Ruthless Savior: A Captive Series Standalone

by Julia Sykes

  I wouldn’t have to take any unpleasant measures with them to ensure her happiness.

  That fucker, Gehovany, was another matter. Unpleasant didn’t even begin to cover what I intended to do to him before I finally allowed him to die.

  He couldn’t threaten Marisol’s family if he was dead. He couldn’t force her to stay separated from them if I ripped him to pieces and left his bones scattered in the jungle.

  With my contacts in the cartel, I’d managed to obtain information on where the bastard was hiding. He’d joined Los Zetas, a particularly volatile cartel that terrorized the region around Marisol’s hometown. They weren’t a direct rival of our operation in this area, but slaughtering one of their members would’ve raised tensions.

  Fortunately for me, Stefano Duarte was cunning enough to make even the most impossible deals happen. I didn’t know how he’d managed it, but he’d arranged for me to carry out my vendetta without any blowback on our cartel. No one would stop me from utterly eviscerating Gehovany.

  I owed Stefano another favor, but I would gladly pay any price to reunite the woman I loved with her family.

  Carmen’s attachment to Marisol had helped my cause. Once my little lamb had convinced her fiercely protective friend that she wanted to be with me, Carmen had thrown her full support behind my plan to eliminate Gehovany. I suspected Stefano’s commitment to making these arrangements had a great deal to do with his queen’s insistence.

  That might lessen my debt, but it didn’t matter what Stefano would ask of me in the future.

  For Marisol, I’d do anything.

  By the time we’d driven deep enough into town that the houses grew closer together, her face was so close to the window that her nose almost pressed against it.

  “Turn left ahead. Two streets up.” Her voice quavered with something between excitement and trepidation.

  “They are going to be so happy to see you.” I squeezed her hand one more time and followed her directions.

  We hadn’t called to give them advance warning of our arrival, just in case word reached Gehovany before I could get here to protect her family. Marisol’s sudden return would be a shock, but a good one.

  I hoped.

  “That’s it.” She pointed a trembling finger up the block. “The pink house on the right.”

  I eased the SUV to a stop on the small, cracked concrete pad that served as the parking space directly in front of the tiny house. The simple, blocky construction of the single-story home would’ve been devoid of character were it not for the dusky pink paint that’d been liberally applied over the brick frontage. It was fading and peeling around the single window and the front door; signs of recent neglect.

  From what Marisol had told me about her father’s unrelenting work ethic and her mother’s obsessive cleaning regimen, the slight disrepair indicated that the house had withered without her presence.

  I looked over at her, but her wide-eyed stare was fixed on the house.

  “Are you ready, corderita?” I asked gently, careful not to impose any directive. I’d give her all the time she needed to prepare herself, even if we had to sit out here all day.

  Before she could respond, the lace curtain that covered the single window twitched aside, and a familiar face peeked out at us. Gabriela was Marisol in miniature, and I imagined her sister was nearly an exact copy of how she’d looked at the age of sixteen.

  Something between a whimper and a moan of longing sounded in the back of Marisol’s throat, and she suddenly jumped out of the car. She reached the house in three bounding strides, but before she could knock on the front door, it flew open. Gabriela’s slight body barreled into hers, the two sisters colliding in a tangle of grasping arms.

  “Marisol!” Gabriela sobbed her name over and over again, clinging to her as though she might disappear if she loosened her grip.

  “I’m home, I’m home…” Marisol’s litany was a reassurance to her sister and to herself, a desperate promise that this was real.

  They remained locked in their fierce hug for a long time, crying in pain and joy until their limbs were shaking and their voices went hoarse.

  I lingered by the SUV, feeling like an intruder. My muscles tensed with the impulse to leave and give them privacy, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from the scene. The deep bond the sisters shared was unlike anything I’d ever seen; unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Witnessing their reunion made my heart pulse hard enough to bruise against my ribcage. I wanted to walk away and separate myself from the strange anguish, but I was transfixed by the shocking display of unconditional love.

