairs waiting on her. Let’s just be grateful Montoya was there.” “Yeah, I’m not too crazy about the fact that Agent Gustavo Montoya is alone with our sister. You didn’t catch the way he was always looking at her?” Salvatore chuckled. “She’s a beautiful woman, Jack. There are going to be plenty of men looking at her. We’re just not used to it. She’s been gone for so long,” Salvatore replied then looked at his watch. “We need to be in the conference room in an hour. The family will get to speak over the phone, and then we’re going to ask Elloisa some questions about our suspects. Maybe she can shine some light on the situation?” Jack nodded in agreement and went back to work.


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**** Gustavo held Elloisa against his side as he caressed her hip. They had made love again and now recuperated, were just enjoying each other’s company. “Are you hungry?” he asked before he kissed the top of her nose. “Mmmm…a little,” she replied lazily. She felt so content with him it was scary and yet familiar. He was a handsome man and a passionate lover. “I think we should get dressed and grab something to eat. John said he would arrange a conference call between you and your family.” “What? When did he tell you this?” “Earlier,” he stated then kissed her chin before scattering little kisses along her jawline and neck. “Why didn’t you tell me? This is great. I can’t wait to hear my mother’s voice.” “I was a little distracted before, Elloisa. But I am glad you are smiling again. You’ll feel a lot better once you know they’re safe.” “I know you’re right. I wish there was more for me to do to make this end quicker.” “The agents will call with more questions, I’m sure.” “I don’t…” Elloisa didn’t want to admit to Gustavo that she didn’t trust the agents. She trusted her brothers and she was willing to tell them anything they would need to know to resolve this. But Gustavo worked with Williams, Thomas, and Rimarez. Even though she just allowed the man to make love to her, she was still wary. Would she ever trust again? She felt Gustavo touch her chin then tilt it towards him so he could make eye contact. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.” She sighed, closed her eyes, then opened them again.

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“I don’t want to insult you or make accusations.” “Listen, Elloisa, we just shared something very special together. It was not meaningless for me, and I am certain it wasn’t for you. I’m not what you call a patient man. If there’s something you need to tell me or something you feel, please, just be honest with me. It’s all I can ask of you, and I promise to be honest with you as well.” “I’m sorry, Gustavo. It’s just hard for me after everything that has happened.” She took a deep breath then exhaled. “I’m just going to spit it out and hope that I don’t insult you.” Gustavo held her gaze and waited. “I don’t trust Williams. Thomas and Rimarez, I am uncertain of their integrity and agenda, but Williams is not legit. I just know it. Now, I know you work with them—” Gustavo touched his fingers to her lips to stop her from talking. “Elloisa, I don’t work with them. I am…I was a deep undercover agent with the DEA. Now, I’m your bodyguard and protector until this thing is over. I feel the same way you do. Williams doesn’t seem legit and it’s hard to swallow that. Being an agent for the DEA or any government organization is intense. It requires confidentiality, loyalty, and integrity from its members. We’re not dealing with a slap on the wrist kind of crimes. These are intense individuals we’re hunting and trying to bring to justice. That a federal agent or any law enforcement official can be bribed or bought flat-out is disgusting. It does happen, though, and we need to be cautious. I think if you have information you deem valuable to the agents then tell your brothers. They’re not out to kill you.” Elloisa smiled. “Thanks, Gus. I was hoping you would say something like that. I don’t know why I feel this way, I just do. My gut is telling me to be cautious and not to trust easily. I’ll wait to hear from Jack and Salvatore.”


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Gustavo kissed Elloisa, rolling her underneath him as he straddled her thighs. “You taste so good. I just can’t seem to get enough of you,” he whispered as he began kissing her throat then across her chest. “Food can wait,” he stated then slowly began trailing kisses along her belly, across her hips, then between her thighs. **** Elloisa’s conversation lasted about ten minutes with her family. She was careful not to disclose her location, just as they were careful not to disclose theirs. Although the line was secure, no one wanted to take any chances. “I just want to be certain that you stay with Gustavo. I’m fine and I would do anything to keep you safe, Elloisa. I love you,” Teressa stated. Elloisa chuckled. “What is so funny?” “I missed that reprimanding tone of yours, Mamma. As crazy as that sounds, I did. I love you, too, and I’m so relieved that you are safe. Please don’t take any chances.” “We’ll be fine. Good luck with your conversation with Salvatore and Jack.” “Thanks.” Elloisa said her good-byes to her parents, and Mathew then hung up the phone. Shortly Jack and Salvatore would call to ask her some questions involved with the case. She felt better knowing that her own brothers were involved, yet, she was scared for them. She knew all too well about Armando’s capabilities. “It will be all right, Elloisa. Your brothers are fantastic investigators, and they know to be cautious,” Gus stated as he rubbed her shoulders and held her against his chest. “I’m scared anyway. I know I need to let them handle this because it is their job, but the men they seek are capable and well-connected.”

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Gustavo turned her body toward him and held her hands against his chest. “Elloisa, they know this. We all understand how resourceful men like Sintorez are, but it doesn’t mean we give up. As DEA agents, we hunt down men like Sintorez and remove them from the streets. We destroy their cartels and eliminate their resources, sometimes just a little bit or one operation at a time. But we never give up, and we can be just as resourceful.” Gustavo held her gaze. Elloisa felt the shiver down her spine as she recalled the things Armando said he would do to any agents or officers trying to invade or sneak into his organization. “Elloisa, you’re shaking.” Gustavo pulled her against him. Elloisa embraced his warmth and his protection. Armando’s words were bad memories and Armando wasn’t here, so she was safe with Gustavo. The thought that her brothers would be identified as agents working to bring down Armando’s cartel came to mind. He would find out, or perhaps he knew already. Salvatore and Jack are targets just as my parents are. She pulled away from Gustavo. “My brothers need to stay in the shadows. They can’t make their presence known in regards to the case or any connections to Armando. All it will take is one call, one signal with his fingers, and my brothers will have a bounty on their heads.” “They’re not going to hide. They want Armando and the others involved. There seem to be a number of big shots pooling together to smuggle drugs into the states. With the DEA, border patrol, AFT, and other government agencies working together, we can stop this. It will put a huge gap in their operation and perhaps stop them for a while.” “There are hundreds of people involved with this. Do you realize what goes into an operation?” “Yes, I do. I have been working undercover for ten years. The last three, I was deep undercover until I got the call to get you out of there. I know what it will take to bring down Sintorez.”


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The phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Elloisa knew it would be her brothers and she prepared for their questions.

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Chapter 15 “Elloisa, honey, how are you?” Salvatore asked, his voice sounding calm yet concerned. Elloisa glanced across the island in the kitchen at Gustavo. He smiled. “I guess I am doing better than Mom,” she replied as the tears stung her eyes and her voice cracked. “I know you’re scared. Mom is fine and has lots of security, thanks to John and Gus’s friend Zach.” “How are you and Jack? How is the investigation going?” Elloisa asked. “We have a few leads on some big stuff. A bust this afternoon revealed some important information. We have some questions for you, if you don’t mind?” “Of course not, Salvatore. Tell me what you have so far. Salvatore explained about the Rojo gang members and the recent connection to Enrique Avalar. “I know Enrique well. He’s young. I think in his late thirties. He likes guns and he works out like a maniac. He visited the estate many times over the past few months. He has a cousin who owns a restaurant somewhere in the city. Maybe the east side or it could have been the west side. I’m not certain. He is quite the businessman, I can tell you that much.” “Yeah, the cousin’s storefront is a cover for drug distribution. We had agents confirm that today. How about the Rojo gang, the ones that ambushed you and Gustavo in Corpus Christi?” Jack asked the question this time.


