“I know, and we can prove the two of them for sure, but I’m not having you sit through a trial to determine you killed Ortiz in self-defense. So ... you gotta answer one question for me.”
“What?” I ask, drowning in those pools of light green.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes. Absolutely,” I reply without hesitation.
“Good, because I’m not gonna sit around and wait for them to finally connect Reyes to the murders instead. We’re gonna free you from all of this, and we’re starting a brand-new life. Don’t worry, you’re gonna love the ocean breeze and picking pineapples out of our yard.”
My brain puts together what he’s saying.He’s going to fake my death and erase me ... and we’re running away to a tropical paradise.Maybe another girl would have questions, but after everything we’ve been through, my answer is simple.
“How soon do we leave?”
I can tell by the smile on his face that my answer is everything he needed.
“As soon as you’re healed up, mama. I’ve got your girls coming back from the beach right now. Trey set up an online scheduling program for them, and they’ve been letting all the clients know.”
Appreciation fills me. “Thank you. Thank you so much for taking care of them. The house ...”
“It’s already been cleaned by a crew. The girls will never see anything.”
I get quiet, thinking about things that will never be the same, and say a silent prayer for Desiree.
“I want Taylor to have the house now. Free and clear. Desiree’s girls can stay for a couple of months while they make other arrangements, but Taylor has always wanted to turn it into a spa.” I laugh quietly and shake my head. “I think she’s a little crazy, thinking a whorehouse can become something else, but I’m willing to let her try.”
“Mama, anyone and anything can change. All it takes is a decision. You tell me how you want it done, and I’ll get someone working on it.”
“Thank you,” I tell him, not sure I could love him more than I do right now.
“Good to see you awake.”
Mount’s voice comes from the doorway, interrupting our moment, and my entire body tenses.
I cost him. Him and Keira. They invited us into their home, and I brought Reyes to them.
The guilt of that weighs on my soul.
I meet his black gaze and speak from the heart. “I’m sorry, Mount. I’m so sorry for bringing this to your home and for what it cost you. I wish I could make it right, but I can’t. I’m so sorry.”
Moses tenses beside me, as though he’s ready to jump between me and the king if he says something Moses doesn’t want me to hear. But I can take it.
Mount’s expression stays even and calm. “Whatever guilt you’re carrying because of this—let it go.”
My head jerks back against the pillow. “But you ...” I start and trail off before I can even form a complete sentence.
Mount steps farther into the room. “I would’ve handed the pope over to Hannibal Lecter if it meant getting Aurora back. It wasn’t personal. And you can’t be held responsible for what Reyes did. You were swept up into something that had nothing to do with you. You’ve got no fault in this.”
“What do you mean? I killed his brother.”
“This was all caused by a cheating husband and a scorned wife. They’re responsible for every drop of blood Reyes spilled. And when I find Alberto Brandon, he’s going to pay the consequences for what he caused. In fact, I was just walking out a friend of yours who is going to find him for me. He was particularly motivated when he learned how Brandon’s actions affected you.”
“A friend?” I’m blanking.
“I believe you played chess together.”
My gaze cuts to Moses as I realize Mount is talking about Rhodes—who Moses met at the club under less-than-ideal circumstances, but he doesn’t look remotely affected by the information.
“It’s okay, mama. It doesn’t bother me none. This Rhodes dude seems like he might be useful in the future. Probably could’ve used his help before.”