  Finally, Gabriela drew back just far enough to look into Marisol’s puffy, red-rimmed eyes.

  “I can’t believe you’re here. I was so worried. I thought you might be…” A fresh sob hitched in her throat. “Why did you leave us, Marisol?”

  The strain in her tone conveyed the harsher words she left unspoken: How could you leave us?

  Marisol’s arms tightened around her sister’s shoulders, as though terrified that she might pull away. “It was the only way I could protect you. Gehovany would’ve come back for me. He would’ve done anything to get to me. After what he did to Mamá…” A shudder wracked her chest, and her delicate features twisted with raw grief. “I couldn’t let that happen to you. None of you will be hurt because of me. Never again.”

  “But you’re back now?” Gabriela’s tone lilted with hope. “You won’t leave again? We will do anything to protect you, Marisol. We’ll do anything to keep you at home, where you belong.”

  My jaw ticked with a flare of savage possessiveness.

  My house was Marisol’s home now. Her family couldn’t keep her here. They couldn’t take her from me.

  I forced down a calming breath and rolled my shoulders, trying to throw off the flash of jealous rage. Marisol didn’t need another dangerous man in her life who would try to forcibly take her from her loved ones.

  She loves me, I reminded myself. She’s chosen me.

  But the tension didn’t fully ease from my body until her chocolate eyes returned to mine. Her rosebud lips spread in a watery smile, and she held out her hand, inviting me to join them.

  “Gabriela, this is Raúl. He’s made it possible for me to come back to you.” Her beautiful face radiated her pride and love for me. “He’s made everything possible.”

  I glanced at Gabriela as I carefully took Marisol’s hand in mine, fearing that her sister might cringe away from me on instinct.

  Shock tore through me when she grabbed my free hand with what I was sure was her full strength. “Thank you.”

  I couldn’t do more than blink down at her in stunned silence. This slip of a girl didn’t know anything about me. Most men—merciless killers—avoided making eye contact with me, fearing my vicious focus.

  But Gabriela stared up at me with wide, almost worshipful eyes; like I was some kind of fucking hero.

  My heart swelled in my chest, and I grew taller in the glow of her grateful gaze.

  “Let’s go inside, and I’ll explain everything,” Marisol urged.

  A delighted laugh burst from Gabriela’s lips. “Oh, Papá and Mario are going to be so thrilled when they get home! Papá took him to the shop with him today, saying it’s never too early to instill a strong work ethic. They should be back in an hour or so. We can talk in the garden until they arrive.”

  She practically skipped into the house, dragging her big sister along with a crushing grip on her hand.

  Marisol shot an apologetic smile at me over her shoulder and waved for me to follow.

  Of course, we’d already agreed that we wouldn’t explain everything to her family. She didn’t want them to know the horrors she’d endured on her agonizing journey, and neither of us wanted them to know about my involvement in the cartel.

  We’d decided to keep things as vague as possible. We would truthfully say that she hadn’t been able to cross the US border, and we would divulge that I’d saved her during the thief’s
attack in Juárez. After that, the glossed-over version of our relationship would share the fact that I took her to my home outside Mexico City and gave her a safe place to live.

  I was particularly keen to inform them that we’d fallen in love, and now, Marisol was staying with me forever.

  In my home. In my bed.

  All mine.

  I shook off the possessive thoughts before my worst impulses could overwhelm me. More than anything, I wanted my little lamb to be blissfully happy, and reuniting her with her family was the most valuable gift I could ever give her.

  When we stepped over the threshold, the small living room immediately felt too cramped with the three of us taking up space. I edged into the narrow, galley kitchen to give the sisters some breathing room.

  As soon as I stepped away from Marisol, her joyous laughter died, and ominous silence settled over the room like a dense fog.

  Her glow dimmed, and her beautiful face twisted in agony. I noted the direction of her gaze: a garish, multicolored rug that covered the hardwood floor. Her eyes were wide with horror, staring at something that I couldn’t see.