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“The Rojo gang? Let me think about that a minute. I was so scared during that,” she stated then looked at Gustavo. “I don’t think I’ve heard of them before, but I do know of a man named Demacio. He resides in Texas. I think it was Macaline or something. His accent is very thick because he was the first of his family to head to America. Although not far, he was still on U.S. soil. He had a connection to a gang called Night Crawlers. I think they are a brother gang to the Rojo.” “Was it McAllen, Texas?” Jack asked. “It could have been. I spoke to him often while he waited on Armando. I kind of took over the role as greeter to his…guests,” she replied sarcastically. “What was he into? Any known businesses that he mentioned or ties to N.Y. or other drug dealers?” Jack asked. “Sure. I could give you the names of just about anyone who was at his estate over the past year.” “Well, we’ve narrowed it down to men of interest. Some we have names for, and some we don’t,” Salvatore responded. “I have a secure laptop hooked up. If you need to, you can send pictures for Elloisa to look over. Maybe she can identify the ones you’re unsure of,” Gustavo suggested. “That sounds great. Jack will begin to send those,” Salvatore responded then asked Gustavo for the e-mail address. Elloisa nibbled her bottom lip. “How are you holding up, honey?” Jack asked and Elloisa sensed her brother’s concern. “I’m doing okay. I wanted to come home as soon as I heard about Mamma, Mathew, and Daddy.” “I know this is difficult, but you can’t come back here right now. We have more security for the family, and Salvatore and I are making sure that Agent Williams is nowhere near our family.” “So you don’t trust him either?” “I’d rather not say right now,” he replied.

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Elloisa glanced at Gustavo as he looked up from the laptop. “Gustavo agrees with us. He doesn’t trust him either.” “Okay, I have them all loaded,” Gustavo stated then turned the screen toward Elloisa. The pictures were all numbered and Elloisa scanned through them, giving the names of each person. The individuals were all the main right-hand men for major drug lords. “Let me think for a minute. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that there was a discussion at one time between these men and Armando in regards to a takeover of some kind.” “A takeover? Of what?” Salvatore asked. “Just give me a moment.” Elloisa covered her face with her hands. A lot of information was clicking through her mind, but she remembered that night. The flashbacks took a hold of her. She recalled sitting on Armando’s lap as he discussed business. Her legs were crossed, and the long skirt she wore had a high slit on the right side. Armando played with her thigh, pushing the skirt higher and higher. She reached for his hand to stop him, not wanting the other men to see any more, but he was putting on a show. Avalar and Demacio were practically drooling at her. Armando was exerting his power, his control and authority. The men ogled her, and she forced herself to remain focused on the conversation, remembering that certain things stood out. Something about a drug cartel and use of a storage facility at South Street Seaport was discussed. Armando had water patrol police on the payroll, plus security guards and police stationed near the facility. She remembered him pressing his hand against her thigh as she stopped his hand from raising her skirt to her hip. He paused, seemed to get the message until he brought that same hand up and over her waist and under her breast line. She jumped forward, only to be pulled back against him. She tried to clear her mind of the images.


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“Elloisa, are you okay?” Gus asked, and she felt his hands on her waist then caress over her shoulders. She jumped a moment, unsure who was touching her because she was lost in a daydream. “I’m sorry. I was just remembering something,” she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. “If this is too much at once, we can call back later,” Jack asked, sounding concerned. She explained about the information she remembered. She also gave them plenty of information that could prove significant if they were to conduct a raid. “They mentioned bringing guns across the border, too. Maybe for that Rojo gang you mentioned earlier. There was some talk about creating a new formula in the lab. I’m not certain what that was for, but it was important to Armando. Some Middle Eastern guy, Muhammad or Humere. I can’t remember. I’m sorry, guys.” Elloisa ran her hands through her hair. “Son of a bitch! Do you think it was one name? Maybe Muhammad Humere?” Jack asked. “What?” Gustavo stately loudly in the background and walked closer to Elloisa. She saw his facial expression and felt her heart begin to race. “He’s a terrorist, Elloisa. Are you certain Armando was working with him?” “Yes, Jack. I had no idea. My God, do you think the chemical Armando was talking about creating could have been some sort of bomb or something?” “It’s a good possibility. We’re gonna have to get some guys from the Anti-Terrorist Task Force on this,” Salvatore added. “This just keeps getting better and better,” Jack replied. “I have a suggestion if you’re willing to accept it from a non– agent,” Elloisa stated.

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“We respect your judgment and your knowledge, Elloisa. You’re the one who saw these men on a regular basis and know their personalities,” Salvatore replied. “Once you confirm these major locations, keep them to yourselves and perhaps just a few key people from whatever organizations help you. Armando and these other men have people everywhere. They will find out and they will sabotage the raids. If and when you decide to do a raid on these facilities, try to make it as last minute as possible to ensure no leaks.” “We discussed a plan with Dad. It was similar to what you are saying. Don’t worry, we’ll capture these criminals and this situation will be over once and for all,” Jack added. She said her good-byes then closed her eyes and laid her head down on the island in the kitchen. **** Gustavo was worried about Elloisa. The lost, faraway look she had concerned him. She was remembering something, and it wasn’t pleasant. He caressed her hair then her shoulders. “Are you feeling okay?” She nodded her head, but it seemed to be a lame attempt at ignoring his question. He slowly turned the stool around, forcing her to face him. Her hands remained clasped on her lap and her head down as well. “Elloisa?” He placed his fingers under her chin so she would look up at him. When he saw her glossy eyes and a look on her face he could only describe as sadness, he did the first thing that came to mind. He lifted her up and hugged her to him as he walked her out of the kitchen.


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Gustavo headed toward the living room and a large L-shaped sofa with a wide ottoman in the middle. It could easily accommodate two people. He sat down, keeping her on his lap as he got comfortable. “Talk to me. What is it that you remembered back there?” “I can’t,” she whispered. Gustavo didn’t want to push the issue, but obviously she was upset over something. Perhaps talking about it would ease her mind. “You can’t or you won’t?” he challenged her. Elloisa sat up and stared at him. “I feel ashamed.” He watched her and waited a moment as her statement sunk in. “Ashamed of what?” “Of allowing him to do the things he did to me and for choosing to live instead of fighting his actions and dying for the good.” He squeezed her tighter and widened his eyes. “Don’t say that. Don’t ever regret choosing life over death.” She turned away from him and he pulled her onto his lap. She straddled his waist as he made her look at him. “What did you remember?” “I remembered the men who were there that night and how they discussed this big deal. Armando had made me stay there and sit on his lap.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Gustavo caressed her arms and comforted her. “What did he do?” “He was being Armando. He was showing his power and his control. He especially enjoyed showing me off.” “You were remembering that particular time and the information you gave to your brothers?” “What did he do to you?” Gustavo asked, and he could tell she was getting tense. He began grinding his teeth. “There’s no need to get into it. There were so many times he did things to me that I regret allowing.”

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Gustavo held her hips firmly, and she placed her hands on her thighs. “Did he touch you in front of them?” Gustavo asked. She swallowed hard. “It doesn’t matter,” she began to say and tried to pull from his lap, but Gus held her firmly, giving her hips a squeeze. “Did he?’ He pushed for an answer, and she nodded. Gustavo released an annoyed sigh. “It wasn’t your fault. He’s a powerful man, and dominant.” “There was a time when I loved those things about him.” “How did you get involved with him?” Elloisa explained about meeting him at a party and then dating him for a few months. She spoke about him meeting the family and dining with them.” “My God, that’s crazy.” “He baited me and I hadn’t a clue. He set my father and brothers up to look like criminals. He had everything covered. He staged the whole thing and let me see it in action. I fell for it all. I was in love with him, and when it seemed that my family members were the criminals, I turned to him.” She felt the tears roll down her cheeks. “I’m ashamed of that.” Gustavo caressed her cheeks. “No. Do not be ashamed. He tricked you and he used you. You eventually figured it out.” “I did. I couldn’t take it any longer. I began to hate him and everything he stood for. I wanted to leave, but I was scared, not only of his capabilities, but also that I had no family of friends left here in the States. He said he killed them all.” “He really did cover his bases. Did seeing what happened to Rosalie make you begin your training?” “Yes. I knew that if I were to escape that I would have to do it on my own. I was prepared for it in a matter of two months.” “I was really impressed at how far you made it on your own.”


