Chapter 5

Zeldric

I glance at the computer screen while taking small puffs from my cigar, pretending to listen to what Lagos says. The image of Jenkins coming out of the bathroom with only a towel covering her body completely captures my attention. She hasn’t left her room in two days except to check on the injured, but I haven’t lost sight of her for a second—like the fucking obsessive stalker that I am. Our bedrooms are the only places in the house without cameras; the rest is monitored down to the last detail, and luckily, she hasn’t noticed yet. I’m sure she would have smashed them to pieces if she had.

I pause with the cigar halfway to my mouth when I see on the screen how she loosens her grip on the towel covering her breasts. Damn, I want to storm into that room and take her right now. This is driving me insane.

“Zeldric!” I shake my head and force myself to look at my second-in-command. Lagos isn’t the only one in the office with me. Gambo and Oscar stand beside him, and Luna, as always, has made herself comfortable on the couch. “Did you hear anything I just said?”

I clear my throat and nod before turning off the screen and taking another drag from my cigar.

“The merchandise we stole from Urriaga is safe and ready for distribution. I don’t think there’s anything more important than that, am I wrong?”

“They’re furious,” he says, pushing his glasses up his nose with his index finger. “Alex has been trying to hunt down some of our men. We also have the police on our backs. The deaths of those officers aren’t helping us stay under the radar.”

My gaze shifts to Gambo and Oscar. They’re responsible for that mess.

“It was them or us, Zeldric,” Oscar justifies himself. “They weren’t going to let us take Beni and the medic without a fight.”

Gambo nods to confirm his partner’s words and takes a step forward. If Oscar had acted alone, I’d find it hard to believe he didn’t kill those officers in one of his fits or just for the thrill of it.

“Speaking of the medic… Jenkins?” I nod. I don’t want them calling her by her first name. Mine. How fitting. I laugh internally and continue listening to Gambo. “What are we going to do with her once Beni recovers? I know you gave your word that we wouldn’t kill her, but if you permit us to have some fun with her for a while…” The way he smirks and moves his hips obscenely immediately tells me what he means. “That woman is a feast. Are you going to share her with the rest of us?”

I rise to my feet slowly, outwardly calm, though I’m boiling with rage inside. If Gambo—or anyone in this room—thinks they can lay a hand on her, they’ll have to deal with me first. Lagos steps forward, sensing my shift in mood, and starts to say something, but I silence him with a gesture.

“Are you suggesting we make some kind of list or queue to rape her?” I asked, locking eyes with him.

“Rape is a strong word, brother. We just give her something to calm her down and then…”

“Gambo, you should shut the fuck up,” Oscar hisses, elbowing his friend in the stomach.

I round the desk under everyone’s watchful eyes and walk toward Gambo.

“This is going to be fun,” Luna sings from the couch.

I stop in front of him and grab his neck, forcing his head toward me.

“We are not animals,” I growl into his face. “If you feel the need to abuse a woman, you can do it—but outside my house. And don’t bother coming back.”

I shove him away, and his attitude changes instantly.

“Zeldric, brother, I didn’t mean—”

“Get the fuck out of my sight,” I order, turning away so I don’t have to look at him anymore.

“Zeldric…”

“We’re leaving,” Oscar says, dragging him out of the office before the door closes behind them.

For a few seconds, no one speaks. I return to my seat and try to calm myself. I don’t approve of rape or the abuse of women. If I did, I’d become everything I despise. We’re supposed to be different from Urriaga’s men. I have no problem trafficking drugs, weapons, and even people—smuggling illegal immigrants across the Mexican border is just part of the business. But human trafficking… No, that’s not for me. And if any of my men are willing to cross that line, they don’t belong here.

“He doesn’t understand,” Lagos says, sitting across from me. “Zeldric, look at me.” I reluctantly meet his gaze. “He hasn’t been through what we have. That’s why he talks like that.”

“That’s no excuse,” I scoff, turning the screen back on. Jenkins is already dressed. She’s lying on her back on the bed. She looks bored.

“But regarding Jenkins, we all have the same question. Beni is much better, and the other three have almost fully recovered. What’s going to happen to her? We can’t keep her locked in that room forever.”

I rub my chin and roll my neck to loosen it.

“She’ll have dinner with us tonight.”

“What did you just say?”

“You heard me. I want her in the dining room. Let’s see how she behaves.”

“You’re joking, right?” Luna jumps up and approaches us, frowning. “What is it with you and that woman, Zeldric? Are you trying to turn her into one of us, or are you just trying to impress her so you can get into her pants?”

I sigh, and—conveniently—Lagos decides to leave the office, leaving us alone. Luna isn’t taking it well that I haven’t wanted to sleep with her since Jenkins arrived. I could blame her unstable mind, but in reality, this is just Luna being Luna. My mind is too occupied with my new toy to pay attention to an old one.

“Is there any reason why I should explain myself to you regarding my decisions? Because if there is, I’d love to hear it.”

“Oh, come on, Zeldric! Yeah, the girl is hot, but—” I raise a hand to silence her.

“It’s none of your business. Worry about doing your job properly, and let me handle the rest, okay?”

“Now you’re insulting me,” she hisses, crossing her arms. “When have I ever messed up?”

“Are you absolutely sure all footage of the ambulance arriving at the property has been erased? The police could trace it back to us.”

“Every single recording. Anything else?”

“Yes, I want you to stay alert in case we need to intercept another shipment from Urriaga.”

“You’re planning to keep stealing his merchandise? He won’t be happy.”

I shrug and smirk. That’s exactly what I want. I want them to come after me and make mistakes. That’s the only way I’ll get close enough to Leonardo Urriaga to put a bullet in his forehead. Then, I’ll take his men—at least those who choose to follow me—and use his infrastructure to expand the business.