  Gabriela stared at the spot, too, and she hugged her arms tight around her middle.

  Immediately, I understood. This was where their mother had died. Where Gehovany had murdered her.

  I was at Marisol’s side in an instant, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her tight to my chest. She buried her face in my shirt, muffling a soft sob. Her shoulders shook violently, and I felt each of her gasping breaths like a punch to my gut.

  I jolted when another pair of slender arms closed around her from behind, but they didn’t attempt to pull her away from me.

  Gabriela’s small hands extended far enough for her fingertips to brush my shoulders, including me in her embrace.

  My heart stuttered, and something burned behind my eyes. I blinked rapidly to clear it away, but I made no move to extricate myself from the hug. With the added comfort from her little sister, Marisol’s breaths had slowed to a more regular rhythm, and her shaking receded to an intermittent tremor.

  “I’m glad you’re here with me, Raúl,” she said thickly. “I…I needed this. I didn’t know how much I needed it until just now. Thank you.”

  She turned slowly, gently breaking up the hug, so she could face her sister. “And thank you, Gabriela. Thank you for forgiving me. For welcoming me home after…” Her throat tightened too much for her to speak.

  Gabriela swiped a shaky hand over her eyes, clearing away her tears. “You will always be welcome here. We want you at home with us. I love you.” A watery laugh bubbled from her chest, a resurgence of her earlier joy. “I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m so happy I could burst.” Her dark eyes flicked to me. “And I’m happy you’re here, Raúl. You brought my sister back to me.”

  She turned a grin on Marisol and linked their arms. “Come on,” she urged, tugging Marisol toward the kitchen. “Let’s all sit down, and you can tell me everything that’s happened.”

  I turned to watch them wedge themselves into the tiny kitchen, but I didn’t follow; there wasn’t space for me. As they bustled around—gathering drinks and snacks as though this was just another day in their normal routine—I took a few minutes to study my surroundings.

  Marisol had told me her home was small but full of love. The house completely lived up to her description. Each room was made distinct by its own unique, almost aggressively cheery paint color. The living room was tangerine, and the two matchbox bedrooms I glimpsed through open doors practically glowed in sunflower yellow and verdant green. Even the tiny bathroom was bright blue.

  The overall effect was a bit jarring, but Marisol appeared utterly serene as she floated around the apple red kitchen. I made a mental note to ask her if she might want to make a few changes in my house. I’d always favored my austere décor, without frills or pretense. But it was her home, too. I wanted it to be ours. Together.

  She approached me with an oversized tray in hand, balancing three glasses and a pitcher of agua fresca. Without thinking, I took it from her and tipped my chin, indicating that she should lead the way.

  Gabriela’s soft sigh caught my attention, and I noticed that she was looking at the tray in my hands and at Marisol’s devoted smile.

  My own lips curved with satisfaction, and I stood a little taller. I liked that her sister approved of me. So far, this reunion was going better than I ever could’ve hoped. I’d anticipated her family’s joy at seeing her, but I’d never imagined that any of them would welcome me.

  For the first time in my life, I was getting a glimpse at what a loving family looked like. Watching the sisters interact, their deep bond was evident in their every movement—from the easy affection the offered one another to their shared mannerisms.

  Gabriela hadn’t cringed away from me. She hadn’t seen a monster looming behind her beloved big sister. She’d seen a good man; a man who would do absolutely anything to ensure Marisol’s complete happiness.

  It might take time, but I will never stop showing you who you really are, Raúl. I will never stop seeing the goodness in you. One day, you’ll see it too.

  From the very beginning, what I’d wanted most was to protect Marisol. I’d been ruthless and fiercely possessive, but I’d never hurt her. I cherished her and provided for her. I always would.

  You are not evil. My new truth rang through my mind in Marisol’s fervent voice.

  Maybe evil wasn’t in my blood. Maybe I could give her everything she wanted, including children.

  Our children. Our family.