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“I wouldn’t have made it out of the convent if it weren’t for you.” “I think you would have.” She smiled then added in honesty, “I can’t believe how much I disliked you.” He chuckled then pulled her closer against his chest. He rubbed his hands over her back then across her backside. “I gave you little choice.” “You were annoyed with me from the start.” “You destroyed my whole operation. How was I supposed to react to you?” She released a sigh. Then she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “But you like me now,” she whispered, sounding breathless. “A whole lot.” Gus pulled her closer and kissed her. Elloisa loved the feel of his hands caressing her back and her rear as he deepened the kiss. She never thought she would feel safe again, never mind in a man’s arms. But Gustavo was not just an ordinary man. He was a trained killer. A secret agent aware of the intensity and brutality she had experienced. No one else could possibly comprehend her emotions, her fears, her inability to trust, and her fear of continuing life while looking over her shoulder like Gustavo could. She felt his hands move under her shirt, over her spine to her ribs then cup her breast. She moaned against his mouth and savored his attention to her body. Caress after caress, he broke down her defenses and captured her heart. Her savior, her man, her soldado. **** Gustavo had never desired anything more in his life than he did this woman in his arms. The taste of her lips, the feel of her chocolate locks between his fingers caused a great hunger to burn inside of him. He wanted her in every way. His body tingled and tightened with need to be inside her, making love to her and washing away any

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remnants of her past. She was a kind woman, young and brilliant, and she hadn’t deserved to be the victim of the crimes she experienced against her. He lifted her shirt higher, needing better access to her luscious body. The curves of her hips, the roundness of her ass drove his need further. He felt like a hungry lion. No food, no other could satisfy the hunger within him except Elloisa. She was so responsive to his touch, which provoked his next move. There were no plans, just impulse and natural reaction to his woman. He released her lips and panted for air as his mouth collided with her breast. She was his woman, and she would never be abused or neglected again. He removed her shirt then took in the sight of her straddling his hips. Red, parted lips, moist and seductive called to him. She had toned arms, a flat belly, and a voluptuous figure accented by a white lace bra. It was a great contrast to her tan skin that had been kissed by the Mexican sun she would never see or feel again. There would be other places she could tan, and he thought about vacations in Hawaii, Bermuda, or even the Virgin Islands. He wanted a future with Elloisa. He was ready for change now that he found her. “What are you thinking?” she asked in a raspy voice that made the bulge in his pants grow harder. He lifted his hips, indicating his desire. She shyly smiled before the look of passion covered her expression. The feel of her feminine hands pushing under his T-shirt then against his skin made him tighten and clench his teeth. He could lose himself right now, just from the feel of her hands against his pectoral muscles. He thrust his hips upward. “I want to be inside you now, Elloisa. I can’t hold back.” She pulled his shirt from his body then pressed her forehead gently against his. “Then don’t. I need you, too.”


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She kissed his mouth and ravished it with such need and emotion he became frantic. So did she as they quickly removed the remainder of their clothing. She lifted her rear and took him inside her with no preamble. She was ready for him. They made love slowly, and with each thrust, they seemed to pull closer and closer together, fastening their hearts tighter together. Up and down with every thrust, Gustavo felt Elloisa gave more of herself to him. He would hold this moment in his heart forever. He loved the feel of her skin, the smell of her hair, and the erotic little moans that escaped her mouth with every thrust. It became impossible to hold out, and his hunger grew. He scooted lower onto the couch then rolled her to her back. They continued to make love as Gustavo sought his release, determined to satisfy that increasing hunger. Elloisa’s responsiveness cheered him on. She kissed his neck, ran her fingernails over his shoulders to his back and then under his arms to his rear. He pressed deeper into her, in this position, then felt her insides tighten. A few more thrusts and as she nibbled his neck, he lost the battle to love her any longer as they exploded together as one. **** Elloisa held Gustavo so tightly against her. She wanted to stay like this for as long as they could. Nothing ever felt like this. It felt as if life had just begun for them. The look in his eyes and the way he possessed her body made her love this man in her arms. No matter what the future brought, she would always remember her true love Gustavo.

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Chapter 16 Elloisa was tired. She let the hot water caress her body and the slight aches she felt after her long afternoon in training. She chuckled at that. Gustavo was amazing. He had initiated an emergency plan of escape in case they were ambushed. He tried to prepare her for just about every scenario he could think of. She had tried telling him that Ramos had come from generations of military operatives. He was ruthless and thought nothing of taking lives. Gustavo indicated that he knew that, and she got the impression that he witnessed it firsthand. That gave her the chills. Gustavo had been so deep undercover that he had to witness murders and remain silent to save his own life. Then again, maybe that was why she felt so safe with him. He understood exactly the life she had been forced to live. The only difference was that she had to face the murders, abuse, and conduct of her captor and his associates on a daily basis. She began to wash the shampoo out of her hair while she thought about what Gustavo had said to her today when she was feeling tired and frustrated from repeating the steps to escape with him. “You cannot plan for everything, Gus.” “Well, I try to at least be in the state of improvisation when needed.” “I’ve seen you in action, remember?” He gave her the once-over, and it heated her body from the outside in. “I hadn’t planned on you when I became part of Sintorez’s gang.” “Yeah, well, I appreciate the change of mission. I needed your help to get across the border and away from the border pirates.”


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He had reached for her and laid his hand against her neck as his thumb caressed her chin. “I never planned on falling in love with you. But the moment I laid eyes on you, I felt as compelled to be your protector as I did to possess your love.” She had felt the tears sting her eyes, but she remained silent as she swallowed hard. She knew that this situation was far from over. They couldn’t allow their attraction, their sexual desires, to rule their minds and actions. “We can’t let our guard down, Gus. My family is not safe, and we are forced into hiding because of Armando’s capabilities. Let’s not lose focus.” He had released his hold and immediately went back into soldier mode. He had remained distant and distracted for the reminder of the time in the woods. She now felt guilty for doing that to him, but she was scared. What if they never get a chance to pursue their love or this relationship? It seemed impossible until Armando, Ramos, and their crew of killers were dead. **** Armando leaned back in his seat at his desk and spoke to Miguel. Demacio Cruz wanted to get things moving on the new meth lab they had established in Queens. He also had some information on the Givani family. Demacio had a location of the whereabouts of the parents and one brother. He also said that the two older brothers were working cases surrounding Armando’s operation. But he didn’t have concrete information on how close the Givani brothers were getting. Armando acknowledged the information and thought it through. He would make a decision on the next step soon. Then his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

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“They’re difficult to find and weed out. No one is talking and our leads are bringing up nothing,” Ramos stated through the cell phone. He was outside of the border and about to enter the United States with a crew of men. “Then we must smoke them out like the cockroaches they are. Call Avalar and have him initiate the plan I discussed,” Armando stated. “What would you like me to do?” “Get to New York. I set up the private jet and the helicopters. There shouldn’t be any problems. This is costing me a lot, and if anyone fails, they will be killed.” “Okay, Armando. We are getting ready to cross now. I will touch base later today.” “Good luck, my friend.” Armando hung up the phone and smiled. “Let’s see how you handle this, my little princess.” He leaned back in his chair and waited patiently. **** “Repeat that, John?” Gustavo asked as he felt his gut clench and his heart ache. “There’s a bounty on Salvatore and Jack’s heads. It was initiated an hour ago through the Rojo gang and word has spread through the city.” “Fuck!” “I don’t know what to do. Jack and Salvatore are aware of this and refuse to go into protective custody. They have been working around the clock putting together all the information Elloisa gave them. They found the multiple locations of meth labs we’ve been searching for years for. And it seems that our big shots are gathering together for some kind of secret meeting this Friday night.” “Friday night? That’s only three days away.”


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“Exactly. That’s why Jack and Salvatore are staying on this. I’ve got multiple forces in motion here, Gus. This is huge, and if we can pull it off, Armando Sintorez and his gangs can kiss his whole operation good-bye.” “I can’t tell Elloisa about this. I won’t be able to keep her here.” “You have no choice. I don’t care if you have to handcuff her to make her stay put. She leaves that location and she’s as good as dead.” “I don’t know if I can do that,” Gus whispered as he looked behind him to make sure that Elloisa wasn’t there. John was silent a moment before he spoke. “Why, because you’ve fallen for her?” Gus was silent. He had known John for years. He had personally taken Gus under his wing as a newbie agent. He could be honest with him. John was one of the few people he trusted with his life. “She has a way of getting under your skin.” John chuckled then added, “Well, if you don’t want her six feet under, you keep her there, no matter what. There’s no future for the two of you if we don’t eliminate Sintorez.” “I understand. I will do my best.” “I know you will. Keep me posted.” “Yes, sir, and please do the same.” **** “You both are to get your asses into protective custody now!” Jerry Givani yelled into the phone. Jack pulled the phone away from his ear as his father carried on. He was demanding that they hand the operation over to other people not so connected to the case. A bounty was not something to minimize or ignore. “I understand how upset you and Mom are, Dad, but we’ll handle this. Where are you calling from anyway?”

