Page 44 of Temptation and Treachery
“Too bad,” Leonard blustered.
Celeste stared at her brother in shock, all color leaving her face. Rio studied the pair. Ayala was lighter skinned and tall, so his children had to have different mothers. According to the records, Celeste was half German, her mother a model, while Leonard was darker-skinned and stocky.
Leonard leaned in like a demented lover ready to drop a kiss on her temple. “So, who’s this?” he asked her, without taking his eyes from Rio.
Celeste arched away, but Leonard dug his fingers into her arm.
Rio fought down the anger threatening to surface. He had to keep his cool. Hostage taking could turn messy, and he wasn’t a negotiator. But he could read the guy well enough to know someone was going to die today. It was up to him to make damn sure it wasn’t Celeste.
“Leonard Bello,” Gatlin jumped in on the comm, “owns a U.S. Custom Broker’s office at the border. Legit business. Previously owned by Ayala’s father.” There was the link. But if he was licensed by U.S. Customs to do import/export, he couldn’t have a record. So, who was he? “He’s in the background of one of Snow White’s pictures. Christmas…three years ago, I think. Ski lodge in Aspen.”
…
“Vic-toria.” Leonard aimed the gun at her foot. “Don’t make me ask you again,” he said in a demented whisper that made her skin crawl.
Celeste curled her toes in, trying to make her foot a smaller target. Her hair whipped across her face, covering her eyes. Tears fell freely as she silently begged Rio for understanding. I’m sorry, she mouthed, her lip quivering. He gave her a slight nod, adjusting his index finger as he glanced toward Oz and the guard. Guard… She couldn’t give up Rio’s real identity, but he’d make a great protector. It may be a useless lie, but at least she didn’t identify him as ICE. “Rio,” she said, taking a leap of faith, “he’s…one of father’s men.” She stared at Oz, willing him to play along. He would either back her up or not.
“No.” He shook his head vigorously. “I don’t think so.” But the possibility seemed to throw him off his stride. He cocked his head, glaring at Rio, giving him a thorough sweep, from head to toe. “He’s not giving Victor a second look.” He pressed his mouth against her ear. “He’s here for you, little sister.”
“I hired her a bodyguard,” Oz confirmed, and she almost melted in relief. He turned, dismissing the gun pointed at his head. “And he won’t hesitate to kill you, son. Just put the gun down and we can all walk away.”
“She’s not going anywhere.”
“I’ve been watching you, Leonard.” Rio assured him. “All the way back to Aspen. The going back and forth, chasing after your father’s approval.” He gave Leonard a look of derision. “Manning the office in El Paso.”
Leonard’s hold tightened on her arm. “You fucking bassstard.” Spittle landed on her shoulder as he shook with anger. “What is it about you and your whore mother that he can’t get over? You and her. You and her, it’s all he ever cared about. I called him, and he didn’t answer for A WEEK.” He pulled the muzzle from her cheek, emphasizing his word. “But did he show up? Noooo. Not until he learned his precious daugh-ter was in trouble.” The cold metal pushed against her ribs. “She always came first then—”
“This has nothing to do with her. Just put the gu—”
“It has everything to do with her.” He pulled the gun from her side, as he raged on over her shoulder. “You chose her. And left us to live like dogs.”
“That’s not true,” Oz denied, disconcerted.
“Yes, it is!” He sucked in a breath. “Is she even yours? Look at her. She looked like a fucking corpse. Even getting color she doesn’t look like you,” he said with derision. “You still gave her your name.” Leonard’s voice broke with the ragged emotion. “What about me? I’m your son.” He swung the revolver around like a pointer. “Your eldest son. And you named me Leonard.” He spat the name, as if it left a bad taste in his mouth.
Even though she couldn’t see Leonard, Rio’s hard gaze and darting glances said things were bad. He stopped, holding her gaze for a moment. The corners of his lips lost the hard edge in a brief expression of regret. Her heart broke all over again. There was only one way this would end. And it was all her fault.
Rio eyed the asphalt between them, then came back to her. He repeated the steps and she understood he wanted her to hit the pavement. She sniffed, blinking away her tears, and gave a small nod. Hopefully, he’d understand. Rio set his jaw, giving his target his full attention as Leonard’s verbal vomit continued.
“Why should this bitch get what’s rightfully mine?”
“You’re both my children.”
“Fuck you. I work my ass off every day dealing with legal importers.” He mashed the gun to Celeste’s cheek. “I had to study for the custom’s exam. I had to get cleared by the U.S. government. I had to bring in customers and deal with employees.” He shook her hard enough that her ankle twisted under her. “And I have to give her half the profits. She’s done nothing.”
Celeste gasped, her tears starting again. Oz had always said Leonard was a figurehead for the company. His license kept the office open, but he had employees doing the work. Had he lied? Why?
Oz shoved the driver, breaking free, then turned to her with determination. The guard rebounded, kicking at Oz’s leg. He went down on his knees as tires screeched in the distance. “I’ll kill you, old man.” The guard’s face twisted into an evil display.
“Then I’ll wait for you in hell,” Oz said in defiance.
“Nooooooo.” Leonard rounded on the guard, the gun stretched out in his hand. “Not until he pays for what he’s done. He has to watch his precious daughter die.”
Celeste pressed her eyes shut as a fierce wave of anger crashed into her. She couldn’t let Leonard kill her, because the baby would die with her. She took in her surroundings, much like Gatlin had taught her. Guard watched Leonard. Oz watched Leonard. Leonard pointed gun at guard. She braced her arm then drove her elbow into Leonard’s ribs with all her might. His grip broke loose. She threw herself on the ground where Rio had pointed and all hell broke loose.
…
Rio pushed off, his legs pumping like never before.
