Page 55 of Great White
“Palomita, I must consider everyone in this equation. And what is best for our business.”
“That’s right, Stef,ourbusiness. I have a say, too.”
“Yes, you do. And you know I listen. But I don’t want harm to come to anyone if it can be avoided. That was not our way, remember?”
“I’m willing to revamp our business model.”
Stefania smiles weakly at Dove. “I know you will do anything to protect me and this business. And I would do the same.”
“Then, fight for it.”
“I’m fighting for a lot of things.” Stefania sounds tired. “I’m going to stay with Marco from now on. If you need me, you can find me at his place,” she announces, which doesn’t bode well for Dove’s argument. She lost this battle. But she’s still fighting the war. Dove breathes raggedly with me still holding her arms. I press her against my body, willing her to relax.
“You are making a huge mistake,” Dove warns forebodingly.
“Decisions made from the heart are never a mistake.” Stefania takes Marco’s hand. The anger is literally cooking Dove’s skin. If she doesn’t calm down, I’m afraid she’ll have a heart attack.
“Relajate,” I whisper in her ear.
She rumbles like a growling dog at me.
“Guapo, thank you for looking after me when I needed it.” Stefania touches my flexing arm. “Look after her now.”
“I can take care of myself.” Dove’s voice is low and menacing.
“We know,Palomita. You know how to find me.”
Dove turns her head away from Stefania, but Stefania won’t leave on bad terms. She whispers something in Dove’s ear, and she simmers down just a touch.
Stefania shoots me one last look before leading Marco away. He doesn’t deny me a parting look of his own. It communicates that I will never put my hands on Stefania again as long as he is alive.
Sucks for my operation, not for my body or my heart, though. The trade is worth it. I have who I want. And so does she.
Once Stef and Marco are gone, Dove releases a monstrous breath.
“Better?” I ask.
“No.” She’s still hostile.
“Want to talk about it?”
“No.” She shuts me out. If there is one maddening thing about Dove, it’s her ability to shut down in a nanosecond.
“You need to relax.” I stand directly in front of her and rub her arms.
“I need to kill Raffi.”
“You need to back it up fifty steps. You can’t go around picking off the heads of cartel leaders.”
“Why not?”
“It’s a suicide mission.”
“So what?”
“Stop it.” I shake her, and her eyes widen with an array of emotions. “I’m sorry.” I drop my hands. “I didn’t mean to trigger you. I just can’t hear you say things like that.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, fighting to keep my cool.
“It’s fine.” Dove’s voice is soft. “I’m not fragile. And I’m not that scared girl anymore. It’s going to take more than a little shake to spook me.”