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“My cell phone. If your sister and Gustavo find out about this, she’ll leave the hideout and be back down here in the city in no time.” “I understand, Dad, but we’ve got a lot to do. We’re taking precautions.” “Not good enough, Jack.” “It has to be good enough because all of our lives depend upon this.” Jack hung up the phone and sighed. “Hey, what was that all about?” Investigator Higgins asked as he leaned against the doorframe in the small office Jack was working in. “Our dad wants us to go into protective custody.” “He found out about the bounty?” “Yup.” “Maybe you and Salvatore should rethink your strategy?” “No. Elloisa gave up more than a year of her life for us. We’re not stopping until Armando Sintorez is dead or captured.” “We’ve seen how resourceful he is. You are both easy targets in the city. Maybe you should go to where the agent and your sister are. Then there would be three trained men protecting her. Jack was silent as he contemplated that. “I’ll run it by Salvatore, but he’s not exactly fond of the woods.” Higgins laughed quietly. “He’ll get over it, and you two can work from there. The wonders of technology.” Jack chuckled then Higgins left the room. He thought about what Higgins had said. That might not be such a bad idea. They were both concerned over Elloisa and the way Gustavo seemed to watch her so closely. If the agent hadn’t already made a move, they could prevent any further ones. It might be kind of fun. He smiled then called his brother. ****


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DEA Headquarters, Manhattan, New York John Falco was speaking with Agent Zack Miller over the phone. “I think it would be wise to move them farther out of New Jersey. We had two attempts this morning alone. One dressed as security, another as a doctor. Both gained access to the floor that we’re on. The Givani family needs to move.” “I understand, Zach, and I respect your judgment. Let me work on a better location and see when we can move Teressa,” John replied. Just then John’s other phone began to ring. “Let me grab that call, and I’ll work on a separate location for the family. I also want to try and convince the other brothers to go along as well.” “Good luck with that,” Zach stated sarcastically then hung up the phone. John shook his head then answered the next call. “It’s Broderick, and you were right about Higgins,” Agent Broderick stated immediately. “Son of a bitch! Jerry was right. I just made the call. I can’t believe that asshole is on the Sintorez payroll. How the hell did you confirm this?” “That’s the bad part, sir. He made a call out to Avalar and he was tapping all the phones in the building. Jerry called Jack on his cell phone. That was easily traceable, but he did mention being in the safe house in New Jersey and not the hospital they’re in. He may have suspected something.” “Yeah, Jerry was the one to put me on to Higgins. It was Higgins who Jerry believed set him up two years ago when all this shit went down.” “They were good friends, right?” “Yeah, Broderick. Damn, what information did he get off the taps?”

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“Jack and Salvatore talking about going into protective custody and either picking someplace warm or heading into the Adirondacks to stay with Elloisa and Gustavo.” “Oh, crap. Any definite description on their location, or do you think it was vague?” “I think they could find them. I think their locations are in jeopardy.” “I’ll get on the phone with them immediately.” “What do you want me to do?” “Bring them back here to headquarters and I’ll notify Gus.” “If Gus needs help, I can be up there by tomorrow morning,” Zach offered. “I’ll let you know.”


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Chapter 17 “We confirmed their location.” “Whose location did you confirm?” “The entire Givani family, including your Elloisa,” Avalar exclaimed. Armando sat back in the limo and smiled. Getting into the United States had been a piece of cake as usual. But then again, he had been determined to take care of this situation on his own since no one else seemed capable of it. “Send me the location, and I’ll have Ramos and my men move in on it.” “I will shortly. Then can we finalize our plan for the laboratory?” Armando didn’t like the way Avalar was speaking to him. His gut clenched and he knew he was being baited. “I’ve made my decision. You can run the show, and I expect my share of the profits as we discussed at my estate.” Avalar chuckled. “Very good, Armando. I will call you shortly.” Armando heard the phone click off, and immediately he called Ramos. **** Avalar closed his phone then looked at the group of men. They were all trained soldiers and all armed with automatic weapons. He couldn’t believe that Elloisa was just two blocks down the road in a small cabin that sat on a lake secluded from any other nearby houses. Being secluded meant no worries of police being called when his men

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shot up the cabin. Avalar knew that the agent would not give up Elloisa without a fight. It was perfect, and soon Avalar would have Armando Sintorez’s prize possession. It had paid off to have numerous DEA agents on the payroll, especially in the surveillance unit. Every incoming and outgoing call in the department was recorded and monitored, whether approved by officials or not. He had an exact location on the entire family, but most importantly, on Elloisa. “We will wait until dusk. This agent cannot be underestimated, and from my understanding, he is quite the marksman. I want Elloisa alive, but the agent must die,” he told his troops, and they smiled as they prepared their strategic attack. **** Jack and Salvatore stood alongside a troop of ten men. They had leaders from ATF, the U.S. Marshals, and the FBI. They had explained about connections they discovered between the drug dealers here in the States and abroad. A meeting was going to take place first thing tomorrow morning at a new location they believed to be a new factory for making and exporting drugs. “This is a lot to take in, investigators. How are we going to plan such a simultaneous attack on numerous locations throughout the city, New Jersey, and upstate New York in the time frame of hours?” one agent asked. “Each of you was specifically called here to participate in this raid because of your dedication and track record with your affiliated organization. You have each been thoroughly investigated, and we have been ensured that none of you are untrustworthy. That being said, you each are going to be monitored the moment you leave this room. We cannot take any chances in screwing these raids up, or our perpetrators will get away,” Salvatore replied with a firm and serious tone.


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“Investigated?” one individual asked, sounding alarmed. “Yes. Now we have mapped out these raids for you. Each unit has been assigned a location or two to hit. As soon as I turn this board around, you are going to see some names that have haunted each of our department’s most wanted lists for at least a decade. This operation with no doubt is the biggest operation and infiltration of a multimillion dollar drug cartel that you will hopefully ever be a part of. Now let’s begin.” Jack watched everyone’s facial expressions before he turned the dry erase board around so they could see the names of all the drug lords. He knew from their expressions that he and Salvatore had their attention. “Holy crap!” Numerous words echoed through the room the moment the names were revealed. Immediately, Salvatore turned the other boards around and began assigning locations to different teams. Salvatore was enthusiastic and pumped by the time his leaders gathered their information and prepared their individual teams. “We cannot make any mistakes with this. We hit tomorrow morning at nine a.m.,” Jack added. **** Armando was deciding what to do when Ramos called him. “What’s going on?” Armando asked. “I have an update.” “So do I. Avalar just called me. He knows the locations of the Givani family.” Then he explained his feelings of distrust after the call from Avalar. “I received confirmation moments ago, and I have the location of Elloisa as well as her parents. What would you like me to do?” Armando thought about it a moment. “Do you think that Avalar would be stupid enough to double-cross me?”

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“He’s always been jealous of your power and position, Armando. He also adored Elloisa.” “Do you think he will attempt to take her for himself and flee the country?” “I would kill him myself.” “Did he sound like he was already upstate and near the house?” Armando asked. “Yes. He definitely sounded confident.” “Well, I can be there before dark. I can bring a dozen men along with me. It is your call.” “Do it. Then send another group to the parents and brother’s location. I want them dead.” “No problem. I will make the call, and it will happen before the evening.” Armando hung up the phone and clenched his teeth. He could not let Avalar get his hands on Elloisa. He just couldn’t. **** Elloisa was setting the table as Gustavo added the finishing touches to the meal. Elloisa felt a little stiff as she lifted then dropped her shoulders, trying to relieve the tightness. “How’s that shoulder doing?” Gustavo asked then walked over to the table, carrying a tray of chicken. “It’s still a little sore. I had no idea that a shotgun gave such a kick.” “That wasn’t just any shotgun,” he began to tease when he heard his cell phone ring. “Hello?” “Initiate your emergency plan. They’re onto you and may be there as we speak.” “Fuck!” Gustavo replied and disconnected the call.