  Her luminous smile warmed me like sunlight, bright enough to reach even the darkest corners of my heart.

  Yes, I wanted a future with this perfect woman. I wanted a family of our own.

  I wanted it all.

  Chapter 25

  Marisol

  I settled back in the rigid, metal chair with a blissful sigh, feeling as though I was floating on a cloud. Gabriela was showing Raúl around our back garden while I lounged in the shade beneath the modest, rough-hewn gazebo I’d helped my father build when I was barely eleven years old. Our house was located in a less affluent neighborhood on the outskirts of town, but that meant we had a lush patch of green space in the backyard.

  Raúl followed my little sister around the garden, listening to her gush over each precious bloom on every bush and stem. His intermittent hums of appreciation and approving grunts floated through the warm air like the most beautiful music, and Gabriela practically glowed at his genuine interest in her enthusiasm.

  “Raúl has his own garden at home,” I supplied when they neared the end of her tour. My taciturn savior would never boast about his home, but I was more than happy to express my pride in him.

  Gabriela turned to him with an almost worshipful gaze. “You do?”

  I loved seeing the way his massive body swelled with satisfaction under her obvious awe of him. A small, pleased smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he simply nodded rather than offering a verbal reply.

  “It’s a vegetable garden,” I continued. “Raúl provides what we need for nearly every meal, and he’s particularly skilled at growing a wide variety of chili plants. He makes his own hot sauce.”

  Gabriela’s eyes widened to saucers. “Wow. You cook, too?”

  He let out a rueful chuckle and shook his head. “No, Marisol saved me from myself when it comes to cooking. I just provide the ingredients.”

  Before he could deflect the praise, I made sure to let my sister know how incredible this protective, nurturing man was. “When I told him about our family florist, he surprised me with a huge order of flowers the very next day,” I gushed. “Dahlias, gladioli, roses… They’re so beautiful and perfect.” I stood to brush a kiss over his cheek. “You’re so good to me. I love you, Raúl.”

  I made the declaration just as much for his benefit as Gabriela’s. I wanted my family to know how well Raúl treated me, and how much we loved each other. I wanted them to
be happy knowing that we were together.

  More than anything, I longed for my father’s blessing. I was thrilled to be home, but I would have to gently break the news that I intended to live with Raúl permanently. I couldn’t bear it if my father disapproved. I couldn’t hurt him like that again.

  As though summoned by my thoughts, my father’s voice called out from inside the house. “Gabriela?”

  Like the sensation of jumping off a cliff, my stomach dropped with an equal mix of thrill and fear. My sweet little sister had welcomed me home with open arms. What if my father felt differently? He’d loved my mother so much, and I was the reason she’d been taken from him forever.

  “We’re out here!” Gabriela called, her voice soaring with unmitigated joy.

  Papá appeared at the back door, with Mario’s tiny hand caught firm in his grasp. The achingly familiar sight of the weather-beaten, craggy face of the man who’d raised me with his own brand of stern love made my breath harden to stone in my lungs.

  He froze in the open threshold, his jaw hanging open to reveal his slightly crooked bottom teeth. His shocked silence seemed to last an eternity, and my chest began to burn from my inability to draw in oxygen.

  Marisol. His lips shaped around my name, but no sound came out.

  Faster than I could blink, his stocky frame barreled into me, and his sinewy arms closed around my back to crush me against his chest. He buried his face in my hair, and his entire body shuddered on wracking sobs.

  “Mija…” He held me as though I was a miracle, a fantastical presence that was too wonderous to be real.

  My own throat was too ravaged and sore to manage any more sobs, but tears flowed down my cheeks in rivers of joy and pain. “Papá. I’m here. I’m home.”

  After a long while, he pulled back just far enough to drink in the sight of my face, and I studied his familiar features with matching desperation, re-memorizing each deep wrinkle around his shining eyes and grinning lips.

  “How?” he breathed, awestruck. “How are you here? I thought…”