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“What’s wrong?” Elloisa asked as she grabbed hold of the table. “We need to leave. Grab the bag I put in that closet over there, and I’ll grab the other stuff from the bedroom. Elloisa hurried to the closet and pulled out the backpack. She turned around to head back to where Gustavo was when she thought she saw movement by the back patio. Reaching for the wall, she clicked off the lights and the room fell into darkness. “Gustavo,” she whispered, and she knew he couldn’t have heard her. She didn’t want to yell or scream his name. Instead she remembered what he had taught her. Immediately she unzipped the backpack and pulled out the revolver. She checked the ammo then pressed the safety button as she held it tightly. The first shot broke the glass on the sliders, but then bullet initiated numerous other shots, none of which entered the kitchen. She crawled across the floor, and that was when she heard more gunfire and men yelling. Near the corner of the kitchen island, she saw the men in black enter through the front. To the right, down the hallway, she saw Gustavo, crouched down and armed. They made eye contact and he gave her the sign to run like hell. Even though they practiced and trained for this, she was adamant and hesitant. Then he shook his fist and gave her that look that told her to move her ass. Elloisa stood up and ran through the new opening in the doorway, across the shattered glass, and into the backyard. **** “We got company!” soldiers yelled to Avalar as they approached the house. There were bullets covering the air as they crawled on their bellies. “Who the hell is out there? DEA agents?” he asked, filled with anger and disgust.

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“No! It looks like Ramos,” one of Avalar’s soldiers yelled. Just then, Avalar saw a single figure running towards the woods. Instantly he knew it was a woman, by the shape and size of the shadow “Elloisa! There she is. I’m going after her. You stay and eliminate the agent and Sintorez’s men.” **** “I’m going with you!” Mathew yelled as he packed some gear and checked his firearm. “You can’t. Don’t you think you should stay with your parents?” Zach asked as he accepted the gear from John. “She’s my sister, and I failed her once. I’m not going to fail her again,” Mathew yelled over the sound of the helicopter blades as they rotated above them on the roof. They climbed the stairs with four other men. Men that John said Gustavo had handpicked in case their emergency plan went into effect. “John?” Zach looked toward his superior for the okay. “Go! Bring your sister back alive.” They ran to the helicopter, and a few moments later took off from the top of the building at DEA Headquarters. “Okay, men, here are the plans,” Zach stated as he opened up the sealed envelope that John had given him. He looked over the paper then passed it around. “Holy shit! Gustavo thought of everything,” Mathew yelled over the sound of the motor. “Well, he better not have fucked up my house! Bullet holes are a bitch to patch up,” one soldier yelled, and Mathew realized that it was his house that Elloisa and Gustavo were staying in. He took a deep breath then checked his weapon as he waited to look over the map Gustavo sent them. The same guy who owned the house made another comment.


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“I told him about the cave. Do you think she would make it there on her own?” “Definitely. Mathew’s sister is tough. You know the backstory.” “Dude, your sister is fucking hot!” The other guys added similar comments as Mathew bit his tongue. It was killing him to hear them talk about her and then about potentially being involved with Gustavo. “Just focus on saving her life,” he yelled, and they all laughed then went back to being silent. “How long?” he asked Zack. “At this speed, at least twenty minutes.” **** Elloisa saw movement to the right of her as three men approached, trying to surround her. She went down to the ground on one knee, aimed and fired at them one at a time. The three men went down fast. She killed them, just as Gustavo had taught her. She immediately thought of Gustavo as she stood up and continued to head toward the cave. The echo of gunfire and men yelling behind her made her run faster. She looked for the one large tree that told her to make a left and then another right. As she approached she heard the sound of branches breaking and knew that she wasn’t alone. Again she knelt down, waited until he showed his face, then shot the gun again. Two more down and hopefully dead. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her fingers ached from gripping the gun so tightly. She ran ahead, hoping that no one followed her. **** Gustavo pointed and fired across the living room, taking out four men as well as the picture window. Benny was going to be pissed

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when he saw his place. Gustavo crawled through the hallway then into the kitchen. Elloisa had escaped. He needed to get to her as quickly as he could. He looked toward the opening and heard then saw the gunfire exchange before him. It appeared that two separate groups had tried to attack at once. Who the hell were the others? He tried to exit the house, but the bullets began hitting the framework then the counter. They were all crazy. He backtracked through the living room and crouched down near the bodies on the rug. Pulling up their sleeves, he saw the tattoo. “Rojo,” he stated out loud. Were they here for Santorez or for Avalar? He just wasn’t certain. Slowly, he exited the house from the front and never saw the hit to the side of his head. Gustavo felt the explosion of pain then immediately rolled out of the way. Someone had hit him with his fist, and now the guy was diving on top of him. He felt the pain in his ribs and gut as the heavy man attempted to strangle him. Gustavo fought hard. The man was a monster. They rolled down the steps, the bigger guy taking more of the hits to the wood planks. Gustavo elbowed his attacker and attempted to get free. They wrestled until both of them were panting for air and grunting. Another set of gunfire filled the air, and the dirt near Gustavo’s head spit upward, hitting him in the eyes. He grew angrier and angrier as he went hit for hit with his attacker. Using his training and his speed, Gustavo flipped the guy over his body then jumped up to finish him off. A shot to his face and then to his throat caused his attacker to cough in pain. Gustavo finished him off. Bullets whizzed by him, nearly hitting him as he ran for cover by the house. “How the hell am I going to get to Elloisa?” he stated out loud as he pulled the A-K 47 rifle off the dead guy on the stairs. He checked the ammo then waited for his chance to sprint for the woods.


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**** Jack and Salvatore had every group ready for their raids. In less than four hours, they would issue the command, and six huge raids would take place in the city and New Jersey. No one was allowed to exit the room. No phone calls were accepted in, and only one call was made out to place the police officers, agents, and investigators into standby mode. It was the biggest covert operation the Drug Enforcement Agency had ever undertaken. If this was successful, it would be historic. Jack and Salvatore were the leaders and developers of it all. Of course their sister had helped immensely. Without her firsthand knowledge and insight, they wouldn’t have located all the facilities, financial supporters, and locations they needed to in order to bust this cartel wide open. **** Elloisa climbed the large, treacherous rocks and finally made her way to the cave. She looked around her, waited and listened to be sure that no one followed her, then she moved the branches and climbed inside. It was cold and dark. She prayed that there weren’t any snakes or other poisonous creatures crawling around in the dark. Immediately, she did as Gustavo had told her. She pulled open the backpack and took out the small locating device. The tiny pin was the size of a pea and in the shape of a small, red heart. Compliments of John Falco, from what Gustavo had told her. She pulled open her shirt and clipped it to the center of her bra. Then she refastened the buttons on her shirt. If for some reason, Gustavo didn’t make it or was held up and she was captured, the DEA would know how to track down her location. She sat there for a while. Then she began to get antsy and concerned for Gustavo. He had been her savior, and she adored him with all her heart. The reality of her emotions was getting the best of

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her as she realized that she loved him. The tears stung her eyes, and she began to fidget. That was when she heard the noise. Someone was coming up the rock wall and making his way to the cave. She closed her eyes and prayed that it was Gustavo. Then she heard the muffled voice. “Elloisa? Help me, I’ve been shot.” It didn’t sound like Gustavo, but then again, he was injured and had been shot. Plus, he knew she was in the cave, even though it was hidden by bushes and stone. “Elloisa, please,” the voice said and she leaned toward the entrance. In an instant, the person jumped through the opening and tackled her to the ground. She screamed and cried as she tried to fight off her attacker. “Worried about your precious agent? No need to—he’s dead,” Avalar stated through clenched teeth. She was shocked that he was here. Why was he coming after her? She began to ask when he struck her across the mouth. “You’re coming with me. You’re going to be my woman now.” “No!” she cried out as she struck at Avalar, repeatedly hitting his arms, his chest, and shoulders. But he was too strong, and he was a trained killer just like the rest of his crew. The sound of three shots rang through the air. He grabbed her by her hair and shoved her toward the entrance to the cave. “Move it,” he ordered, and she hit the dirt. Her face banged against a rock, and she felt the cut to her jaw. The tears stung her eyes, and her insides filled with fear. She was going to die. Just as he emerged, dragging Elloisa along with him, Avalar pressed his face against her cheek and licked her cut. He inhaled against her neck and she cringed in fear. Then she heard the shot, and Avalar immediately released her. Frantic, she looked at him and the bullet hole in his forehead as he fell to the ground.


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Her heart hammered in her chest, and she looked around, expecting Gustavo, but instead she saw a group of six men. Without another thought, she ran over the rocky terrain and deeper into the woods. She pumped her arms and ran in a zigzag pattern as the men shot at her. Their bullets whizzed by her head, causing her to run to the right instead of the left. As she rounded a cluster of bushes and trees, someone grabbed her around the neck in a clothesline move then sent her into a midair spin then onto her back. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t scream for help. They had knocked the wind out of her. As her eyes regained focus and she began to take little breaths, she saw her attacker. Ramos stood over her and placed his boot on her chest so she couldn’t move. He pointed a gun right at her head. The red glow of the laser sat between her eyes. She panted for air and then felt numb. She believed that these were her final moments, and she instantly thought of Gustavo. If only she could have seen him one more time. **** Ramos pulled her up by her shirt, ripping the material with forcefulness. He abruptly turned her around as the six other heavily armed men gathered around her. They each eyed her as if she were a piece of meat. They licked their lips and began to say disgusting things to her in Spanish. She shivered with fear. “Maybe I should just throw you to the dogs and tell Armando that you were killed in the gun battle,” he whispered next to her ear. Then he bit her neck, breaking the skin. Immediately, she cried out and pulled away. Then she heard what sounded like a helicopter somewhere in the distance near the house. Before she could make a run for it, she felt the blow to the back of her head then saw darkness.

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**** Gustavo was nearly out of ammunition as he pushed farther through the woods. He fired upon a group of five men, and they in turn, fired back. He was hit by a bullet in the shoulder, but it was only a flesh wound. He didn’t care about himself. He only cared about getting to Elloisa. The sound of the helicopter told him that Zach and the others had arrived. He sighed in relief but knew this fight wasn’t over yet. He had yet to find the leaders of the two sets of soldiers. His wound oozed with blood, but he trekked farther into the woods. That was when the shot rang out and hit the tree limb next to his head. He hit the dirt as more bullets whizzed by. Another twenty minutes and the sun would begin to rise giving up everyone’s location. He heard more gunfire behind him then made his move, lighting up the area to his right with rapid fire. A few more shots rang out from that location, and then silence filled the air. He got them. He knew they were dead. Quickly, he made it to the rough terrain and to where the cave was hidden. He prayed that he found Elloisa safe and unharmed. But as he approached the rocks, he saw the blood and then a very dead-looking drug dealer. Avalar had been shot in the forehead. He quickly looked inside the cave. Turning on the flashlight, he saw where a scuffle had occurred and also that the bag he left for Elloisa was open. Then outside of the cave, he heard a special whistle and knew that Zach was approaching. He whistled a return signal, and Zach made his way inside. “What the hell went down out there? It’s a damn war zone. There are bodies all over.” Gustavo half paid attention to Zach as he went over the contents of the bag. Elloisa had put the detection device on. Thank God. “Elloisa!” Mathew yelled out her name as he entered the cave. Gustavo caught his gaze and shook his head.


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Mathew hit the wall. “You were supposed to protect her. You said that you would protect her with your life!” he yelled as he lunged for Gustavo. Zach grabbed Mathew before he could punch Gustavo. “Hey. Did you not see how many fucking dead bodies are out there? It was a war zone. Not just a dozen men against Gustavo. There had to be at least fifty men out there,” Zach stated then released Mathew. He sighed and stared at Gustavo. “Do you even know who has her?” Gustavo was silent a moment as he stood up and stared at Mathew and Zach. “Ramos.” Mathew’s eyes widened then he turned around and left the cave. Both men followed him. “Wait, Mathew. You don’t know which way they went.” “I don’t care. They couldn’t have gone far. I’m not going to leave her. I failed her once, and I won’t do it again.” “You won’t fail her again. I know how to find her,” Gustavo stated as the other men approached. In the distance, Gustavo heard sirens and knew that the regular cavalry was on their way. “Call John and have him send someone over here to clean up this mess with the locals.” “That was a helicopter I heard, right?” Gustavo asked Zach. Zach chuckled. “Your chariot awaits, prince.”

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Chapter 18 “Oh my God, Jerry. He’s going to kill her!” Teressa cried out as John Falco explained the latest update on Elloisa. Jerry clenched his teeth as he held his wife in his arms. “Where are Mathew, Gustavo, and the men now?” Jerry asked. “Trying to get to Elloisa. Gustavo was shot but he’s refusing medical attention until Elloisa is safe.” “How are they going to locate Elloisa now? She could be halfway to Mexico in one of Armando’s private jets.” “We have all the airports, both commercial and private, covered. Border patrol is on the lookout as well. Plus we’re about to raid all the locations involved with Armando’s cartel. Jack said that numerous big shots are expected at this one location this morning. Perhaps Armando will show up before he tries to escape the country with Elloisa.” “This is all hearsay and guessing. I want concrete information. I want my daughter back and safe.” “I understand and so does Gustavo. He said that he knows where to find her. I don’t know how he knows but he does. The two of them spent the last few weeks together. He trained her for this situation. They had an escape plan ready and they followed it. No one expected Avalar to come after Elloisa for himself.” “Why would Avalar want Elloisa?” Jerry asked. John looked at Jerry then at Teressa, indicating he didn’t want to show disrespect. “You think he wanted to use her to get to Armando?” Jerry asked.


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“Avalar wanted Elloisa for himself.” Teressa whispered then began to cry as she laid her face against her husband’s chest. That’s when the phone rang. “It’s Salvatore. What’s going on?” he asked, and John explained. “We should meet you and get together with Gustavo and Zach. We want in on this.” “What about the raids?” John asked. “We failed our sister once before. We’re not going to fail her again. Besides, we have all our bases covered. We just received some intel about Philippe, Javaughn, and Demacio Cruz. They’ve arrived at the airport and are en route to the main location. This is gonna go down whether we are in the front lines or we go after Elloisa and Armando.” “It’s your choice, Salvatore. Call Mathew and connect with him. He’ll tell you where he’s at.” John hung up the phone and hoped that they would get to Elloisa in time. **** Elloisa slowly opened her eyes. Her head was throbbing and her vision blurry. She tried to move her hands and realized that they were tied behind her back. Her feet were tied to the chair she sat in so that she couldn’t move. In front of her was concrete and a television screen. She tried looking around her but couldn’t see what was behind her, only what was in her peripheral vision and directly in front. Her chin burned but no longer felt as if it were bleeding. Glancing down, she saw the blood on her shirt from her head wound and also that her shirt was ripped. Past her cleavage, she saw that the heart pin remained in place. Gustavo would find her. She was confident of that.

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The sound of a metal door opening caught her attention, but it was behind her. She had no idea if it was Ramos entering or Armando himself. The tears rolled down her cheeks. She heard the footsteps then sensed the large figure behind her. Immediately, his cologne hit her nostrils, and she gasped just as Armando clutched her hair from behind. He yanked it, causing her head to go back and exposing her throat to his other hand. His dark black eyes held her gaze, and immediately she saw his anger and his hatred toward her. He clicked his tongue and his lips in reprimand then squeezed her head and scalp tighter. She gasped as her chest pushed out, and she leaned back into his hold in hopes of relieving some of the pressure. “You’ve been a naughty girl, Elloisa. Your punishments will be fierce.” He practically growled at her. Then he pressed his other hand over her throat, causing her to push forward, which added additional pain to her head and neck. His hard hand pressed over her collarbone and right to her breasts. She cried out, “Get off of me! Don’t you touch me.” He released his hold on her breast and her hair, abruptly sending her body forward as he moved around to the front of her. As her body bounced back into position on the chair, he struck her across the mouth. “You will obey me or you will be killed.” “I hate you,” she stated with such vehemence that Armando chuckled at her gall. “I’m all you have. You either come back with me to Mexico or die here with the rest of your family.” “They’ll find you and they’ll kill you,” she yelled, and he struck her again, causing pain to radiate across her mouth and cheekbone. Her insides burned with anger and hatred for Armando. “I’d rather die.” “That option is not out of the question.”


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“The agent who has been protecting you is dead. Your parents and your brothers are accessible.” “They’ll find you and they will kill you, Armando. This is over.” “It is not over!” he yelled. Then he picked her up, chair and all, and shook her. He was out of control and an absolute maniac. She cried out in pain from his hold on her. Then he dropped her to the floor as if she were nothing. The chair broke as her shoulder and arm hit the floor. “You have nothing without me. I own you, and you are mine for eternity, remember?” He spoke to her calmly. When she didn’t respond, he gave a kick to her ribs. “Stop it! Stop hurting me.” “Why should I? You tried to kill me.” “If I wanted you dead, I would have killed you, Armando. I just wanted to be free.” “You had your freedom, and now it is time to return to Mexico, our home.” “I have a family.” He smiled then looked at her sideways as she lay on the floor. He flipped open his phone. “Not for long,” he whispered as he made the call. Immediately the television popped on. It took a few seconds for her to see what was on it. The picture showed the outside of the precinct that Jack and Salvatore were in. Then as if on cue, they emerged with a few other men through the front door. “I will kill them, and I will kill your parents if you refuse to come back to Mexico,” he stated firmly. “I won’t go with you. I will never go back.” “Fine. Then their death is on your hands.” “Now,” he stated into the phone, and just then two shots rang out, hitting both Jack and Salvatore. Both of her brothers fell to the ground bleeding. There was chaos, screaming, and yelling as men drew guns out of holsters and looked around for the sniper shot.

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Elloisa cried out. “No! Oh, God, no, Armando!” He spoke into the phone again and the television screen changed. It now showed the outside of DEA Headquarters. “One command, one word, and the building goes up in flames, starting with John Falco’s floor.” She knew he would do it and that he was capable of such evil. She sobbed on the floor. Armando lifted her up and cradled her in his arms. He held her gaze as the tears rolled down her cheeks. “Hug me, Elloisa, and tell me that you are mine and that you are ready to go home.” Images of her brothers being shot filled her mind. He also said that Gustavo was dead. She had to save her parents. They had to survive. “Do you promise not to kill my parents or Mathew?” “I make no promises to you who betrayed my trust and my commitment.” She stared at him a moment, feeling defeated and lost. Her life wasn’t worth living if he killed her family. “They live or I die, whether by your hands or by my own.” He contemplated her words. She practically saw his thoughts. “It is done. Your parents and brother live.” Then he covered her mouth, kissing her. It was obvious that he didn’t care about the pain the kiss caused due to her lips which were cut from him hitting her, and neither did he dislike the taste of blood. He seemed frantic for more of her and then came the knock at the door. He pulled her shirt down as he placed her on her own two feet, holding her against his waist. It was Ramos, and he looked pleased as well as angry. “The brothers are dead. The parents and other brother are accessible. What would you like me to do?”


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“Leave them alone, but send them a message,” Armando stated, and she immediately stared up at him, wondering what he was up to now. “Tell them that their daughter is dead and that it was I who killed her.” Elloisa cried. He was ensuring that they wouldn’t follow them back to Mexico. He was covering all his bases. “And what about the meeting we had scheduled? Do I cancel it all, or do we back down and let Demacio handle it?” Armando looked at his watch. “We have an hour. The meeting is right next door. Let me have some time alone with Elloisa, and then I will meet you and we’ll head over. Call the airport and have them get the jet ready. We’ll leave as soon as the meeting is finished.” Ramos nodded his head then gave Elloisa the evil eye. She wished that she had had the chance to kill him. **** “Officer down! We have two officers down outside the main entrance.” One agent radioed inside as he covered Jack and Salvatore along with a group of other agents. A crowd rushed through the front door, guns aimed and ready to fire as they surrounded the scene. Sirens blared in the distance as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. “Salvatore, are you okay?” “Aside from my brother landing on top of me, I think I’m okay.” “Well, I’m not. I hit my freaking head on the concrete,” Jack replied. “Stay down and pretend you’re unconscious. If they think you’re dead, then they’ll leave,” one of the other agents said. ****

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“Okay, what do we got, Gustavo?” Mathew asked as he, Jerry, John, and a few of the agents watched Gustavo locate Elloisa. The thing started beeping and gave a position. “Okay. It looks like she’s near the building in this area. Where is this street?” Gustavo asked. “Holy shit! That’s right across the street from the warehouse we’re raiding in less than thirty minutes,” Mathew replied as he glanced at his watch. “What do you think?” Jerry asked Gustavo. “I think the narcissistic bastard is going to go through with the meeting before he leaves the country with Elloisa.” “What if he hurt her already? We don’t even know if she’s alive,” John asked. Everyone was silent. “She’s alive,” Gustavo stated confidently. “Gustavo?” Teressa asked as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I know she is. I’m going to get her back to you.” There seemed to be a silent understanding that went through the room. Then Gustavo began to issue orders. “Get on the horn with your brothers and verify this location pronto. I want everything we can get on the location, including blueprints and ventilation systems.” They began to make calls and establish how they would get in and get out of there. John’s cell phone rang. “Hello?” John answered. “Oh, no. Are they alive?” he asked, concerned. They listened as John finished the phone call. He immediately looked at Jerry and Teressa. “Jack and Salvatore were shot coming out of their precinct.” Teressa cried then covered her mouth. “They’re alive. They were wearing bulletproof vests.” “Oh, thank God,” Jerry added as Teressa collapsed into a nearby chair.


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“Armando is going to kill Elloisa. He wants all of us dead,” she cried. “We’re going to continue with our plan of attack. Let’s move on this while we still have a chance,” Gustavo told everyone, and they prepared to leave. **** Elloisa wondered what the hell Armando was up to. He brought her all the way down to the basement of the building and deep into the boiler room. It was loud and smelled really bad down there. It was also very hot as the sweat trickled down her spine underneath her shirt. Gustavo wiped his brow then spoke with Ramos. “The door is all the way on the other side. I want you to grab the car and swing it around to the back of this building. Wait there until you receive my call. We will enter the other building through this doorway, and when I tell you to get ready, you leave here, get Elloisa, and start the car. Wait for me. If anyone looks suspicious, kill them.” “Are we just going to leave her here?” Ramos asked as he took in the sight of Elloisa. Armando looked her over. “I don’t trust bringing her with us. Look what Avalar attempted to do. We’ll tie her up somewhere in the dark back there.” “No, Armando, please don’t do that. I promise to stay quiet.” Armando grabbed Elloisa by the throat and shoved her against the hard pipe. “You will not speak unless I ask you a direct question. Your punishment still awaits you, Elloisa.” He practically snarled at her. ****

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Jack and Salvatore were in communication with all the units. On their command, the raid would begin, and all units were on standby. They had undercover officers monitoring arrivals, and thus far, there had been no departures. “Are we missing anyone?” Jack asked his brother. “No, unless you count Avalar.” “One asshole down and about a dozen more to go,” he replied. “I can’t believe this is going down like this. I would feel a hundred percent better if Elloisa was under our protection and with us.” Salvatore acknowledged his brother’s statement. “She thinks we’re dead, Jack. Man, she must be so scared right now. He’ll control her, and she won’t fight him.” Salvatore stated his concern. “I know. The guys found the video camera and everything right across the street on the roof. He planned the hit. It had nothing to do with the bounty.” “He’ll use our assumed deaths against her, and then he’ll probably threaten to kill Mom and Dad, then Mathew.” “The asshole won’t get a chance. Not with Gustavo and his team. He’ll find her, and we’ll do our part.” Jack looked at his watch before he locked gazes with Salvatore and stated, “Five more minutes.” **** Armando pulled Elloisa to him and kissed her. He grabbed her backside then her breast before shoving her away. “Do as he says or suffer. I’ll be back shortly.” Armando stated, then wiped his mouth and walked away. Ramos stared at her. Her shirt was ripped open, and her jeans were dirty and torn.


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She assumed her cheek and lips were swollen since they throbbed continuously. Flashes of Jack and Salvatore being shot rang through her mind. She felt weak and feared for her parents’ lives. Then she thought about Gustavo, and her belly clenched. He was gone. He had died trying to protect her. Armando was too powerful. She would always be his prisoner, and she would never be free. “Move back.” Ramos commanded as he encroached on her space. Just a few feet farther and she would be in complete darkness. The steam-filled pipes released some smoke, sending a sizzling sound through the air. “I don’t know why he has kept you this long. You couldn’t be that good in bed,” he whispered as he reached for her hair and purposely touched her bruised cheek. She turned away from him. Fear clenched her gut. “Stand still,” he ordered, and she froze in place. He eyed her breasts and licked his lips. Immediately she thought of Rosalie. Ramos was not a man to reckon with. Surely he wouldn’t touch her intimately because of Armando. But Armando wasn’t here, and if Ramos did something to her, she would have no proof. Not that Armando would care at this point. He had yet to issue her punishment for leaving him. Ramos grabbed her neck and hair then pulled her to him. He covered her mouth with his own as she fought him off of her. His hands groped her body, and she again thought about Rosalie and how he abused her then killed her. “Get off of me,” she yelled as she struck him in the face. She kicked and scratched at him until he retaliated. He struck her in the face once, twice, and she could have sworn she saw stars. Her eyes zeroed in on his weapon and she lunged for the gun. He was quicker than she as he took possession, aimed, and fired. He hit her in the shoulder as she scratched her nails across his face.

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As she cried out in pain and fell to the ground, Ramos pulled out the rope and dragged her toward the darkness. He tied her up then covered her mouth so no one would hear her screams. “I should kill you, but Armando wants you alive.” He shoved her head down to the ground then left her there. The pain in her shoulder radiated through her body. She felt her mind drown in thoughts of fear and disappointment. She was going to die or Armando was going to take her back to Mexico. With thoughts of Gustavo and her two brothers being killed, she closed her eyes and wished death upon herself. **** They all heard the shot as Gustavo, Zach, Mathew, and his crew of agents entered the building. Across the way, undercover agents raided the warehouse, inundating it with smoke bombs and rapid fire. A trained stealth fighter, Gustavo searched for Elloisa with Zack and Mathew sweeping every floor. “She’s not in here,” Mathew stated. “She has to be. The signal is weak, but it is indicating that Elloisa is in this building.” “The basement,” Zach stated, and they all headed downstairs. “The back entrances are covered. No one can get in or out of here,” Mathew replied as he followed Gustavo and Zach down the staircase. As they entered the basement they head a scuffle and saw movement. “There!” Zack whispered into his receiver. Mathew was closest and moved in to capture the person running. The individual turned and fired a gun at him. He fired back, hitting the person in the chest. Mathew and two other agents ran forward and identified the person.


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Mathew spoke into his headset. “I got Ramos. He’s dead.” Gustavo and Zach slowly made their way deeper into the basement and boiler room. It was hot and steamy in there. “Did you hear that?” Zach asked as they both paused. “A door slammed closed. I hear running,” Gustavo replied as they squatted down low. “There.” Gustavo pointed to a person running farther into the darkness. **** “Get up. Get up now.” Armando growled at Elloisa as he undid her bindings and pulled her to her feet. She immediately fell back down to the floor and cried out in pain. “What is wrong with you? He yanked her by her hair and pulled her into the light. “Ramos shot me,” she whispered. Elloisa felt herself losing consciousness. Her body ached, and the blood oozed from her shoulder. He shoved the gun against her ribs. “Move now or die here.” “Die here,” she whispered, and Armando grabbed her hair and began to drag her through the basement. She screamed and cried out in pain. “Freeze!” someone yelled, and Armando shot his gun. Two more shots rang out then Armando fell to the ground. Elloisa was hysterical as she lay on the ground unable to move. “Elloisa! Oh, God, Elloisa!” Gustavo yelled as he fell to the floor on his knees and looked her over. “I’m in heaven.” “No, you’re not. You’re alive.” “But you’re dead.” He chuckled as he caressed her hair out of her face and smiled.

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“Armando lied, Elloisa. I’m alive, and so is your family.” She swallowed hard then saw Gustavo’s image disappear. **** “I think she passed out,” Zach stated as he stood above Gustavo. “We need an ambulance,” Gustavo told them. “Already called it in,” Mathew yelled as he appeared behind them. He fell to the floor and looked at his sister. “She was shot in the shoulder. It looks like a flesh wound,” Gustavo informed Mathew. “She looks pretty beaten up to me. Thank God you got to her in time.” “The raid is still going on. Let’s get her outside. We can leave this piece of crap right where he is,” Zach added as Gustavo and Mathew looked at a dead Armando Santorez. It was Gustavo that picked up Elloisa and carried her out of the building.


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Epilogue It had been two weeks since Elloisa had been released from the hospital. Her shoulder was healing, and she no longer needed the arm sling. She absorbed the rays of the sun as she sat on a bench near the gardens outside her parents’ home. Guests continued to arrive for the family barbeque, and the aroma of food filled the air. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful time. There was no more danger, and Elloisa was safe. She inhaled the smell of roses as she thought about Gustavo for the umpteenth time in weeks. Once he ensured that she would recover from her injuries completely, he left the hospital and hadn’t returned. Her brothers told her that John said that Gustavo was called into another mission. It hurt her inside to think that he could leave so easily and without saying good-bye. Had their time in Lake Luzerne meant nothing? Half the time she found herself cursing him out. The other half of the time she cried herself to sleep thinking about him and worrying that she would never see him again. She smiled at the little kids running in the yard. The sounds of their laughter made her smile as she rubbed her small belly. In seven months, she would officially be a mom. The tears stung her eyes as she thought about Gustavo again. Would the baby look like him? Her fantasy of somehow having a family and a husband who loved her disintegrated with every day that passed without word from Gustavo. He obviously didn’t love her, or he would have said good-bye. The sound of a Mexican love song filled the air as the small band entertained the guests.

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“This song goes out to Señorita Elloisa from her soldado,” the band leader stated, and Elloisa immediately turned around, hoping to see Gustavo. Her parents stood near the patio with numerous guests and her brothers. They smiled at her, and she gave a small smile back. Did she imagine the dedication? Had she officially lost her mind? “May I have this dance?” Elloisa felt as if her heart dropped in her chest and hit her belly. She turned to find a handsome and very well-dressed Gustavo standing before her. She had to fight the urge to jump into his arms. She played coy as she crossed her legs and then her arms in front of her chest. “Do I know you?” she asked him as she eyed him from head to toe. Her insides quivered with desire as she absorbed his body. The white button-down shirt accentuated his muscular, tan chest. His big brown eyes shown with specks of green against his very tan complexion, indicating that he had spent some time in the sun. Had he been with someone? A jealous feeling filled her gut. “Sí, Señorita, you know me well. We have met before, or did you forget?” He smiled at her then placed his hands on his hips. “Perhaps,” she replied as he reached his hand to her again. “May I please have this dance?” She took his hand and rose from the bench. The music played in the background as Gustavo pulled her close and inhaled against her hair. “I’ve missed you, Elloisa.” “Where did you go? Why didn’t you tell me?” “I had one last mission to go on.” “What do you mean one last mission?” she asked, pulling back from him so she could see his eyes. “I changed my position in the agency. Chose something a bit less dangerous.” “Why? You love your work.”


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“Things have changed, my Señorita. I want more.” “Like what? I don’t understand.” “Like you. I love you, Elloisa, and I want you to marry me.” She felt the tears reach her eyes as she smiled at Gustavo. “Are you proposing marriage to me?” He seemed to read her mind as he slowly knelt down on the grass in front of her. “Elloisa Givani, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?” “Yes,” she replied, and he lifted her up in the air as the guests around them cheered. He held her to him and they kissed. When he finally released her lips, they smiled at one another. “No more missions?” she asked. “No more missions, Elloisa.” “You will always be my Soldado Gus.” “And you will always be my Princesa Española.” He pulled her closer against him as they danced to the music. She loved the feel of his strong arms around her. He would always be her love and her protector. “How is the shoulder?” he asked with seriousness. “Still a little sore but getting better.” “How about the bruised ribs?” he asked as he gently caressed them with his strong hands. She giggled as she felt him tickle her. “What’s with all the questions?” she teased him. “I just want to make sure you’re recovered from your injuries. We’ve got some things to work on.” “Like what?” “Like a family.” She felt her cheeks warm at his statement. “I love you, and I want to marry you, have a family, and live happily ever after like characters in some corny novel.”

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“In that order?” she teased him. “Well, I think we can start working on babies tonight,” he teased. “I think we have that covered.” He raised his eyebrows at her, not understanding what she meant. Elloisa took Gustavo’s hand and placed it over her belly. “One baby on the way and then one wedding to plan.” “Really?” he asked as his smile lit up his entire face. “Really,” she replied, and he kissed her before he lifted her up and twirled her around in a circle.

THE END WWW.LAURAMARIEHENION.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Laura Marie is an imaginative dynamic author of suspense and romance fiction. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America. She has obtained many of her ideas and accurate information from family members, friends and law enforcement personnel. She has always had an interest in the law enforcement field and enjoys creative writing. As a young adult, she created short stories and poetry to share with her family and friends. Laura integrated her creative writing skills in her professional career as both a sales center manager and a social worker. Laura is also the office manager for her husband's business and a Mom of three. She loves working with people and believes this stems from both her Bachelors Degree in Social Work as well as her strong, law enforcement family background. These factors add to the authenticity of her stories and the true to life qualities of her characters.

Also by Laura Marie The Miss Series 1: Miss: Never Gonna Love Again

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

www.BookStrand.com

Miss- Senorita and the Soldado

Miss- Senorita and the Soldado

Miss- Senorita and the Soldado